Page 196 - PERSIAN 2 1879_1883

28 ADMINISTRATION REPORT OP TUB PERSIAN OUI.P POLITICAL

but it was anticipated tliat, with the promised help of Shaikh Hilal of
the Beni-Hinah, the occupation would be. accomplished without much
difficulty. Seyyid Fcvsal reached Nezwa about the 21th November, and
secured the town and suburbs—Hamad retiring to the citadel with some
of the Beni-Kuweyheb. After a good deal of negotiation Seyyid
Hamad suspected his ally, Mohammad-bin-Nasir of the Beni-lluwcyheh,
of treachery, and treated with Shaikh Hilal for the surrender of the
citadel to Seyyid Feysal, who thereupon entered on possession. A salute
of twenty-one guus was fired at Muscat on this event.
About the same time fresh disputes having arisen between the
Jencbeh and Malikh tribes relative to the free use of Khors, Jeramah,and
Hejarah by trading vessels, the Sultan despatched his Wazeer Seyyid
Said in the Dar-cl-Saladm to investigate the affair, and bring it to a final
conclusion* Commander Cumming, Her Majesty's Ship JFoodfark, also
proceeded thither to watch British interests. The result was satisfactory,
the Malikhis having to refund the tolls charged by them, and promised
to abstain in future from interference with trading vessels using the
creeks for sheltering and watering. The Shaikh of Ras-el-Had, whose
rapacity had caused the difficulty, was deposed in favor of his son.
In January the Beni-Kelban and other Ghlffiree tribes who, at the
instigation of Shaikh Burgbash, were still besieging the fort of Boo
Eineni, made an attack on the Beiooch garrison, and retired with a loss
of seven killed. The struggle had hitherto continued to be entirely
among the Ghaffiree tribes, some of whom supported the Bclooeh, but the
latter now called in the aid of the Beni-Ali of Yenkal, and offer to intro­
duce them into the fort. The Beni-Ali, however, did not at once respond
to this proposed arrangement. The date groves and aqueducts of Einem
have all'been destroyed by the besiegers.
Jn the following month a collision occurred between the Beni-boo-Ali
and the Beni-boo-Hassan, in which the former were defeated with a loss
of twenty-two killed, the latter losing about twenty. The Beni-boo-Ali
were greatly out numbered, as, not knowing the strength of their enemy,
they had turned out in small force. On the news reaching Muscat, His
Highness Seyyid Toorkee despatched an officer to mediate between them.
The year has thus passed peacefully, and without any rebellious
rising against His Highness Seyyid Toorkee’s position, and it closes
without any sign of troubles arising in the near future.
During the year Mr. Louis Maguire was appointed Consul at
Muscat for the United States of America, and later on the same gentle­
man was also recognized by the Sultan as Consular Agent for France.
Official changee.—In the month of July, Major Grant proceeded on
privilege leave, returning to Muscat on the 28th idem, Surgeon-Major
Jayakar acting during his absence.
On the 29th October Lieutenant-Colonel Miles returned to Muscat,
and resumed charge of the Agency from Major Grant, who then pro­
ceeded to India.
Slave-trade.—No slave dhows were brought in to the Vice-
Admiralty Court during the past year.

MU6CAT, (Sd.) S. B. Miles, Lieut.-Col->
The 27/4 Mag lb80. H. U. US, Polli. Agent $ Cumnl, M**'*t.