Dhow Chasing in Zanzibar Waters - The Search For Mecca

APPENDIX. 449
four dollars upon those shipped for Lamoo, and
a further tax of two dollars upon all slaves
shipped from Zanzibar. The witnesses have
estimated the proceeds of this tax at various
amounts, some ^^utting it as high as 15,000Z. or
•
20,000Z. ; others as low as 5000/. ; but whatever
the amount may be, the prospect of compensation
has been suggested in the negotiations
for a new treaty with the Sultan, already alluded
to in this Eeport.
" It has been suggested that, as an equivalent
for the supposed loss to his revenue, the Sultan
should be released from the payment of an
annual subsidy of 40,000 crowns to the
Sultan
of Muscat, which was arranged upon the partition
of the dominion of the Imaum of Muscat,
between his two sons, by the Indian Government
as arbitrators ; but it now appears that
the circumstances under which it was supposed
this release might be effected have altered.
" It has been given in evidence that from 1700
to about 4000 slaves is probably sufiicient to
supply the requirements of the island and
dominions of Zanzibar, and this, therefore, is
the extent of the legalized trade, and the value
to the Sultan of Zanzibar at the present rate of
tax would not exceed 4000/. annually.
" Your Committee, however, do not believe
that the Sultan of Zanzibar would be ultimately