The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-10-13
GREENSBORO'S vow KEPT

She Promised to Make the Reunion an
Honor to the Commonwealth and
Has More Than Redeemed Her
Word---Within Her Gates Are Sons
cf Carolina From Twenty-ssYen Diff
fsrent States, and Their Names, Their
Splendid Achievements Show Them
Worthy of Their Sires.
(By Wire to the News and Observer)
Greensboro, N. c., Oct. 12-Greensboro
promised to make the Reunion an honor
to the Commonwealth, it las more thar
kept il promise.
When the train arrived from Raleigh
this mornig, bearing the Goveror, the
Chief Justice, State Officials and other
prominent visitors, 1.-THE Mayor and DR.. NC
Iver, with the chief citizens as a recor-
ton committee, were at the depot to give
them glad welcome. They we're driven to
their hotels, preceded by the splendid
Proximity band. The streets were ablazc
with bunting and everything was IN holi-
day attire. Greensboro does nothing by
halves. 1t received its guests with honor
becoming the most notable event OF the
decade.
The Hobbies of the hotels and the va
rious headquarters recall national con-
vention scenes. People are here from
twenty-seven States, as far West as
Washington, Montana, Nevada, and as far
East as Massachusetts. The North Caro-
lima spirit makes them brethren. 1t is
geod to be here.
The exercises in the Grand Opera House
opened with an invocation by Rev. d. +.
Charles W. Byrd, of Atlanta, he is ma
tive of Harnett county. rs a boy. he
travelled on many ale of cotton to
Raleigh. His invocation was brief and
comprehensive, the work of great
preacher.
DR.. McIver, "the steam engine in
breeches,'' was received with applause and
the vast audience gave him an ovation
IL recognition of his great leadership in
the Reunion. He introduced General Ran
som in well chosen words, calling him
''the superb soldier, statesman, diplomat"
The peoples applause and the Cover
ror's reception greatly moved General
Ransom. He gave expression to his graft
tude in happiest terms and briefly re-
viewed North Cardinals claims to great
ness. His eulogy OF Macon, Graham, Bad
ger and the States other celebrities was
matches. His delineation OF North
Carolina character was perfect and ap-
rreciative.
In introducing Governor Aycock, The
next speaker, General Ransom paid him
splendid compliments, and closed by say
ing he was a fit successor of Morehead
and Vance; it was grand introduction
and Governor Aycock was equal to the
occasion. 1t is doubtful if he has ever
made a better speech except his wonder
full Soldiers Home speech. He read a
portion of it, but Seading did not mar its
effective delivery. There wasn't a North
Carolnian present, either citizen or Wis;
tor, who did not feel proud of the Gov
ernor of the Commonwealth; there were
touches of pathos and flashes of elo-
in the m9onScIiDt that
brought tears of JOY to many eyes and
evoked genuine enthusiasm.
The local address of welcome by Gel.
James T. Morehead was original and APP
propriate, his salutation to our kindred
bone OF our bone, men and women, was
most happy His picture old North
Carolina ways was inimitable, and touched
u responsive chord in every heart.
Thus happily welcomed, everybody felt
at home, the people wondered whether the
scattered abroad could equal in oratory
the home talent
Opinions will differ as to the best single
speech, but the visitors, put on their
mettle by the home folks, saw they had
to do mere, tall speaking" to measure
up. and they did it. From Tennessee. Hon.
l.. d. Tyrson, Speaker of the Tennessee
House of Representatives, was Introduced
to speak of the States daughters. He
scored. his speech was excellent in rat
fer and delivered with the fire of the
orator. When he sat down amid applause.