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HISTORY OF MALTA.

counts from each language were joined to the above-men-tioned members.

This accountant’s office was likewise erected into a tri-bunal of justice: and at these times two lawyers were allowedto plead; the one for the office, and the other for the partiesconcerned.

The grand-commander, or, in his absence, his lieutenant,was perpetual president, in right of his office, of the commontreasury, together with all the chambers and commissions ap-pertaining thereto. This first dignity in the order had greatprerogatives, among which, the most important was the powerof breaking up the sittings in which he presided. If the sub-ject treated in the chamber of the treasury met with his disap-probation, he needed only retire, to stop all further delibera-tion. His lieutenant, when he acted for him, enjoyed thesame privileges.

The two procurators were placed next the president, andwere always grand crosses of different nations, named by thegrand-master and council for the space of five years, afterwhich it was necessary that they should be confirmed in theiroffice a second time. Only one of the procurators waschanged, because it was necessary to retain a person perfectlyacquainted with the course of affairs. The grand-master’s pro-curator came next: he too was generally a grand cross, andchosen by the superior, who presented him to the council,