Whatever we may call him, the Elder is officially the principal personage in the crowd, and wears the insignia of office in the form of a small medal suspended from his neck by a thin brass chain.

His duties, however, are extremely light.

To call to order those who interrupt the discussion is no part of his functions.

If he calls an honourable member "Durak" (blockhead), or interrupts an orator with a laconic "Moltchi!" (hold your tongue!), he does so in virtue of no special prerogative, but simply in accordance with a time-honoured privilege, which is equally enjoyed by all present, and may be employed with impunity against himself.

Indeed, it may be said in general that the phraseology and the procedure are not subjected to any strict rules.
The Elder comes prominently forward only when it is necessary to take the sense of the meeting.