'Persian Gulf Gazetteer, Part I Historical and Political Materials, Précis of Bahrein [Bahrain] Affairs, 1854-1904' [‎123] (150/204)

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445- T he Sheikh was at last Induced to banish Sheridah and his son, but
Colonel Meade thought it advisable to warn Sheikh Esau that he should not allow
the man to return without the consent of the British authorities. Colonel Meade
felt that he was convinced the Sheikh was all along aware of the man's guilt, but
wished to^ shield him from the consequences of his act, as he had been so many-
years in his service, and was one of the greatest friends. He felt too that this
being well known he would suffer in the eyes of his subjects if he were obliged to
punish the man severely, and he did his utmost to avoid having to do this.
446. The Sheikh's other old servant, Amir Saleh bin Rashid, who was the
Bazaar Master, was also present at the time the Banian Merchant of Indian extraction. was stabbed and, as he
was responsible for the maintenance of law and order in the Bazaar, his conduct
in not taking notice of what occurred merited severe notice. Colonel Meade,
however, thought that as the Sheikh had at last dealt with Sheridah and his
son, it was not desirable to urge him to punish Amir Saleh also, and he contented
himself with asking the Sheikh to warn him that he, too would be liable to
punishment if the British subjects were not properly guarded and looked after in
Bahrein. A fine of Rs. 1,000 was also levied from Sheridah and his son.
As regards the disposal of the fine, Colonel Meade recommended that
Rs. 400 might be paid to the Banian Merchant of Indian extraction. Farsi, who had been severely wounded
and who had been put to some expense in consequence, and that Rs. 50 be given
to the boy, Dhar Singh, whose wound was a mere scratch. The balance Rs. 550
could be paid into the Government treasury at Bushire, or could if the Govern
ment approved, be utilized in putting an enclosure round six graves of English
officers and seamen, which were then situated in an open plain, just outside the
town. The uncared for condition of these graves had been remarked on, and he
(Colonel Meade) thought the opportunity might be taken to have them enclosed
by a low wall, which could be erected for the sum he had mentioned.
447. The Government of India decided (letter No. 172-E.A., dated 18th
January 1900) that the disposal of the fine which was levied by the Sheikh should
be left to him to determine, should he agree to distribute a suitable sum as compen
sation to the persons injured : there was no objection to that course so far as the
Government of India were concermed.
44.8. Sheridah was allowed subsequently
Externa! A., December \goo, Nos. 40-41. . . ^ n u • t
External a., April 1901, No. 13, to return to Bahrein on the guarantee ot
the Sheikh for his good behaviour.
449. As regards the fine, Colonel Meade suggested subsequently that it should
not be left to the discretion of the Chief to dispose of, but should be recovered as
an indemnity and disposed by Government in the manner suggested by him (Politi
cal Resident). In Colonel Meade's opinion to leave the disposal of the fine in the
Chief's hands would result in a relaxation of our h(jld on the Chief and would
affect the future working of Article 4 of the Convention. The Government of
India in the circumstances directed that the fine should be disposed of in the
manner suggested by the Resident. (Foreign Department letter No. 834-E.A.,
dated 10th April 1900,)