364 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
Their councils were usually held in the open air^ where 
the chiefs and others formed a circle, in which the orators 
of the different parties took their stations opposite to 
each other. These orators were the principal, but not 
the only speakers. The king often addressed the assem¬ 
bly. The warriors and the raatiras also delivered their 
sentiments with boldness and freedom. When a dif¬ 
ference of opinion prevailed, and words ran high, the 
impetuosity of their passions broke through all restraint, 
and the council terminated in scenes of confusion and 
bloodshed; or if they ended without open hostility, the 
chieftains returned to their respective districts, to 
assemble their tenantry, and prepare for war. 
