eant. They did not mean to assert the obvious
untruth that all were then actually enjoying that equality, nor
yet that they were about to confer it immediately upon them. In
fact they had no power to confer such a boon. They meant simply to
declare the right, so that the enforcement of it might follow as
fast as circumstances should permit. They meant to set up a
standard maxim for free society, which should be familiar to all,
and revered by all; constantly looked to, constantly labored for,
and even though never perfectly attained, constantly approximated,
and thereby constantly spreading and deepening its influence and
augmenting; the happiness and value of life to all people of all
colors everywhere. The assertion that "all men are created equal"
was of no practical use in effecting our separation from Great
Britain; and it was placed in the Declaration, not for that but
for future use. Its authors meant it to be, as, thank God, it is
now proving itself, a stumbling-block to all those who in after
times might seek to turn a free people back into the hateful paths
of despotism. They knew the proneness of prosperity to breed
tyrants, and they meant when such should reappear in this fair
land and commence their vocation, they should find left for them
at least one hard nut to crack.

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[1] The ownership of Dred Scott and his family passed by inheritance
to the family of a Massachusetts Republican member of Congress. The
following telegram, copied from the "Providence Post" into the
"Washington Union," shows the action of the new owner: "St. Louis, May
26 [1857]. Dred Scott with his wife and two daughters were emancipated
to-day by Taylor Blow, Esq. They had been conveyed to him by Mr.
Chaffee for that purpose."

CHAPTER VI

THE LECOMPTON CONSTITUTION

The year 1857 brings us to a decided change in the affairs of Kansas,
but with occurrences no less remarkable. Active civil war gradually
ceased in the preceding autumn--a result due to the vigorous and
impartial administration of Governor Geary and the arrival of the
inclement winter weather.

[Sidenote] Geary to Marcy, Jan. 19, 1857. Senate Ex. Doc. No. 17,
1st Sess. 35th Cong. Vol. VI., p. 131.

[Sidenote] Geary, Veto Message, Feb. 18, 1857. Senate Ex. Doc.
No. 17, 1st Sess. 35th Cong. Vol. VI., p. 167.

On the evening of the day the Legislature met (Janua