But Kansas was prepared even for such an emergency as this. The isolation and perils of her position were fully comprehended by her people, and in every city, town and neighborhood within her borders, companies of well-armed and fairly-drilled militia had been organized. The flower of the young State’s youth and manhood was in the volunteer service, but the boys and the old men, and those whose physical conditions or personal duties prevented them from enlisting for continuous service, were ready for this emergency. The Governor’s call to the militia for active service was responded to, at once, by twenty-four well-organized regiments, numbering fully 16,000 men, and for twenty days this force did duty in the field. It invaded Missouri; it confronted, with sturdy firmness, the veteran legions of Price; several regiments participated in severe engagements, in which they sustained heavy losses; all were honorably mentioned by the Commanding General of the United States forces; and their numbers, enthusiasm and valor contributed largely to the utter discomfiture of the Confederate army, and its hasty retreat. “States are not great Except as men may make them. Men are not great except they do and dare. But States, like men, Have destinies that take them— That bear them on, not knowing why or where. * * * * * “All merit lies In daring the unequal. All glory comes from daring to begin. Fame loves the State That, reckless of the sequel, Fights long and well, though it may lose or win. “Than in our State No illustration apter Is seen or found of faith, and hope, and will. Take up her story; Every leaf and chapter Contains a record that conveys a thrill.”[4] * * * * * Footnote 4: From Eugene F. Ware’s poem, “John Brown.” ODD-FELLOWSHIP IN ATCHISON. Address delivered October 18th, 1887, at the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of Friendship Lodge, I. O. O. F., Atchison. MR. CHAIRMAN: Thirty years ago, yesterday, Friendship Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., was organized, under a charter granted by the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the United States. Its charter members were Cornelius A. Logan, Edward K. Blair, A. J. Petefish, Alex. McKewn, and James Dillon. Nearly two years later, in 1859, the first official report of the Grand Lodge of the State shows a membership of thirty-eight, fifteen by initiation and nine by card. So that its total membership, at the date of its organization, must have been fourteen.