INFLUENCE OF THE MISSIONARIES. 163 
bouring island of Eimeo, having no especial 
viceroy, into eight. Every district has its go- 
vernor and its judge, whose business is to settle 
disputes and maintain order. The first is ap- 
pointed by the Parliament, and the latter elect- 
ed by the people. These nominations are for 
one year only—but may be renewed at the ex- 
piration of the term. Important affairs are sub- 
mitted to the Parliament, which, consisting of 
deputies from all the provinces, possesses the le- 
gislative, as the King does the executive power. 
The Tahaitians, accustomed to a blind reve- 
rence for the Missionaries, consult them in all 
their undertakings, and by means of the Con- 
stitution have so confirmed their power, both as 
priests and rulers, that it would be difficult for 
governor, judge, or member of parliament, to 
retain their offices after having incurred their 
displeasure. They have shown their artful 
policy in the choice of a guardian for the 
young King. It has fallen on the tributary 
King of the island of Balabola, distinguished 
by his giant height of seven feet, and by his 
enormous corpulence, which almost prevents 
his moving, but by no mental qualification. 
