1812. 
EQUALITY. — THE RICH AND THE POOR. 
347 
above their comprehension, and partly by their little regard for truth, 
and a very general inclination for misleading others ; and simple as 
the case may appear, it was not to be understood till I had gained 
clearer notions of the state of society in this country. 
I had hitherto been accustomed among the Bushmen, to see all 
men on an equality ; that is, that of the individuals of a kraal, no one 
possessed more property than another, or, at least, there was not so 
much difference as to occasion them to make a distinction between 
rich and poor. But those tribes are, as I think the preceding parts 
of this journal prove, in the lowest degree of human polity and social 
existence ; and in such only, can all men be on a level with respect 
to property : or in other words, a nation, to be equal, must, even in 
the aggregate, possess no property at all ; which is precisely the case 
with the Bushman nation. 
But the state of society, or, I might almost begin to use the word 
civilization, among the Bichuana tribes, has reached a much higher 
point ; and, from the possession of property, the distinction of men 
into richer or poorer classes has followed as the natural consequence. 
Those who have riches, have also, it seems, power ; and the word 
kosif as I have before noticed, has a double acceptation, denoting 
either a chief or a rich man. The various means by which this 
ascendancy is gained, is a point well understood by more polished 
nations ; and I saw no reason for doubting that the Bichuanas pursue, 
in their humble and petty way, exactly the same ; and add to them, 
that of plundering the adjoining countries. According to this scheme 
of society, the chief will always be the richest man ; for once arrived 
at supreme authority, he holds within his own hands the power of 
obtaining property. With this view it is, that corporal punishment, 
excepting in cases of atrocious crime, is commuted for fine ; and 
that confiscation is often superadded to corporal punishment ; and 
that, in some instances, life and property are both forfeited together : 
I am however led to believe, that the Bachapins do not often punish 
with death. 
But, to return from this digression : Mattivi possesses numerous 
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