In Afric’s Forest and Jungle 
The presiding officer of each lodge was elected 
by that lodge and was called an elder. At the 
death of any chief, the lodge of his chiefdom 
elected his successor. The chiefs and the elders 
chose the Alake or king, whenever they chose to 
have such an officer. This action, however, 
needed to be confirmed by the people assembled 
in mass meeting on Oro day. Declarations of 
war which are always made by the chiefs and 
Ogbonee elders conjointly, are also confirmed by 
this popular assembly. The chiefs were fond of 
power, and they always elected a man as Alake, 
who let them have their own way in matters of 
importance. 
The Alake under whose sway it was my for¬ 
tune or rather misfortune to live, passed most of 
his time in playing “warree” (a favorite native 
game) 1 with the Ogbonee elders and other boon 
companions and left the administration of justice 
largely to a favorite slave, a young Foolah, who 
was almost white. This young man generally 
decided cases in favor of those who gave him the 
largest sum of money. It was in vain to appeal 
from him to the Alake or king, for no one could 
see the king without the consent of this un- 
lu Warree” is the “Macala”of Syria and the East. There is hardly a 
house in which a “ Warree ” board is not found for the entertainment of its 
inmates. The natives have other games, but this is the favorite. 
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