The Washington times., 1903-02-25
Liked by Sultan.

Although still a young man, Mr. Girls
com has seen a great deal OF diplomatic
service. While acting as charge daft
faires at ConstantinOple he was held in
high esteem by the Sultan and success
fully negotiated a number OF delicate
diplomatic missions. During his two
years Of service as minister to Persia
he won the confidence Of the shah and
at an audience just previous to Mr.. Girls
CONS departure. Mussaffered-Din de-
clared his admiration for the American
people, and said tnat he had long wished
to visit this country
- I am inclined 10 think thathe VIII
not carry out his wish. however" said
Mr. Griscom. "The distance is great and
the trip would necessitate his being alb
sent from his country for long time
Then. too. he breads the extended jour
ney by water"
Mr.. Griscom describes the shah as be-
ing an up-to-date ruler.
The Shah's Automobiles.
He has about thirty automobiles"
says Mr.. Griscom. "and he uses them in
going TO and from his country and city
palaces. He does not operate them him
self. however. but has a Frenchman en-
ployed 10 act as his chauffeur. He also
has a private yacht. which he purchased
in Belgium.
Much OF the Shah's time is devoted
to hunting the goats which abound in
the mountainous districts OF Persia
These are exceedingly difficult 10 bring
down. but the Shah is a crack shot and
seldom fails 10 bring down good bag.
BE has immense tracts OF land reserved
for his hunting. and foreign ministers
frequently receive invitations TO try
their aim. One must be a mountain
climber. as well as a good shot. to kill
the goats. and It is usually necessary
to ascend 5000 feet in order TO get a
shot. but there is splendid hunting with
in ten miles Of Teheran."
Long Horseback Trip.
While in Persia. Mr. Criscom Travelled
2.o0O miles on horseback. and as re-
suit OF these trips has opened a new
field for American commercial interests
The route used 70 convey merchandise
from Teherau to the Persian CUR has
been very roundabout one There is
, shorter way. but IL was supposed 20
be infested with bandits and therefore
was not used BY The caravans.
Mr. Criscom proved that the shorter
route was feasible and perfectly safe by
riding over it from beginning 70 end. He
was not attacked and arrangements have
been made by which the tribes supposed
10 have committed the robberies are paid
& stated sum annually for protesting the
roac.
By using the shorter route saving o,
SIS ton IS effected in the transporta-
tfon OF merchandise and the distance is
shortened 200 miles
Mr. Criscom rode a thousand miles
and spent two months to establish these
saets and his report is now in the hands
of the state Department and will be pub
lshCd shorty.
Several times on his expeditions into
the wilds OF Persia Mr.. Griscom's life
was in danger. Once he became tangled
sp In a mountain vendetta between two
famiiies Each family mistook his re-
tinue for a part OF The other family and
twice The part was ambushed and re-
peatodly hred on. In each case The at
tacking party saw its mistake before
anyone had been hlt and apologies fol-
lowed.
Mrs. GTiscom Saw Fight.
AT another time while Mrs. Griscom
was with the party the retinue became
mixed-up in a fight in which an entire
village ives involved The antiquated
firearms IN the possession of the VIII
layers prevented any damage being
dono. however. and the Government Of
fsred Official APOLOGIES for the incident