A Shrewd Device by Sel.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 5, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 10.

A Shrewd Device.

By Sel.

THE Greboes, near Cape Palmas, on the west coast of Africa, have a queer way of settling difficulties. When one man strikes another, he does not strike back, no matter how large and strong he may be, but runs to the town, hallooing at the top of his voice, and killing every eatable animal he may meet, until his feelings are satisfied. He is followed by all the people near, who gather up his victims, and carry them to the “Palava” house, where they prepare a grand feast for all the inhabitants, and have a grand time. After the feast, the parties whose animals have been killed present their claims for damages; and the person who struck the first blow is compelled to satisfy them. If he is poor, his next of kin is compelled to help him; and then the next, until the claims are all paid, or the relatives of the offender all bankrupt. By this shrewd device, order is maintained; and the relatives of every person are made to keep a close watch over his conduct, for which they are responsible. These people are the sailors and carriers of West Africa, known generally as “Kroos;” and they are usually industrious, peaceable, and honest. Without them the commerce of the West African coast would be carried on with great difficulty.—Sel.