'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎288] (397/496)

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of the same province, and the policy of thus quartering foreign troops in
a distant province cannot sufficiently be extolled, as it enables the grasp
ing ruler to carry out his oppressive measures on the governed in toler
able security, and, at the same time, with a freedom from annoyance,
which might otherwise be experienced from the employment of a
sympathising soldiery. The great end and aim of all functionaries in
Persia and Turkey is the inordinate possession of wealth ; and this ruling
passion extends through all grades of individuals, from the prince to the
peasant. From the general to the private soldier, all are alike mercenary.
An extortionate system is speedily organized for the attainment of their
object, and insecurity of property soon results. Being deemed rich is an
offence in the eye of the law, and means are quickly found for the trans
fer of private property into the hands of insatiate authority. The
merchant is thus afraid to trade to any extent, and the cultivator will not
sow where he cannot reap. Commerce is therefore almost entirely con
fined to the supply of the necessaries of life. Its luxuries are unknown,
except to the despot. The community of the city, and the inhabitants
of the province, are loud in their complaints at the present time, and many
influential merchants that once resided in this favorite locality for trade,
have left the spot for less oppressed regions.
In a former portion of the journal I have shewn the nefarious system
adopted for the collection of the revenue, and the usurious means resorted
to by the Agents, who are chiefly officers and soldiers of the Azerbijan
regiments. They are reputed rich enough even to influence the money
transactions of the place.
Kirmanshah, * under the Government of Mahomed Ally Mirza, a few
years ago, bore the reputation, and, I believe, justly too, of a thriving
city. This prince, unlike his successors, and, indeed, of a different stamp
from those who preceded him, by his energy greatly improved the p r0
vince, and a security almost unknown in Persia soon pervaded the districts
under his rule. His ambition, however, led him, like the satraps of o c ?
to covet some part of the fertile steppes contiguous to his mountain
territory. He was the eldest son of the Shah of Persia by an inferior
mother. He was undoubtedly brave, and in a great measure indepen
dent. In 1821, with a considerable force, he succeeded in wresting t
Pachalic of Zohab from the Turks, adding the rich plains, as far v es ^
Khanakin, to the dominions of his father. His ambition did not s
Iiere ; but, having gained thus much, he conceived a design of marc i »
, i j SO 4 '.
^ Kirmansbah is in latitude 34° 18' 45* N., and East of Bagh a