The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-12-28

bearers OF the confectionery with present
in money. Therefore, we say that rs Nusr
ed Deem. Shah. is man of shrewd wit, he.
doubtless, smiles to himself sarcastic
smile as he reflects on the various birthdays
OF this terrestrial ball.
After the diplomatic reception OF the No
Kooz is over, his Majesty. attended by his
oldest son. proceeds to hold popular audi
ence in one of the pavilionS in the gardens
of the palace, one of the few occasions when
he seems to come in actual contact with the
people and recognizes the mutual character
Of their interests. He occupies the upper
end of a marble throne shaped like a raised
platform and supported by carved lions
de sits on his knees with cushion of vel;
vet embroidered with gems at his back, and
faces the garden and the people. Files of
soldiers are ranged on either side of an i'm
mense tank between the avenues, and
aronnd them swarm the people.
A jeweled pipe is presented to the Shah,
which he smokes with Zest before his SUBJ
Jects. One of the great court dignitaries
then presents him with the congratulations
OF the season in the name of the people, to
which the Shah replies in short speech,
given in his usual earnest. some " hat abrupt
manner, but expressing the good will he en-
tertalns for his Persians and his desire for
their welfare and prosperity. A poet then
advances with an o e prepared for the occa-
sion. which he rectes in a loud sunoroys
chant that appears to give all present in
Luis ONcis Lie Ouiu
sententiously says 'Marakhus!" which
means you have leave to depart" and the
audience breaks up.
The following day, or II high wind be
blowing, on the next calm day during the
No KooZ, the great annual horse-raceS are
held under the auspices of the Shah at the
royal race-course just outside of the city
walls. 1t has beautiful pavilion built
in two stories with separate latticed bal
comics for his wives. Spacious tents of en-
broidered stuffs are spread around for the
ben eht of the courtierS. The course is cir
cular a little over mile long, and the horses
60 around six times in each race. he
races are running matches as trOtting is not
a favored gait with oriental horsrmen. The
Shah enters a number of horses and prizes
are given. The Arabian stallion which he
presented to the United States Legation had
won several prizes at those races, and ever
after Whenever he caught sight of the race
course 1t was difficult to hold him in because
he became so excited at the memory OF his
former triumphs.
When the state ceremonials and pageants
OF n" kooZ are over then the people abandon
themselves to unrestrained jollity and social
intercourse. The baZaars are cleared and
every one keeps open house, having, :ccord-
ing to his means, confectionery and sherbets
spread on the rug or table of the reception
room for the visitors who call TO exchange
the compliments of the season. With the
wealthy it is no small burden to entertain
at No kooZ, for they must be on hand to re-
ceive visitors who announce their coming
days in advance and also pay considerable
sums IN fees to the servants who bring gifts
to them from other gentlemen, as well as
distribute largeSSeS to their own servants,