PROPOSED ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS. 43 r 



After the arrival of the steamer from Kliartum, 

 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 Khartum (with 

 gnashing of teeth !), and receive in exchange the very worst 

 goods at the highest prices in lieu 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, Buty- 

 rospermum 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) Khar- 

 tum 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. 



