The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1885-04-22
BAYLEss w. HANNA.s MISSION.

BAYLESs w. HANNA'S MISSION.
Judge Hanna, OF era giordsyilIe has been
appointed CoBsul General 20 Persia. The
sppointee being well known in Indiana, we
recite some information as 70 the mission
and the place to which he goes. The salary
is 5000. The Consul General is also vested
with diplomatic authority. there being no
minister to the Court OF the Shah. It is a
journey Of considerable length the Indianisn
has TO n axe to Tehersn, the Persian capital.
TeheIan is an inland city some seventy
miles south from the Caspian Sea and 90
miles north of Ispahan, and contains in win
ter population about equal to that of Indi-
anaIolis, Shich lie, however, greatly reduced
in summer by exodus-the Shah and probab-
ly tyo-thires of the Inhabitants moving out
and encsmping On the plains. TIE city is
unhealthy in summer. II stands in a sandy
plain IN the form Of an irregular square and
is inelosed by deep dry ditch and a thick
mud wall pierced by gates, which are always
guarded and aie always closed after sunset.
The houses are said to be badly built and
mean in appearance. The principal build
ing OF the town is the Ark or Royal Palace.
There are q number OF mosques, one of
which is rooted with plates of gold. But the
bszsaIs are described as being wretchsdly
kept ard dirty. TeheTan is connected by
telegraph with the Turkish and Russian
fiontiers.
Judge Hanna will have superb opportunity
for missionary work, il ne should incline to
thus supplement his political duties. Shah
decentralization is the prevailing religion
ttat branch of the Mohsmmedan faith which
honors Hussein next after the prophet, and
so repudiating the first three oaliphs. Tie
murder OF Hussein by tbs caliph Yezia ia
still commemorsted in the cities OF Persia by
passion plays, which constitute the most re-
markable observance of Shah Mohammedan-
ism. The performance is held in large
tent in the public square, and comprises ten
acts, one from each of the ten days mourn
ing in memory OF the event the drama
celebrates. Many of the Persian women
of the upper classes are reputed
very beautiful, lively and clever; but
then polygamy exists. There are
two kinds of marriages, permanent and for
3 limited time. ninety years being the max
imum period permitted in the limited con-
trsct. OF permanent wives man can have
only four, bat OF the limited class he may
take thousand if he likes, and all for ninety
years if he SO prefers.
Just here Judge Hanna has opportunity to
put in good work for his fellow man. The
average Persian male is said to be q rather
worthless fellow; no wonder he is, living IN
der laws limiting the majority of his mstri-
monial alliances to only ninety years. He
is probably worrying in mind ut having to
give Up The majority of his wives in go short
q time. II the Judge car only persuade the
Shah to extend the limit fIom ninety to 100
years the Persian may possibly become of
n ore account.
We nave cyclopedic information that it
Is mistaken idea entertained by Christen-
dem shat Persian women are restricted Of
libsItJ. The Persians e not jealous in dis.
position, and their wives and daughters go
about unattended to the public baths the
stores ard on visits TO their friends. Bat
then, they 90 with face and persons so en-
veloped as to be unacceptable to their
nearest relatives.
Silk is the most important product OF
Persia, and the people have acquired great
dexterity in its manufacture. Satins, vel
vets, brocades and all kinds of striped silks
are made in brilliant colors, and strong and
durable. The Persian carpets and Cashmere
shawls have, also, world. wide reputation.
To the extent of reading and writing educs-
ton is general in Persia, all the towns COZ
tanning schools in which children are taught,
the Koran. In the Government College at
Teheran both French and English are taught
so that our Consul General will have no
need CT converting in soliioquy.
We might add more Of interest concern
ing Persia, but refrain so as to leave curiosi-
ty the stronger for the narrative, which, no
doubt. Judge Hanns's fscile pen will give
after ne has made the acquaintance of the
Shah, and learned to swap recitatons OF Eng
lish verse with fair Persian deYotses to the
poetry OF Heiz and Firdusi