Page:History of the Indian Archipelago Vol 3.djvu/24

 12 GOVERNMENT. states, each governed by its own hereditary despot, while the general government is vested in one of the number elected by the rest. The presidency has been long elective in the family of the Prince of the state of Bontiialah, even at present little more than a considerable village. The princes in their own language are denominated king, Arung, and the only distinction left to the head of the confede- racy is to have the letter a appended to this appel- lative. The distinction among the Macassars is exactly similar ; they make the word Kraingy or prince, Kraiiiga, when they speak of the supreme head of their confederation. The head of the Boni confederacy can do no- thing without the other princes, who arc his coun- sellors. The public treasure is in their charge, and they decide on peace and war. The same council chooses the Tumilalang, or first minister, by whom, or through whose agents, justice is ad- ministered. The chief of the confederacy cannot correspond in his own name on public affairs, but the letters must run thus, " We, the king, and the people of Boni, decree, resolve," &:c. I have^per- used several of these. The seven counsellors are called from their number Arnug-pitUy which is as much as to say, the council of the seven lords or princes. Besides choosing the head of the confede- racy, these are themselves elected. Their offices are hereditary in families, but the council chooses