FORM OF GOVERNMENT OF FOUTAToRO. l6l 
deposed and another immediately elected in his stead. They 
desire his attendance, and address him in these words : 
" We have chosen thee to govern our country with wisdom 
and no doubt they add, " and to execute our commands." The 
Almamy then takes the Koran and says, " I will strictly 
follow that which the book of God prescribes ; if he com^ 
mands me to give up my wealth, to sacrifice my children, 
I will do it without hesitation." Upon this Aldondou on 
one side and El-Iman-Siré on the other, present the new 
Almamy to the people, saying : " Here is your king, obey 
him." The people applaud, and the elevation of the new 
prince to the throne is celebrated by salutes of musketry. 
Almamy makes presents to the seven chiefs, and in his turn 
receives donations of flocks and slaves from the people. 
When the deposition of the Almamy is pronounced, the 
children proclaim it to him, uttering cries and throwing 
mud and stones at his hut. He then retires, relinquishes all 
the insignia of authority, and returns into the class of private 
citizens. If he does not obey the orders of his successor, he 
renders himself liable to be scourged by his former subjects. 
Nothing is less durable in this country than the supreme 
power; in 1818, there were successively three Almamys. 
Each of the seven chiefs at his death is succeeded by his 
brother. 
In Foutatoro, and among the Moors there exists a 
sort of free masonry, the secret of w^hich has never been 
Y 
