Page 63 - PERSIAN 4 1890_1899

• ‘kfisiBisNOr M ‘stu&oa.t political jlokntt foe *. 7

'■<nth the idea of buying mother-of-pearl and also, perhaps, 6f taking part in
• jpearl diving, but the letter intention, if entertained, was not carried out,, A
M. Pierfcepoiut, said to hav6 been a former partner of Messrs. Chapuy and
Tramier, also visited this coast, ostensibly to buy mother-of-pearl, but was ooztt*
polled by an attack of fever to proceed to Europe. The rainfall waa Very email
at Sliargah, and hence cattle suffered from want of pasturage.

3;—BAHRAIN.
There has been no change in the Government of these inland*.
Influenza broke out in February, and several deaths occurred. BinaR-pox
•<708 prevalent and frequently 'fatal.
In October 1891 a Mr. Strasburgner was sent out by an Anglo-French
syndicate to report on the possibilities of the Persian Gulf pearl banks. He
visited Bahrain and other ports with a view to obtaining information as to the
methods, etc., of the Arab divers, hut the result of his enquiries was not favour­
able to the introduction of European capital.
In December 1891 the Shaikh gave a concession to a British firm at
Bushire for the exclusive right to export shells, but withdrew it on the protest
of the inhabitants and merchants of Bahrain on the understanding that it
would not be re-granted elsewhere, and that thfe purchase and sale of shells
should be free to all. The Chief, however, has imposed a heavy duty on th'e
export of these shells, and it remains to be 6een whethet the trade can bear it.
The data crop was excellent, and it was a good season on the pearl banks.
4.—EL-HASA.
The new Mutasarif Said Pasha, who has twice before administered the
district, arrived in Hay 1891. His policy is said to embrace the conciliation of
the Bedouins, the restoration of their subsidies forfeited by his predecessor, and
the removal of grievances previously allowed to pass unchecked.
Arrangements have been made whereby the caravan route between El-
Ha sa and Ojair has become safe, and travellers free from molestation by
Bedouins.
Diarrhoea and influenza were rife during the year, and resulted in many
deaths.
5.—EL-KATIF.
Piracy, as carried on by the Beni Hajar in boats which they managed to
surprise at anchor in various harbours and creeks, was very rife on these^sbores
within Turkish jurisdiction, and a general feeling of insecurity prevailed, which
was not allayed by any vigorous action on the pact of the Administration. In
fact, not a single capture was effected at sea, and any success against these rob­
bers on land was obtained by Arabs under Mahomed-bin- Abdul Wahab. Great
discontent was said to exist at K-Katif owing to the introduction of new law*
by the Turkish Government regarding tend tenures, the succession to states,
and probate duty.
Small-pox was prevalent at El-Katif also.
A-nbjd.
Affairs in Nejd appear to have undergone a decisive change during’ tfte
year under report, as the once powerful Al-Saood family, who have hitherto
maintained some hold on Nejd in spite of Mahomed Ibn Bashid*a obinsfcaAt
attempts to dispossess them, seem now finally to have btt it.