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CHAPTER XV.

Piracies on tlio Shat-el-Arab, 1888—1904.
451. A 6tato of lawlessness lias been prevailing at certain seasons in the
Shat-el-Arab, where vessels engaged in convoying dates and other produco havo
repeatedly been attacked and robbed by piratical boats hailing from one side of
tho river or the other to the great discouragement and hindrance of lawful trade.
A few typical cases aro noted on the statements below. It has boon found im­
possible hitherto to bring these outrages home to thoir perpetrators in almost
all the cases ; and the local chiefs, belonging to ono bank of tho river, have
habitually ascribed tho blame to thoso who exercise authority on the other.
Neither the Ottoman nor tho Persian authorities have been willing to accept
any serious responsibility in the matter. The pirates havo been pursuing thoir
calling unmolested, and their victims havo boon powerless to obtain redress.
452. It is worthy of notice that while tho Turkish Government is so earnest
in claiming sovereign rights over the whole course of the river and has been hint­
ing at its rights over tribes in tho eastern bank of tho river below Mohammerah,
it has done little to fulfil its responsibilities on tho river. "While Persia is more
anxious to bring Mohammerah under its revenue control and weaken its Sheikh,
than to strengthen its hands for purposes of order and peace—