Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 3.djvu/211

 former, elected by whites and blacks without distinction of colour, comprise the sixteen members of the general council, and the deputy sent to the Chamber. The chief colonial official, who is invested with extensive powers, takes the title of Governor, and resides at Saint-Louis. A lieutenant-governor is also nominated to administer the southern districts and possessions on the Ivory and Slave Coasts. Owing to the unhealthy climate, home-sickness, personal ambition, and the shifting of political power in the metropolis, these functionaries are often changed, as many as seventeen governors having succeeded each other between the years 1850 and 1886. They are assisted by a colonial council composed of high officials and notables.

Out of a total revenue of £100,000 about £12,000 are devoted to educational purposes, and the military and naval expenses are all defrayed by the home government. The military forces, commanded by a colonel stationed at Saint-Louis, comprise five companies of marines, two battalions of Senegalese rifles, two batteries of marine artillery, a troop of spahis (cavalry), and a few other small bodies, forming altogether a far from numerous force, considering the great extent of country held in subjection, and the thirty-five fortified stations between SaintLouis and the Niger, and from Podor on the Senegal to the Mallicory, which require to be constantly garrisoned. There is also a defensive flotilla under a naval captain, and a small colonial marine to guard the coast.