'Persia and the Persian Question by the Hon. George Nathaniel Curzon, M.P.' [‎462] (521/714)

462 PERSIA
of law for the regulation of justice. In the 'Times' I wrote as
follows of this undertaking, purposely couching my remarks in a
hopeful strain, so that I might not seem everywhere to see the
blacker side of the cloud :—
The Council, who have not thp clearest notion of what is required
of them, have commenced the translation of the Code Napoleon, and
have also been supplied with copies of that code as modified to suit the
exigencies of the French Mohammedan populations, and also of our
own Indian Mohammedan code ; but, beyond this, have come to no
decision as to what is incumbent upon them. There are some who
regard the Royal command as a mere passing caprice, and expect no
practical result. It is to be hoped, however, that this will not be the
case, but that the Shah may be encouraged to proceed with a not un
promising design. The new code, however, if it is to be of any service,
must contain provisions for tribunals, as well as laws ; such provisions
being, indeed, embodied in the European codes, upon which it will
probably be modelled. A difficulty may be experienced in procuring
judges of integrity and worth, and no abrupt change can be expected
in the habits or moral standards of an Oriental country. But the eyes
of the West will, at least, be directed with interest towards this fresh
attempt to emancipate Persia from herself; while the assistance of
foreign Governments may legitimately be given both towards the com
pilation of the new body of law and towards its proper administration
when completed.
In response to recent inquiries (1891), I am informed that nothing
further has been heard of the new code, whence I am led to infer
that one more excellent scheme has gone into the waste-paper
basket, and that one more stone must be added to the cairn of
abortive reforms that has been so conscientiouslv piled bvNasr-ed-
Din Shah.
Under a twofold governing system, such as that of which I
have now completed the description—namely, an administration in
Effect on every actor is, in different aspects, both the briber
character anC ^ bribed; and a judicial procedure, without either
a law or a law court—it will readily be understood that
confidence in the Government is not likely to exist, that there is
no personal sense of duty or pride of honour, no mutual trust or
co-operation (except in the service of ill-doing), no disgrace in
exposure, no credit in virtue, above all no national spirit or
patriotism. Ihose philosophers are right who argue that moral
must precede material, and internal exterior, reform in Persia. It