In consequence of this measure, the loss to the Imperial treasury amounts to more than 300,000 purses a year.[L] The abolition of this tax on exports being of immense benefit to the people of this empire, in order in some slight degree to compensate for the loss thus entailed, certain new taxes of universal application to all parts of the country were imposed; and as the people of the Island of Crete are amongst those most benefited by the abolition of the duty on exports, it is only just and natural that they should pay their share of the new imposts which were intended to make up the loss to the treasury. For, whilst the inhabitants of other places have had 50,000 purses added to their property tax ("verghi"), in consequence of no such tax existing in Crete, no part in the payment of this augmentation falls to their lot. Crete, then, enjoying as she does this exceptional favor and advantage, cannot with right and justice pretend to be exempted from the imposts mentioned above. As regards the matter of the construction of roads, bridges, hospitals, etc., it is true that such wishes are amongst the requirements of the age, and the Porte is exceedingly anxious for the carrying out of such useful projects. It is clear, moreover, that all countries and governments stand in need of improvements of this kind. But their execution can only be effected by degrees, and according to convenience and opportunities. If the inhabitants of Crete required such public works and improvements, then it behooved them to make application to the Government at Constantinople, and in a manner consistent with their allegiance. But the essentially illegal and irregular demand for the abolition of taxes, the mixing up with this demand of other matters which might possibly be conceded, and their proceedings in assembling together for the promotion of these objects, can only be regarded by intelligent persons as acts of rebellion which cannot be tolerated, and they have now incurred the extreme reprobation of the Imperial Government. [L] A purse is 500 piastres.