TAHITI. 19 



than once been spoken of, holds the office of chief judge, and is con- 

 sidered as the best statesman on the island. Hitoti is distinguished for a 

 dignity, uprightness, and good sense, which command universal respect. 

 Taua possesses a high reputation as a brave and skilful warrior. 



Of these three leaders, Hitoti alone is wholly free from reproach. 

 Paofai is accused of covetousness, and a propensity to intrigue ; and 

 Taua, of a fondness for intoxicating drinks. 



The queen, however, contrives to rule in all matters that rightfully 

 belong to her; and, by the aid of the missionaries, maintains her 

 ground against this strong opposition, although its leaders have gene- 

 rally the power to determine the course of policy to be pursued, and 

 entire authority over the execution of the laws. They are much 

 opposed to foreigners, and have made several attempts to have them 

 banished from the island. They are supposed to entertain the design 

 of setting aside the queen, on account of her irregular behaviour and 

 vices ; but this plan is not likely to succeed, because of the personal 

 popularity she enjoys, and the number of adherents she possesses 

 among the people. In conformity with such a design, these chiefs are 

 said to be continually watching for opportunities to increase their own 

 power and diminish the royal authority. Among the occasions of 

 which they endeavoured to avail themselves, was the celebrated affair 

 of the Roman Catholic priests, the circumstances of which, as nearly 

 as I could learn from the statements of both parties, are as follows : 



Two priests of this denomination, who had been stationed at the 

 Manga Reva, or Gambier Group, landed on the southern side of the 

 island, and travelled towards Papieti, preaching the doctrines of their 

 church. They, however, found none willing to listen, and it is said, 

 that no native would receive them into his house. On their arrival at 

 Papieti, however, Paofai, Hitoti, and some other chiefs, gave them 

 countenance, and they were hospitably received by Mr. Morenhout, 

 the acting American consul, who, however, did not lodge them under 

 his own roof, but in an adjacent building. The people, however, 

 excited by the preaching of the English missionaries, broke into the 

 building, and compelled the priests to embark on board a small vessel, 

 which carried them to Uea, or Wallis Island, about two thousand 

 miles to the west of Tahiti. 



In considering this question calmly, and stripping it of the exagge- 

 rations with which both parties have loaded it, it is difficult to say 

 which was most in the wrong. The Protestant religion was established 

 by law upon the island, to the exclusion of all others, and this the 

 priests well knew ; nor can any but zealots, who think that those whom 

 they style heretics are worse than infidels, excuse their intrusion upon 



