Page 153 - Gulf Precis (VII)_Neat

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20. A few of the incidents which occurred within a few weeks atBushire
might serve to show the disorders referred to.
(1) On the night of the 29th May one of the night guards was wounded by
a Sirbaz (foot soldier), who was prowling about the streets intent on robbery.
(2) On the night of 8th June thieves were said to be going about with crow­
bars, intending to plunder by force, and their attempts were only frustrated by
all parties being warned to be watchful and protect their property.
(3) On the night of the 22nd June an Arab, who was passing peaceably to
his home, was wounded by a Sirbaz with a sword while in a state of drunkenness.
(4) On the night of 25th June a woman was wounded by a Toopchee
(artilleryman) while in a state of drunkenness.
(5) On the 26th June the Sirbaz seized all the water-melons brought into
the market for sale, and compelled all purchasers to pay any price they demand­
ed. The Yawur in command was unable to control them.
(6) On the 27th June the Sirbaz took advantage of the Aubdhar Bashee
being recalled to seize all the water-melons brought to the town for sale, giving
the owners any price they liked or nothing at all, and selling to the townspeople
at high rates.
(7) On the 28th June the Sirbaz seized all the water-melons brought to the
town and levied a tax of J kran on each load, their Commanding Officer having
no control over them.
(8) On 30th June the Malek-ut-Tujjar was entrusted with the government
of Bushire, and he appointed Kerblai hvazas Deputy Governor.
(9) On 17th July the Sirbaz again attempted to interfere with the water­
melons brought to Bushire for sale. The Yawur commanding ordered them to
desist, and on his proceeding with other Sirbaz to enforce his authority, a melee
ensued in which many Sirbaz were wounded. The unruly Sirbaz had eventually
to be sent away from Bushire to Behbehan, and the Yawur and Adjutant were
directed to proceed to Shiraz. The latter were however eventually allowed to
remain.
(10) On the 2Sth July the Sirbaz surrounded the Malek-ut-Tujjar's house,
and clamoured for pay and rations, threatening to besiege the place till they were
satisfied. Eventually they were pacified by a money payment and written
assurances.
(t 1) On the night of 28th July a gang of robbers from Tengistoon made a
raid on a melon garden within two miles of Bushire belonging to a connection
of Mr. Edwards’ servant. They stripped his wife of ornaments and clothes
valued at 150 krans, and threatened to kill her unless she disclosed where the
money collected by the sale of the melons was deposited. She pointed out
the place, and they dug the money out of the ground amounting to 273 krans.
While getting away they tried to take away a bullock also, when the gardener
sprung up and seized one of the robbers who being unable to free himself called
out for aid. The companions of the robber shot the gardener dead and
decamped with their booty. In the morning a representation was made to the
Malek-ut-Tujjar who telegraphed to Shiraz to the Ihtesham-ed-Dowleh. His
Highness sent orders for the better protection of the place, but no attempt
was made to seize the culprits, compensate the sufferers, or provide for the
widow and children of the murdered man.
(12) On the 10th August the Sirbaz were again clamorous for pay and
rations, and the Yawur resorted to corporal punishment, and was said to have so
severely chastised one man that he nearly died. The others sought refuge
under the flagstaff of the Turkish Consul.
(13) Many robberies in the town were traced to the Sirbaz, but they seemed
to be driven to it, as owing to there being no Governor in Bushire, they did not
know whom to apply to for pay and rations, and without the latter they could not
exist.
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