"...the people should have the right to bear arms, no law of the Legislature could take away that right..."

   "The section which declares that no law shall restrict the right of the people to bear arms, whether in defense of themselves or of the State, was read a second time.
   "Mr. RARIDEN said he would like to know from the gentlemen who reported this section whether it was the intention to permit or prohibit the wearing of concealed weapons. He preferred the language of the old Constitution. He would move to strike out the section and insert the corresponding section of the old Constitution.
   "Mr. [Robert Dale] OWEN* said he would suggest to the gentleman from Wayne that if he wished to prohibit the carrying of weapons it would be necessary to change the language of the old Constitution. For if it were declared by Constitutional provision that the people should have the right to bear arms, no law of the Legislature could take away that right."

- Dec. 31, 1850, Afternoon Session. [REPORT OF THE DEBATES AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONVENTION FOR THE REVISION OF THE CONSTITUTION THE STATE OF INDIANA. 1850. VOLUME II. H. FOWLER, OFFICIAL REPORTER TO THE CONVENTION. A.H. BROWN, PRINTER TO THE CONVENTION. INDIANAPOLIS, IND 1850.

Well now, THAT is an interesting statement, ISN'T IT?

(* - Robert Dale Owen was an Indiana congressman and social reformer who sponsored legislation to create the Smithsonian Institution. He served in the Indiana legislature, was a delegate to the state's constitutional convention of 1850. And a member of the U. S. House of Representatives from 1843 to 1847. Mr. Owen was an advocate for women's rights, free public education, and opposed slavery. He introduced the bill establishing the Smithsonian Institution. As well as served as chairman of the Smithsonian Building Committee. Owen also held the diplomatic position of charge d'affairs (1853–1858) in Naples, Italy.)