Page 191 - PERSIAN 2 1879_1883_Neat

RESIDENCY AND MUSCAT POLITICAL AGENCY FOR 1880-81. 23

Kluiui in bis scheme for the treacherous apprehension and ruin of their
joint friend, Ali Kuli Kliau, late Eel-Bcgi of the Kashgnes, in spito
of oaths and protestations of friendship. The old man still lives to tell
the talc, and his sous to take a not improbable revenge at some future
date; though the power of the family is indeed gone, nnd the power of
the clan broken, this latter having been further weakened by losses
during the famine of 1S70. This punishment of the Mushir-ul-Mulk,
the biggest mau in Fars, was thus the inaugural address of Prince Firhad
Mirza to his nobles on taking up the reins, a better example of what he
was, nnd how he intended to rule, could scarcely have been given. But
even such an example as this has not proved enough in many cases.
I may sum up the characteristics of Prince Firhad Mirza's rule by
saying that it is one of blood and gold; both he must have somehow or
other, though the latter will, 1 believe, in rare cases, buy back the
former.
* « * *
I have spoken above of Prince Ihtishdra-ed-Dowlah, son of the
Mo’teroid. He holds the position of Governor of Bchbeb£n, and in
addition to this is employed by his father to make a regular yearly tour
for the purpose of extracting money from the districts that lie at some
little distance from the central power.
As an instance of the ups and downs of Persian life, I cannot do
better than quote a passage from this Prince's history

He was Governor of Behbch^n, a sub-government under Shiraz or
Fars, before his father's accession to the province. The country had
been unquiet, and he had been unable to collect enough money to pay up
his assessed revenue. AVith considerable exertion, however, he managed
to collect a large herd of animals of ail sorts, and forwarded them to
Shiraz to be sold, the proceeds being destined to the treasury of the
Central Government. The Mushir theu in the zenith of his power,
heard of the coming cattle, aud quietly arranged for the robbery of them.
This took place near Shiraz, and the Iktisham-ed-Dowlah, now pressed
and helpless, had to pack up his tents, and with a few followers, beat an
immediate retreat to the mountain. Whilst thus in the actual flight a
telegram reached him announcing his father's accession to Fare. The
hasty retreat was immediately turned into a triumphal march back to­
wards the capital, aud it is hard to believe the received theory that lie
did not know what was in store for the Mushir in open Durbar a few
hours after his arrival, for he is thoroughly trusted by his father. What
is certain, however, is that he remained in apparently friendly intercourse
with him to the last—to within an hour of his deep disgrace.
* # * . *
The Kaio&m.—The Kaw^ra-ul-Mulk comes next to notice. He it
the great enemy of the Mushir, and I had almost said the confidential
adviser of the Governor; but the term “trusted subordinate" will con­
vey his position better with regard to the Prince. He is pleasant and
straightforward without the usual defect of attempting a false excess of
courtesy in his manner to 6trangerc; he is lame owing to a fall from hit
horse, when his gun went off aud the ball through his foot.