THE DUAL CONTROL Tewfik's attempt at retrenchment— Economics introduced under the Dual Control — Difficulties of foreign administration — Discontent in the Soudan — Causes of the slave trade.

The eighteen months which followed Tewfik's succession to the throne were not eventful. The new Khedive devoted his energy to reducing the extravagant expenditure which had prevailed in all the Vice-regal palaces during his father's reign. I have already mentioned that in investigating the household accounts of Abdin, his Highness ascertained that ten thousand people had had their meals daily provided for them free of any charge. Enormous as this number is, the statement does not seem incredible to any one conversant with the East. One of the first Turkish dinners I ever dined at was one given by a Pasha, exceptionally honest, and therefore by no means wealthy, to three European friends. The dinner was good of its kind, but what struck me most was not the quality, but the quantity of the viands provided ; every dish contained enough to allow ten times our number to have enjoyed a hearty meal. After dinner,