Reports and Correspondence Relating to Persia, Including Trade and Trade Routes in Persia [‎122v] (244/252)

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obtaining definite information about him; but he has apparently got no mer
chandise or money with him. It is said that he has deposited a large amount of
roubles in the Russian Consulate at Meshed, and hopes to receive its equivalent
in krans from Mr. Miller here. He proposes to buy wool, hides and old coins,
xor this purpose and with a view to testing the extent and possibilities of the
trade m Seistan, he will visit the surrounding country, going even as far as
Miljau a via Robat. As he may have orders to collect information regardin°*
our border in his pursuit after merchandise and antiquities, I have warned
Captain Webb Ware, who is still on the road. As regards the possibilities of
Ins obtaining money here, Mr. Miller has very few krans at his disposal. He
has Russian gold and notes which he has more than once asked Seth Suleiman y
the representative of Messrs. Muhammad Ali Brothers, to change for him. The
Seth however, refuses to oblige him. Nor is it probable that either he or the
merchant will be able to issue barats (native money orders) on Meshed. Mr.
Miller s last attempt to issue a barat from here was not a success, as it was not
honoured at the other end ; and the merchant not being a Government official,
it is probable that local traders will think twice before risking their monev in
his hands.
It is possible that matters may be arranged for him in Meshed. The
merchant’s roubles may be paid to the Wall of Meshed on behalf of the Amir
of Seistan who still owes a large amount of revenue to the Wali and
the Amir will be called upon to pay Mr. Miller the equivalent in krans. ’ But
the Amir is as usual very hard pressed for money, and it would be a long
ime betore he could raise so large a sum. Even if the merchant does succeed
in getting money here, the general opinion seems to be that he could not
compete with success against the British firm here. Messrs. Muhammad Ali
Brothers are already first in the field for this season crop of wool, and I have
arranged for Seth Suleiman to make a tour of all the villages with a view to
his buying more wool before the Russian merchant has time to look round.
Ihe season, however, for buying wool is now nearly over, and in a month’s time
when all the sheep-owners go to the hills there will be none.
March 30 th—It is said that Mr. Miller is going to build a large caravan
serai near the ISasratabad Fort which is to combine the duties of a traveller’s
rest-house and a customs godown. The Customs officer, Mons. Spinella, who
is expected here shortly, as well as the Russian merchant, will be given quarters
in the caravanserai A roadside inn providing accommodation for caravans (groups of travellers). . ^
March 31 st. To-day being the Id-i-Kurban and the biggest religious
festival in the year I paid official visits to the Amir Hashmat-ul-Mulk and the
harming. Irenchabad was full of visitors, and our mosque was largely attended
in tlie morning. After prayers tea was served to all visitors who had come to
the mosque.
frade news.-There is a dearth of camels in Birjand at present, though
tradera are prepared to start off merchandise to Quetta. I shall try and induce
Quetta camelmen on their arrival here to go to Birjand. Their influence and
knowledge of the road ought to have a very good result. Manv traders in
Birjand have been waiting for the return of one Hussain Gevi'who was the
first to take a small Birjand kafila A train of travellers; a caravan; or any large party of travellers. through to Quetta bv the Nushki route.
Hussain Gevi has now reached Birjand, and Seth Suleiman’s agent there
informs me that Hussain Gevi has reported very well on the road and is
encouraging others to patronise the route. Messrs. Muhammad Ali Brothers in
Quetta, have advanced sums of money, amounting to over 4,000 krans, to
Seistani traders who ran short of money there, and have thus enabled them to
complete their purchases and bring back their camels fully laden. This will
act as a great inducement to other traders, and is only another instance of the
fn^L'X V S e rm IS d0mg b0th here aIld in Q ueLta t0 further our interests
and. make the route a success.
Naskatabad,
The 31 st March 1901 .
}
(Sd.) R. A. E. Benn, Captain,
Bis Britannic Majesty’s Vice-Consul
for Seistan and Kain.
Fore gu Offico rre*8—No. 577—23.4-01—31.