The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-05-20
THE MECKLENBURG CENTENNIAL
Opening Ceremonies on In
dependence Square.
RAISING THE NATIONAL BANNER.
Patriotic Addresses by Represent
ative North Carolinians.
CAROLINA PARK RACES.
Professions, Speeches, Barbecue and Grand
illumination for To-Day.
RAISING THE NATIONAL BANNER.

Declaration OF Independence commenced at noon
to-day by the rasing OF the national nag on lnde-
dependence square. For some days past excava-
lions have been In progress designed TO receive
the towering nagstaffs, from the top OF which now
6oat the banner whose adoption followed upon
tnat tremendous series OF events which, in the
opinion Of most North Caronlans, found their
inception here, now one hundred years
ago. These STATS are or the original
growth OF North Carolina pine, which, sin.
gulary enough, never reappears when once felled.
being succeeded by a degenerate species contain
Ing more alDumen and without the durability
resulting from the pitch bearing qualities which
distinguish the slarge leal' or "heartn pine. The
trees selected for the patriotic purpose OF the oc
caslon came from the distant virgin forests OF
Bladen county, in the east, and are very tall and
slender. An audience numbering tnou-
sands or people OF all ages and sexes were In at
tendance, and as the starry emblem noated TO the
breeze an immense shout went up from the multi
tude indicating the love which, in DESPITE or the
disastrous results OF the late war, stlll ngers in
the breasts OF the ''Tar Heesn for the old flag
THE OPENING ADDRESS
was delivered by Colonel William Johnston, Mayor,
aud Chairman or the Centennial Association, who
referred IN glowing terms to the patriotic i'm
pulses or our ancestors which prompted them TO
dare all and do all rather than submit to the
tyranny OF the mother country. He was followed
py Governor Brogden in Rglowing speech OF half
an hours duration, at the conclusion OF which
salute or thlrty-eight guns was fired In the sub
urbs.
There was, perhaps, nothing particularly new in
the speeches. There were occasional references
10 the proud bird which from her eyre screams
welcome and.a God-speed to the rising and the
setting sun; an allusion TO the starry banner and
the march OF empire, which sounded familiar, and
yet tney were received with tremendous enthusi-
asm, perhaps the more from the fact that fair
proportion OF those present but few short years
since we're singing with equal enthusiasm and
lercer determination,
The star spangled Banner no longer shall wave
But all thoughts OF that sad time were drowned
IN the Lethe OF Revolutionary "reminiscences.
the DISPUTED QUESTION,
too was for the nonce definitely settled. You could
not ind one supporter OF the resolutions OF the
Blst as against the declaration or the Goth.
Bands OF music were IN attendance at various
points, and the national airs. were played at IN
tervals during the ceremonies. The day was IN
exceptionally hne, and the nag raising being over,
the crowd almost en- ngdsse proceeded TO Carolina
Park TO witness
set down as part OF the festivities ofthe day and
announced to take place At two O'Clock ?. M.
The frat race, O dash, three-quarters OF q mile.
was won by Barton 4 Midinger's First Chance.
Time, 1:l9.
the second race, mile heats, pess two in three,
was won py Mary Long, owned by United States
Senator Ransom, In two straight heats. Time,
i:4sk, l:40S1.
In the third race-halfmile dash-tnere
were I've entries. The FIRST heat was won
by LetItia II. Qime, SIX seconds second
won by Barton 4 Midinger's Charley Cheat
ham (ume, 52K seconds. During this heat
Leutia a. fell while coming down the home
stretch, and Billy and vandal, IT., fell over her,
inju ing the riders, one OF them very seriously.
This enabled Cneatham to distance the field and
win the race.
OTHER SPORTS
are in preparation OF the course for tomorrow,
among which is a main. In which the lighting
cocks OF North and south Carolina will be pltted
against each other.
GRAND ILLUMINATION
and procession Is In progress this evening, and
the entire city j. in the streets. Houses are
thrown open and everywhere evidences or festiv-
lily and rejoicing are visible.
THE PROGRAMME FOR ro-DAr.
The following IL tho o1ical programme for to-
morrow. to which NAV be added the sports to
take place In the Park
One hundred guns at nrise and ringing OF city
bells, under charge Of the Artillery Committed.
u. M.
through the principal streets OF the city, under
charge OF the chlei marshal and thirty assistant
marshals, IS folows:-
Military Companies,
Fire Companies,
Masonic Lodges,
odd Fellows.
knights Of Pytnlas,
Good Templars
Patrons of HusOandry,
County Organizations,
Other ASSOCIATIONS 81 CITY, County, state and
Citizens,
Various Centennial Committees,
Accompanied by yaroas Bands u Music and their
Special Banners Emnlens and Insignia
The procession viii be formed ia the following
order:-
Military companies on both SIDES oil south Iryon
Bucet right 'front.' resting IN 'front.' OF the Central
Fire companies on West Trade street and on
Church street. opposite Firemans Hall.
Grange lodges, county ORGANIZATIONS, other city,
county aud states ASSOCIATIONS ana citizens and
press organizations on East TRADE street
Masonic lodges, Odd Fellows. Knights OF Pytnias
and Good Templars ON North Iryon street from
the square to DC followed by a band u music win
q military company. to be assigned by the Chief
hersna- as guard Of honor Or escort.
In carriages, tue following The Governor OF
Tennessee and sian, Governors OF other states,
Governor II North Carolina and stan United
states senators and supreme ana superior Court
IuaQes OF North Carolina, Mayor OF the city aud
Dther invited guest, orators and reader, accom-.
parade to 0e through principal streets, to arrive
nj the Fair Grounds AZ twelve O'CLOCK NJ After
the various companies and ofganizatloas nave
been arranged by the Cniel Marshal aud assistants
The Centennial will DO opened with prayer by the
chaplain, Rev. A. n. Miller. D. D.. alter which the
readfng 81 the MeckIeuOurg Declaration or lnde.
pendence, nY Ron. ~ W. Ransom, followed BY an
ADDRESS ~ Hon. John Kerr.
After tic addresses there will be 1T three O'Clock
?. NJ, n grand barbecue. After which military
and IRE Onlpany display.
AZ seven O'Clock 4. NJ, grand torchAgnt
procession with Chinese lanterns, emoems,
transparencies, &C., &C. After wuich addresses
WI ee delivered rom the stand " independence
square, on the site or the original DECLARATION Of
MAJ ~, It's, corner 81 Trade and Ifyon streets
Thsle VIII be general illuminatton Of toe houses
on the principal streets.
Tne celebration 70 conclude with grand pyro-
Iecnnlc display, consisting OF beautiful ctnblems,
anures, ottOes, &C, &C., appropriate 10 the Oeca
fi0n, under charge OF the Artillery COMM tee.
Tue Chlef Aarsnal - General Joan Is. Gordon, OF
Georgia.
A HOLIDAY IT. MEspHIs, TENN
MEMPHIS. Mar 10. 1875.
In accordance Win the proclamation OF Governor
hatt m