Correspondence and Newspaper Cuttings about Persia and the Persian Gulf [‎86r] (162/179)

August 13.
1898.]
GREAT BRITAIN AND GERMANY
IN THE PERSIAN GULF The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
154
REVIEW OF THE
SITUATION.
PRESENT
that Germany con-
in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran.
The recent statement
templates seizing a port lTUir
'■ m order to obtain a coaling station on the wav
to China, although absurd in itself, is yet worthy
of attention at the present moment. For although
the idea of a coaling station so far removed from
the ocean highway to the East is ridiculous and
although German trade and influence in the Gulf
are, at the present time, almost m7, yet there are
other and far more important things to be taken
into consideration before we reject the statement
as unworthy of notice. I shall first of all
endeavour to show approximately the value
of German trade with the Gulf—including
Muscat—for the last three years ; and I shalfl
by comparing German with Rritish trade
conclusively indicate what an overwhelming in
terest we hold at the present day as compared
with not only Germany, but all the rest of the
world put together. For this purpose it is neces
sary to lump all the Gulf ports, including ports
cn the Pirate Coast, into one table, and to place
Muscat into a second, and Mohammerah into a
third table. With Bussorah 1 shall not deal, owing
to its being a Turkish port, and there being no
available statistics. The trade of Germany with
Bussorah cannot, however, be very great, as no
German Consul is stationed there to guard the
interests of his countrymen, and I do not think
that any G erman firm is established there.
The following tables of comparison will, with a
little thought, explain themselves. First comes the
year, next conies G erman trade for that year, then
British trade (which includes British-Indian also),
then the trade of the remainder of Europe, and
last of all is stated the whole volume of trade
with all countries. From this it is very easy to
compare German with British, and both w ith the
total. It is as well to state that although these
figures have been compiled from Consular reports,
yet it is not at all unlikely that German
goods which have come through foreign
countries have been credited to .those countries
instead of to the country of their origin, so that
it would perhaps be as well to study the tables
with a certain amount of caution. Another thing
that deserves n. wnr/I •
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THE NEW VICEROY.
HIS VIEWS ON ASIATIC PROBLEMS.
Opinion? on the Frontier Policy.
The Hon. George Nathaniel Curzon, M. P.,
whose selection as the next Viceroy of 1 ndiu
has been announced, is the eldest son of
the Rev. Alfred, Baron Scarsdale, a country
clergyman. He was educated at Eton, and
at Balliol College, Oxford, where he formed
one of the band of brilliant students attracted by
the powerful personality of Dr. Jowett. He
made his mark as a speaker at the Union Society s
debates, and afterwards as president of that
famous Club. He graduated in 1884, took his
M..V. in 1887, and was elected to a fellow
ship of All Souls. At the general election
of' 1886 he was returned for the Stockport
Division of Lancashire, which he has continued
to represent in Parliament. But it was ever
to the East that his eyes were turned, and
about 1884 he planned a great scheme of travel in
the Orient to examine on the spot the dilferent
aspects of the Asiatic problem, the greater
portion of the succeeding years, up to 1892, were
devoted to this self-imposed task. By travel and
diligent study he has become one of the first
living authorities on Eastern topics, and his ex
periences and opinions have been embodied in
volumes which are standard works upon the sub
jects with which they treat. In 1889 he published
“ Russia in Central Asia,” an exhaustive analysis of
the Central Asian problem, and of Anglo-Russian
relations, especially in reference^ to India : in
18!i2 his monumental work on Persia ; and in 1894
“ Problems of the Far East—Japan Korea, and
China”—which was revised and a chapter added
on the Japanese and Chinese War two years later.
