Liberia <*- 



upon them in time of war. Then the Ibadia must always 

 lead \ and in case of retreat or defeat, the Tebawa must bring 

 up the rear. In reward for their services they have by here- 

 ditary right a large share of all the perquisites of the 

 Sedibo. 



" The third class into which every Grebo community is 

 divided is the Kedibo. This is composed of youths between 

 the ages of eighteen and eleven. A small fee admits any one 

 of initiation age to this class. They have a treasury, a kind 

 of head, usually selected from among the elder Sedibo, to 

 take care of their property. They have meetings, at which 

 they discuss subjects of which they have the control, but 

 are subject to the direction of the Sedibo in all important 

 matters. 



" The Kimbo includes children from six to eleven years of 

 age. Theirs is a separate organisation, although their rights 

 and privileges are of more limited character. Their chief 

 perquisites are those obtained for their collective services in 

 busy seasons. It is wonderful to witness the stormy debates 

 of this little society, and amusing to see them punishing each 

 other for real or alleged offences, by putting pepper in the 

 eyes, beating, etc. 



" In the meetings and councils of the Sedibo and people 

 which I have attended I have been struck by the order, decorum, 

 and mental acumen displayed. In grave assemblies each 

 man has his place and his time to speak ; when this arrives 

 he stands up, usually holds a long staff in his hand, and asks 

 attention by saying ' Batea ' (Attend all) ; the assembly responds 

 'Bate' (We attend). In examining evidence they are most 

 thorough ; and keen indeed must be the foreign casuist who 

 can get the advantage of them on matters coming within the 

 range of their experience." 



1078 



