Revenue Expenditure Deficit EGP EGP EGP 622,000 875,000 253,000 The accounts for the past year have not yet been finalized, but the result is expected to be as follows: Revenue Expenditure Deficit EGP EGP EGP 804,000 832,000 28,000 This is an increase of 182,000 EGP in revenue and a deficit of 43,000 EGP in expenditure compared to the estimates, or an increase of 235,000 EGP over what was anticipated in the budget. I do not attach great importance to the figures in the Egyptian government's accounts for Sudan's revenue before the appearance of the Mahdi. Colonel Stewart mentioned that the government's revenue was estimated in 1881 at 470,000 EGP, and in 1882 at 507,000 EGP. This includes the revenue from Massawa, Darfur, and Lado, which amounts to 113,500 EGP. If we subtract this amount from the total revenue, the difference becomes clear. Colonel Bernard, who played a significant role in increasing revenue and strictly controlling expenditure, states that the stability of this revenue increase may not last. He mentioned in his report the following: "I must point out that this percentage is not inclusive of all types of revenue. The land taxes have reached their limit in relation to the restrictions imposed by the Egyptian government on Sudan regarding the use of Nile water. Improvement in this regard is not expected for several years. The annual subsidy provided by the Egyptian government to its daughter, Sudan, cannot be dispensed with until Sudan reaches a stage where it can cover its expenses and necessary projects. However, the time when the subsidy will be significantly reduced is not far off." (17) Reserve Fund The increase in the 1906 budget, amounting to 325,000 EGP, was added to the reserve fund, which reached EGP on December 31, 1906. Of this, 36,500 EGP was spent, as shown below: -(27)