He also published last year, under the auspices of
th; Royal Geographical Society (whose gold
medal has been awarded to him), a valuable
monograph on the Pamirs and the sources of
the Oxus, embodying the results of his own explo
rations. What he had done for Russia in Central
Asia and Persia, the countries upon the west of
India, Mr. Curzon hoped to do for Siam and the
French possessions in Indo-China. All his travels
impressed him with the surpassing importance of
the position of India in Asia, which he
expressed in his own words thus As I
proceed with this undertaking, the true
fulcrum of Asiatic dominion seems to me to
increasingly lie in the Empire of Hindustan
The secret of the mastery of the world is, it
only they knew it, in the possession of the British
people ” He qualified for this further work by
travel ’ in these little known countries, and
a few detached newspaper and magazine articles
from his pen were regarded as the precursors to
another solid volume, but the pressure of public
work, and the etiquette of the position he has
held in the present Ministry, have delayed the
completion of this project. Similarly,, m 1894,
Mr. Curzon traversed the North-Western Frontier
of India, visiting Chitral and the Ameer, and
wrote a valuable series of letters for the Times
His published works are so full and detailed that
they form a complete index to his views upon
everv vital problem of the I ar East.
I’i 1891-92 Mr. Curzon held office as Under
secretary of State for India, his chief being
Viscount Cross. In 1895, on the resumption
of office by Lord Salisbury, he became Under
secretary for Foreign Affairs, which office he
has held ever since. He did not have a seat in
the Cabinet on either occasion. In 18 Jj he
married Miss Leiter, daughter of Mr L Z.
Lai tor, of Washington. He was born in 1859.
IIIS VIEWS ON THE FRONTIER
QUESTION.
Mr. Curzon's views upon the Frontier Ques
tion have been clearly indicated in his published
writings but they were enunciated with un
compromising clearness and vigour in the debate
upon the policy of the Government m he
House of Commons on February loth of this
V ea : * The debate turned largely upon the
occupation of Chitral, and m defence of the
decision to remain in occupation he saut .
xvm a iv.uuv "■v 1 ' ;i " ,
" m "' 'y - ■■■■"■
In the same way, I hold tb
desires to keep her agreet
have been almost impossibl
a gap on our side. If you ;
Power, to cross which is w
cannot run away from
occupy, or at least exert, th
Russia has done so on her j
right up to the Oxus, and '
same. There, as elsewhere
States, of which Chitral is
not stand by themselves.
THE LA WEES
Turning thou to i
round the question
relations of English
proceeded to tear to j;
advocates of the Law
I agree that that po!
principles, jnst as it wa
It was a policy that was
right hon. gentlemen opj
that it is applicable not
rhetoric the leader of tl
that the sound opinion t
should stand behind the
ourselves with conflicts
inhabited. That, no dou
speech, but, unfortunatel
The Lawrence policy is
has been dealt by both pai
by those who sit on tin
the leader of the Oppositic
Well, it was -Mr. Gladston
mountains. We are also
with the tribes. Mr. G-la
to make engagements witl
of this prodigious line of
ment adopted a policy wh
and, in my humble judg
any rate, the Lawrence
us by that policy to obi
by which every subseqm
and which no future Go
that bench or this, will
is what Lord Kimberley
day that the whole cii
largel}’ changed of late
adopted a more forward
Government was responsii
IT CANNC
Mr. Curzon afteris
opinion, the Lawren<
There are two other rea
never be revived. The fir
which has taken place in 1
to the systematic, and I tl
Russia. When Lord Law
dum in 18G8 Russia had oi
she had not advanced to 1
nistration in Turkestan,
banks of the Oxus. Her
miles away, but are conti
which we are bound to d
of Great Britain. Under
childish to argue that the
30 years ago are adequate
rence policy was designei
which was at the time se
of miles. It is not quite
forces of a great Europe;
points literally at your g
why the Lawrence policy
effect which would be pre
for the right hon. gentlen
down on the banks of the
enemy that was marching
ment would dare to do tt i
the peaceful acquiescent
situation. If the Lawre:
mean that we might at o
constructed ; tear up agai
whole life work of Sir I
adopt such a policy all I
black before all Asia and
whom we have attracted
cease to do so; the peace
their silent industries
guarantee them, would tl
on us, in contempt for or
tate to say that we shou
testing this wonderful re
is to save us from attack
such an attack was possil
within. To sum up wha
I will quote the words of
stand still in India is dar
THE POLICY T
PI
After expressing
those who spoke abo
tribes, and protest
occupation of the
laid down the line
ought to be pursued
There is no one « , here
who has the slightest des
annex the territory of ai
interf
Ji
August 13, 1898.]
