Page 547 - PERSIAN 1 1873_1879 Admin Report1_Neat

31
MU8KJLT POLITICAL AO KNOT TOIL *878*79*
RESIDENCY AND
»fix
»■ TI»»«tpr.«i*SP»^‘g (ht
Opportunities for extension of pouth is undoubtedly that Winch J
British trade. kcen the subject of prolonged discussion,

pS"»‘^
ix& s
scarcely less fruitful result would bo the extensive trade which would
almost certainly bo inaugurated at the came tunc withit .ic_ richly pro­
ductive districts from Disful northwards, bringing Persian Irak within
the sphere of our commerce. The difficulties experienced m obtaining
the necessary concessions for carrying out the operations so advantageous
to Persia ore characteristic. The present route to Ispahan from Buslure
through Shiraz is very roundabout. A much shorter lino would be
from Declam through Bchbakan, to Kumcsha and Ispahan. It is
probably more the wildness of the inhabitants than the physical difficul­
ties which have prevented tho uso of such a route.
83. It is said that a lino from Ram Ilormnz to Ispahan would
present few formidable physical difficulties were tho time ripe for con­
struction of a railroad.
(Sd.) E. C. ROSS, Lieutenant-Colonel,
Resident, Persian Gulf.

Memorandum on the Opium of Persia.
For the last two years the Persians have shown unprecedentedly great
activity in extending and improving the cultivation and growth of
opium in the country. The heavy losses which they suffered on more
than one occasion from their badly prepared and adulterated stuff,
and the tempting profits which they found were obtainable from
better produce, have apparently impelled them to the course now
taken, While a few vears ago a case of Persian opium weiohing 18
Tabrecz mun, or 140 lbs., would not fetch in China more than 280
to 350 dollars, it has recently realized from 5U0 to 615 dollars
This change cannot of course bo attributed altogether to tho improve-’
went in tho quality of the Persian drug, as prices are regulated by the
6late of the Indian produce and by the demand in the China
markets. Tho Bengal and Malwa crops failed in the last two years
oinng to drought and other circumstances, and the limited outturn

isllgsPesSSS

'***
.0 very considerable as to bourne promine^T^^Ur6'