Page 578 - PERSIAN 5 1905_1911

CHAPTER X.

ADMINISTRATION REPORT FOR BAHRAIN FOR THE YEAR
1910.

The relations between the Political Agent and the Chief were very
Political. friendly throughout the year.
The Chief event of importanoe was that the Shaikh agreed to build, at
his own expense, a pier in Manama for the landing of cargo from the steamers
at all tides. The idea is still in the preliminary stage.
The authorities of Hasa again sent soldiers to Zakhnuniyah during the
year, and it became necessary to remind the Porte of past promises with the
result that the soldiers were withdrawn.
Almas, Negro, the Confidential Adviser of Shaikh Isa, died on 11th
January, and was replaced by Ali-bin-Abdulla.
On the advice of Ali-bin-Abdullah, Shaikh Isa called upon house owners
to produce the sanads in virtue of which they held their property. On their
failing to do so they were evicted and no consideration was paid to the period
of possession.
Shaikh Mukbil-bin-Abdur Rahman adh Dhakair protested to Shaikh Isa
against this measure as it pressed hardly on the poor.
The protest had the desired effect, and the Shaikh promised to refrain
from such actions in future.
The 23rd of Hay was observed as a day of mourning in Bahrain for the
death of His Most Gracious Majesty King Edward VII. The bazaars were
closed, and the Political Agent received visits of condolence from Shaikh Isa
and his sons as v,Tell as from the leading members of the different communities
in Bahrain.
On 21st July Captain Dodington, R.N., of His Majesty’s Ship “ Red­
breast,” accompanied by the Political Agent, visited Shaikh Isa and the latter,
accompanied by his sons, returned the Commander’s visit on board His
Majesty’s Ship “ Redbreast.”
As he left the ship a salute of 11 guns was fired in honour of the Shaikh.
This was the first time that Shaikh Isa received the enhanced salute which
was conferred upon him last year by the Government of India.
On the receipt of reliable information the house of a leading merchant of
Muharraq, Yusuf-bin-Abdur Rahman Fakro, was successfully searched for
arms and ammunition, on 2nd August 1910, by the Political Agent with the
consent of Shaikh Isa and a number of rifles, revolvers with much ammunition
were confiscated. Yusuf Fakro was fined Rs. 4,000 which was paid to Shaikh
Isa, and the arms and ammunition were thrown into the sea.
Simultaneously with this search, the premises of some foreigners, sus­
pected of dealing in arms, were successfully searched and the guilty men
fined.
Mr. K. Wram, a Russian trader from Maskat, established his business in
Bahrain in February. When arms seizures were made, it transpired that be
was smuggling arms and ammunition into Bahrain and reliable evidence was
collected to this effect.
He happened to be absent in Maskat at the time and, to prevent his return
here, Shaikh Isa wrote to the Political Agent requesting that steps might be
taken to prevent his landing in Bahrain should he arrive by steamer. The
necessary steps were accordingly taken, but Mr. Wram made no attemp1
to return.