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POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
power of nomination to every situation of dignity 
and trust is vested in the king; and persons, by 
merit, or royal favour, frequently rise from com¬ 
paratively humble rank to the highest station in 
the islands, as in the instance of Karaimoku, some¬ 
times called by foreigners, William Pitt. This 
individual, from being a chief, of the third or fourth 
rank, has long been prime minister, in dignity next 
only to the king, and having, in fact, the actual 
government of the whole of the Sandwich Islands. 
Hereditary rank and authority are not confined 
to the male sex, but are inherited also by the 
females; and, according to tradition, several of 
the islands have been once or twice under the 
government of a queen. 
Four distinct classes or ranks in society appear 
to exist among them. The highest rank includes 
the king, queens, and all the branches of the 
reigning family. It also includes the chief coun¬ 
sellor or minister of the king, who, though inferior 
by birth, is by office and authority superior to the 
queens and other members of the royal family. 
The second rank includes the governors of the 
different islands, and also the chiefs of several 
large divisions or districts of land. Many of these 
are the descendants of the ancient families of 
Taraiopu, Kehekiri, Teporiorani, and Taeo, who 
were the kings of Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, and Tauai, 
when the islands were visited by Captain Cook, 
and retained their power until subdued by Tame- 
hameha. Several of them were either the favour¬ 
ite and warlike companions of that prince, or are 
descended from those who were; among whom 
may be classed Kuakini the governor, Kaahumanu, 
Piia, Boki, Wahinepio, Kaikeova, and others. 
The third rank is composed of those who hold 
