458 A TROPICAL DEPENDENCY tive, the High Commissioner of Northern Nigeria, to obey the laws of the Protectorate and the lawful commands of the High Commissioner, and of the Resident, provided that they are not contrary to my religion. And if they are so contrary I will at once inform the Resident for the information of the High Commissioner. I will cherish in my heart no treachery or disloyalty, and I will rule my people with justice, and without partiality. And as I carry out this oath, so may Allah judge me." To pagans, the substance of the same oath is administered in whatever form is most binding on their conscience.

To all the chiefs it is explained that it is no part of the British policy to lessen their influence or authority — that, on the contrary, it Is the desire of the British Government to rule with them, and through them.

Residents are Instructed strictly to observe the etiquette of proper ceremonial In their dealings with the chiefs. It Is recognised that, the Fulani chiefs being aliens who have won their position by conquest, it would not be surprising if the bulk of the people, seeing that the Fulani power has been broken by the British, were no longer to accord to the chiefs their accustomed obedience and respect. The desire of the British Government is to counteract this tendency in every possible way, and Residents are instructed that *' the privileges and influence of the chiefs can best be upheld by letting the peasantry see that Government Itself treats them as an integral part of the machinery of the administration — that there are not two sets of rulers, one British and one native, working either separately or in co-operation, but a single Government, in which the native chiefs have clearly defined duties, and an acknowledged status equally with British officials." It is, however, considered necessary at present, and probably for some time to come, to retain the means of enforcing order — namely, the military and police force — solely under the British Government. The emir's orders must be enforced by the native courts. In the last resort it may, of course, become