Page:American Historical Review, Volume 12.djvu/558

 548 JV. H. hely might just as well. . . read the Bible to Buffaloes as to those fel- lows who follow Atchison and Stringfellow ; but they have a su- preme respect for the logic that is embodied in Sharps rifles."^ From this date Sharps rifles became popularly known as " Beecher Bibles ". As a rule free-state advocates did not speak so frankly. The question of arms forced itself before the Cleveland convention, assembled in June, 1856, to devise means for I-iansas relief; but the sentiment expressed by the majority was opposed to such a policy. Dr. Vincent of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, did take the position that Kansas farmers needed " rifles and revolvers " ; and Colonel Nichols, a Kansas representative, insisted that protection of life and property was the first great need, that " men will not plow when they expect to be shot in the furrow, they will not build while the incendiary stands ready to apply the torch ". But C. W. Younglove of Cleveland, in opposition to such views, said " that Ohio looked to the ballot box rather than to the cartridge box as the remedy for the troubles in Kansas " ; while D. Wright of Albany " wanted to hear no talk " about sending armed men to the territory.- It however seems probable that those favoring armed resistance to domination of the border ruffians generally remained silent, but worked all the more vigorously to secure such ends. At any rate the various Kansas aid committees, shortly after the adjournment of this convention, began issuing to the thousands of individuals contributing aid a handsome lithographed certificate, probably designed by William Barnes of Albany, which contained in a conspicuous place the following significant clause from the Federal Constitution: "A well regulated Militia being necessary to the Security of a FREE STATE the Right of the People to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed." Thus in spite of presi- dential proclamations, indignant politicians, enraged Missouri slaveholders, demagogues, theorists, timid but well-meaning citi- zens, and the strenuous effort of regular troops, detailed to inter- cept arms sent across the territorial borders, a large supply was constantly passing into Kansas. Before detailing how these arms were secured, and how and by whom sent to Kansas, it will be well to recall some historical facts, well known, but essential to this entire subject. Stephen A. Dou- glas, able, ambitious, unscrupulous, startled the nation in January, 'A'c'c York Tribune. February 8, 1856, p. 6. •2 These quotations are from a pamphlet, loaned by Hon. William Barnes, describing the proceedings of the Cleveland and Buffalo conventions of June and July, 1856, pp. 3-4.