CHAPTER  THE ELEVENTH

THE  PRESENT ADMINISTRATION

SO much of the administration of Morocco is effected
in camp, that it would be impossible to separate the
Military             military from the civil element.    Some district

Expeditions.         jg   always   in   rebellion   against   over-taxation

or oppressive officials, who are not infrequently put to
death by the exasperated populace. At such times
the length to which the "rebels" are permitted to run
depends entirely on the occupation of the imperial troops
in settling similar questions elsewhere, for too much
suspicion is entertained at Court to permit of great
authority falling into the hands of any one commander,
and the sultan himself is the only general. Almost every
year, in the month of May, when the tracks have dried
after the rains, troops are collected from every quarter at
the royal city in which the Court has passed the winter,
a certain number being requisitioned from each governor,
together with contributions and "presents." Wheri the
camp of many thousands is made up outside the walls,
a start is ordered. The ultimate destination is kept closely
secret, and is only to be guessed from preparations made
along the road to any tribes just then rebellious, although
even then a circuitous route may be chosen, several
districts being chastised by the way.

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