Daily Arizona Silver Belt

PRESIDENT'S VISIT
AT CHARLOTTE
EVENTFUL

CLOUDBURST,
LIVE
WIRE
AND
PREMATURE EXPLOSION ADD
INTEREST TO DAY.

SPEAKS OF SOUTHERN POLICY
THINKS SIGNING
OF MECKLENBURG
DECLARATION IMPORTANT
TO COUNTRY.

CHARLOTTE, N. C., May 20.—President Taft came to Charlotte today, the home of the Mecklenburg declaration of independence, signed in May, 1775, and placed himself squarely on the side of those who look upon the declaration as one of the first significant steps which led ultimately to American independence.

In his address today the president clearly explained the policy toward the south.

"I do not believe we are on the point of a political revolution in the south," he said. "I never have had such a dream. What I do desire and believe we are on the eve of, is complete tolerance of opinion, and that there shall grow into respect and power an intelligent fighting opposition party in each state."

Defines Appointing Policy.

As to his appointment of a democrat to the bench, the president declared that through the south he intended to pursue the policy of appointing to office only those men who, republican or democrat, could command the highest confidence and commend themselves to the community in which they live.

A cloudburst during the afternoon just as the splendid floral and military parade was passing in review before the president, threatened serious consequences. It threw the throng in front of the reviewing stand into a panic and there was a wild rush for shelter.

The president's box was a goal for many men and women, and the chief executive had to be surrounded to save him from the sudden crush.

Day Full of Incidents.

A passing industrial float became entangled in a live electric wire and tore it from its support, the slender thread of copper sagging almost to the heads below.

To add to the tense situation, there was a blinding flash of flame and a loud report not fifty yards from where the president stood. It developed later that some black powder intended for saluting purposes had been prematurely ignited. No one was injured.