| Description | Expresses the urgent importance of undertaking an anthropological survey of the British Possessions in Central and East Africa, particularly the Uganda Protectorate. Discusses the tribes there, and the desire to know the institutions, laws, customs and beliefs of these people, which would help the British Government. Hopes to remove 'some of the most fruitful causes of friction and discontent by preventing Government officials, ignorant of native ideas and customs, from shocking those traditional beliefs and habits of the people, which are often not only harmless but etter adapted to the native conditions of life than any that we could at the present juncture substitute for them'. Hopes to prevent punitive expeditions and petty wars so that they can 'live contented under British rule'. Notes that this is urgent as the influence of European culture is encroaching on these customs.
Suggests appointing a Government Anthropologist to undertake this work. Suggests the Reverend John Roscoe for this job, who spent 25 years as a missionary in Uganda, has learnt languages, and whose friendship with Sir Apolo Kagwa [Kaggwa] has given him great opportunities and knowledge.
Letter is signed [in print] by 116 men including Bishops, Professors, and Fellows of the Royal Society. |