186 CIVIL HISTORY AND 



government seems to prevail ; and though at first 

 view it may not seem calculated to secure that 

 grand object of legislation,, the protection of the 

 weak against the strong, yet from the experi- 

 ence of ages, during which their political state has 

 not suffered the smallest change, it appears that 

 their civil institutions are well adapted to their ha- 

 bits and mode of life. Every tribe has its chief 

 sheik, or emir as he is sometimes styled ; and every 

 camp (for a tribe often comprises many) is headed 

 by a sheik, or at least by an Arab of some considera- 

 tion. All the sheiks, however, that belong to the 

 same tribe, acknowledge the common chief, who is 

 called the sheik of sheiks. The dignity of grand 

 sheik is hereditary in a certain family, but is not 

 confined to the order of primogeniture ; on his death 

 the inferior sheiks choose his successor, more for his 

 personal qualities than from any regard to age or 

 lineal succession. This right of election, with other 

 privileges, obliges the object of their choice to treat 

 them rather as associates than subjects ; and the only 

 ceremony attending the election is the simple an- 

 nouncement to him, that henceforth he is to be re- 

 garded as head of the tribe. Disputes occasionally arise 

 in choosing between a son, a brother, or some other 

 distinguished relation, and each party adheres to its 

 own favourite. A sheik is sometimes deposed, and 

 a more brave or generous man elected in his place. 

 He has no actual authority over the individuals of 

 his tribe beyond what he derives from his superior 

 abilities ; and though they may pay deference to 

 his advice, they would spurn his commands. 



The real government of the Bedouins may be said 

 to consist in the separate strength of their different 



