1839.] GOVERNMENT. 20? 



into a large bowl — the saliva of the females, as in the manu- 

 facture of chica among the Indians of Chili, being supposed 

 to produce the necessary fermentation; water is then added, 

 after which the delectable compound is strained through the 

 leaves of the plant. Being now fit for use, it is guzzled 

 down by the Samoan toper, in copious draughts, stinted 

 neither in number nor quantity. 



(5.) There is no general sovereign head in these islands, 

 and the Executive power is claimed, and in most cases really 

 possessed, by the principal chiefs. There are what may be 

 termed four different estates — the principal chiefs, the alii, or 

 minor chiefs, the tula/ales, or landholders, and the common 

 people. The islands are divided into districts, each of which 

 has a principal chief, though some are of superior rank to 

 others, and a distinct government. The fonos, or public 

 meetings, are attended by the alii and tulafales, who decide 

 what is to be done. The most influential chiefs generally 

 carry everything before them. The tulu-fono, or decision 

 of the council, is always held in respect, and must be obeyed. 



Upolu and Savaii, though divided into districts, and Ma- 

 nono, which, with Apolima, constitutes a district by itself, 

 are united together in a sort of compact ; that is, on occa- 

 sions affecting the general welfare, the principal chiefs of the 

 different districts meet together in council, and act in concert 

 in carrying their determinations into effect. Tutuila is divid- 

 ed into several districts, the head chiefs of which frequently 

 hold similar councils. Manua, Ofoo, and Oloosinga, have 

 what is called, by way of courtesy, a king, who resides some- 

 times on one island and sometimes on another ; but he is 

 little more than a chief of the highest rank, and his authority 

 is treated, with very little respect. 



Few crimes are committed ; and the state of society is 

 fully as good, and personal rights are as much respected, as 

 could, reasonably be looked for, considering how short a time 

 has elapsed since the light of civilization and Christianity first 

 dawned upon these islands. Among the christians, the ten 

 commandments constitute their common law ; and any in- 