THE TIMES OF INDIA.
153
GREAT BRITAIN AND GERMANY
IN THE PERSIAN GULF The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. .
A REVIEW OP THE PRESENT
SITUATION.
The recent statement that Germany con
templates seizing a port in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran.
“ in order to obtain a coaling station on the way
to China,” although absurd in itself, is yet worthy
of attention at the present moment. Por although
the idea of a coaling station so far removed from
the ocean highway to the East is ridiculous, and
although German trade and influence in the Gulf
are, at the present time, almost nil, yet there are
other and far more important things to be taken
into consideration before we reject the statement
as unworthy of notice. I shall first of all
endeavour to show approximately the value
of German trade with the Gulf—including
Muscat—for the last three years ; and I shall,
by comparing German with British trade,
conclusively indicate what an overwhelming in
terest we hold at the present day as compared
with not only Germany, but all the rest of the
world put together. Por this purpose it is neces
sary to lump all the Gulf ports, including ports
cn the Pirate Coast, into one table, and to place
Muscat into a second, and Mohammerah into a
third table. With Bussorah I shall not deal, owing
to its being a Turkish port, and there being no
available statistics. The trade of Germany with
Bussorah cannot, however, be very great, as no
German Consul is stationed there to guard the
interests of his countrymen, and I do not think
that any German firm is established there.
The following tables of comparison will, with a
little thought, explain themselves. First comes the
year, next comes G erman trade for that year, then
British trade (which includes British-Indian also),
then the trade of the remainder of Europe, and
last of all is stated the whole volume of trade
with all countries. Prom this it is very easy to
compare German with British, and both with the
total. It is as well to state that although these
figures have been compiled from Consular reports,
yet it is not at all unlikely that German
goods which have come through foreign
countries have been credited to .those countries
instead of to the country of their origin, so that
it would perhaps be as well to study the tables
with a certain amount of caution. Another thing
that deserves a word of explanation is the
apparent decrease of trade to Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ports
proper during the last year. This has been caused
mostly by the very unsettled state of the country
which followed the death of the Shah of Persia,
and also by the fact that for several seasons
the rainfall was a failure. These, combined
with other causes, contributed to a state of
unrest which resulted in many disturbances, and
for a prolonged period the roads were quite
unsafe. The prevalence of plague in India, and
the imposition of quarantine on all arrivals thence,
had a most depressing effect on the general state
of trade, and naturally bore very heavily on
British-Indian trade in particular.
GULP POETS.
Date. Ge
1894- 95 ...
1895- 96 ...
1896- 97 ... i
mrOBTS—(Value in Rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. ).
British.
3,08,99.620
3.48,73,530
2,01,72,747
Remainder Total Volume
of Europe. of Trade.
10,10,830 6,25,10,530
9,37,480 4,90,19,070
18,20,512 4,10,90,018
1894- 95...
1895- 96...
1890-97...
1894- 95 ....
1895- 90 ....
1890-97 ....
1195-96 ....
1896-97 ...
Date.
1894- 95 ....
1895- 90 ...,
1896- 97 ....
Nil
3,280
EXPORTS.
British. Remainder Total Volume
of Europe. of Trade.
1,06,28.280 52,270 3,90,87.040
1,71,80,500 28,640 4,03,54,890
1,50,78,919 36,702 3,81,12,051
SHIPPING.
German. British. Total all Nations
No. Tons. No. Tons. No. Tons.
598 405,035 3,037
0 4,993 607 401,000 3,005
1 1,920 007 420,797 3,031
MUSCAT.
IMPORTS—(Value in Dollars).
Total Imports.
