1900- President McKinley cancels Mecklenburg Declaration day visit

An article relaying the news that President McKinley cancels his visit to Charlotte, North Carolina for the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence celebration.

The Charlotte News 5/18/1900 p.1 

McKINLEY’S REGRETS.   The President will Stay in Washington to Entertain the Shriners.  

The News announced to the public last evening by bulletin, the fact that the President would not be in Charlotte on the 20th.  The News was received late yesterday evening, in a private telegram, and was soon after on the News’ bulletin board.  The public was not surprised, for it has been a “doubting Thomas,” ever as to the coming of the chief executive.  He and Mrs. McKinley are to give a reception Tuesday or Wednesday to the members of the Imperial Council, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.  This is their excuse for not accepting the invitation from Charlotte.  The presence of the President of the Nation here would at any time be an event which would arouse interest and enthusiasm, but the success of the 20th celebration will not in the least be affected by McKinley’s declination.  That he should be invited was a courtesy and honor which the city chose to pay him.  It was his pleasure to accept or not.  He has not officially notified the president of the Chamber of Commerce that he would not be here, but White House secrets, like those of the Star Chamber, get out.  Charlotte has had big celebrations without presidents, and she can and will have another—“On with the dance.”  

REGRETS.  

Mayor McCall received the following letter today, which explains itself:   Executive Mansion, Washington, May 17, 1900. J. D. McCall, Esq., Mayor of Charlotte, N. C.:  

My Dear Sir:—Reply to the invitation extended to the President by yourself and committee to attend the 125th anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence has been held in the hope that the President might be able to arrange to visit Charlotte on that occasion.  

The President finds, however, much to his regret, that the pressure of his duties and engagements is such that it will be impossible for him to send an acceptance.  

With assurances of the President’s appreciation, and conveying to you his cordial good wishes for the success of the anniversary celebration, I am,  

Very truly yours, GEO B. CORTELYOU. Secretary to the President.