'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From December 1854 to March 1856. (New Issue.) Edited by the Secretary. Volume XII.' [‎62] (173/258)

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COMMANDER F. JONES’S
pable of committing every villany and theft for the least possible gain, or even
out of pure mischief. They are comparatively rich in the Arab acceptation
of the term ; have good fire-arms and move about in light boats called “ Mas-
hoofs,” which they handle admirably, and are the terror of those who trade hy
water from their exactions and cruelty, if denied. To coerce them is difficult,
owing to their position, as when threatened, they betake themselves to the
marshes and lie “ perdu” among the high jungles of matted reeds where, in the
creeks and mud, they are quite at home. The Aid Yezair, inhabiting the
marshy tracts of the Euphrates, are much the same in mode of life and equally
formidable in rebellion, but on the contrary they are more peaceably disposed ;
bear a higher character for Arab virtues, and, if not oppressed, are amenable
to the authority of the Chiefs. I have dwelt longer on these tribes than I in
tended, but they differ from all others in this region, and a longer notice is ne
cessary to comprehend their characters.
Had I time at my disposal, I would continue the sketch of the Arab tribes
and enumerate their strength and resources in a detailed statement. This
however is in preparation, and will form an appendix when complete.* To
sum up generally on this head, owing to the nomade habits, I must add, they
are one and all but little under the control of the Turkish Government. It
is true, that a sort of tacit understanding exists between them and the authori
ties, that so long as the revenue at which the tribe is paid, they are to suffer no
molestation. This assessment takes place annually, but much difficulty is ex
perienced before the sum is fully paid up ; the object of the Arab being to shew
he is really too poor, and that of the Government to obtain, if well paid in one
year, an increase of tribute in the next. Thus both parties fall out; are for
the most part always at odds, if not at open war. Too weak to coerce them
efficiently, the Government employs the usual weapons of the feeble, those of
exciting party against party. Factions are thus raised in the tribes ; the much
coveted Sheikhships are sold, as it were, to the highest bidder, and a constant
rivalry exists, fomented by the Government as an element to neutralize the
combinations and rebellions so frequent in all ages among these singularly
constituted people. It is this system, however, which has impoverished both
the country and people.
The general character and habits of the Arab tribes inhabiting the region of
which Baghdad is the capital, are much the same, and are exercised at all times
without material distinctions so far as the public, that is those not immediately
of their own clan, is concerned. Essentially the Arab is the foe of his fellow
man, though he is not without a few redeeming qualities. In his domestic life
* It accompanies the present paper so far as my knowledge of them extends with any certainty.