Q. During these four years, how often have irregular contributions been raised in the town by the Government?
A. The only taxes are upon laden camels and merchandise.
Q. What are the exactions to which public servants are exposed?
A. They take everything from them.
Q. Does that often happen?
A. No, not very often.
Q. How many incidents of the kind do you recollect?
A. The late Caïd had been in office twelve years, and his father twelve before him. The Emperor then fixed his demand at 40,000 dollars. The Caïd said, he had not the money to pay. The present Caïd has shown that he had as much in houses and gardens in Rabat alone.
Q. Since he could neither impose contributions on the town, nor extort money from individuals, how did he accumulate wealth?
A. He was a very venal man, and you could do anything with him for four dollars.