The government gives them their father, and we estimate these expenses in the current year at 80,000 Egyptian Pounds and more for the twenty-seven cities that have local councils. The various municipal councils and local councils, especially the former, have generally achieved what is desired, but I have reservations. First, I admit that these councils and their like are not without political importance, as there is no doubt that it is good for both administrative and political efficiency to entrust the inhabitants of Egyptian cities with the management of their affairs. When they realize this, their interest in these councils will increase, and they will rise to the level that Lord Dufferin alluded to in his report. But I say, and I do not fear criticism, that if the self-governance of these councils is entrusted to them, their importance will be greatly enhanced. If they were to look at them now from a perspective other than paving their streets, bringing water to their homes, and lighting them with electricity, they would be met with great surprise and astonishment, as everything other than these purposes is alien to England at the present time. The second observation must not be forgotten, for Mr. Mitchell wrote, "The inhabitants of the provincial cities, who have risen in their living standards to the point of writing Egyptian books, are urgently demanding water and light." I have no doubt about the truth of this statement. The urgent demand for light is a good sign. It is also conclusive evidence that this desire is for genuine improvement, not artificial. A very diligent official noted that those who demand improvement pay for it. This is evident in cities where voluntary taxes are levied and consequently various municipal councils have been established. However, it should not be overlooked that the number of Europeans and educated Egyptians is large in these cities, and there is no doubt that the desire for municipal improvements will increase there and be completed. Cities whose inhabitants are like the inhabitants of cities that now have municipalities should take legislative measures promptly – if the authorities work to implement them – to overcome the opposition of a few individuals to the will of the majority. As for other cities, whose inhabitants are mostly, if not all, Egyptians, and where the wealthy and influential are fewer, they require more attention in any case. It is not advisable for the government to anticipate public opinion too much in their regard. I still hold the opinion that I expressed in my previous report, which is that most of the inhabitants still prefer not to pay local taxes over the benefits derived from levying those taxes. I will now discuss what has been achieved in terms of self-governance during the era of Lord Dufferin.