The Holly chieftain., 1909-05-21

speeches., atnletlc cOnteStS Anu Otuef
kinds of entertainment, the one hun
dred and thirty-fourth anniversary OF
the Mecklenburg declaration has been
celebrated. and all North Carolina is
happy In the knowledge that its pet
legend has been recognized by the
president of the United States; for
Mr.. Taft gave the occasion the oficial
sanction Of his presence and was the
chief feature OF the celebration.
The carnival began Tuesday noon
when the Charlotte fire companies
gave an exhibition of their skill and
speed. At three o'clock there was q
drill by body of United States cav
airy and a band concert at the fair
grounds, followed by league ball
game. The evening was given up to
drill by the Charlotte drum corps and
concert by three bands.
Governors Day Program.
Wednesday was designated as gov.
, ernors' day and the main event was
the delivery of addresses by Gov
Kitchin of North Carolina and the
chief executives of several other
states, at the fair ground. These were
preceded by big athletic meet and
followed by cavalry drill, military
maneuvers and band concerts, with
another ball game thrown in for good
measure.
Two events made the evening not
able. The first was a May musical
festival at the Auditorium which en-.
listed the services of number of ex-
cellent soloists and large and well
trained chorus. The second was al
Illuminated parade given by the Order
of Red Men.
President Taft Arrives.
Just at ten o'clock Wednesday
morning the booming of a 21-gun sa.
lutte by the Charlotte artillery notified
the people that President Taft had
arrived on his special train. Nearly
all the inhabitants and the thousands
of visitors were at the station, and as
Mr.. and Mrs. Taft alighted from their
car they were greeted with mighty
roar of applause. A special recep
tion committee took the distinguished
guests in charge and conducted them
to the SeIwyn hotel, where they were
welcomed by Gov. Kitchin, Senators
Simmons and Overman and the mayo,
Of Charlotte.
After meeting all the committeeman
and their wives, Mr.. and Mrs. Taft, to-
gether with Mrs. Stonewall jackson,
the governor and mayor and other
distinguished visitors, were escorted
by guard Of old soldiers to review
ing stand and witnessed a great pa,
rade Of all the military and civic or
ganizations that could take part In the
celebration.
Mr.. Taft Speaks Twice.
A second installment of the music
festival in the Auditorium was
graced by the presence OF the city's
guests, and then all returned to
the reviewing stand. where President
Taft delivered an address. His words
were listened to with close attention
and frequently ELECTED loud applause.
Later in the afternoon the president
made speech to the colored people
and the students of Biddle university.
From 8 to $3.50 in the evening Mr..
and Mrs. Taft held public re-
ception In the parlors of the Sell
wyn hotel and shook hands with thou
sands Of people.
Military drills, band concerts and
other entertainments were provided
for the crowds all Wednesday after
noon and evening, and the great cele-
bration closed in blaze of glory.
Old Controversy Renewed.
The people of North Carolina, whose
proudest boast has been that their an
cestors were the FIRST Americans to
throw OF the yoke of British rule, now
rejoice in the feeling that President
Taft has recognized the justice of
their claim. but the century.old con-
troversy has broken out afresh. Many
historians refuse to accord to the pio.
neers of Mecklenburg county the
honor that is thus accorded them.
These historians ailude to the story
as "the Mecklenburg myth" and
thereby arouse the anger of North
Carolinians.
According to those unbiased investi-
gators who have looked most deeply
into the matter. the Mecklenburgers
did hold public meeting on May
81. 1775. and did adopt resolutions
quite abreast Of the public sentiment
of that time, but not venturing on the
deld OF independence further than to
say that these resolutions were to re-
msin In force till Great Britain re-
signed its pretensions. In 1893, or
earlier. some Of the actors in the pro-