A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE MECKLENBURG CENTENNIAL.

The Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, proclaimed to the world
on the 20th of May, 1775, was celebrated in Charlotte on the 20th of
May, 1875, with all the honors and ceremonies befitting such an
important occasion. A vast assemblage of at least 25,000 persons were
present to enjoy the "welcome" extended to all, and participate in the
festivities of this gala day of North Carolina. For three days
preceding the grand holiday, (17th, 18th and 19th) visitors were
continually pouring into the city. Enthusiastic excitement and
necessary preparations were everywhere visible. Flags and streamers
greeted the eye in every direction. Many private residences were
handsomely decorated. One of the most _exalted_ ideas was a Centennial
pole, 115 feet high, erected by Capt. Thos. Allen, in the centre of
Independence Square, from the top of which floated to the breeze a
large flag, capped with a huge _hornet's nest_ from Stokes county. To
preserve the _Centennial_ feature as far as possible of the Convention
of the 19th of May, 1775, called out by Col. Thos. Polk, accordingly,
on the 19th of May, 1875, a procession was formed, and the military
companies formed into a hollow square around the Centennial pole, the
bands, in the meantime, rendering sweet music, and the artillery
firing minute guns. The Mayor, Col. William Johnston, then addressed
the multitude, extending to them a cordial welcome in behalf of the
citizens and authorities of Charlotte; after which Governor Brogden
was introduced, and spoke substantially as follows: He said the
principles of liberty enunciated by the fathers of the revolution, one
hundred years ago, upon the spot he then occupied would live
throughout all time. Here, as free American citizens, they had
proclaimed the principles which North Carolina had ever since upheld,