'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From December 1854 to March 1856. (New Issue.) Edited by the Secretary. Volume XII.' [‎63] (174/258)

OBSERVATIONS ON BAGHDAD.
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he indulges in none of the revolting vices of the Towns, and, contrary 'to receiv
ed opinion, he is averse to shedding blood except in retaliation for blood
shed by others. This, indeed, is his law, and curious enough one that fre
quently stays his hand from murder for fear of the consequences to himself
and his family. “ Blood for blood” indeed has a terrible signification in his
mind, for it renders him an outcast from his tribe, while he is in hourly expec
tation of an avenging hand. When at peace, he is mild, courteous and
hospitable; tender and even playful occasionally, though the usual gravity of
his manner would belie it. Much of this gravity is, however, assumed, and he
can be, and naturally is, both cunning and treacherous. These are indeed
the requisite accomplishments for his mode of life. Too proud and ignorant
to work, and imbibing ideas from his ancestors, whose lot it was to be cast
upon the most sterile and arid region of the globe, he dreams only of enriching
himself by plundering others of the gifts which seem to him to be distributed
by nature, so that he should exercise his strength in obtaining them. We
should not, therefore, judge him too harshly, for his education has taught him
to steal, though like other animals, who are obnoxious to communities, there
is no denying, but he should be expelled, or even exterminated, if untameable.
When guided by impulse, or necessity, he is passionate, exacting and deceit
ful, but not without principle when dealt fairly with by others. Like himself,
those dealing with him should ever be suspicious of his intentions and on the
alert to counteract them. Indeed, his own maxim “ never take a man for a
friend until you have proved him not to he an enemy” should be the guide
for all, especially strangers, in their intercourse with these people.
On the Government of the Province and the “ imperium in imperio” system
pursued to weaken those who, when united, were able to set up in antagonism
to authority, I have already touched. Generally speaking the form of admi
nistration in Baghad and in the minor towns is based on that of Constantinople,
varied only to suit local usages and requirements when these do not operate
badly upon the general law, which, of course, is that of the Khoran and the
interpretations which learned legislators have awarded to its less intelligible
doctrines. The old despotic rule has been closed for some years, and now
a Council, at which the Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. usually presides, hears and determines upon
all cases. It is a mixed one of Mahomedans and Christians, but the latter
in Turkey are not as yet sufficiently independent to do justice to their position
when the Mahomedan portion may be biased by their creed, or by corrup
tion to pronounce an unjust award. To speak candidly these nefarious prac
tices in perversion of law and right, are less complained of in Baghdad than
in most parts of the Turkish Empire, and under the more enlightened and
honest administration of the present Pasha An Ottoman title used after the names of certain provincial governors, high-ranking officials and military commanders. , Mahomed Reshid, they aie less
flagrant. He discountenances them, indeed, in his desire to benefit the state