2, p.167 [III, pp.154 f.] [Translations my own.Ed.] See also the view which is given of the state of government among the Americans, by P.Charlevoix, Journal historique d'un voyage de l'Amerique, let.13, 18.
16.'The Arabian tribes, though they have been for many ages under the Turkish yoke, are justice, or in the succession to rarely interrupted, either in what may concern the course of those few offices and dignities that belong properly to themselves.-- Every Dou-war (i.e.village or encampment)therefore may be looked upon as a little principality, over which it is usual for that particular family, which is of the greatest name, substance, and reputation, to preside.However, this honour does not always lineally descend from father to son; but, as it was among their predecessors the Numidians, when the heir is too young, or subject to any infirmity, then they make choice of the uncle, or some other relation, who, for prudence and wisdom, is judged to be the fittest for that employ.Yet, notwithstanding the despotic power which is lodged in this person, all grievances and disputes are accommodated in as amicable a manner as possible, by calling to his assistance one person or two out of each tent: and as the offender is considered as a brother, the sentence is always given on the favourable side; and even in the most enormous crimes, rarely any other punishment is inflicted than banishment.' Shaw's Travels, chap.4, p.310.
17.'They take their kings on the ground of birth, their generals on the basis of courage: the authority of their kings is not unlimited or arbitrary; their generals control them by example rather than command, and by means of admiration which attends upon energy and a conspicuous place in front of the line.'
Tacitus, de mor.Germ.?7.
'On small matters the chiefs consult; on larger questions, the community; but with this limitation, that even the subjects, the decision of which rests with the people, are first handled by the chiefs....When the crowd is pleased to begin they take their seats carrying arms.Silence is called for by the priests, who thenceforward have power also to coerce: then a king or a chief is listened to, in order of age, birth, glory in war, or eloquence, with the prestige which belongs to their counsel rather than with any prescribed right to command.' Ibid.?11.
'At this assembly it is also permissible to lay accusations and to bring capital charges.The nature of the death penalty differs according to the offence: traitors and deserters are hung from trees; cowards and poor fighters and notorious evil-livers are plunged into the mud of marshes with a hurdle on their heads....At the same gatherings are selected chiefs, who administer law through the cantons and villages: each of them has one hundred assessors from the people to be his responsible advisers.' Ibid.?12.
'On the declaration of war a high command is set up and invested with powers over life and death; but in peace-time there is no central government.Justice is administered and disputes settled by various local chiefs....When a chieftain formally proclaims his intention of leading a raid, he calls for volunteers: those who approve the project and trust the man himself stand up and promise their support amid loud applause from the whole assembly.Any one who goes back on that promise is considered a deserter and a traitor, and no one ever trusts him again.' Caesar, de bell.Gall.lib.6, ?23.
