234, Sir Joun D’Orxy’s Sketch of the 
advantage of the moment, and enrich themselves by every means which 
lay within their reach. 
4th. The chiefs being sometimes required by the King to make extra- 
ordinary contributions, and to pay fines, necessarily exacted the means of 
satisfying them from the people. 
5th. The chief officers being principally chosen from the noble families, 
it frequently happened that they were persons of inactivity ; and being 
inexperienced in the affairs of the province or department committed to 
their charge, were frequently guided in judicial as well as other concerns 
by the provincial head men, or by those of their household, who are equally, 
if not more interested in the profits capable of being extracted from their 
temporary situations; hence such chiefs often give their decision after an 
imperfect investigation, or upon a mercenary report of the case. 
6th. Nor did the liberty of appeal afford an effectual remedy against 
wrongs. 
7th. Because many persons were fearful of hazarding the displeasure of a 
powerful chief, who might find many future opportunities of injuring 
them. 
8th. Because the King was not frequently in the habit of personally 
investigating suits between common individuals; and if referred to the 
Great Court for enquiry, the influence of the chief who had passed the first 
decision, or of his relation or friend, or a new bulatsuralla might still give a 
preponderance contrary to equity. 
9th. As fees had their influence in civil matters, they were also frequently 
given in criminal. The culprit or his relations often prevailed, by means of 
presents to the chiefs, in obtaining a remission or mitigation of punishment 
for great offences, whether brought under the King’s cognizance or 
otherwise ; and there are instances in which chiefs, notwithstanding the 
established order, have concealed homicides, and discharged the accused; 
after a short imprisonment, without trial. 
But although, under the system which prevailed, the way was open to the 
perversion of justice, it would be hard to deny that substantial justice was 
frequently obtained, as in the following instances : 
1st. When cases were heard in the presence of the Kings, who, except 
in terms of minority or inexperience, when they were under the influence of 
powerful chiefs, were seldom known to judge unjustly between individuals. 
2d. When cases were investigated in the Great Court,where the publicity 
