Page 12 - PERSIAN GULF ADMINISTRATION REPORTS V1

4 REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF TIIE
The Chief of Sbargali has succeeded in drawing on himself the
enmity of almost all the neighbouring Chiefs, and has suffered a defeat
with loss of about fifty of his men. The Chiefs hostile to Shargah
allege that the cause of their displeasure is the want of faith of the
Chief of Shargah, aud bis refusal to meet their just demands for sums
of money due by him.
Weather and winds.—The winter was unusually stormy on the Arab
Coast and many native vessels were driven ashore and wrecked.
In the previous summer the weather was unfavorable and many
pearl divers are reported to have perished.
Bahrein.—The Islands of Bahrein have remained in peace under the
continued government of Sheikh Esau bin Ali. The apprehensions
which so long existed of intended aggression on the part of the Turkish
authorities have disappeared, aud the Chief has had ample leisure to
attend to his duties as Ruler. It is doubtful whether he has used his ad­
vantages with ability to strengthen his position and consolidate his
authority. It is rather to be feared that he relies a good deal for the
stability and permanence of his rule on tlie support of a greater power.
Vessels of war have frequently visited Bahrein during the year, and for
most of the time Major Grant, First Assistant Resident, resided on the
island.
The survey of the reefs around Bahrein has been continued by the
officers of the Surveying Schooner Constance throughout the year.
Kulr (iGntlnr) Coast to Shatt-cl-Arab.—From El-Bida onwards to the
Sliatt-el-Arah the Arabian seaports have remained under Turkish control.
At Bida, Ojeir, and Kateef there have been usually Turkish garrisons.
Along this coast there has been during the year no interference with
British interests.
Persian Coast.—The whole of the Persian Coast from Mohammerah
to Cape Jask may he said to he now administered by the Persian Govern­
ment direct. In many places the hereditary Arab Chiefs remain Gover­
nors, as at Lingah, where the Sheikh also farms the revenues. But the
Government of the Arabs at Bunder Abbass has passed away with little
chance of the system being reverted to. Between Mohamraerab and
Jask there are three ports of some consequence, viz., Bushire, Lingah,
and Bunder Abbass, and upwards of twenty more of minor consideration.

Province of Arabistan.—From a point above Mohammerah to near
Dcelam the inhabitants are Arabs of the Beni Kaab or Chaab; and that
district falls under the chief jurisdiction of the Persian Governor of the
province of Arabistan whose head-quarters
province of Arabistan whose head-quarters are at Shooster. Under him
are subordinate Governors of districts, chief amongst whom ;s Hajee
Jaber Khan of the Kaab tribe, Governor of Mohammerah, who has the
Persian title of Nusret-ul-Moolk. This venerable Chief has been desirous
of undertaking works for the deepening of the liiver Karoon in view to
steam navigation as far as Shuster, an excellent project which, however,
met no adequate support from the Persian Government. In Hajee Jaber's
own district redress^ is usually readily afforded i
-----.—ia usually reauuy auoraecl in cases of plundering
vessels, &c., which is not the case in other parts of the Kaab district.