would fearlessly try, judge, and, if convicted, execute 
the criminals within the hour, leaving no trace of their 
action behind, the organization was perfected and car-
ried into execution, with startling results. 

It is said to be an organization fac simile of the 
vigilance committee which did such service and struck 
such consternation and alarm to the hearts of the aban-
doned in California, some years since.

Temples were also instituted in various cities 
throughout Europe, some years ago. Althouoh possess-
ing all the powers and material of the Inquisition, if
required, they still continue to thrive as charitable and 
social organizations, as well as being inquisitors upon
the flagrant outragers and desecrators of Masonic vows.
 
In 1871 the ritual was brought to America by one 
of the transient foreign members and representatives, 
and placed in the hands of Dr. Walter M. Fleming
33rd decree, Sovereign Grand Inspector-General A and 
A. Rite, and Eminent Commander of Columbia Com-
mandry No. I.. Knights Templar New York. 

Dr. Fleming, having absolute authority in Ameri- 
ca (in conjunction with William J. Florence, 33rd de-
gree, together with Edward Eddy, 33rd degree, S. C 
Campbell, 33rd degree, Oswald Merle D'Aubigne, 33rd 
degree, G. W. Miller, 33rd decree, John A. Moore.
33rd degree, William S. Patterson, 33rd degree, John 
W. Simmons, 33rd degree, Albert P- Moriarty, 33rd 
degree, and nearly all the Knights Templar,) instituted
a temple of the order, in  New York, of the Mystic 
Shrine. Brother Fleming was unanimously chosen as 
its presiding officer,- namely, Grand Potentate. Ow-