Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-18
PERSIA FACES CIVIL War.
ANTI-CONSTITUTION AGITA.
TORS STIR UP VILLAGERS.
Parliament Issues a Manifesto to
the World Explaining Present
Crisis and Asking Assistance.

from yesterdays appearances. the situa-
ton Is becoming more acute.
About 1900 Veramines (villagers) armed
with clubs and rifles have joined the anti
constitution agitators, vociferating I'VE
do not want the constitution" while the
roofs Of the assembly building and the
adjacent mosque and houses are guarded
by armed CONSTITUENCIES. who have de-
cided to defend the constitution.
The shah Is Strengthening the measures
of defense and soldiers are porting into
the city from all directions
young man disguised in womans
clothes fired at a Mulah who was ha-
ranguing the people in Topkhane Square
He was promptly seized and lynched by
the mob, who hanged him to a tree.
Manifesto Issued.
On behalf of the nation the Persian
parliament has issued manifesto to the
world explaining the present constitution
al crisis and appealing for assistance
AS i,idHiAcSlo, WHICH was distributed 10
the foreign legations and consulates here
yesterday afternoon. says:
When the affairs of the empire had
fallen into a hopeless state the nation
saw its only salvation in constitutional
government. The late shah granted a
constitution and the reigning shah con-
firmed 1t. but persons who, under the des-
potic regime, were accustomed to oppose
oil
into the belief that the constitution was
the cause of the present troubles
The nation wants to do nothing that
VIII disturb peace, but in view of the at
government it viii, defend the constitu-
ton, its only hopes to the utmost.
BY means of this manifesto the Per-
sian nation makes known to all legations
and foreign diplomatic representatives the
actual condition Of the affairs and in
forms them that the sovereign Is violat-
ing. his covenant with the people 1t
makes this announcement to all nations
OF the world. convinced that they will
show brotherly love to the 10000 600 Per-
slams and not allow their rights to be
trodden under foot
The negotiations between the shah and
parliament have up to the present time
been without result. Today the members
or the old cabinet are holding council
In the palace. The post Office and all
shops in Teheran are closed. and no news
papers were published yesterday.
History Of the Crisis.
The immediate causes of the Persian cri-
sis are to be found In the indignation of
the people at the delay in the execution
of certain soldiers who recently murdered
two shopkeepers. Last Sunday this feel
ing developed into hostile demonstrations.
shooting in the streets of Teheran and
ff he
ment then demanded explanations from
the shah for his course in this and other
matters which have given offense
The underlying causes Of the trouble go
back about three years. In 1905 and 1906
popular discomfort was extreme and I'M
der the nerveless rule of the then grand
vfzfer the administration throughout the
country fell into chaotic condition, pub
lie security waned. robbery became COM
mon, the public exchequer was depleted.
taxation increased and discomfort among
the people showed itself in open rioting.
After much popular agitation the late
shah convoked a national council This
body was continued by the present ruler,
who took Office January o, 1907, but 1t
never has brought the reforms demanded
Great Britain. Russia and Germany are
concerned in the international aspects of
the situation. Great Britain and Russia
recently concluded an agreement concern
ing Persia, under the terms of which a
Jotut poiiCy, their interests,
was decided upon. By reason of loans to
the impoverished Persian treasury the
country is financially dependent upon
Russia.
German influence has been greatly ex-
tended in the last few years The estab-
lishment of a German bank gave the first
competition to Russian banks, new Ger
man enterprises have been established,
and the German project Of a Bagdad
railway promises new route to India.
Both Sides Armed.
Outside of a few isolated killings and
robberies there have been, up to the pres
ent time. no disturbances OF public order
In this city; nevertheless, the situation
continues most strained. The constitu-
tionalists are quiet, but determined to
fight II attacked. They are well armed,
while the supporters of the reactionares,
mostly muleteers and laborers, who have
come in from neighboring villages, have
few effective weapons.
The situation looks decidedly more
threatening The reactionaries have taken
possession of and are now holding the
gun square and open places in the vicinity
of the palace, while the constitutionalists
to the number of about 10000 have
erected barricades extending for miles
around the parliament buildings. The
latter are acting solely on the defensive
and in an orderly manner. The rough
elements are aiding the reactionaries and
several murders and some lootng have