In the olden times family life was much stronger and closer than it is to-day. The father of a family would continue to govern the affairs of his sons after they had grown up and married and had families of their own. Until his death, the father would be the ruler of his own group of relatives, and when he was gone, his eldest son would become the head of the family in his place.
As the grandchildren grew up and raised sons and daughters of their own, the family would grow larger; but, while all obeyed their own fathers, they also obeyed the rulings of the head or chief of the family.
It was the plan of leadership that we read of in the Bible—the patriarchal system, as it was called.
The clans of the Highlands of Scotland are formed in a similar manner. A member of a clan is simply a relative, a person of the same blood and family as the head of the clan, and according to their custom he obeys the commands of his chieftain.
In ancient times, when a Highland chieftain went to war, he had the right to call on every man in the clan to join him. None who were able to answer the call ever thought of refusing.
In the East to-day the patriarchal system prevails as strongly as ever. The Sheiks or Chiefs are the rulers of the people, and can control and command them as they please.
The people of the Eastern tribes are nearly all Mohammedans. As we have told you before, they think it right to kill those who do not believe in the Prophet Mohammed.
They would be very glad to gain possession of Thessaly and spread Mohammedanism throughout the province. They are therefore most unwilling that the Sultan should allow it to fall again into the hands of the Greeks.
Should the Sultan consent to the demands of the Powers and restore Thessaly, the Sheiks might call out their tribes and carry on the war themselves.