Vigilance Committees.—During the early days in Kansas, before civil government had become thoroughly established, numerous secret organizations known as viligance committees were organized along the eastern and southern boundaries of Kansas and the western boundary of Missouri. The main purpose of these committees was the protection of their horses and other live stock, and in emergencies for the trial of horse thieves and other offenders. Upon the apprehension of any criminal, he was given a prompt trial by these self-constituted authorities, and if his guilt was sufficient his punishment was both speedy and final.