The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1875-05-22

s0oAoSSos A oyAOPoAb VI tuO6S tdUko dukl
beautiful efforts IS not possible. After
the orators concluded, loud calls were
made for Hendricks and Vance. The
latter responded briefly and ia his happy
manner. AS the Governor was conclud-
ing lhe platform gave way, and precipi-
tated the speaker and q number Of the
distinguished guests to the ground. For
tunately no one was hurt, and Vance
finished with the remark that he cal
ways succeeded in bringing down the
house." The oldest living man, it is be-
lieved-Mr. James .Belk, of Union
Countywas on the stand. Mr.. B. is
Ito years of age, is the father of twenty
two children, ten of whom reached the
age of manhood; was for tifty-two years
n magistrate, and distinctly remembers
the signing of the Mecklenburg doclara-
tion. His father was q revolutionary
soldier.
The speaking having been concluded,
tho various organizations and the invited
guests were marched to Floral Hall,
where n handsome collation. had been
prepared. Upon the conclusion Of the
banquet, number of kilograms were
read by Mayor Johnston, Of Charlotte,
including one from the National Centen-
NAL Committee, expressing congratula-
tions, and another from the Convention
Of tho Protestant Episcopal Church, now
in session at Newbern, N. c., of siIni-
to loud calls Gov. Hendricks, of Indiana,
rose and addressed the assemblage, the
toast being the United States. He de-
c:arcG IL favor OF the sovereignty OF the
States, while acknowledging tho para
mount authority of the General Govern
ment, and said no true union could
exist until the great principle was firmly
established and constitutional limitations
of power was respected. The speaker
was frequently interrupted by prolonged
applause, and the greatest enthusiasm
was manifested during the continuance
of his remarks. Gen. Bradley 7. John
son WAS then called to the stand, and
pnid glowing compliment to North
Carolina, saying that her people were
the first rcbels in this country, and they
would ever be found robcliious when
their rights were infringed. Gov Brog-
den followed Gen. Johnson, after which
the assembly dispersed.
In the evening, there was O very gene
| raj illumination, and an immense con-
course of people assembled in Indepen-
dence Square, corner Trade and Tryon
streets, where platform had been erect
| ed. After repeated discharges of artille-
| ry and fine display of fireworks, the
speaking was resumed. Ex-Gov. Vance
introduced cx-Gov. Hendricks, who said
it gave him pleasure to be present on so
interesting an occasion, but ne did not
| come to make speech ;however, he could
not but express tho qualification he felt
when on leaving his home he saw in Ten
nessee, in Georgia-the Empire State of
the Southland even in South Carolina,
the evidences of returning prosperity
| His heart was touched with gladness to
see that the recent wounds were rapidly
healing, and he hoped that oil would
be blessed with full measure of re-
newed yigor, wealth and happiness.
This centennial commentaries the great
est event in American history. On this
spot North Cnrolina declared herself free
and independent Of Great Britain, and
from this beginning sprung the free and
independent union ofAmerican States and
all the glories and blessings that have
been showered upon it. You, my fellow
citizens, have been spoken to as if the
principles, the memories and the glories
of the Mecklenburg declaration were oil
your own exclusive property, but
asserts her title to q share in them, and
they belong of right to every section OF
the country. Gev. Hendricks said O
great deal in the same strain and spirit
His speech was well received, and cheer
after cheer rent the air. Gov. Vance be-
ing loudly called for, sNid that Mecklen:
burg was the home of American liberty.
Here it was born, but here shall it never
be buried. We should be on good terms
with oil who sympathize truly with us in
this celebration. The rebels of 1861 are
the good friends of constitutional liberty
ns we'll rs the rebels Of ITS.
Gov. Chamberlain, of South Carolina,
followed, and was loudly applauded
Ex-Gov. Walker, Of Virginia, fired W
and made something of political
speech; Hon. H. M. Polk, of Tennessee
cx-Gov. Vance, of North Carolina, anG
others also addressed the immense
assemblnge. The festival was success.
in every sense of the term.
The race course, adjacent to the Fail
Grounds, attracted many persons. Col
Bacon's Granger sustained his well
earned reputation, and won his race
without difficulty. There were severn
trials of speed, which caused large
amount of money to change hands
The chicken disputes between Nortl
and South Carolina resulted disnstrousl,
for the latter.
The town OF Charlotte, N c., wa:
located in 17G7, and the original gran
was for 160 acres to Abraham Alexander
Thomas Polk and John Frohock, n.
/ trustees and directors of the town. TIL,
old Court House, where the Mecklenbur(
declaration was adopted, was situated a
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