Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1891-04-05
THE SHAFTS MASCOT.
AXIS E. SUlTAN'S LUCk--A BOYS
EXPENSE ACCOUNT.
His Playmates-Orisin of the Shah's
FGvor-Army Promotion.
DOWNRIGHT 1871. by the United Press

In the capital of Persia wonderful stories
are told about little boy only eleven years
old, the son of Gen. Mir Makhmade Kahn,
who some years ago held an unimportant
position in the Persian empire. Makhmade
Kahn is al present court minister. ana TO
his little son, AIS Z Sultan, he IS in
debted for his exalted position.
The boy Ais is a great favorite
with the shah, whose companion he was
during the latter's European tour. At that
time the shah's devotion to his little favor
ite was much commented upon by the press
and public. This lucky boy is treated like
u miniat IRE shah The court Officials are
obliged TO show him the greatest respect,
and are in constant dread Of losing his good
will. knowing well TO lose his favor would
be equal to losing the favor Of the shah
himself Ais has his own court con-
Quoted on a scale of oriental uagniiicence,
and all his surroundings are the
most luxurious the imagination can picture.
Limitless wealth - at his command
to procure every desired luxury. His sta
bles are filed with beautiful Arabian horses,
while his carriage house contains every
conceivable kind Of vehicle, large and small
all most
ARTisTIcALLr oRNAMENTED
and very expensive. Twelve rooms in the
shah's palace are devoted to the boys use.
The appointments are exQuisitely beauti-
full, valuable rugs cover the floors. the
hangings are Of rare old tapestry, while
Statuettes, mirrors, vases, and unique
music-boXes are placed in available posi-
tons Marble fountains filed with gold
fish, swimming ceaseiesSly within their
narrow confines. are among the chief de-
lights Of this favored child. All kinds Of
singing birds, native and foreign, pour forth
their sweet warblings from numerous
golden cages. The reception hail is d large
apartment furnished In truly Oriental
style. The backs of the chairs are Of
gold, the upholstery of purple velvet
embroidered in gold in various designs
birds and flowers finding the greatest favor
in the young masters eyes. Situated in
different parts OF the hail are three foun-
tains, the waters OF which sparkle like
dew, and their gentle dripping seems 1T
ting accompaniment to
THE SOLEMN sPLENDORs OF THE SCENE.
Beautiful soft, yelvety rugs. the product
the highly polished floor. One room is de-
voted exclusively TO toys, and every
nation on the globe has contri-
buted its quota to this part Of the child's
amusement. The most expensive and
rarest toys made are here found in lavish
abundance. A miniature armory has also
been fitted up with all kinds of firearms.
Guns, pistols, sabers with beautifully jew
eled hits, and even stilettos in velvet cases,
are ranged around the room. One apart
ment is given up to the use Of two strange
guests, kept for the entertainment of the
young potentate. They are two lit
tie dwarfs, hideously ugly, but withal very
amusing. Two young negro boys occupy
another room; they are the same age as
For Ais e. Sultan sn all garden has been
laid out, which contains a white marble
fountain, little pond well stocked with
tiny members Of the tinny tribe, and some
rare tropical plants and trees, under the
shade of which this lucky boy plays or rests
WITH HIS LITTLE COMPANIONS.
The yearly expenses of the shah's Young
favoriJe amount to 100000 francs. MANY
orders and distinctions have been conferred
upon the boy, and he has been given also a
very fine portrait Of his illustrious
patron, mounted in large white dia-
monds Of the purest water. In the army
Ais has been raised TO the rank OF mar
to this boy that he seldom permits him
to go out of his presence. He bestows
more affection on him than on his own chill
dren, who, according to court etiquette, on
meeting their father have to stand before
him with hands clasped rs if in prayer, IN
til he gives the customary signal for them
to approach. With Ais it is different; he
is received at ali times without ceremony,
and embraced ard kissed by the shah. He
does whatever he pleaseS in his presence
exhibiting the utmost freedom in jumping,
dancing, singing and telling stories, in the lat
tero (which he Is an adept. A council OF min
listers does not in the least awe this young
gentleman, and he does not hesitate to play
pranks on such august personagcs when
the humor seizes him. One time when the
shah went hunting he left his favorite be-
hind him at the palace. The youngster be-
came unmanageable, turning over chairs,
tables, and anything that came in his way
In fact he literally
TURNED THINGS ToPsT-TCRyY.
One of the ladies Of the harem. becoming
eyasperated al his conduct, scolded him
severely. Being unaccustomed to such |
harsh treatment, Ais took refuge in cor.
ner Of the apartment, and there the shah |
found him on his return, sobbing as though |
his young heart would break The shah |
was furiously angry that any one would |
presume TO NEEDLE with his favorite during |
his absence, and reprinanded the oficious |
lady who had caused the child such sorrow. |
Since that time, whenever the shah goes |
hunting ne always takes Ais with him. |
The boys hunting costume consists OF !
richly embroidered pantaloons and Jacket,
the latter confined TO the waist by Jew
eled belt His cap Is Of the richest fur.
Surrounded by pages, he Is always in close |
proximity to the shah's person. The lat
ter is so afraid Of poison being admins
tered to the boy that he will not permit 4
him to accept food from any hands b,af9
those OF the cook, in whom he has impncdd
confidence.
The question II often ssked. what Is a5fst