miles, secured the powerful help of Horace Greeley, had much to do with the picking out of the leaders of the movement and with the subsequent fate of the colonists when once they had arrived on Kansas soil. To Eli Thayer more than to any other one man belongs the honor of not only having seen the vision but of being practical enough to realize it in great measure. Mr. Thayer's admirably written book, entitled "The Kansas Crusade," is the best volume on the objects and achievements of the Emigrant Aid Company.

Closely associated with him was another Bostonian, Dr. Edward Everett Hale, then in the early and most virile years of his long, laborious and fruitful life. He lent to the cause his literary gifts and his capacity for imparting enthusiasm to others. He was severely criticized by many New England people in Kansas for his cautious and conservative utterances. He wrote a book setting forth the attractions of Kansas and Nebraska, going into considerable detail with regard to its topography and natural resources, the routes thither and other details relating to transportation and settlement. Some thirty-five years later Dr. Hale said, "I am more proud of my part in the settlement of Kansas, although it was only that of a subordinate, than I am of any public service I have ever rendered."

A third figure in the Massachusetts circle of be

lievers in this method of making Kansas free was Dr. Charles Robinson, a physician in Fitchburg, a man of grave and dignified appearance, strong and versatile enough to weld together the various New England groups and in due time acquiring such influence that on Jan. 15, 1856, he was elected governor of the state under the Topeka Constitution, which was never recognized by the Federal Government. Though his house was burned and he himself imprisoned, he never bore arms. His life was often threatened. Cool, judicious, courageous, he held to his chosen policy of making Kansas free, if at all, by bona fide settlement, until that policy was triumphant. Incidentally it should be noticed that Robinson was a total abstainer at a time when many excellent people drank moderately.

Robinson, after long and gratuitous service as Governor under the old Topeka Constitution, which served as the rallying point of the Free-State movement, was elected the first Governor of the State. This election was under the Wyandotte Constitution and took place Dec. 6, 1859. This election became of force when Kansas was admitted, Jan. 29, 1861. The Wyandotte Constitution became the supreme law of Kansas, and Governor Robinson was sworn into office Feb. 9, 1861. As the first Governor, he was confronted by the immense task of inaugurating a State Government for Kansas. The old Territo

FIRST

CHARLES ROBINSON

Born in Hardwick, Mass., July 18, 1818

IRST governor of Kansas, whose sagacity and poise of mind made him the trusted leader of the anti-slavery forces at a time when the fate of the state hung in the balance.

rial Government had been continued until the new government could be instituted. While there was much usage to be guided by, the new State presented many problems for which there was no precedent. The Constitution had to be construed. Its provisions were general, and it was necessary for the administration to devise legislation to carry them into effect. Governor Robinson met with wisdom the many perplexities and formidable issues constantly arising. He was one of the best business men who ever lived in Kansas, and many of the difficulties with which he was forced to grapple were purely of a business nature. He handled them with skill and in the spirit of patriotism.

One of his first official acts was to call a session of the Legislature. It is doubtful if there has ever been a more able and comprehensive message by any Kansas Governor than that sent to the Legislature by Governor Robinson. Historians will never fail to recognize the sound statesmanship displayed by Governor Robinson in the inauguration of the State Government of Kansas. It is doubtful if there was another man in the young State so well qualified for this difficult position as was Governor Robinson.

Governor Robinson's wife, Mrs. Sarah T. L. Robinson, born in Belchertown, Mass., cooperated effectively with him and the other Kansas leaders. Her