Page 239 - PERSIAN 2C 1890_1899_Neat

BESIDBNCY AND MASKAT POLITICAL AGENCY FOB THE YEAB 1804-05. 0
8.—PERSIAN ARABI8TAN.
His Royal Higlines8 the Ilissam-es-Sullanch was re-appointed to the
Govcrnor-Gcncralsliip before the close of the year 1893-94, and held it through­
out the past year. In March 1895, the Nizam-es-Sultaneh was nominated
for the ensuing year.
Luristan was in a veiy unsettled state, much disorder prevailed, and the
joad from Dizful to Koremahad was unsafe for caravans. Operations were
carried on against the Direkwend Lurs by His Royal Highness Hishmet-ud-
Dowlah, who, in May, captured a large number of the tribe and deported
them to Pusht-i-Kuh; the Bakhtiaris assisted in these operations. The road,
however, still remained unsafe, and caravans had to avoid it The Bakhtiaria
also were at feud with each other for a time, and robberies were committed
on the road between Shuster and DizfuL
The Chaab Arab tribes, who last year insisted on Sheikh Jafir Khan as
their Governor, appear to have turned against him, and Sheikh Abdullah, who
had been rejected by them, was re-appointed Governor, as the result of a
movement in his favour. Difficulties, however, arose about the arrears of reve­
nue, and though a compromise was apparently effected, a combination was
made against Sheikh Abdullah, and before the close of the year, his rival was
re-appoinle<l to the Governorship.
There was trouble also at Howeizah, where the inhabitants rose in resent­
ment against the Military Commander. Again, in December, two sections of
the Beni-Truf tribe were in hostile array, the one against the other, and the
Prince Governor was obliged to proceed there, the matter not being settled
till the fort held by one of the parties had been destroyed, with the help of
the Government troops.
Mutual eggressions were committed by the Arab tribes on the opposite
side of the Perso-Turkish frontier near Howeizeh. The Arabs from the Persian
side raided the districts over the border, in retaliation for alleged previous
aggressions, and it is said that complaint having been made to the Turkish
authorities by their subjects, they advised their subjects again to retaliate.
At any rate a raid was afterwards made from the Turkish ride on the village
of Buwarim.
Complaints were made to Tehran by the Turks in connection with these
matters and an official was deputed by the Governor-General to enquire into
them. Sheikh Mizal, however, declared that the offenders on the Persian side
were Turkish tribes residing over the border.
A want of firm control exhibited itself at Bunder Nassery (Ahwaz), and
relations between the Persian soldiery and Arab inhabitants were strained.
On one occasion when the Muin-et-Tujjar's Agent endeavoured to enforce the
landing fees against certain boats with the help of the soldiers, a violent demon­
stration against him was made by the Arabs.
The postal arrangements between Mohammerah and- Shuster collapsed,
owing to want of funds for payment of the service, and early in November
the post office at Mohammerah was closed, communication with the interior
bring closed.
Trade has been satisfactory, the export of wheat from the Karun, owing
h> a good harvest and low prices, increased. In imports, notwithstanding the
diversion of a part of the transhipment trade for Koweit, and increased vigi­
lance against smuggling into Turkish territory, there has been a small increase.
Messrs. Lynch maintained their service on the lower Karun and ran a
steamer fortnightly between Mohammorah and Bunder Nassery (Ahwaz); at
a barge was also towed, when cargo sufficed. On the upper river, the