The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-10-29
GLORIOUS OPENING DAY
The State Fair Begins Amidst the Greatest
Enthusiasm.
GOVERNOR AYCOCK'S ELOQUENT ADDRESS

and distinguished citizens from various
parts of the State.
At the Fair grounds the procession
passed directly through the Midway, and
the band entered the grand stand, where
there was already a large gathering.
Here we're also 225 children from the
city schools, who were to render pa
triotic music.
When Governor Aycock appeared in
the stand he was greeted with much ap-
plause. After he was seated the band
rendered with great spirit a lovely Sc
lection which set all feet to keeping
| time.
! Following this came the chorus sing
ing of the girls. They rendered with
splendid effect the great song of North
| Carolina, THE Old North State" AS
the grand melody ceased President Long
arose and presented Governor Aycock
i In doing so he said that it had been
! the purpose to make the State Fair an
educational incentive as well as a les
son of progress, and that how well this
had been done the people would be the
judges. 1T is fitting" said he, that
i this Fair should be opened by one whose
whole heart is devoted to the progress
| of the State, and to it's educational up
building With this in mind l present
one who needs no introduction, one
whom we have all learned to love, Gov
ernor Charles B. Aycock."
Then rang the applause as the Cover
nor appeared. He bowed in acknowl-
edgement to the splendid greeting and
then delivered an address punctuated
with applause abounding in tn most elo-
quent periods and full of the richest
1 imagery 1t was rare jewel, and no
happier speech has ever been delivered
at any State Fair, perhaps no other in
the State has eQualled it.
In the beginning of his address, after
stating that he opened the Fair with
peculiar pleasure in response to the in
vitation extended, he said that first of
/ all he desired to express the thanks
of himself and the audience to the chill
/ dren who had so magnifcently rendered
the patriotic, the great song of the
State. - have heard it sung many
times" said he, "but todays rendition of
it is the best l have ever heard" Then
there was great applause.
Continuing, he said in part
I'VE have entered upon a new era of
development in North Carolina, and the
best period of this is now upon us. In
dustries are multiplying and we are
making progress and expanding in many
industries as is being done no where
else. This Fair itself is showing what
the people of North Carolina can do and
+ what they are doing"
1--WE are extending our commerce and
| increasing our manufacturing, but back
of all of this development there is some
thing of more Importance, and this is
the highest and the greatest develop
ment of the minds of the boys and the
girls of the State. Last year there was
a gain of seven per cent III the schools,
and this year there is ten per cent addi
tional and to you who run railroads and
great manufacturing establishments, |
say that greater developments tan all
your progress will come with a twenty
fold increase in the educational prog
ress Of the State.
North Carolina is a great State, and
it has great advantages, but it has stood
behind too long, and everywhere l go l
tell of its greatness.
1T is the first State in which an
English colony was planted. 1t is the
first State in which a white child, Vir
ginia Dare, was born. 1t is the first
State in which the rite of Christian
baptism was performed. 1t is the first
4 State that drove from it a tyrannical
governor, and because of this / walk
most circumspectly as l don't want to
leave. 1t is the first State that took up
arms against British tyrany. 1t is the
first State to do battle against this
when its men met the enemy at Moore's
/ Creek, and this year before a declar-
I alton of independence, for we are ac-
customed to fight first and talk after
wards. 1t IS the first State to make
declaration of independence"
i The Governor told of the greatness of
the State in material wealth and then
painted a glorious picture of what it
would become when its boys and girls
were thoroughly educated Then, ex-
ceiling in literature, in sculpture, in
painting they would make it the first of
! all, rich in men and in women
More music by the band, Dixie" by
the children and my Country 'Tis of
/ Thee closed the splendid opening ex-
erc:ses.