The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-07-15
TIE SHAH ON HIS TRAVELS.
Elk Minister Benjamin Tells of the
Monsrch's PaSeants at Home.

start on that day on a journey at least of
several days. 1t might be merely for a
hunting expedition, or it might be for an
excursion TO a distant part of his domiuions.
But although to many at the capital this
was the first information of his majesty's
proposed absence, those who had passed in
the neighborhood of the ark, or palace, dur
ing the preceding week would have been
aware that something Of the sort was on
foot, because Of the hustle and preparation
evident in the squares and streets of the
royal inclosure
The shah, in his present journey to
Europe, is accompanied by seventy individ-
uals, from ministers TO ordinary attendants
This seems large number, but it Is a mere
trlfle compared with the multitude that
forms his cortege when he travels in Persia.
In the ii ST place, wherever a halt is
made, except al a few parks where he has
stationary paSilions, tents must be spread
for the king and his suite. aud also his
wives, should any of them accompany him.
These tents are very sumptuously decorated
and are Of vast dimensions. A wall or
screen o. similar stuff with the tents is set
up around the encampment, adding mate
rally to the amount Of baggage.
THE ROYAL CARAVAN.
To the tents must be added many costly
rugs and carpets to spread over the ground,
anu numerous mattresses, besides no end of
cooking utensils and other impeachment. 1t
Is evident that an army of camelS and sum
ter mules and horses are required to trans
port this paraphernalia of royalty. A great
baggage train IS, therefore, sent ahead
day Ii advance, in order that on arriving at
the camping grounds the shah may find
everything in readiness, and the meal smok-
ing that shall appease his august appetite.
This baggage train is still further increased
by the way, from the fact that there must
be double set of everything; thus, while
he Is occupying one camp another Is being
prepared at the next station.
During the greater part of the year
travelling IN Persia must be done at night,
or early in the day, owing to the heat.
Hence, the shah starts from his palace by
sunrise, and has made long stage into the
country before most people elsewhere have
arisen. One may naturally suppose that
having disposed of such large number of
servants in expediting the baggage the
king would need only handful Of retain
ers to accompany him in person. But,
quite the contrary is the fact. He is at
tended by all the traditional pomp of an
oriental sovereign, not SO much from de-
sire for ostentation as because of the need
of protection in a thinly peopled country,
overrur in many regions by unruly tribes
of pastoral nOmadS; in part. also, to in
press upon his subjects a strong perception
OF his authority and power.
Orentals d C nstitutionally affected
more by what appeals to TIE eye than by
any other means. Some of the royal prog
resses are undoubtedly taken for the pur-
pose of maintaining among the people
vivid idea of the government, and thus
forcing on their minds the importance of
order and obedience. 1t is proper to state
here that brigandage has been effectually
put down in Persia during the present reign.
The cortege Of the shab on such occasions
consists, therefore, of several of the minis
tiers of mis- cabinet, generally those who are
personal tavorite5 and are gifted with con-
versatina abilities. Sometimes, however.
when important matters of state are pend
ing, the minister of foreign affairs accom-
panies him. the foreign office being left in
charge of an experienced secretary. The
constant need of communication with the
capital, also, requires the atte4dance OF a
large number of mounted messengers, who
travel around and fly over the country at a
gailop.
AN ARMY OF SERVANTS.
Each of the dignitaries or upper servants
attending his majesty on journey must
have his own assistants, which swells the
general train On the march the plslket-
nels, or refreshment servants, carry a sack
suspended to the saddle, in which are
kalians, or water pipe; and tobacco, and
any moment they must be prepared to
Light pipe, process very different and
far more complicated than the the lighting
Of cigar When tine kalian is ready the at
tendant rides by tho side of his master and
holds the pipe, while the ambleS gently latter
over the plain and contemplatively smokes.
This is the acme of luxury i'll travelling TO
which our pleasure-loving jeunesse doree
has not yet attained.
We read that Caesar dictated to his secre-
taries when on the march, they writing in
the saddle. A Persian official may 10 that
and smoke besides Had the great Roman
added that fiual touch in aid of his opulent
genius it is difficult TO estimate the results.
Anti-tobacconlsts may snrug their should
ers at this sentiment. So much the worse
for them.
To all this multitude of attendants and
animals must be added the tachtravans of
filters for the ladies who accompany the
shah. These litters are covered and protected
by lattice work, and the lady reclines COM
fortably on cushions. The tacntravan is
attached to two long poles, which are
borne by mules, one before and one behind.
The mules are gaily caparisoned, and the
leader bears around his neck resonant
string of bells that sound quantity enough
as the tram wends it slow way over the
lonely mountain passes aud wide vase
plains of Persia
The children and female servants, or
slaves, are carried in kajevehs, which are
canopied seats, borne by mules or camels,
Sung one on each side, over the back OF the
animal, like saddlebags.
THE ROYAL GUARDS.
Finally, we must add to the train of the
shah the mounted regiment of royal guards
called GholamS, a'splendid corps number
ing some 1.500 and cloud of regular
cavalry. On a long journey several regi
ments Of infantry may also swell the cor
tege, besides a horde of camp followers,
such as dancing men and women, and the
like 1t is said that whom his majesty went
to Meshed his train numbered $1,000 souls,
which is quito probable.
The encampment is laid by a water-course
whenever possible, under the shades of
groves Of wide-spI eadlng chevans, pecu-
liarly grateful in that sutrv cline. The
Nasr-ed- Deem Shah finds relaxation from
the cares of state or at least gives them at
tention under circumstances so agreeable
as to relieve the burden which rests On the
shoulders of king. Men once in power
may not willingly resign it, but no greater
mistake can be made thad TO imagine that
wealth. luxury add power can influence
kisnet to drive away the perDlexity or
anxiety of which every mortal, from helot
to king, must have snare, in one way or
another. He who seeks OF iuheri,s pos.s of
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