320 POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS. 



would constantly cry, and lament that she should ever have given 

 birth to so degenerate a son ; his father would treat him with contempt, 

 and reproaches would constantly be sounded in his ear.&quot; 



We have next to note that for a long time after political 

 control has made its appearance, it remains conspicuously 

 subordinate to this control of general feeling; both because, 

 while there are no developed governmental structures, the 

 head man has but little ability to enforce his will, and because 

 such ability as he has, if unduly exercised, causes desertion. 

 All parts of the world furnish illustrations. In America 

 among the Snake Indians &quot;each individual is his own master, 

 and the only control to which his conduct is subjected, is the 

 advice of a chief supported by his influence over the opinions 

 of the rest of the tribe.&quot; Of a Chinook chief we are told 

 that his ability to render service to his neighbours, and the 

 popularity which follows it, is at once the foundation and the 

 measure of his authority.&quot; If a Dakota &quot; wishes to do mis 

 chief, the only way a chief can influence him is to give him 

 something, or pay him to desist from his evil intentions. The 

 chief has no authority to act for the tribe, and dare not do it.&quot; 

 And among the Creeks, more advanced in political organiza 

 tion though they are, the authority of the elected chiefs &quot; con 

 tinues during good behaviour. The disapproval of the body 

 of the people is an effective bar to the exercise of their powers 

 and functions.&quot; Turning to Asia, we read that the 



bais or chiefs of the Khirgiz &quot;have little power over them for 

 good or evil. In consideration of their age and blood, some 

 deference to their opinions is shown, but nothing moie.&quot; 

 The Ostyaks &quot; pay respect, in the fullest sense of the word, to 

 their chief, if wise and valiant, but this homage is voluntary, 

 and founded on personal regard.&quot; And of the Naga chiefs 

 Butler says &quot;Their orders are obeyed so far only as they 

 accord with the wishes and convenience of the com 

 munity.&quot; So, too, is it in parts of Africa ; as instance 

 the Koranna Hottentots. &quot; A chief or captain presides over 

 each clan or kraal, being usually the person of greatest pro- 



