The Washington herald., 1909-05-21

Charlotte. \. C., May 2o.-I
am glad TO meet the great har-
monizer Of all our hearts" said
Mrs. Stonewall Jackson, widow OF
the Confederate leader. when she
greeted President Taft, shortly
after his arrival here to-day to
participate in the celebration com
mcmorative OF the Mecklenburg
declaration Of independence
That seemed TO be the spirit in
which the President was received
in Charlotte. He was greeted with
enthusiasm whenever he appeared
in public view. and expressed his
gratitude in a very short speech
delivered this afternoon, IN which
he touched On political conditions
in the South much more pointedly
than he did at Petersburg. Va,
yesterday.
The President spent the day in
Charlotte, and left here tonight
for Washington, where his private
car IS due 70 arrive late IN the
lr3T1Hg
Rain Iaterferes with Programme.
Much OF the enjoyment Of the festivi-
ties in his honor was spoiled, however.
By a terrific downpour OF rain which
lasted for several hours
That storm was a wonder. Il had BE-
gun in a drizzle which increased n vol
ume until the bottom seemed 10 drop
out Of the clouds. with all that such a
/ thing meant 70 thousands OF sheltsrless
people crowded IN Cha-lotte's principal
street to witness q big parade il Mr
Taft's honor. The torrential precipita-
ton came close 10 being q genuine
cloudburst-
When the heavy clouds emptied their
| contents oa Charlotte. President Taft was
on stand in front Of the courthouse
reviewing the military. naval. and indus
trial parade With him were Gov. and
Mrs. Kitchin. Mrs. Stonewau Jackson,
| Senator Johnston. OF Alabama. Senator
Overman. Of North Carolina. several cor
gressmen, and other weH-known people
and many women. Most or the process
sion had passed before the miniature
cIoudburst came When II did come
there was a scurTying OF spectators
along the line OF march. but most OF
them were vet through before they
found shelter.
Rains Through Roof.
! The canvas roof Of the reviewing stand
sprung aleak. almost over the Presi-
dents head. and he and those near MIN
| had to retire TO seats in the background.
where Mr- Taft gallantly placed the
I crook Of his umbrella under Mrs. JACK
sons feet 10 keep them out OF the puddle
which formed underneath
Just at the moment the dOznpour be
gan some excitement was caused by
loud report and a binding flash near the
reviewing stand, a couple OF barrels about
fifty yards from the stand going Up in
/ the air
The crowd scattered. but there was
nothing Ike a panic. Several pounds OF
! saIuting powder in the barrels had been
/ exploded prematurely. Another thing that
caused some nervousness was the fear
that an electric light wire which had
been torn from its fastenings By coming
in contact with an upright pole on
/ decorated wagon would do damage 20
some Of the paraders- The wire ssgged
low, and came dangerously near the
heads Of people in vehicles that took part
/ IN the procession. but nobody was hurt
After waiting vsinly haif an hour OF 50
for the drsnching rain to cease. President
Taft made break for his carriage with
Capt. Butt. his military aid, holding an
/ umbrella over him. What happened tc
the captains white uniform would be
painful to relate
Speaks Indoors.
It had been arranged that the President
should make an address from the review
| ing stand after luncheon, but the rain
continued TO come down steadily. and
compelled him 70 speak at an indoor
/ meeting. There was a musical festival
going on this afternoon II the auditorium.
where the indoor meeting was held, ard
II was in progress at O'Clock. the hour
at whieh the President was scheduled 10
speak.
People who thronged about the closed
doors we're told that they could not ST
IN until the musical affair was over.
When the performance came 10 an end
/ those who had witnessed Il kept their
seats with the result that comparatively
side.
After his speech in the auditorium. the
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