LVIII ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR 



ing various articles with the dead. Subsequently it has religi- 

 ous sanctions thrown about it, as have many social customs. 



There is a law, among the tribes of North America, that 

 superior age gives authority. This law is widely spread, and 

 perhaps universal, and exercises a profound influence in tribal 

 societv, as the occasions for its applications are multifarious 

 No man knows his own age; but every man, woman, and child 

 in the tribe knows his relative age to every other person in the 

 tribe — who are older and who are younger than himself — for, in 

 addressing any other person in the tribe, he must necessarily 

 use a term which implies that the person addressed is older or 

 younger. The law that authority inheres in the elder is a sim- 

 ple and ingenious method of preventing controversy. 



The above is the explanation of another custom observed 

 among savage tribes ; namely, that it is illegal to address a 

 person by his proper name. Kinship terms are used in direct 

 address, proper names in speaking of a third person. It is 

 hardly necessary to state that by this device controversy is 

 prevented. 



An interesting form of outlawry exists among some tribes. 

 When a man has frequently involved his clan in controversy 

 with other clans by reason of quarrels or other outrageous 

 conduct, his own may decide no longer to defend him, and 

 will formally announce in tribal council that such person is no 

 longer under their protection. If the person thereafter by 

 his conduct maltreats any member of the tribe, the injured 

 party may do as he will with the offender, and not be held 

 accountable by the kindred of the outlaw. 



The few illustrations here given are sufficient, perhaps, to 

 make clear what is meant by the statement that a large class 

 of savage laws are designed to prevent controversy. Many 

 other illustrations might be given, for they are found on every 

 hand. 



Three especial methods of terminating controversy are widely 

 spread among the tribes of North America. 



When controversy arises in relation to ownership, the prop- 

 erty is usually destroyed by the clan or tribal authorities. 

 Thus, if two men dispute in bartering their horses, a third steps 



