Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1854-01-20
Persia.

Inc Gerslans hrc very ancient people,
The first of their Kings of whom we have
any historical account, regncd 10 the time Of
Abraham. Sometimes they enjoyed as ma.
ton great prosperity, while at other time,
they we're doomed to defeat, and were often
controlled BY foreign powers. Prior 10 the
days of Cyrus, Persia had become tributary
TO the Medes, from whose power Cyrus res
Cued his country, and established the Persian,
or the third universal empire. At his time,
Persia comprised the earliest civilized couu-
tries. Yet even up to the present time, she
has made but little progress in the arts aud
sciences.
Cambyses who was the successor Of Cyrus,
greatly extended his dominions by conquest,
embracing Egypt and part Of Ethiopia, ex-
tending bis power from Indis to Libyn, and
from the Indian Ocean 10 the borders Of
Seythia.
Darius, who succeeded Cambyscs, consoli.
dated and strengthened the empire. But
with all her power, she was not able TO resist
the mighty cOnquerer, Alexander the Great,
$50 years B. c. Alexander ovcrth-sw the
Persian empire, and it became p7rt Of the
Grecian empire. After the death of Ale1an-
der, it fell to the share of Sebeucus Nicator,
who left it to bis successors, the Sebeucides
About the year 246, B. G., the Parthians ex-
PEELED The Syrians, and became masters oi
Persia, under whose power she remained 500
years. When Artaxcrxes a descendant ot
the ancient Persian monarchs, raised a revolt
against the government, achieved the inde-
pendence of his country, and became King.
Persia, during the reign Of her ancient Kings,
was among the most wealthy, and powerful
nations Of the earth. She had many strong
and powerful cites, Of which Persepois was
the chief. This city wns founded by Jam
sheed. about the year 800 B. G. 1t contain
ed the splendid palaces of the Kings. twas
situated not far from the Persian Gulf II is
said to have been rs miles in length 1t was
set on fire by Alexander, since which it has
remained heap Of ruins.
Thus we have given''a breGskeich Of what
Persia was in the days OF her ancient Kings
But her ancient splendor and glory has de-
parted, SO that her present condition presents
scarcely shadow of her former grandeur
The present population Of Persia is put down
at eight millions, which is about one-!hird Of
the pre,ent population of the United State. of
America. Our government was founded rs
years ago. while that Of Persia dates back
40OO!!
Persia at present is bounded as follows:
East by Afghanistan, which was once part
of Persia. South by the Persian and Oman
Cults. West by Turkey. North by Georgia,
the Caspian Sea and Independent Tartary.--
Georgia was once part Of Persia, but is now
claimed and governed by Russia. 1t is situa.
ted south Of the Caucasian Mountains Jtis
a rough and rugged region, and in connection
with Caucasus forms natural barrier to any
convenient communication from Russia tC
Persia. Especially as the Crcassians have
never us yet been conquered by Russia.
Why Persia, being somewhat remote from
Russia, and joining right on to Turkey, should
have declared war against her, and that, too
so far as we know, without provocalion. is I
mystery to England and France, "and tht
rest of mankind" There are, however, many
conjectures 1t is supposed by some, tina
Nicholas is grasping after India 1t is sair
that for many years The Gar has looked wish
fully on British India. Persia as an indepen
dent government, lying between the Caspian
Sea and the Persian Gulf, has been the grea
barrier to his ambitious designs "Russiar
ambassadors, of known intriguing abilities
have been senl 10 the court of Teheran." Blu
by what intrigue, promises or threats, thu
Shah could have been induced TO break off Al
diplomatic relations with England, and g
over and become allied TO Russia, when hi
very existence would seem to depend upo
h is retaining friendly relations with England
Has Nicholas, in bis ambitious grasp for Ii
dia offered TO divide the spoil with the Shah
or has be resolved on annihilating the nj
tonality Of Turkey? and in that case, has h
agreed, Il tho Shah vhOuld help, to give bill
Caucasus and Turkey in Asia, while he woul
take possession of Turkey in Europe?
would seem that nothing short Of some suc
offer or expectation could have induced Ii
Shah TO abandon all friendly relations wit
England, and march his army against Turke
unless he consented through weakness an
fear, which in our opinion is the most prob
bic cause Of this strange movement. Fro
Turkey he had nothing to fear. But Russ
has at oil times been bis deadly enemy; ar
he well knew, that to attempt TO resist Ii
power of Russia, would be in vain; for