Lawrence. The Legislature passed a bill abolishing slavery Governor Medary vetoed the bill and wrote

in the Territory.

The bill was passed over his veto.

a long message. This was the last. Governor Medary resigned in December, 1860, and was tendered a public dinner at Lawrence, in token of the appreciation felt for the dignity, firmness and impartiality with which he had performed his duties. George M. Beebe, Secretary of the Territory, became acting Governor, in which capacity he continued until the inauguration of the State Government, February 9, 1861.

128. Territorial Governors.-With Samuel Medary ended the succession of Kansas Territorial Governors. They had nearly all been in a way distinguished men prior to their appearance in Kansas. Andrew H. Reeder, before his appointment as Governor of Kansas, had never held office, but had been for years one of the most eminent lawyers in Pennsylvania. Wilson Shannon had been twice elected Governor of Ohio, and a Representative in Congress, and had served as American Minister to Mexico. John W. Geary was a business man and the youngest of the company, but had served in the war with Mexico. He became, after the Kansas days, a Major-General in the Union army and Governor of Pennsylvania. Robert J. Walker had been a United States Senator from Mississippi, and Secretary of the Treasury during President Polk's administration. During the Civil War Robert J. Walker was the devoted advocate of the Union, and negotiated the sale of $250,000,000 of United States bonds abroad. James W. Denver had represented California in Congress, and had served as Commissioner of Indian affairs. Samuel Medary was an editor of national reputation, and had served as Commissioner of Indian affairs.

129. Pony Express.-In April, 1859, started from St. Joseph, Mo., and across Kansas, the first "Pony Express" for San Francisco, to span the gap which then existed between the Missouri river and the Pacific coast, when the settlers demanded better mail and express facilities. The plan was to carry the mail on horseback, and, as rapid time was required, relays were stationed every twenty-five miles, at which fresh horses and riders were kept. The mail carrier, mounted on a spirited Indian pony, would leave St. Joseph at break-neck speed for the first relay station, swing from his pony, vault into the saddle of another standing ready, and dash on toward the next station. At every third relay a fresh rider took the mail. Through rain and sunshine, night and day, over mountain and plain, the wild rider continued solitary and alone. The distance, 1,996 miles, was made in ten days. Then came the Wells & Fargo Express, next the Butterfield Overland Stage Company, and then the great railways.

130. Lincoln Heralds the New Star.-The morning of the 30th of January, 1861, found Kansas a Free State of the Union. The first time the flag of the United States was raised over Independence Hall, with the added star of Kansas in the field, was on the 22d of February, 1861. In raising the flag, President-elect Lincoln said: "I am invited and called before you to participate in raising above Independence Hall the flag of our country with an additional star upon it. I wish to call your attention to the fact that, under the blessing of God, each additional star added to that flag has given additional prosperity and happiness to this country." The star of Kansas was raised above the

birthplace of Independence, on the birthday of Washington, by the hands of Lincoln, the Emancipator.

131. Election of Officers.-On the 6th of December, 1859, an election had been held under the Wyandotte Constitution for State officers and a Representative in Congress and members of the Legislature. The following persons were elected: Governor, Charles Robinson; Lieutenant-Governor, Joseph P. Root; Secretary of State, John P. Robinson; Treasurer, William Tholen; Auditor, George S. Hillyer; Superintendent of Public Instruction, Wm. B. Griffiths; Chief Justice, Thomas Ewing, Jr.; Associate Justices, Samuel A. Kingman, Lawrence D. Bailey; Attorney-General, Benjamin F. Simpson; Representative in Congress, Martin F. Conway. The admission of Kansas as a State, under the Wyandotte Constitution, made these the first State officers. Governor Robinson was sworn into office on the 9th of February, 1861, and requested the Legislature to convene on the 26th of March.

Martin F. Conway.

132. Drought of 1860.-The year 1860 was a notable one for the nation and for Kansas. Aside from the

political strife and anxiety, Kansas witnessed the coming of the direst natural calamity recorded in the country's history, ranking with the flood of '44. From the 19th of June, 1859, until November, 1860, over sixteen months, not a shower fell to soak the earth. Vegetation perished save the prairie grass, which during the early spring and midsummer flourished along the ravines and creeks, and even when dried up by the

hot winds, cured suddenly into hay and so afforded feed for cattle. It is estimated that in this awful time 30,000 emigrants left the country west of the Missouri, spreading the story of the disaster. In time, arrangements for systematic aid for Kansas were organized in the East.

Kansas

was divided into two aid districts, S. C. Pomeroy being placed in charge of Northern, and W. F. M. Arny of Southern Kansas. The response from the great States of New York, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio was especially generous. More than 8,000,000 pounds of provisions and clothing, $85,000 in money, and 2,500 bushels of seed wheat were received by the constituted "aid" authorities, and great amounts of "aid goods" were received from churches. societies and individuals.

133. Shadow of Coming Events.-It was with the shadow of great privation still hanging over the State that the new State Government began its existence. There had been civil strife; the steps of famine had followed, and now were heard in the near distance the mutterings of war, which was to wrap the Nation in smoke and flame.

SUMMARY.

1. The House passes a bill to admit Kansas under the Wyandotte Constitution.

2. The Senate, after rejecting the bill, passes it January 21, 1861. 3. President Buchanan signs the bill, January 29, 1861, which

becomes "Kansas Day."

4. Coming of the drought of 1860. 5. Kansas on the verge of war.