2,079,600
2,288,700
2,879,500
Total Exports.
1,628,580
1,419,450
1,909,300
507,075
557,881
549,370
German.
British.
Nil.
3,036,700
3,-811,400
2.410.000
EXPORTS.
German.
British.
Nil.
3.352,000
007,700
German.
No. Tons
Nil. Nil.
1,225,800
SHIPPING.
British.
. No
1894- 95 Nil. Nil. 192 137,500 381
1895- 90 ., „ 197 lOljOOO 308
1890-97 ,, „ 210 107,100 411
MOHAMMERAH.
IMPORTS —(Value in Pounds sterling)
Total
all Nations.
No. Tons.
173,010
191,100
223,130
Date.
1894- 95 ...
1895- 90 ...
1898-97 ...
Date.
1894- 95 ...
1895- 90 ...
1890-97 ...
Nil.
British.
£ 96,323*
„ 102,430
„ 138,923
* Including Aden.
EXPORTS.
Nil. £ 25,857*
£862 34,930
Nil. 41,865
Including Hongkong.
Total.
£ 98,000
110,031
143,900
£ 27.027
85,902
00,908
1894- 95...
1895- 90...
1890-97 Nil. Nil.
SHIPPING.
Total.
German. British. all Nations.
No. Tons. No. Tons. No. Tons.
Nil. Nil. 101 87,137 129 92,104
808 100 103,808 157 111,623
90 80,474 220 95,510
When it is borne in mind that the above tables
represent not only the foreign trade of the ports
in question, but also the domestic trade as accur
ately, as the information at the disposal of our
Consuls permits, it will at once be seen what
an overwhelming preponderance of the trade
is in our hands, and what a large propor
tion of the shipping trading to these wmters is
under the British flag. The trade of Germany
is in comparison utterly insignificant, and her
flag is, to all intents and purposes, non-existent.
Although her trade may be slightly more exten
sive than the foregoing tables show, because she
may come in under the title of “ other countries,”
still it cannot be of any great value as compared
with ours. There is at the present time only
one German firm established in the Gulf, and that
was reconstructed from the ashes of a firm
(German) that failed in Bushire some time ago.
This .firm is not as yet doing very much business,
although it is reported to bo well backed up.
There is also in the whole of the Gulf but one
Consular Agent for Germany, and he is also
stationed at Bushire.
The appointment of this gentleman, or at
least his arrival on the scene of his labours,
is of very recent date. As he arrived in Bushire
last November, and when one remembers that there
are probably not more than about half-a-dozen
German subjects in the Gulf, the appointment
of a well-paid official to such a port is a matter
for reflection. Of one thing there can be no doubt,
that the Germans are making great efforts to
obtain a footing in the Gulf, and probably it is
simply part of one great scheme w'hieh aims at
the Gcrmaniz'ation of the whole of Asia Minor.
It is a matter of common knowledge that the
German Emperor has made great efforts to make
himself a persona grata at Constantinople, and that
by a judicious system of flattery, mingled with
slight concessions to Abdul Hamid at a time when
concessions of any sort were exceedingly soothing
to the Sultan’s amour propre, he has succeeded
in his design, and the Germans are, therefore,
in much better odour at Stamboul than any
other nationality. They have for some time past
been making headway with the railway line which
they intend to construct to Baghdad, and which
they hope to extend eventually to Bussorah, and
which will—if once finished—make the influence
of Germany supreme throughout Asia Minor, and
would leave her in the position—should the
Turkish Empire como to grief—to demand the
hole of that fertile country as her lawful share
of the spoils of division.
Now the value of the country in question
is very great, and it only requires the presence
of a civilising power to develop into one of the
greatest producing countries of the world. Of
course, Germany knows this full well, and we have
also known it for many years past; and we know it
when we foolishly gave up the concession ive had
obtained to construct a line through those regions
nearly half a century ago. There can bo no
doubt that if Germany aims at eventually extend
ing her line of railway to Bussorah, the possession
of that port would be a source of great strength
to her, as it -would insure her the control of the
whole trade of Asia Minor, as in that case no
nation would be in a position to compete with her.
