Page 416 - Travels in Arabis (Vol I)

XXlII.j TRAVELS IN OMAN. 377

are governed by Sheikhs, each of whom is

responsible to the Im&m for the good govern­
ment of his respective district. All these

chiefs acknowledge the supremacy of the
Imam ; and for rebellion, or withholding
supplies of men when called on to furnish

them, imprisonment and confiscation of pro­

perty are inflicted. Sayyid S’aid seems,
however, much more desirous to conciliate

their esteem by presents, and to secure their
co-operation for military purposes and the

good order of his dominions, than to prejudice
them against his person or his measures.

While the attention of the Imam is thus di­
rected to the interest of his dominions gene­

rally, the details are left to these chieftains,
and the power they possess in their several

districts is still in consequence very consider­
able. It extends over the persons and pro­

perty of the people, but not to their lives. A
right of appeal to the Im&m exists in every

case, his decision being final and binding. A
Sheikh would therefore find it. very difficult to

abuse his power, and personal security, as well
as the rights of private property, are generally

respected by them. They have no regular