“My first and only desire in accepting the lofty office is to serve the people. This sounds strange to you. But the welfare and happiness of the nation must be brought about, and I shall work toward that end. In order to accomplish this it is only just and proper that the people should have a voice in their government through chosen representatives from the various districts. Theirs shall be the duty to meet and discuss the needs of the populace, and to advise the king of them, and to act with him in council. Therefore, the first step under the new régime is to secure these representatives.” Soncco, who had been in the front of the gathering, now came forward and stood on the left side of the golden chairs on which Ted and Stanley were seated; after bowing to the two he turned and faced the audience. It was necessary for him to assume this position in addressing the gathering, for it was unlawful for any one to turn his back upon the ruler. “It has been decreed by our most wise sovereign,” he began in a solemn voice, “that two representatives shall be chosen from each of the twelve districts--one to be a noble and the other from among the common people, and in the following manner. On the day of the election all the men must gather in the respective capitals of the various districts to make their choice. The office is open to any man above thirty years of age. Those who seek election must present themselves in the public square and stand facing the sun, twenty paces apart; they may not ask support of any one, but each may briefly state his policy so that every one may hear. One hour after sunrise each voter will fall in line in back of the candidate of his choosing. The groups will then be counted by the resident chief of the district, and the man having the greatest number of supporters will be declared elected for a term of two years. If any candidate solicits a vote, or if any voter sells his ballot, he will be guilty of a crime; the penalty for either offense shall be disqualification to ever vote again or to ever hold office. Furthermore, the offender shall work for a period of one hundred days in the public fields, clothed in a distinctive black mantle of disgrace. If there be any one who would ask questions, let him speak!” An avalanche of queries were hurled at the speaker and for a moment he was nonplussed. “One at a time,” Stanley ordered, and then the commotion subsided. Soncco was kept busy explaining the matter for over two hours, but finally they understood. It was all so different, so unheard of, that at first they could not comprehend the situation.