CHAP. VII. 
GENERAL ACCOUNT- OF FEZZAN. 
279 
interest with him is very precarious. All weighty matters, such as 
wars of consequence, are submitted to the Bashaw, though Mukni 
always acts before he has time either to receive instructions or 
permission. 
The Kadi, being supreme head of the law and of the church, or 
nominally so, is rather more privileged with the Sultan than others 
are ; but his opinions are always expected to assimilate with those 
of his master. In Morzouk there are some white famihes who are 
called Mamlukes, being descended from Renegades, whom the 
Eashaw had presented to the former Sultans. These families and 
their descendants are considered noble ; and however poor and low 
their situation may be, are not a little vain of their title. There is 
no such thing as nobility, except with these people and the Shreefs, 
who are, throughout the Mohammedan world, highly privileged; 
yet are, generally speaking, not better men than the rest. The Kadi, 
Sheikhs of districts, Kaids, or Governors, Chowses, Pladjes, Mara- 
boots, and all who have money, possessions, and, above all, fine 
clothes, are considered great people, and respected as long as their 
situation, monej', or garments hold out : but in the event of any 
failure in these uncertain advantag'es, they become as low and 
unnoticed as slaves. 
The office of Kadi is hereditary, and has been in the same 
family for 150 years. Talents are by no means necessary in this 
high office ; the abihty to read is all that is required, and the next 
in the family, after the death of a Kadi, is, whether wise or foolish, 
immediately vested with the authority. The Kadi of Morzouk is 
a black man, named Mohammed el Habeeb ; he is able to read 
pretty fluently, is very superstitious, and writes charms of more 
efficacy than any other man in the country. All the principal 
towns have Kadis ; but the office is not, as in the capital, hereditary. 
The better class of the people, or those who have some property, 
