Page:A History of the Knights of Malta, or the Order of St. John of Jerusalem.djvu/542



entering into the history of the Order of St. John for the last two centuries of its existence as an organized fraternity— a period marked by but few events of real importance—it will be well to break off the chain of the narrative, and discuss with some detail its social habits and observances at the time of its greatest prosperity.

The institution, though under the rule of a Grand-Master, partook rather of the nature of an oligarchy than a monarchy. Very little of the actual control was left in the hands of the chief alone, all legislative powers being vested in the chapter- general, and all executive functions appertaining to the council. Over this latter he presided, and in it he possessed a double vote, with a further casting vote in case of equality. Whilst, however, his powers were thus jealously limited by the constitution, he practically exercised more influence than such restrictions would seem to render possible. No subject of debate could be introduced, except by himself or his lieutenant, nor was any enactment valid until it had received his sanction. He was thus able to exclude even from discussion any measure to which he was opposed, and as the council consisted of grand-crosses, the nomination to which dignity lay in his gift, he could at any time by fresh creations secure a majority at the board.

The position and powers of the Grand-Mastership had gradually become much changed and enlarged from, what had been contemplated in earlier years. Peter Gerard,