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MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 
CHAPTER IIL 
Constitution and Laws.. 
1 H E King, the Aristocracy, now reduced to four, and the As-= 
sembly of Captains,* are the three estates of the Ashantee 
government. - 
The constitution requires or admits an interference of the Aris- 
tocracy in all foreign politics, extending even to a veto on the 
King's decision ; but they watch rather than share the domestie 
administration, generally influencing it by their opinion, but never 
appearing to control it from authority ; and their opinions on 
civil questions, are submitted with a deference, directly in contrast 
to their bold declarations on subjects of war or tribute, which 
amount to injunction. 
The Ashantees advocated this constitution by the argument, that 
the interference of the Aristocracy in all foreign politics, makes 
the nation more formidable to its enemies, w^ho feel they cannot 
provoke with impunity, where there are so many guardians of the 
military glory ; who, by insisting on a war, become responsible in 
a great degree for the issue, and pledge an energy and exertion, in 
* It has been shewn in the history, that the Aristocracy was originally formed of the 
peers and associates of Sai Tootoo the founder of the monarchy, who owed his elevation 
not to his superior rank, but to his superior endowments and address. The Aristocracy 
lias been gradually retrenched since Sai Cudjo pointed out the way. 
