"The Europeans and Americans residing in the town of Zanzibar are either Government officials, independent merchants, or agents for a few great mercantile houses in Europe and America"

This quote by Henry Morton Stanley is describing the Europeans and Americans residing in the town of Zanzibar. It suggests that these individuals are either used by the government, are independent merchants, or are agents for large mercantile homes in Europe and America. This implies that the Europeans and Americans living in Zanzibar are either utilized by the government, are independent company owner, or are working for large companies in Europe and America. This recommends that the Europeans and Americans residing in Zanzibar are affluent and have access to resources that are not readily available to the regional population. It likewise implies that the Europeans and Americans residing in Zanzibar are most likely to have a greater standard of living than the local population. This quote supplies insight into the economic and social dynamics of the town of Zanzibar in the late 19th century.