Page 22 - PERSIAN GULF ADMINISTRATION REPORTS V1

14 REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE

The system of Government is so well known now that it is needless to
explain these facts. Before confidence can be established effective reforms
must be introduced.
Meanwhile to enable the British merchant to contend successfully
against the existing difficulties lie requires all the support that can or
will be extended to him.
With railway communication in the north of Persia and no corre­
sponding move in the south it would appear probable the southern trade
would be in great part destroyed to the disadvantage of British and
Indian commerce.
It seems improbable railways could be constructed to connect the
shores of the Persian Gulf with Central Persia. The suggestion of estab­
lishing a commercial route by the Karoou between Shuster and Ispahan
seems best calculated to meet the difficulty.
General requirements.—The immediate requirements in order to
encourage commerce seem to be—

(1.) The appointment invariably of able and honest Governors to
districts and avoidance of the present system of frequent changes.
(2.) Encouragement and protection of the agricultural classes.

(3.) Security of transit for merchandize. Probably were the pea­
santry better protected or less oppressed the robber bands would disappear.
The peasantry are naturally strong, frugal, and industrious, and with
fertility of soil the conditions for protection are not wanting. Too fre­
quently the agriculturalists have just to take their choice between being
robbed or robbing. For the heavy taxes they pay the Government gives
them nothing in return.
Special requirements.—There are many special wants which Bushire
merchants have long felt such as—
(1.) A more efficient Commercial Treaty.
(2.) Establishment of a British Agency at YezcL
(3.) Introduction of a system of drawbacks on goods temporarily
imported and re-exported.
But these matters have been frequently discussed.

Customs and Revenues.
System of farming Customs.—At the sea-ports the customs are gene­
rally farmed out to the highest bidder, who is not uncommonly the
Governor of the town.
The Minister of Commerce sometimes takes the lease of all the
Custom Houses of Persia, but letting to various persons.
The Bushire Customs were let to a person of Ispahan in 1873 for
32,000 Tomans or Rupees 1,28,000.
The Governor collects the land revenue, paying a fixed sum, to the
Central Government.