The trade of Bussorah is already very great, and
in the hands of any docent Government it would
quickly develop into one of the largest ports in
the East. In spite of the policy of the Turks,
who do not wish the port to develop too much,
and who are morbidly jealous of anything done
by us either there or anywhere in the vicinity,
Bussorah is a port with a large and steadily
growing trade.
If, as there seems little reason to doubt, this is
the port that our friend in the Vienna Pan-Ger
manic Conference had in his mind’s eye, it is to be
feared that he is doomed to disappointment, for it
is much to be doubted if a'British Ministry
would look on and allow any Power to
calmly walk in and wrest the fruit of
the labours of British subjects from them.
Practically the present prosperity of Bussorah
is wholly due to British enterprise. The opening
of the Tigris as far as Baghdad to the navigation
of river steamers is due to the energy shown by'
Messrs. Lynch Brothers, who for many year's
past have carried on a regular service with two
boats, being strictly limited in their operations by
the Turkish Government. In the same manner
they have opened the Karun to navigation, and
having run steamers for years at a loss, are now
beginning to reap their reward. They have done
this in the face of the most bitter opposition
and ill-will from those in authority, and had they
been allowed liberty of action, there can bo little
doubt that long ere this Bussorah would have been
the centre of an enormous trade. Nearly all the
carrying trade of Bussorah is done under the
British flag, and it is almost entirely due to our
energy that it exists as a port, for even the
survey of the channel and the laying down of
bouys have been carried out by British enterprise
and at British expense. But all this meets with
the severe displeasure of tho Turk, who suspects
our every action, and is always deluding himself
with the idea that we are only awaiting an oppor
tunity to seize the country. To frustrate this
alleged intention of ours, the Sultan now main
tains a large number of troops at Bussorah,
although ho gives out that they are there to sup
press any disturbance which may break out in the
Pirate Coast. Knowing 'the light in which the
Turk regards us, and also knowing that
Germany is looked upon as a friend, there remains
a remote possibility that Turkey might be tempted
to allow Germany to “ assist ” her in Asia Minor
by establishing herself at Bussorah ; or, perhaps,
the enthusiastic German thinks that this might
possibly come to pass. Such a sacrifice of
British interests could never for a moment be
allowed. Wo do not want the country ourselves,
but we certainly cannot see it pass into the hands
of a rival. One thing is certain at the present
time, and that is that the policy of laissez
faire, so long followed by the British Govern
ment in these regions, must give place to a
more active policy if we are to keep what
we have already won. Our trade in the
Gulf is valuable and extensive, and is capable of
great expansion, but unless the Government
takes prompt steps to strengthen its posi
tion, and, above all, makes up its mind to
pursue, some definite policy, we shall soon see
ourselves shouldered out by more capable Powers.
Our great bugbear seems to be Russia, and here,
as ,in other parts of the world, we are afraid to
move a step for fear of irritating that Power.
This policy appears principally to inspire Russia
with a desire to obtain as much as she can, for
one constantly hears stories of Russian aggression
in Northern Persia.
There is one way of strengthening our influence
which recommends itself to many thoughtful
men, and which if once completed would ensure
the preservation of our interests by any future
Government, for the responsibility incurred by
the abandonment of an overland railway to India
—if once constructed—would be too great for
any Government to incur. This scheme, if it is
ever to become more than a scheme, must be
rendered practicable by the immediate conclusion
ox some definite agreement regarding Koweit,
which is now the only terminus left open to us.
For several years past the Turks have been
claiming jurisdiction over this port also. It is
just on the cards that Germany aims at this place
instead of Bussorah, for it could easily be con
nected with Bussorah by rail, and is a natural
port of great size. However, any arguments
applied to Bussorah apply equally to Koweit, as
the position of Germany established in a port of
her own would, under tho circumstances, be an
intolerable menace to our trade and prestige.
