A VISIT TO PERSIA. 259 
Government. Among these were Captain Lindsay, who undertook the 
training of the artillery and who remained in the service of Persia for 
over forty years, while to Major Christie was entrusted the instruction 
of the infantry. This officer served in the Perso-Russian war of 1812 
and was killed in one of the actions of that campaign while com- 
manding his regiment. Notwithstanding the many different nationali- 
ties which since this period have undertaken the instruction of the 
Persian army, many of the words of command still in use are the words 
introduced by Lieutenant Christie. 
Political differences with Hngland caused the English officers to 
leave Persia and France and Russia again undertook the instruction of 
the army. After more than a quarter of a century Persia once more 
turned towards England for a supply of officers and had the good 
fortune to secure the services of Major, afterwards Sir Henry, Rawlin- 
son. Various nationalities have since followed, till itis a matter of 
wonder that, under the various systems of foreign instruction intro- 
duced, the Persian army should continue to exist. In 1878 the Shah 
visited Hurope, but owing to the barbarous manner in which, on his 
return from Hurope in 18738, he had caused a number of his soldiers 
to be executed, he had incurred the displeasure of Great Britain and 
the hospitality of our country was not offered to him. He therefore 
confined his visit to the Continent, where he was much pleased with 
what he saw of the Austrian army and the services of several of their 
officers having been obtained, the training of the Persian army on the 
Austrian system of drills was begun. Russia did not however like to 
see herself in any way ousted, so while the infantry and artillery were 
being instructed by Austrian officers, the cavalry were partly handed 
over to Russia, who for this purpose permitted six cavalry officers and 
about the same number of non-commissioned officers to take service 
in the Persian army. As the terms of service have expired, the officers 
have not been re-engaged, till at the present moment the artillery has 
entirely passed into the hands of Persian officers. In Tehran three 
Austrian officers and one Italian, who at one time served in 
British Government employment in the Egyptian gendarmerie and 
wears our medal for service at Suakim, form the instructional staff of 
the infantry. Three Russian officers with a few N.-C.0.’s are 
employed with the cavalry. ‘wo German officers and one or two 
Frenchmen are also engaged in the cadet’s school. 
The prestige of England, owing to our great commercial ascendancy, 
is still very strong throughout Persia, although it meets with a great 
rival in Russia. The political situation has been graphically described 
as a game of billiards in which the English and Russian Ministers are 
the players, while the diplomatic representatives of the other Powers 
merely look on from the side benches. It cannot be wondered if the 
prestige of Russia, as a military Power, should be in the ascendant. 
The strength of Russia is a very tangible fact, while the reputation of 
our military Power is becoming a matter of hearsay and history. The 
Persians know that England must be powerful, even by her wealth 
alone, but it is to be feared that they are inclined to regard us more as 
35 
