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.

The Sultan has therefore to be very careful not to anger them, and it is for this reason that he delays, hoping that in time one party or the other may give in.

The Powers are, however, quite tired of the delay, and the latest despatch says that they have sent the Sultan a collective note, which means a letter expressing the sentiments of all the diplomats concerned.

This note states that they cannot allow any further delay, and demands that the Porte arrive at a decision immediately.

It is also stated on good authority that the Greek Government has arranged a loan to pay the money that Turkey demands as a war indemnity, so that just as soon as the peace negotiations are concluded Greece may be ready to pay the required sum.

* * * * *

The report about the wounding of General Gomez has been contradicted.

It seems that the Spaniards and Cubans had an engagement near the Jucaro Moron trocha.

A body of insurgents under General Vega were trying to join the forces of General Gomez, when they encountered the Spanish troops.

The insurgents gave battle, and were getting the best of the fight, when a second Spanish column appeared in sight.

The insurgents, finding themselves outnumbered, retreated.

In the engagement General Vega was wounded, his horse being shot under him, and he himself falling unconscious to the ground.  His staff surrounded him, and carried him away to a place of safety, but not before the Spaniards had seen what had occurred.

Knowing Gomez to be in the neighborhood, they supposed it was he who had been in command, and so the mistake arose.

It is a happy thing for the Cubans that Gomez is still spared to them.  The terrible disasters of the Greek campaign have shown us how necessary good leaders are.