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Year. Events and facta.
1890-97 . In July 1898 disastrous fires broke out at Shargah, Abu Thabi
and Dobai. A sovere storm at Shargnh in November
1890 caused the wreck of many boats of pearl divers.
1397-93 . In September 1897 a revere 6torm caused the loss of many lives
at the pearl fisheries and about 100 falling boats were
destroyed. There was thus a rise in the price of pearls
owing to tho fact that the take was less than usual.
Iu suuimer a fire broke out at Dcbai, caused by a siave woman.
1901-02 , The pearling season was satisfactory; DebnUeemed lo be increas
ing iu size and importance. Owing to the policy of the
Customs Administration nt Liugab more 6t<'amei8 visited
the Pirnto Coast and landed goods direct, which would other
wise have been transhipped from Lingah.
1902-03 . The pearling soason was a good one and high prices were
generally maintained.
1903-04 . The pearling season was a prosperous one. Although the take
of pearls was not a large one, prices ruled high.
(li) IXTER-TRIBAL WARS ON TIIE ARAB COAST, 1873—190;!.
131. We have dealt in Chapter XI with the inter-tribal wars on the
Mussendom Peninsula between the Chiefs on the East Coast of Oman with
the Joasmi Chiefs on the Arab Coast of the Persian Gulf from 1876 to 1S88.
We shall now proceed to give a synopsis of tribal feuds and fights on the Arab
Coast from Tibbat to Abu Thabi. Wo shall generally exclude from this
chapter the feuds of the Trucial Chiefs with the Arab tribes in the Katar
Peninsula, which have been dealt with in the Katar Precis.
132. The petty Chiefs on tho Pirate Coast have been very prone to
quarreling amongst themselves, but all legitimate influence, when opportunity
offered, has been brought to hear to persuade them to settle their numerous
disputes rationally without recourse to arms, and interchanges of visits have
ocoasionaliy been promoted by tho Government Agent with good result.
It may be well to remark here that the dissensions which have occurred
owed their origin in most instances to
Administration Report for 1874-75, page 2.
pecuniary difficulties, whether arising
out of claims for tho price of blood of murdered kinsmen or dependents for
the restitution of bankrupt refugees for indemnification on account of mis
cellaneous losses, or other causes ; and that when money was forthcoming
appeal to arms was avoided always, provided the cause of quarrel was such as
to be capable of adjustment by pecuniary payment.
133. We subjoin below a synopsis of the tribal fights and feuds in the
shape of a statement, based on the facts narrated in the Gulf Resideucy
Administration Reports:—
Years. Parties to the feuda or wars. Events.
1873-74 The Chief of Shargnh with Alleged want of faith on the part of the Chief of
the Chief Ejinao, Shargah and his refusal to pay just demands of
money due causod feuds.
versus The Chief of Dehai suffered a defeat with loss
of about 50 men.
Tho Chief' of Umra-ul-
Kawein with the Chiefs
of Abu Thabi aud
Himriyeh.