It does not appear probable that Germany
would aim at any Persian port—except, perhaps,
Mohammerah, which is situated on the Shatt-al-
Arab, sixteen miles below Bussorah, and which
comes under the same category as Bussorah and
Koweit, as the other Persian ports would not be of
much assistance in consolidating her influence in
Asia Minor. There is, however, one port which
we must not overlook while discussing this subject,
and that is Muscat, or the key of the Persian
Gulf.
This port, whichis a nearly land-locked harbour,
is not of great extent, but it is undoubtedly the
only suitable harbour for shipping for many
hundreds of miles, and owing to its natural ad
vantages could easily be strongly fortified. It
is situated on the N.-E. promontory of Oman,
and about 200 miles from the entrance to the
Gulf, and if used as a naval base could very
easily command tho . Gulf. Not only that, but it
is far too near India for us to view its seizure
by any foreign Power with equanimity. The
coast to the northward is extremely fertile,
and could be made to produce much more than
it does at present if a judicious system of culti
vation were pursued. But, above all, it is -worthy
of note that the existence of a coal-field has been
reported within about seventy miles of the port of
Muscat. This coal-field is supposed to be near
the coast, and although little is known of the coal,
owing to the reluctance of the Sultan to work it,
it is believed to be of medium quality. The objec
tion of the Sultan to permit the working of this
field is due to his fear that if the coal turns out
to bo of any value, some Power on the look-out
for a coaling port will promptly annex his terri
tory. The country is at present under the
supervision of Great Britain, which pays the
Sultan a yearly subsidy, so that the interference
of another Power—especially one with designs—•
is not likely to be looked upon with any favour.
In conclusion, it is perhaps not too much to
say that at present Germany has absolutely no
locus standi in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , and if she
fondly imagines that her advent as the Apostle
of the “ Mailed Fist” would be welcomed in
these waters, she is labouring under a delusion.
We have never endeavoured to annex any terri
tory, and have been satisfied with the results of
lawful trading pursued under great disadvan
tages, and besides this we have spent hundreds
of thousands of pounds, and have given
hundreds of lives in the suppression of
piracy and the general policing of these waters
during the present century alone. If Germany
oi' any other Power imagines that we shall look
on quietly while the result of our labours is
snatched from us by some outsider, it is better
Aul that Power should be undeceived at once. Fair
competition will here, as in other parts of the
v. n-hl, bo welcomed, but we have too much at stake
i.; allow any interruption of the status quo.
RUSTOM.
THE S.S. CASHMERE DISABLED.
Captain A. Gladstone of the steamer Clan Shaw,
which arrived in harbour on Sunday evening, from
Liverpool, reports that his vessel spoke the steamer
Cashmere, which has lost her rudder, and is quite
disabled to proceed further. Captain Gladstone triad
to tow her in, but owing to the stress of weather
outside at the time he was obliged to quit her on
August 6th at latitude 17° 43'N. and longitude
08° 22' E. _
Captain A. Gladstone of the Clan Line steamer
Clan Shaw, which arrived here on Sunday evening
from Liverpool, reported to the Port authorities as
follows Picked up on August 3rd s.s. Cashmere,
latitude 16°26' N., longitude 04° 15' E., left on
August 6th at 17° 43' N., 08°22>.E., unmanageable
(rudder damaged).” The Cashmere belongs to Mr.
llajee Cassum Joosub, and was coming here from Aden
n ballast under the command oPOaptain G. Soutar.
The owner despatched Messrs. Shepherd and Co.’s
steamer Bahaduri yesterday to tow in the Cashmere,
which is about 300 miles from Bombay. The s.s.
