The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1909-05-21
North Carolina Celebration
Marred by RainStOrm
PRESIDENT SEEKS SHELTER
Was Reviewing the Parade-Enthusiastic
Thousands Greet Him at Anniversary
Of Much-questioned Historical
Event.

Charlotte, N. O., May 2l.--A cloud
burst broke over the city yesterday af-
ternoon and caused panic in the dense
crowd gathered in front Of the stand
from which President Taft was review
ing the Mecklenburg celebration parade.
No one was seriously hurt.
In the midst Of the excitement and
the fleeing throng, one Of the big in
dustrial floats became entangled with a
live electric WIRE The wire sagged al
most TO the heads Of the people be-
meath.
To add to the turmoil and danger,
there was a loud report and a binding
fash not 50 yards from the reviewing
stand. just what caused the explosion
is not known.
The crowd scattered in all directions
Men and women alike rushed for the
shelter Of the presidents stand and the
president stepped to one side to give as
much room as possible. The tremendous
downpour OF rain was soon beating its
way through the canvas roof of the
stand and almost directly over the presi-
dents head great pool Of water gath
cred, threatening to break down the COW
ering.
Someone brought long step ladder.
man rushed up and cutting a hole in
the vancass let the water down in a
flood. This quick action prevented any
further trouble than the partial dfench.
ing Of the president. Umbrellas were
offered in profusion but were OF little
avail against the torrential downpOur.
Att. ~. e..t .tsk So e.,o. tba .rss,+l
soon quieted. The electric power was
cut of and the excitement was soon
over.
When quiet had been restored, the
president did not seem 70 mind the ex
perience in the least He stood smiling
while the rain poured down. Thousands
OF men and women were drenched to the
skin, and many pretty costumes worn
BY those in the parade and in the street
were ruined. The president remained IN.
III the last bedraggled float went BY,
and@hen entering his carriage was driven
back 10 the Selwyn hotel for change Of
clothes
President Taft and party arrived here
AZ 1915 a. m. yesterday from Peters
burg, Va.
Mr.. Taft was greeted by an immense
throng at the Southern railway station
A heavy rain fell during the morning,
but ceased just efore Mr.. Taft reached
the city.
It required the services Of several com
panies Of militia d Keep the cheering
crowds at the railroad station in check
as the president alighted and made his
way TO q carriage.
Interest in the presidents visit TO
Charlotte at this time centered in the
attitude he would take toward the Meek.
lenburg declaration Of independence. the
anniversary OF the signing of which IL
celebrated throughout the state Of North /
Carolina, the Goth OF every May.
Mr. Taft takes the position that re-
gardless Of the exact language Of the der.
larations made h May, IT'S, the fact
remains that there was declaration
Of independence on the part Of the eiti. /
gems Of North Carolina.
1t is not so material as to the exact |
language used, said the president YES
terday. The measure Of a declaration 1
for the principles Of civil liberty and self /
government Is not 20 much the abuse or
denuneiation Of the former controlling
power as the provisions made for the
future form Of government The i'm.
pressive thing about the North Carolina
is the sensible way the PEG.
pie Of the state after deciding to sever
relations with Great Britain, went about
the matter Of setting up government
Of their own They appointed selectmen
and provided for other military officers.
courts and forms Of legal procedure. Ii
showed not alone desire for liberty. but
the ability to govern and thorough
Of the subject