'Koweit: A Report' [‎53r] (114/140)

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bold on too long or be deceived into believing that the attack
had faded, while their flank was turned and an attacking force
directed on Koweit itself. The absolute openness of the
country to movements m all directions would in this respect
undoubtedly increase the difficulty of defence, and might easily
lead to disaster. & 3
Should the consideration of Jehara’s proximity to Kathama
ever make it expedient to support Koweit's independence at
this point, it seems to me that no effective support can be given,
supposing diplomatic representations to have failed, short of
landing troops.
Administration.
. g overnment 18 patriarchal, even as the Sheikh himself
is the living presentment of one’s idea of the biblical patriarchs.
A big dinner is prepared every day for any wanderers and
strangers who may wish to share it; the one and only restric
tion is that arms must be left at the gate.
The Sheikh exercises political and the Kazi judicial func
tions. Punishment is rarely inflicted,and there seems to be but
little governmental interference with the liberty of the subject,
in any respect, and to be little need for it.
No tribute is, or ever has been, paid either to the Amir of
Ne]d, or to the Turkish Government. Nor is tribute exacted
from other tribes. Save small offeringsat the gate, or from
merchants, there is no system of Customs, and trade is* entirely
free. 3
Thus under a succession of common sense rulers, with a
policy wisely originated and systematically pursued, an Arab
band of pirates now appear as the masters of a thriving free-
trade port. One cannot avoid a feeling of astonishment at
finding such a political and commercial structure in such a
region, and the work of such hands.
The currency is cosmopolitan. As elsewhere in Arabia, the
Maria Theresa dollar, “Real,” (the value of which is about
Rs. i-8) may be considered the standard medium of exchange ;
while Persian Krans and Turkish copper coins are also met
with. English sovereigns are occasionally to be found, and the
Indian rupee is not despised. Bills can be obtained on Basrah,
Bushire, and Bombay, and also, it is said, on the capital of
Nejd.
Resources.
Agricultural resources there are none, except at Jehara,
where a certain small amount of cereals and green fodder, as
well as dates, are cultivated, and disposed of in Koweit. During
the winter months, there is some sparse grazing, enough for the
Currency.