Afido Sudan 61 -Egyptian] POLITICAL ; EDUCATIONAL Throughout the country tribal law and custom are 'administered by native sheikhs and chiefs recognised or appointed by Government. There isalways appeal from their decision to a Government official,and they may not impose any capital sentence. But within these limits the Governinent, so far as is possible, refrains from interference with the application of tribal codes, which are often elaborate. Customary law is definitely recognised “ so far as applicable and not repugnant to justice, equity, and good conscience " ( a familiar principle in Eastern government). Though the political conditions of the Sudan still require that the military element must, alike in personnel and method, wield a preponderating influ ence in the Government , yet the civilian administration tends to acquire an ever larger share. The employ ment of the native element in the Administration is also increasing, thanks to the steady policy and encouragement of the Government .

( 3) EDUCATIONAL Hitherto the Government system of education has been confined to the peoples of the northern Sudan . Its extension to the Nuba and negroid peoples of the south has not yet been possible.

To-day the schools and educational institutions which come directly under the central authority of the Sudan Education Department fall into five classes :: ( 1 ) Elementary Vernacular Schools (the “ Rate aided Kuttabs"'). — These are graded intotwo classes: first (in towns) and second (village schools). They are staffed by native teachers trained at Gordon College and paid by Government. Age of admission , seven to ten years . Elementary Arabic and arithmetic, and, where possible, reading and writing are taught, but not English . In some provinces these schools are partly supported by a small voluntary rate . Parents who do not contribute are expected to pay small fees for their sons' first two years' schooling . The kuttabs are a ( 3919) F 2