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.
-- -------- [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.".