veil of twilight, crossed the marshy delta of the river Regreg and entered an ancient gate of the city of Rabat, the principal seat of the reigning Sultan and of the French protectorate.
The following morning I paid a visit to the minister. Monsieur Urbain Blanc, who was acting as the temporary representative of Marshal Lyautey during the chief's absence in France. Monsieur Blanc received me very courteously and accorded me the privilege of a long and interesting talk, in which he explained the program and the policy of France in Morocco with the same sincerity and frankness that had appealed so strongly to me and had come somewhat as a surprise from General de Chambrun in Fez. The minister loved this country and was enthusiastic over the recent organization of its powers and opportunities by Marshal Lyautey, who has faith in Moroccans and in the final success of the action of France, who regards herself as the heir of Rome in Africa.
Through the kindly suggestion of the minister to the chief of the bureau of civil administration, Monsieur Leroy, that he should show us the interesting features of the place, we were able to visit the city and the surrounding country under most delightful auspices. While running through the rich and closely settled locality east of the town, I realized why the Sultan should have wished to transfer his capital from Fez to this Atlantic port. From here it were easier to send out armies to conquer or calm independent or revolting tribes, just as from here he could reach out more quickly and with more security for the tribute from the High Atlas, since the road lead-
