of the most efficient character; constituting an invisible chain of intelligence, extending from New Orleans to Boston. The ruler of this select corps, called the Tetrarch, is invested with the most absolute and irresponsible power.

The whole of the United States is divided into eight districts; four members compose a council in each of them, and when they divide, the ruler decides. It was in the first instance, a self-constituted society, and likely so to continue, as each member before he dies, or resigns, nominates his successor. "Few die and none resign." No females are admitted, and the nominated man is stript for examination. If his person be found perfect, and without blemish, then the mental examination commences. He is examined by each of the eight councils in rotation. If they all report favourably of his legal qualifications, and temperate habits, the Tetrarch admits him to full membership; after administering to him in presence of one of the councils, a solemn oath of unconditional submission, in all matters relating to his duties in society. This examination is said to be of the most rigid kind; and any one to pass it must be versed in the principles, both of the common law and civil law,— in the rights of persons and property,--in constitutional principles, and particularly in the original structure of the feudal system and its connection with modern tenures; comprehending in its purview, an interminable horizon of learning, that seems to recede for ever as the mind advances.

SPECIAL OBJECTS AND POWER.

139

No one is admitted until he is thirty years of age, and has been seven years a practitioner of law. Ten members remain unmarried to be ready at the shortest notice to obey the Tetrarch, who can command them to remove to any part of the United States, and remain there, under the pretext of tising law during pleasure.

prac

All the proceedings are secret; and the council seldom meet twice in the same place, and never communicate with each other by writing, or keep record of their proceedings. The Tetrarch visits each of the councils as often as practicable, to be apprized of every important measure that is adopted, or discovery that is made.

The object of the society is to collect information about doubtful titles to property, and make up correct legal opinions about them. When a defect is discovered in any man's title, if the property involved is valuable, (they do not meddle with trifling matters), the Tetrarch orders one of the members to make terms with one side, or the other interested, for the conduct of a suit-at-law; which is done at the expense of the club, and generally for a certain portion of the amount received. The immense property thus acquired is thrown into a general fund, after each member takes a certain portion, which is appropriated to his own use.

The operations of the club, though seen no where, are felt in every part of the Union. A knowledge of facts, titles, and doubtful questions of law, are ferreted out, and carried by the ruler along the whole

line of councils, undergoing an analysis in each of them, that defies both mistakes and defects. All acts of Congress, all State acts, all municipal regulations, all public and private corporations, all public and private donations, and in fact, the title of every man who has a large fortune, are secretly overhauled, reported on, and shaped by the councils in the most imposing forms, to pass through the Courts.

Individuals in different parts of the United States, have been informed by persons to whom they were utter strangers, and who reside in some distant state, of titles and claims which they themselves never thought of recovering. The parties in whose name the writs are brought, are never informed of the existence of the club, they know none in the business, but the lawyers appointed to conduct their causes, who are generally introduced by some one who is not a member. This secrecy is observed to avoid prejudice that would arise against the society if it was known.

They make it a rule to offer their services in the first instance to the parties who stand on the just side of the question; if their terms are not agreed to, then they negotiate with the other side. The unmarried men are compelled to peril life and limb in the service of the club, and cannot marry unless the wife of one of the members dies, in which event he can never marry again. The unmarried men are allowed liberal salaries, to live in the fashion most agreeable to them but they have summary laws

Yet this is pretty well and prome, 14 viable prospect to the

rantee of the face bootstr

its citizens. Guiel a ter

selfish motives.

lier feelings of man's curre

tonness of andre meme

and disseminating terpen

stealthy pace of the mill go seems to vein and artery of a Ben 10

the nation to the Ta institution: to restore death ind

1

its population, instal if we imara te o tama tic strife and retoun vind te she lov tinued efforts of die kagave at mense body is sure to generate

The Honourable Elviri Lange se: period of his late e best in 1850 a de France, is stated to have been the Term nest of domestic conspirante, and several months, a few yariad a 2

line of councils, undergoing an analysis in each of them, that defies both mistakes and defects. All acts of Congress, all State acts, all municipal regulations, all public and private corporations, all public and private donations, and in fact, the title of every man who has a large fortune, are secretly overhauled, reported on, and shaped by the councils in the most imposing forms, to pass through the Courts.

Individuals in different parts of the United States, have been informed by persons to whom they were utter strangers, and who reside in some distant state, of titles and claims which they themselves never thought of recovering. The parties in whose name the writs are brought, are never informed of the existence of the club, they know none in the business, but the lawyers appointed to conduct their causes, who are generally introduced by some one who is not a member. This secrecy is observed to avoid prejudice that would arise against the society if it was known.

They make it a rule to offer their services in the first instance to the parties who stand on the just side of the question; if their terms are not agreed to, then they negotiate with the other side. The unmarried men are compelled to peril life and limb in the service of the club, and cannot marry unless the wife of one of the members dies, in which event he can never marry again. The unmarried men are allowed liberal salaries, to live in the fashion most agreeable to them but they have summary laws.