PROPOSED ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS. 431 After the arrival of the steamer from Khartim, March 18, 1883. I can supply large quantities of caoutchouc; unfortunately I cannot enter into direct communication with the commercial world, but am obliged to deliver all produce at Khartiim (with genashing of teeth !), and receive in exchange the very worst goods at the highest prices in heu of monthly pay. Set me free, entrust me with the independent control of this country, and I will show the Egyptian Government what our province can do.

I have been obliged to answer the letter Mr. L. Holz was so kind as to send by a refusal. That I should prefer German trade is certain ;—only think what a trade could be opened up in ivory, oil of all kinds, skins, corn, ostrich feathers, Butyrospermum fat, indiarubber, wax, iron, &c., &c. It would appear as if the time had come when they [the Government] intend to make good former mistakes, among which I include the celebrated division of the Sudan into four parts, and the appointment of a Sudan Ministry in Cairo. Just think how ridiculous it is to join into one province the Bahr-el-Ghazal and Dongola with Darfur and Kordofan !

If they wish to centralise the administration, well and good ; let them divide the Sudan into administrative districts thus— (1) Darfur and Kordofan, (2) Dongola and Berber, (3) Khartim and Sennar, (4) the Eastern Sudan (Kassala, Suakin, Massaua), (5) Harar, (6) Bahr-el-Ghazal and Hat-el-Istiva (Equatorial Provinces).

Each of these natural provinces should be administered by a Mudir, two local officials, and a finance bureau. Would not this be cheaper? And then, instead of giving £30,000 for a Sudan Ministry, place the whole district under the Home Minister, and spend the money in building telegraphs !

But an end to complaints.