Page 156 - Gulf Precis (VII)_Neat

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VIII.—Events in 1885-1892. Scarcity in 1886-88. Important proclamation, 1888.

i 39. Although the rainfall of 1885 was abundant, the crops were again
Page 8 of Administration Report of the Gulf attacked by “ rust ” and the harvest was
Residency for 1886-87. consequently scanty. Great distress pre-
vailed in Shiraz culminating in a severe bread riot in July 1885. On this occa-
sion the Persian Telegraph Office was entered by the mob and wrecked, and the
persons of the telegraph officers were for a time in considerable danger.
! Throughout the districts of Shiraz much disorder prevailed and robberies and
outrages were very frequent. The Kashkai and other 11s were completely out
of hand, and plundered without fear, and with impunity. This state of things
was intensified by quarrels between the El-Ilkani, Sultan Mahomed Khan,
and the Ecl-Begi, Darab Khan, neither of whom collected or paid the State’
revenues.
40. Private dissensions also existed between the Salid Diwan and his
nephew the Kawwam-ul-Mulk, which, doubtless contributed much to keep up
disorder in the town and districts. The strife between the relatives led to the
downfall of the Kawwam-ul-Mulk, who was taken to Ispahan and put in chains.
The H-Begi, Darab Khan, also encountered similar fate, and the affairs of
the I^oshkai Ils were entrusted to the Il-khani.
41. Owing to the previous year’s scarcity of harvest prices rose at Bushire
to nearly famine pitch and the outlying
Administration Report for 1887-88.
districts were in an unprosperous and con­
sequently unsettled conditions. This was aggravated by intrigues conducted
from Shiraz, in view to compassing the dismissal of Nasir-ul-Mulk from the
Governorship of Bushire.
42. Exportation of grain from Persian ports was prohibited from gth
December 1888 by notification from Tehran.
43. A royal proclamation was issued in 1S88 by the Shah promising respect
for the liberties and rights of his people and
Gulf Administration Report, 1888-89.
permitting the formation of companies,
etc., for the improvement of roads, commerce, etc. The Resident in his
Administration Report for 1888-89 observes : “ The effects of this measure are not
yet palpable, but owing chiefly to increased intercourse wirh Europeans and inter­
change of ideas with them, there is a gradual amelioration of the condition of
the people in progress, and the Royal proclamation is a sign of the times at
all events, and may yet bear fruit.”
44. It was the intention of the Shah to visit Fars at the end of 1891, but
owing to the prevailing scarcity, which
Gulf Administration Report for 1891-92.
the presence of a large following would
have increased, the idea was abandoned, when prices began to fall.
45. In spite of an excellent harvest in the plains country the export of grain
was prohibited in June 1891, but all con­
Ibid.
tracts entered into before the passing of
the orders were allowed to be carried out.
IX.—Events in 1896-97. Disturbances at Bandar Abbas, 1893.
46. His Royal Highness the Rukn-ud-Dowleh, Governor-General of Fars,
Gulf Administration Report for 1892-93. dealt severely with the Kawwan-ul-MuIk
Secret £., March 1893, Nos. 713-739. referred to above, a powerful but unpo­
pular Shiraz noble, who was the chief landed proprietor in the province and
virtually controlled the Arab tribes. The Kawwan-uI-Mulk shortly afterwards
proceeded to Tehran, whence he was directed to retire to Meshed.
47. The revenue collections were largely in arrears, while the state of the dis­
tricts had been most unsettled; robberies and murders by the Arab nomad
tribes being frequent: one of these tribes, the Baharloo, aggrieved at their treat­
ment by the Governor of Darab, went into outlawry in October 1892. Troops
were sent against them from Shiraz under the Il-khani, and they moved with