Page 209 - Neglected Arabia Vol 1 (2)

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Baghdad, 1924

Rev. James Can tine, D.D.
T HE reply to the usual question “Have you noticed any changes
since your return from furlough?” is a good beginning for this
letter. The first thing brought to the attention of a newcomer is
that more dwelling houses are available and that rent* are
; decidedly cheaper. Recalling my weary and unsatisfactory search when
I first settled in Baghdad, one was extremely thankful to hear at once of
a good house on the river, in a central locality, and at a rental which,
though high, was about 30 per cent, lower than it was in 1920. This
| may be accounted for by the fact that most of the English official class
? now live outside the city in recently built bungalows; also by regrettable
depression in business that leaves most of the residents with much less
money to spend for any and all purposes. This depression may he
explained by the expected reaction from post-war inflation and by the
unsettled political status of Iraq, which discourages new enterprises;
partially also by the gradual withdrawal of the foreign military forces
with their large local expenditure.
But l do not sec why, with the favorable adjustment of such questions
a> the permanent relationship of the Kingdom of Iraq with Great
Britain and the outside world, and likewise the dispute with Turkey
as to the ownership of the great Vilayet of Mosul with its valuable oil
fields, one cannot expect a steady growth in prosperity. There are
>cveral factors that would help towards this consummation. One is
the extension of the railways. A branch line has lately been built to
Kcrbela, encouraging the already great Persian pilgrim traffic. Another
to Kerkuk is under way, tapping the fertile and populous district north­
east along the Persian border. Then there is the gradual growth of
the irrigated areas along the rivers and canals and the persistent efforts
of the Government to improve the grades and yields of cotton and
cereals. Another factor automatically tending to the same end is the
rapid appropriation by the population as a whole of many of the
accessories of modern life. For this they must possess a greater purcluis-
jug capacity, which can only be gained by greater industry and an
upward change from their centuries long indolence and apathy.
Turning to political matters, it is evident that the people talk about
these matters much more than they did when I last left, but to com­
ment upon these currents and cross-currents intelligently, or to foretell
the ultimate result, is beyond both my ability and my desire, l-'irst,
because I have never taken much interest in local politics, other than to
wish everybody well and to hope for the best. And, secondly, because l
have thought that a reputation for political knowledge and sagaciiv.
while adding at the time to one’s local reputation, would lie very apt.
in the long run, to hamper a missionary’s usefulness in the things
oteenied vital in his lifework. We have heard that there is a period
in the development of the man when the growing boy is a trial to him
»cU ami all around, and perhaps the same may be said of developing
nationalities like Iraq.