27 379 In the first place, the scheme for the reorganization of the C4haffir force has now taken shape. It is proposed in future to recruit the force by volunteers, who accept to serve in their own villages for tliree years under the same rules of discipline as are applied to the police. The military authorities have agreed that these men, though remaining liable to conscription, will not, in ordinary circumstances, be called upon to serve in the army, and it is therefore hoped tliat a sufficient number may be obtained from those who have been balloted under the recruiting law, but are not required for the army, and also from men already in tlie force who are willing to accept the new conditions. In view of the number of men (about 45,000) involved, it will be necessary to carry out the scheme gradually, two or three provinces being taken up at a time. Under the provisions of the new Provincial Councils law, the number of Ghaffirs and also their rates of pay will in future be fixed by the Councils.

A useful measure for diminishing crime has been the formation throughout the country of local committees of arbitration or conciliation, to which disagreements among the rural population arising out of private animosities can be referred, either by the parties concerned or by the authorities. In the short time during which this scheme, has been in opei*ation, over 900 disputes or feuds have been settled, at all events temporarily. As private animosities and revenge are respoirsible for nearly 40 per cent, of the crimes committed in the provinces, this measure cannot fail to exercise a considerable effect upon the criminality of the country.

Another fruitful source of dissension amongst the rural population is the question of the alignment of their village streets, and every year a large number of denunciations are made as to buildings encroaching on the streets, the complainants more often than not being actuated solely by a desire to annoy an enemy. The matter frequently ended in the forcible removal of a part of a building, with the result that, not only was the Government involved in a law-suit, but the dissensions between the complainant and the owner of the building became more acute than ever. As a general rule these encroachments occasioned no serious inconvenience to the public, and merely offered occasions for the indulgence of a vexatious habit, very prevalent in this country, of making use of Government machinery in order to be revenged on a neighbour. With a view of inducing the people to settle these questions amicably amongst themselves, village committees have now been formed to which in future all such complaints are to be referred. A fair start has been made, and up to the end of December the committees had dealt with 678 cases, in 433 of which the parties acquiesced in the decisions. In the remaining cases the local authorities are endeavouring to bring about an amicable settlement.

The reforms which I have enumerated in this and the two preceding chapters show that great progress has been made during the last twelve months in the Ministry of the Interior, and I do not think it is too much to say that there is already proof of permanent improvement in the state of public security and of the general administration in the provinces. This satisfactory result is entirely due to the unsparing energy and industry and intimate knowledge of local conditions displayed by the Minfster, Moiiammed Said Pasha, and Mr. Chitt}’-, the Adviser, who must share between them the credit for all that has been accomplished. Tlie year’s record affords, indeed, a striking example of what can be effected by the intimate co-operation ot the English and Egyptian elements in the administration.

It is with very great regret that I have to report Mr. Chitty’s departure from Egypt on the ground of ill-health. During his twent3'-seven years of service, no Englishman has been more successful in grappling with the peculiar difficulties which surround the task of administration in an oriental countiy, or in securing the esteem and affection of all classes in every town and province in Egypt, and his retirement is deplored by the whole population. His successor in the difficult and delicate post, which he has filled with so much credit for the last year and a half, is Mr. R. Graham, the Councillor of the British Agency in Cairo for the last three years.

27. Pfoviiicid Councils.

Oil fonliei' occasions I have pointed out tliat the soundest method of incetiiig’ the de.sire which exi.sts among certain sections of the population for a larger participation in public affairs is the development of local self-government, which is Undoubtedly the best preparation and education for the ultimate exercise of more responsible functions. The law intended to give practical effect to this view by enlarging the powers of the Provincial Councils was, I am glad to say, finally promulgated in June last, aftei [3S4] House of Commons Parliamentary Papers Online. Copyright (c) 2006 ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights reserved.