The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-08-17
SHAH WANTS ELECTRIC ROADS
Interesting Interview with His Eng
lish Agent.

Interesting Interview With His Eng
lish Agent.
NEW YORK. Aug. is-The shah OF
Persia has had an agent in this coun-
try for fortnight examining the cleo
trie trolley system of Greater New
York. preparatory to introducing cleo
tric travel between Teheran and a
portion Of the Caspian Sea. These IS
miles Of trolley win be the longest cleo
trio railway in Asia.
Tho Shah's agent. John Marsdon
Ward. an Englishman, has been for
more than fifteen years attached to
the personal service Of the Shah and
has resided at Teheraa. Frequent trips
10 Europe have kept him in touch with
the progress OF invention and art. He
was a protege Of B. 3. Hotchkiss. the
American inventor and has introduced
into the Shah's capital the telephone
and other modern appliances. Since
MS arrival he has been investigating
the trolley systems in the city. the
Brooklyn Rapid Transit and Metropol-
itaR having furnished him every IA
cility.
Mr.. Ward was found at the Secor
ship-yard at Bayridge. whittier he had
gone to give an order for launch for
the shah's use at his winter residence
on the Persian gulf near Busra-the
Bslsera Of old "slnbad. the Sailor"
. Il go to PhiiadalphIa next week." he
said, ITO visit the Baldwin Locomotive
Works. with a view to making 4 re-
port upon engines for use on the new
.-.,,r,,..d between Teheran and the Per-
sian gulf One ana possibly 2 second !,
line Of rallway viii be sushed through !
3 the guif with all possible speed. The
roads win be built largely by Russian
capital and Russian engineers.
THE general impression about Per-
sia. is that it is land Of desperadoes.
Nothing could be further from the
truth. Persia is not bad country to
live in. I have a house at Teheran
that has the most complete sanitary
fittings. II contains a porcelain bath.
purchased in Vienna. 1t is lighted with
electricity. and telephone connects Il
with the palace and the various offices
I visit. There are many handsome cabs
in Teheran and I generally drive in one.
Most Americans, and Europeans think
we ride camels and camp out. but We
don't.
Il do not wish to discuss His Maj i.
esty's affairs" added Mr. Ward. MY |
relations with His Majesty are purely
business ones. I have nothing to do
with the policy Of the government to-
ward Russia or Great Britain. Not the
slightest attempt has ever been made
tn interfere with my religious views. |
am a member of the English church |
and serve my God in my own way.
THE Shah is a very intelligent ruler. |
His Majesty has been thrice to Eu-
rore and on this occasion he has de-
voted much time TO examining novel;
ties at the Paris exposition. The pa
pers say he has bought several auto /
mobiles. Doubtless that is true. But |
His Majesty has had a French gaso- !
line motor carriage for more than two
years. It is a well-known object on
the drives around Teheran. I am look |
ing over the automobile ground here
and may buy one or more if decided
novelty is discovered. Ten years from
now Persia will be abreast Of the ma
tions Of Europe in everything but the
fine arts.
Tho great conflict in China may de-
Jay Russia's advance upon India, but
the day for that move is practically |
fixed. Russia can occupy Herat any
day she wishes. It is the gateway to
India,
Persia owes much to Russia. The
Car has not attempted to dominate in
any way the affairs at Teheran. Russia
Is doing more for the rest Of the
world than is any other one nation"
Mr.. Ward will make hurried trip
10 Chicago and will then sail for Paris
to accompany the Shah on his return
To Teheran. A small steamer has been
chartered at Hull, England, that will
proceed to Havre and load all the mer-
ehandlse and inventions that have been
purchased here and in Europe. The
steamer will clear for the Black Sea
and the goods viii be forwarded over
the trans Caucasian railway TO Baku.
This Is the most direct route to Te-
heran at present, but when the railroads
across Persia are finished the Persian
gulf will again become one Of the ia
mlliar parts of the world to shipmas-
ters. American breadstuffs will there
find a great market in the future, in
Mr.. Wards opinion.
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