Page 594 - PERSIAN 2C 1890_1899_Neat

10 ADMINISTRATION REPORT ON THE PERSIAN GOLF POLITICAL
Tlio members of the French Mission at Suza have continued their explo­
rations, but appear to have suffered from the hostility of the Arabs of that
vicinity. They went last suminor to Ispahan, and intend spending tho coming
hot weather in the mountains north of Suza*
Messrs. Lynch Brothers wore engaged throughout tho year in tho con­
struction of tho road which is to connect Ahwaz with Ispahan. It will be a
mule track and will shorten tho land journey very considerably.
Messrs. Lynch have various claims against tho Persian authorities, but,
on tho whole, their affairs are progressing favourably.

8.—PARS AND PERSIAN COAST.
His Koval Highness the Firman Firma, a near relation of the present Shah,
was Governor-General of Fare when I visited Shiraz. In January last, he was
relieved by the Kizam-ul-Mulk, and came down to Bushire in February on his
way to Kerbolla, where ho is gone on a pilgrimage.
Tho harvest in Fare was better this year than it has been for some time
back, as tho locusts did not appear as early as usual. It is hoped that the
period of agricultural depression, which has . now lasted for several years, is
about to end, and that a period of prosperity will succeed.
Oulf Torts.—There is not much to mention about the Gulf Ports with the
exception of Lingah, the history of which has been interesting during 1S98-99.
Lingah was originally founded by the Jowasimi Arabs, whose Sheikhs ruled it,
yielding more or less submission to the authority of Persia. Eventually the
Persians succeeded in obtaining the complete control of the place, and in 1887
the Sheikh of that time was captured and sent to Tehran, since which Lingah
has heen under Deputy Governors appointed by the Governor of Bushire. Last
year, however, Sheikh Mahomed, a descendant of the former Arab Sheikhs,
attacked Lingah, and easily got possession of it. No damage, to speak of,
occurred to our subjects in consequence of this revolution, and it seemed likely
at one time that the Sheikh would establish himself finally in place of his
ancestors, and that the Persian Government would accopt the situation and
acquiesce iu the restored Arab rule. Such was not, however, tho case, as the
Persians appear, throughout, to have been resolved to ro-assert their authority.
Accordingly, in February last, the “Tersipolis ” went to Lingah conveying the
Daria Begi and a small force. An attack was suddenly made and Lingah
retaken by the Persians. The Sheikh made his escape.
I The British India Steam Navigation Company, before the attack on Lin-
gap, had made some arrangements with a contractor for the landing of cargoes
/atr special rates. This clashed with the contract held by the old Hamal Bashi,
and in the confusion which resulted from the capture of the place the company
seems to have been, put to some inconvenience. I believe, however, that matters
are^now on a better footing.
^mPor^a?^ case reo?r<^no the Island of Hormaz has recently been
settled. The island contains valuable mines of red oxide of iron, and both
Messrs. A. andT. J. Malcolm and the Moin-ut-Tujar endeavoured to obtain
a concession for working them. Both parties appear to have obtained the
support of influential persons at Tehran, and to bay0 t a d deal of
money in obtaining firmans and grants. Eventually the island has been
given to the Mom-ut-lujar, who has had to pay Krans 98,000 to Messrs.
Malcolm as compensation.

9.—PERSIAN BALUCHISTAN.
than1Jl8OT0M^HfhaT??-»feededmore l^tly during the past year
n in 1897-98, and there is little to record. Asaf-ud-Dowlah, Governor
effect?™’muchtU,lmt n ^ plac0.fr,om Bampur before the summer without
Baluchis themselvo. tT” been an? further trouble amongst the
aluchis themselves. It was decided to make a fresh distribution of tie