This is a summary of the machinery or measures devised to accustom the populace, whether in the councils established by Lord Dufferin or those established after 1883. It remains for us to consider whether this machinery can be improved.

As for the government of cities, I believe that the various municipalities and local commissions are sufficient for all their current needs, and nothing more can be done as long as the legislative authority of the government is restricted, as previously explained. As for the government of districts, I believe that improvement is possible, although it cannot be done without changes to the organic law. However, this change is acceptable.

Lord Dufferin's intention for the provincial councils was for them to be advisory bodies with frequent communication between them and the directors. However, they have not fulfilled this intention much. One of the main reasons for this is that Article 6 of the organic law stipulates that these councils may not convene. Rather, the directors summon them. Directors may only summon them by a high Khedivial order specifying the date and duration of the meeting. It was also stipulated that they should not meet more than once a year. Consequently, they have only met once so far in each province, and it is unlikely they will meet more than that. A request can be made to the director, and a high order will be issued. I do not know why they do not meet more often. A request can be made to the director, and a high order will be issued from Egypt, Cairo.

Furthermore, the organic law stipulated that the number of members of each provincial council should not exceed eight or be less than three. However, circumstances in the provinces have changed greatly since then, necessitating a review of the number and a likely increase.

Whether these councils are suitable as advisory bodies depends on the councils themselves and the qualities of the directors. However, there is no doubt in my mind that if the central government in Egypt, Cairo, encouraged them to focus on local affairs, they would do so and bring about such benefits.

There is another issue worthy of consideration: whether the time has come to dispense with these administrative intermediaries for dispensing justice and to transfer the authority to the aforementioned councils to judge cases and impose fines to the courts. And to transfer their remaining functions to the provincial councils so that they may consider all matters of the provinces. The existence of many committees in each province is not without cost.