Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-05-24
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May n. 1908
WoRLD WIDE REVIEW OF ACHIEVEMENTS OF MEN AND WOVEN
SHAFTS DESPOTZSM LEADING
IT'D WIDE MOVE FOR FREEDOM

his people. however. Instead of flock
ing around him and allowing them
selves to be led by the mullahs, the
intelligent classes are either staying
quietly and safely at home or else are
taking their guns in hand and going
over to the defense of the males. The
members of the males are apparently
undismayed. They are said to have
back of them some $4,000 guns and
nearly 10000 volunteers. The shah is
sure of no one, except a few hundred
who are dependent upon him for a
living.
Supporters of Parliament
The contrast between the two classes
of people is marked and shows which
side must win in the end. Those sup
porting the shah are a rough looking
lot, ignorant, fanatical, ready to shout
for the man who will pay them best
Some are petty farmers or villagers
from the shah's own lands and are
compelled to stand up for their mas
ter. All around the square are drawn
up Cossacks and other soldiers ready
to quell them IL they should start q
serious riot. On the other hand, in
and around the parliament house, are
gathered for the most part the intelli-
gent, sober, thinking men of the city.
The males is remaining calm and
peaceful, finding 1t unnecessary to do
anything but wait while the good citi-
zens come to them and the shah gets
tangled up in his own devices. To be
sure, they have armed men all over
the roofs and walls nearby, but these
make no trouble and are there only to
protect the males in case it's enemies
should attempt to use force against It,
| The shah must lose in the end. He
| has neither brains nor power enough
| to take away from the people the lib
critics which they already have OBJ
| tanned. We hear that the present trou-
BILE is simply his attempt to carry out
| plan laid by the late prime minister.
who was assassinated August 81. How
we'll he succeeds remains to be seen.
The Persians are very proud of the
| fact that the present revolution has
| been brought about without bloodshed,
and 1t certainly speaks we'll for their
wisdom and self-control.
The American school at Teheran has
had great deal of influence in bring
ing about reforms and constitutional
| liberty in Persia. Several of the lead
| ers of the liberal movement are gradu-
ates. One of the students Is secre-
tary in the office of foreign affairs.
His father and uncle were recently
banished by the shah for the active
part they had taken in the parliament.
Even the undergraduates are taking a
| lively interest in the liberal movement,
and are carrying guns as guards to
protect the males. The American
school has the pick of the young men
of Persia as it's students and they are
being trained by American teachers in
American methods and ideals for their
part in making the future history of
Persia.
Hard to Predict the Outcome
1t is difficult to predict events. 1t is
impossible to say what will happen in
the near future. The situation is so
critical and so uncertain and the ex-
perience that Persia is now going
; through is so unprecedented that there
Is no basis for Ilculation The uncer-
tainty as to what may be going to hap
pen Is so great that the entire aspect
may be changed before we receive the
next mail. AS has been true in other
countries once ruled by absolute mon
archs. the progress toward liberty is
marked by temporary reactions. The
shah Is relinquSshing his authority
with great reluctance. and is making
desperate efforts to retain the power
which is gradually slipping away from
! him into the hands of the people.