Cashmere, commanded by Captain George Soutar.
with three officers, four engineers (all Europeans)
and crew of 75 left Aden in ballast over a week, ago
bound for Bombay. On August 3rd, when in
latitude 16°26' North and longitude 84°15' East, that
is, about 500 miles from i Bombay, she was sighted by
the s.s. Clan Shaw about 2 o'clock in the afternoon
..bowing signs of distress. Captain Gladstone, com
mander of the Clan Shaw, went to her assistance and
discovered that her rudder had been so badly damaged
to disable her from steering. The Clan Shaw
•ucceeded in fastening a hawser to the stern of the
disabled boat, but after taking her in tow for a few
minutes the hawser broke. Further attempts that
evening at fastening a hawser had to be abandoned on
account of approaching darkness and the state of the
sea, and Captain Gladstone stood by all that night.
At 9 o’clock the following morning, with much diffi
culty, another hawser was made fast, and the vessel
towed until nine o clock in the evening of August
5th, when the hawser again parted. The following
morning, finding that further assistance could not be
rendered, Captain Gladstone left the Cashmere in
latitude 17°43' North and longitude r 6S°22' East, about
270 miles from Bombay,and made for Bombay, where
she arrived on Sunday afternoon.
A STEAMER AGROUND IN
BOMBAY HARBOUR.
Messrs. Shepherd and Co.’s s.s. Premier was ordered
to accompany the Company’s steamer Bahaduri iu
search of the s.s. Cashmere, which is disabled at sea,
about 300 miles off Bombay. The Premier, under the
command of Captain J. Lenton, was proceeding to
sea i i oui the Prince s Dock wall when she grounded
near the Malet Shelf, a distance of about forty yards
from the dock wall. She grounded at about 7 o’clock
on Monday night at ebb tide, but she was got off at
- o clock on Tuesday movninir a t high water. The
to’^surveyed . 6611 t0 the % ^ 0ck at Mazag011
THE late sir jamsetjee
JEJEEBHOY.
PUBLIC MEETING- OF THE PARSEES.
A public meeting of the Parsee community was
neid on bunday afternoon at theAlbless Baug for the
purpose of recording its sense of the loss sustained
t? 1 ^ J'* 1 ® death of Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy,
bird Baronet, and to elect Mr. Cowasjee Cursetjee
Jamsetjee, the fourth Baronet, as their leader. The
meeting was largely attended, most of the leading
members being present.
Shams-ul-Ulma Jivanjee Jamshedjee Mody, the
Secretary of the Parsee Punchayet Funds, having
n ^ tlce conveni ng the meeting, Sir Dinshaw
M. Petit, Bart., was called to the chair.
^ ie chairman, in opening the proceedings, said that
the meeting was called in response to a requisition
forwarded to the Trustees of the Parsee Panckayet
by no fewer than 2,100 educated and influential
members of the community, which bore ample
testimony to the late Baronet having carried out the
responsible duties of the leader to their entire satisfac
tion. The late lamented Baronet was always ready
and willing to take part in every movement which
was intended to further the interests of his co-reli
gionists. He always used to lend the weight of his
name to every movement organized in the interests
of the general public. A courteous and gentle de
meanour, both towards the rich and the poor, was a
prominent feature of his character, and it was uni
versally acknowledged that he had proved true to the
honoured name which had been transmitted to him
from his illustrious ancestor. It was, therefore!,
the duty of the community to put on record its sense
of the loss it had sustained in the sad and untimely
death of Sir Jamsetjee. The next business, which
would be laid before the meeting, related to the ap
pointment of the present Sir Jamsetjee (Fourth
Baronet) as the leader of tho community. It was a
matter of great satisfaction to observe that the whole
of the community was unanimously in favour of
that election. The leadership of the Parsee com
munity was not a bed of roses as might be supposed
by some people. There were serious responsibilities
attached to the office, and they could only be per
formed by a man of ability, influence, and education,
the late Sir Jamsetjee possessed all these qualifica
tions in an eminent degree. In conclusion, the chair
man expressed a hope that the new Baronet would
follow in the footsteps of his distinguished predeces
sors and carry out the duties of his high office to the
entire satisfaction of the community.
