70:4.4 The [[clan]] peace chiefs usually ruled through the [[mother]] line; the tribal [[war]] chiefs [[established]] the [[father]] line. The [[courts]] of the tribal chiefs and early kings consisted of the headmen of the [[clans]], whom it was customary to invite into the king's [[presence]] several times a year. This enabled him to watch them and the better [[secure]] their [[co-operation]]. The [[clans]] served a valuable [[purpose]] in local [[self-government]], but they greatly delayed the [[growth]] of large and strong [[nations]]. | 70:4.4 The [[clan]] peace chiefs usually ruled through the [[mother]] line; the tribal [[war]] chiefs [[established]] the [[father]] line. The [[courts]] of the tribal chiefs and early kings consisted of the headmen of the [[clans]], whom it was customary to invite into the king's [[presence]] several times a year. This enabled him to watch them and the better [[secure]] their [[co-operation]]. The [[clans]] served a valuable [[purpose]] in local [[self-government]], but they greatly delayed the [[growth]] of large and strong [[nations]]. |