and of which this glorious flag, which waves protection to American
citizens on land and sea was the star-gemmed type. Under this old flag
we have a duty to perform in peace as well as in war. We have the
principles of the fathers of the Mecklenburg Declaration to maintain.
All should remember the sacrifices which gave us the right to that
standard of our country; and we should not forget our duty to North
Carolina, and her daughter, Tennessee, to the sister State of South
Carolina, and to the whole country. Alluding to the growth of the
United States in one hundred years, the Governor said that at the date
of the Mecklenburg declaration of Independence, there were not more
than six post-offices in North Carolina; now there are nine hundred
post-offices; then there was no steam traveling; now there are twelve
hundred miles of rail-way in this State alone. He hoped the country
would go on to prosper in the fulness of civil liberty until there was
no opposition to the principles we cherish. In the name of North
Carolina he welcomed all her sons to this festival, and the sons of
all other sister States.

May 20th, 1875--Centennial morning! Of the large number of illustrious
patriots who participated in the exercises of the Mecklenburg
Convention of the same date, 1775, not one was present to animate us
with their counsel, or speak of the glorious deeds of the
Revolutionary period--all having succumbed to the irrevocable fiat of
nature, and passed to "that bourne whence no traveler returns." Their
example, their precepts, and sacrifices in the cause of freedom,
constitute their rich and instructive heritage to us. A cloudless sky,
a balmy atmosphere, and a glow of patriotic feeling beaming on every
countenance, all conspired to add impressiveness to the scene, and
awaken hallowed remembrances of the past. Agreeably to the published
programme, the day was ushered in by the ringing of bells, and a