ABSTRACT
The political organization of a native tribe is obviously one of the first things to be known clearly. Now the political organization of an African people may be of an advanced kind, implying a sort of monarchy, with extensive traditions and genealogies, with great ceremonial and ritual, a developed system of finance, military organization and various judiciary functions. Such native states can be allowed to run on their own lines but they have to be first expurgated and then controlled. Now it is essential to touch as little as possible of the established order, and yet to eliminate all elements which might offend European susceptibilities or be a menace to good relations. Such knowledge obviously ought to be obtained.
