Egypt and the Sudan 143 have a free hand in the Sudan, and meant to have it. For reconstruction in the Sudan had to begin from the foundations. Dervish rule had not only swept away all trace of the old Egyptian Government, but had laid waste the country itself. The original population of about eight millions had lost three millions in war and another three in disease and famine. Not only were flocks and herds all gone, but even the date-trees and wells had been destroyed. The first budget (1898) showed a revenue of ^35,000 and an expenditure of £235,000. But in ten years the Sudan was beginning to be able to pay interest on its debts to Egypt for covering its deficits. Such subventions, combined with supplying the necessary troops, were, however, the extent of Egypt's share in the partnership. The administration of the Sudan became more and more British, and a special British Civil Service was created for it. And with financial and administrative independence from Egypt came economic independence when the railway was completed to Port Sudan on the Red Sea (1906). The sovereignty of Cairo at Khartum soon became as shadowy as that of Constantinople at Cairo (vide Chapter XL). The annexation of the Sudan to the British Empire had been camouflaged by a political condominium. The British administration of Egypt had similarly been camouflaged by a financial condominium. There was certainly> in both cases, justification for some shoulder shrugging and sneers at perfide Albion. But by now the scramble for Africa had become a