210 UGANDA AND TEE EGYPTIAN SOUDAN.

districts in the same condition as when they first occupied them ; and it is the honnden duty of the Egyptian government, or of the Powers who control that government, to see that such arrangements are made as will give the natives a just and fair rule. It is, however, useless to be trifling with promises or mere paper conventions ; the great point is to insist on the appointment of European governors.

Men of integrity and energy should be induced to devote their lives to the honourable task of governing these semi-civilised regions. It will not be an easy matter to find men able and willing to undertake this arduous work, hut the advantage of such procedure will be readily understood. The cost of the appointment of European governors would be considerable, and might be deemed a sufficient reason against it, especially as it appears that the present system of government results in a considerable deficiency each year. Fuller investigation would show, however, that only a small part of the taxes levied and raised finds its way into the government treasury, the lion's share going into the pockets of the corrupt officials. As some excuse for them, it must be remembered that they seldom receive their pay regularly, and not infrequently lose it altogether ; and naturally enough they are not scrupulous as to the means they employ to obtain their dues.