CHAPTER X. 

 MINISTRIES. 



504 Men chosen by the ruler to help him, we meet with 

 in early stages of social evolution men whose positions and 

 duties are then vague and variable. At the outset there is 

 nothing to determine the selection of helpers save considera 

 tions of safety, or convenience, or liking. Hence we find 

 ministers of quite different origins. 



Relationship leads to the choice in some places and times; 

 as with the Bachassins, among whom the chief s brother 

 conveys his orders and sees them executed; as of old in 

 Japan, where the Emperor s son was prime minister and the 

 daimios had cadets of their families as counsellors ; as in 

 ancient Egypt where &quot; the principal officers of the Court or 

 administration appear to have been at the earliest period the 

 relatives &quot; of the king. Though in some cases family -jealousy 

 excludes kinsmen from these places of authority, in other 

 cases family-feeling and trust, and the belief that the desire 

 for family-predominance will ensure loyalty, lead to the 

 employment of brothers, cousins, nephews, &c. 



More general appears to be the unobtrusive growth of per 

 sonal attendants, or household servants, into servants of State. 

 Those who are constantly in contact with the ruler have 

 opportunities of aiding or hindering intercourse with him, 

 of biassmg him by their statements, and of helping or 

 impeding the execution of his commands; and they thus 

 gain power, and tend to become advising and executive 



