Page 185 - PERSIAN 3 1883_1890

EESIDENCY and MUSCAT POLITICAL AGENCY POE 1884-S5. 17

PART II.
administration report of the muscat political agency for
1834-1885.
Political.—The close of Hie year 1883 6aw the re-establishment of His Highness Seyyid
Toorkcc's prestige and the vindication of his authority by the suppression of his brother's
rebellion. In tho present year under review, His Highness's position has been still further
strengthened by the recovery of two fortresses, one on the coast and the other in the interior,
which had been for a long time in the hands of disaffected Chiefs.
In April 1884, the Sultan being dissatisfied with the conduct of Sheikh Muharamad-bin-
Nasir, El Ruaby, invited him to Muscat, intending to replace him at Zikki by a more obedient
and devoted adhereot. Sheikh Muhammad came a3 far as Semail, but having bis suspicions
aroused returned thence to his fort.
In this month the Beni Battash, a powerful tribe in El Sharkiyeh, which had for some
time been estranged, became reconciled to His Highness.
In May a second attempt was m?de to induce Sheikh Muhammad Nasir to visit Muscat,
and this time with better success. Having received a promise of safety, and believing the word
of the envoys, he presented himself before the Sultan, by whom he was immediately imprisoned.
Sheikh Muhammad then agreed to surrender the fort of Zikki on certain terras; but on these
being made known to the tribe, the latter became iudiguaut at the treatment of their Sheikh,
and repudiated tho agreement.
On the 22nd May, the most learned and influential Mctowwa or priest in Oman, Muham-
mad-ELGharibi, died at Khudthra in the Batineh.
On the 2Gth, letters aud rumours reached Muscat of an intended rising on the part of the
Sharkiych tribes under the leadership of Sheikh Saleh. A raid on the Batiuch coast was also
contemplated by Sheikh Ilaraood-El-Jahafec; but these mischief-makers failed to receive the
support they expected, and their schemes ultimately fell through.
On the 26lh June, the Political Agent proceeded to the Batineh in Her Majesty's ship
Dragon, to assure himself of the safety of Indiau British subjects residing on that coast.
In July, a serious conflict took place between the Harlli and Mesakereh tribes of El Shar-
kiyeb, which are constantly at feud, in which about 20 men were killed and wounded.
Tho Sultan received a visit on the 27th of the following month from Sheikh Tabnoon-
bin-Zaeed-bin-Khalifa, who arrived from Abuthabee by sea.
After several ineffectual missions and much correspondence, the negociations with the
Beai Ruweyheh for the surrender of the fort at Zikki, were at length brought to a successful
termination through the mediation of the people of Nakhal, and Sheikh Muhammad wa*
released from confinement on the 4th September. By agreement the tribe received a sum of
§2,500 for giving ap the fort. The fort was entrusted by tbe Sultan to Suleiman-bin-
Suweylim, who was despatched from Muscat with a garrison to receive charge.
In this month the Wazir, Seyyid Saecd, proceeded to Soor in the Dar-el-Salaam and
effected an arrangement with the Jenebch about the payment of customs duties and for the
erection of a wall roand the town.
On the 4th October, the fort of Soweyk was yielded up to the Sultan by Saood>bin-Seyf,
Beni Ruweybeh on payment of §500.
About tbe same time SLeikh Hilal-bin-Zabir of Nezwa raided tbe Jenebeh at Rakkeh in
tbe Province of Oman, and inflicted a loss of ten killed on that tribe.
On tbe 81«t October, the Political Resident in the Persian Gulf arrived at Muscat and
had an interview with tho Sultan on tbe subject of Gwadur affairs. The Political Resident
left Muscat to return to Busbire on the 3rd Novomber.
In November, negociations wore renowed with Sheikh Hilal for the surrender of the fort
at Nezwa, but they failed as before. Sheikh Hilal consented to receive tbe eura offered himj
but on the officers appointed by His Highnoss to receive charge of the fort appearing, they
were refused admittance.
The 8ultan*s son, Muhammnd, having expressed a desire at this time to be relieved of hie
governship at 8ohar, Soyyid Haraod«bin Ndsir wss appointed to reliove him, aud Seyyid
Muhammad roturnod to Muscat on the 6th Docember,