DYAK ASSEMBLIES. 289 



The only real advantage which accrues to the chief 

 of a tribe, besides the standing and consideration his 

 title gives him amongst his people, is the assistance he 

 receives in his agricultural operations, the whole people 

 combining to construct and take care of one large 

 farm yearly for his benefit, the produce of which he 

 receives. But in many tribes, this institution is neg- 

 lected, and has dwindled into occasional assistance, 

 when the chief chooses to demand it, on the land 

 cultivated by his family. 



All affairs connected with the prosperity or welfare 

 of the village, are discussed by a council of the men 

 of the tribe, which is always held in the " pangah," 

 and at which every male of the hamlet may be 

 present, though seldom any but the opinions of the 

 old men are advanced the younger people paying 

 great respect to the advice of the elders at this coun- 

 cil. If the chief be a man of known and reputed 

 ability, his opinion, which is generally given in a long 

 and forcible oration, while the speaker is seated, and 

 without much gesticulation, excepting the waving of the 

 head, is of very great weight, and his arguments most 

 frequently convince the assembly, unless some other 

 opinion be advanced and supported with equal ability, 

 when the approvers of each, in succession, address the 

 members of this little parliament a fair and impartial 

 hearing being given to all though the discussions 

 are often protracted till near morning from the preceding 

 dusk, when one party either yields its opinion to the 

 other, or the minority is compelled to give way 



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