Page 489 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920_Neat

FOR THE YEAR 1916. 65
0 further calls were mado thus it would ho optimistic to imagine that, on
1 csont lines, the state of tho finances of the Staco will bo in a more flourishing
condition in threo years* time than they arc to-day.
The subject of zikat, which lias proved troublesome in previous years, was
voided this year by the Sultan's agreeing not to impose an extra tax of 10 per
* t in addition to the uoimal 5 per cent, ou dates exported to the coast
C his rebellious subjects of the interior. The question of zikat, lived
by 1914, has not been terminated. Tho incidence fell upon the British
Subjects who exported rather than upon the* contumacious subjects whom
flis Highness desired to punish, and the matter still remains to be dealt
with.
In July a complaint was made against the "Wali of Khaburah who, not for
(be first time was levying a 5 per cent, export tax and was refusing to grant
a certificate for payments so made. At the end of the year a similar complaint
*as again received.
The Political Agent was desirous of visiting tho spot to make personal
enquiries but, owing to the fact that he is dependent upon Naval vessels to
reach any of the ports in which he may have work, the matter had to be left no
vessel being available.
It will not bo out of place to mention tho fact of the difficulty caused by
Do Launch being supplied to the Maskat Agency.
The town of Muttrah is practically a suburb of Maskat, but it takes 45
rinutes by rowing boat to visit that place and thus the best part of a day is
taken up in any such visit.
The previous year closed with the whole of the interior in the bands of the
“ Imam ”j and his Lieutenants, Isa bin
Condition of country.
Salih-el-Hirithi aud Hamyar bin Nasir-ei
Kebbani, Chief Shaikh of the el-Riami. Rumours of attacks on the capital and
on the ports, especially Barkah, were frequent throughout the year.
A collection of men which was taking place at Nakhl, in October, under the
"Imam ” dispersed on the arrival of H. M. S. “ Britoinart ” at Barkah.
Lighting took place at Ja’alan where a party under the orders of Ali-bin-
Salih, a brother of Isa bin Salih, the Chief rebel, attacked Ja’alan. The place
was defended by tho Beni Jabir who beat off the attack.
There were rumours also in the latter part of the year of an attack on Rustaq,
which had once surrendered to the “ Imam, ” but apparently had not been
held. These rumours are culminating in a projected attack at the moment of
writing after the close of tho year. Rustaq is held by a branch of the AJ Bu
Saidi family and the present holder Is a cousin of the Sultan; the rulers are
practically independent and among the local Arabs receive the same form of
tddress as His Highness, i.e., Saiyid.
During the year there were various defections from the cause of His
Highness.
In April Nasir bin Humaidi Attabi visited the Sultan and received pre­
sents of money, rice and arms but, in June, he went over to the “ Imam ”.
In July ho was followed by Muhammad bin Talib A1 Harasi who had been.
aPpointed Shaikh of Mazehi near Rustaq by the last Sultan. His defection
caused a loss of 500 to 1,000 men to the Sultan.
In September His Highness was annoyed to learn that the only fort which
bo held in Dhahirah had been surrendered by the garrison.
At the end of the year His Highness' power extended only along the
c°aat and practically as far as the guns of British ships can carry.
8 u^}0 continued to confiscate any gardens or property owned by the
uitan’a relatives in the interior or any that were ownea by people serving
is Highness. Ho states that as theso are as bad Moslems as their master they
0 uufit to hold property under the SShara law.
- Continued reports wero reoeived that the rebel movement was losing
lej nd out these are undoubtedly false. Tho whole of the interior acknow-
ges tho u Imam99 who, backed by His Lieutenants, Isa bin Salih and Hamyar