  Correspondence between the Administrator of British Bongoland, the Commissioner of the M’Gobi District, and the Colonial Secretary. 1. To Mr. Commissioner Philips:— From Government House, Bongoland. There has been a serious falling off in the income from your district, for which it is difficult to account. You will therefore kindly increase the Hut-tax to the extent of 2 pounds of rubber and 10 brass rods per hut. Kindly acquaint me when this has been done. O. F. Administrator. 2. To the Administrator:— From Commissioner’s Hut, M’Gobi District. Sir, I have the honour to report that the utmost possible has been done in the matter of collecting taxes. The people have suffered great hardship this year owing to sleeping-sickness, and though the disease has been stamped out, labour has been scarce, and I do not feel justified in advising H.M. Government to increase the tax. I have the honour to be, Your Obedient Servant, H. Philips. 3. To Mr. Commissioner Philips:— From Government House. You are not expected to advise H.M. Government. Kindly collect the tax as I order, and report to me later. O. F. Administrator. 4. To the Administrator:— From Commissioner’s Hut, M’Gobi District. Sir, I have the honour to inform you, from evidence obtained on the spot, that any attempt to levy an extra tax will be attended with serious consequences—disorder and probable loss of life. I therefore cannot hold myself responsible for the lives of missionaries and other white men in the district in case the tax is levied. I have the honour to be, Your Obedient Servant, H. Philips. 5. To Mr. Commissioner Philips:— From Government House. You may take what steps you like with regard to missionaries; but the tax must be collected. O. F. Administrator. (For PrÉcis. Paper 2.) 6. (By telegram.) To the Administrator, British Bongoland:— From Colonial Office, Whitehall. Sir, Roman Catholic and Protestant missionaries in M’Gobi district report having been removed to coast by order of Mr. Commissioner Philips. Danger apprehended from levy of extra Hut-tax. H.M. Government is very averse to the imposition of harsh taxes, and I must therefore ask you to delay collection and furnish information without delay. Hedley: Assist. Sec. 7. (By telegram.) To the Colonial Office:— From British Bongoland. Sir, I am not accustomed to having my actions criticized. You may leave this matter entirely in my hands. I have the honour to be, Your Obedient Servant, Obadiah FitzBlank, 8. (By telegram.) To Sir Obadiah FitzBlank:— From Colonial Office, Whitehall. You will inform Mr. Commissioner Philips that H.M. Government are of opinion, in agreement with him, that the new tax should not be imposed. You will also resign your office immediately and return by the boat that leaves to-morrow night. Your successor has already left. Joseph Chamberlain. |
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