18 TAHITI. 



employed. Some of them are now engaged in the culture of the 

 sugar-cane ; and a single native plantation was mentioned to me, of 

 which the preceding year's crop had amounted to five tons. Coffee 

 has also been planted, and succeeds remarkably well. Much more, 

 too, would have been done in these productions had their industry 

 been encouraged by the missionaries, as a body ; but, while some of 

 them have done their utmost to stimulate the natives to exertion, 

 others have altogether discountenanced any attempts to introduce 

 new articles of culture. 



One of the most important consequences of the introduction of 

 civilization has been the establishment of a settled constitution. 

 This was framed by the missionaries in 1823, upon the model of that 

 of England, and was revised in 1826. The royal authority includes 

 the power of the veto, the nomination of the supreme jxidges, and of 

 all officers connected with the person of the sovereign. The crown 

 is hereditary, descending either to males or females. The legislative 

 power is lodged in an assembly, composed of two members from each 

 district, chosen triennially by the people. This assembly is convened 

 annually for the purpose of remodelling existing laws, or enacting 

 new ones. It has also semi-annual meetings, and may be convened 

 more frequently, if necessary, for the discussion of questions of 

 importance. Ail enactments of the legislature, before they become 

 laws, are laid before the queen for her approbation and signature. 

 When this is affixed, they are carried into effect by the judges and 

 the officers of the crown. Should she refuse her signature, they are 

 revised and remodified, or laid aside altogether. 



The island is divided into seven districts, each of which has an 

 inferior court for the trial of ordinary cases. This consists of two 

 judges, who are not unfrequently also members of the legislature. 

 The decision of these courts must be founded upon evidence, and 

 appeal lies to the supreme tribunal. 



This supreme court is composed of seven judges, two of whom 

 are residents of the island of Eimeo. The judges are also executive 

 officers, and nearly all are chiefs. This double capacity gives them 

 great influence, and their power is sufficient to supply, in part, the 

 queen's want of energy, but at the same time serves as a check 

 against any encroachment upon the prerogatives of the sovereign. 



The powers of this court even extend to an impeachment of the 

 royal ruler. 



The mode of trial, both of civil and criminal cases, is hj a jury, 