Mr. Hormusjee Munohorjee Chichgar moved the
first resolution, which enumerated the most valuable
and enduring services rendered by the late Baronet
to the native community in general, and the Parsees
in particular, and eulogised many of his good quali
ties and expressed the deep sorrow felt by the com
munity at his sad and untimely death. Mr. Chichgar,
in speaking to the resolution, said that it should
be placed on the records of the Punchayet.
Dastur Darab Peshotan Sanjana in an impressive
speech seconded the proposition, which was carried
unanimously.
Mr. Pheroze Hoshang Dastur moved the next
resolution, requesting the chairman to forward a
copy of the last resolution to the Trustees of the
Punchayet funds with the view of adopting steps
to insert it in the books of the Punchayet, and to
forward a copy to the Dowager Lady Jerbai, widow
of the late Sir Jamsetjee, and to the new Baronet.
Dastur Bhciiarjee Lharoocha seconded the resolu
tion, and it was carried.
Mr. K. It. Gama laid the fourth resolution before
the meeting, which was to the effect that Sir Jamset
jee Jejeebhoy, the fourth Baronet, be elected the
leader of the community in succession to the late
lamented third Baronet.
Mr. Nowrojee Jehangir Gamadia seconded the
resolution.
Before the resolution was put to the meeting,
Mr. Muncherjee Cowasjee Munsukh rose to address
the meeting on the subject of tho recent appointment
made by the Trustees of the Punchayet Funds of
Mr. Jamsetjee Cursetjee Jamsetjee as one of tho
trustees, but as the meeeing was not inclined to hear
him, he was asked to sit down. As Mr. Muneherjee
continued to address the meeting, the chairman ruled
him out of order, and he was eventually compelled to
desist from further addressing the meeting.
On the motion of Mr. K. N. Kabrajee. seconded by
Dr. Cowasjee Hormasjse, it was resolved to forward
a copy of the resolution to Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy,
the fourth Baronet, electing him the leader of the
community.
Resolutions were then passed thanking the trustees
for convening the meeting and the owners of the Al-
bless Bang for permitting the use of the hall.
Mr. Darasha R. Chichgar, iu proposing a vote of
thanks to the chairman, observed that Sir Dinshaw
always held the name of Sir Jamsetjee in such high
esteem that he always with his usual high-mindedness
and large-heartedness gave precedence to the gentle
man, who bore that honoured name. (Cheers.)
Dastur Kaikhosro Jamaspjee Minocherjee seconded
the proposition, which was carried by acclamation,
and the proceedings then terminated.
Our Poona correspondent telegraphed on Sunday
A large _ and influential meeting was held of the
Parsees in Poona this evening for the purpose of
nominating Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, 4th Parseejl
Baronet, the head of the Parsee community. The
high priest of the Deccan, Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Hoshang Jamasp,
took the chair. ^Several propositions being agreed to,
Mr. Aderioe Ghaswala prr posed, and Khan Bahadur
Khambatta seeo/'ed, that Sir Jamsetjee, the 4th
Baronet, be tbe head of the Parsee community. This
was carried by acclamation. Numerous telegrams
were next read from various places in the Deccan
approving the object of the meeting, which was a
most enthusiastic one.
Sir James Westland’s tenure of office as Fi
nance Member would, iu the ordinary course, termi
nate in November, but at the request of the
Secretary of State ho will remain in his present
post until the end of March next.
Mr. C. Fischer, Officiating Magistrate and Col
lector, Burdwan, has been allowed leave for
three months. Mr. H. Walmsley, Officiating
Joint Magistrate and Deputy Collector, Raniganj,
Burdwan, has been appointed to act. Mr. W. B.
Heycock, Officiating Joint Magistrate and Deputy
Collector, Burdwan, acts for Mr. Walmsley.
Mr. Justice Macpherson, of the Calcutta High
Court, has obtained an extension of furlough until
November 21. Mr. Justice Pratt continues to
act for him, and will perform the duties of vaca
tion Judge in conjunction with Mr. Justice
Stevens.
Lieutenants O. Tandy, R. Thomas, K. Horne)
and W, Evans, Royal Engineers, comes out next
month to join the Indian Establishment.