'File 53/32 V (D 128) Kuwait Miscellaneous' [‎83r] (176/474)

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seriously, and wrote a great, a very great deal in connection
with the necessity of reforming the affairs and resources
of Kuwait. The result of my writings, however, appears
to have had no effect whatsoever.
In 1^2 2 there arose in lluvrait a progressive nation
al spirit, kindled by unique intelligence, and enhanced by
diligent reading of newspapers and magazines. The youth of
Kuwait then had a voice which resounded throughout the Arabian
world, and on which most of the leading Arab newspapers made
comments - a voice which demanded reforms, and lamented the
negligence of those in power.Jhose who read newspapers were
aware that there were Kuwaiti writers,whose pens had a good
press in the columns of Iraqi newspapers. Among all,however,
this paper was the leader. She carried the torch of reform
ation, and was a resort for Kuwaiti free-thinkers, and in her
columns were published the products of their pens, which caus
ed hearts to bleed and made not only the merciful but also
every hard-hearted man to shed tears.
That auspicious movement went on for some years,
and people hoped that it would bring the best of results to
the State of Kuwait, which Nature has endowed with a unique
position in xirabia, and whose importance will shortly emerge,
moreover, the ab ov emeriti on ed movement rose just after the
accession of Shaikh Ahmad who was famous for his sympathy
for reformation, and for his bitter criticism of those
in power, because they were leading Kuwait in her ruin.
Ill luck, however, refused to leave Kuwait, and
insisted that it should remain a target for those who have
ambitions and ends to achieve, and for those vaho try to
fish in turbid water, and cannot fill their pockets except
when disorder exists and anarchy prevaiIs.Sovery soon the
reformers were driven out or persecuted. Some of them
indeed were compelled to leave their country; and others
suffered of all kinds of trouble. Newspaper readers were
very badly treated, and writers were warned that they must
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