432 INDUSTRIAL INSTITUTIONS. 



evils if lie is angered, there goes the belief that the living 

 father may after death revenge himself on those who have 

 angered him during his life. Hence there results a subordi 

 nation to him far more profound than can otherwise be 

 established. And this subordination continues, and even 

 becomes greater, when he has become a grandfather or great 

 grandfather; since then the time is nearer at hand when 

 he can use his supernatural powers to punish recalcitrant 

 descendants. 



Another factor conduces to patriarchal authority, namely, 

 full recognition of the right of property. Sons who are 

 independent of their father for maintenance, and sons who 

 will inherit nothing at his death, lack one of the motives for 

 obedience. Such confirmed respect for ownership as insures 

 possession of his land and goods by the grandfather or great 

 grandfather, even when he becomes feeble, strengthens 

 greatly the rule of the eldest male. This influence we may 

 perceive operating among the ancient Hebrews. The tradi 

 tions concerning Isaac, Jacob and Esau, and again concern 

 ing Joseph and his brethren, imply recognition of a father s 

 ability to dispose of his property as he pleases. The right 

 of property is regarded as in a measure sacred. 



779. Some evidence observable among existing peoples 

 may be set down. The simplest and clearest comes to us 

 from Africa. Describing the condition of things among the 

 Bechuanas, Alberti writes: 



&quot; Un jeune Cafre ne se marie qu apres avoir obtemi le consentement 

 de ses parents ; un Cafre marie\ eut-il lui-meme des fils et des petit- 

 fils, ne troque aucune piece de b6tail, ne conclus aucun march6, sans 

 avoir consulte son pere et obtenu son approbation.&quot; 



And he goes on to say that 



&quot; Si un fils, a quelque age que ce fut, ce comportoit mal envers ses 

 parents, s il refusoit opiniatrement d obeir surtout aux ordres de son 

 p6re, quand ils sont quitables, ou qn il ne suivit pas ses avis, il seroit 

 sur de s attirer la haine et le m^pris de toute la horde, an point d etre 

 oblig6 de la quitter et de se retirer ailleurs.&quot; 



