EX-SHAH OF PERSIA.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 11 April 1925, Page 8

EX-SHAH OF PERSIA.

DEATH ANNOUNCED. - ■ SHORT AND TROUBLED REIGN, The death is announced from Paris of Mahommed Ali, ex-Shah of Persia, aged 52. The late Mahommed Ali, ex-Shah of' Persia, succeeded to the throne earjy in 1907 when he was 34 vea’is old.. He was born at Tabriz when.‘his father was Viceroy of that province. As a child he showed signs of great intelligence; remarkable strengtn of character, and independence of will. He not only received the usual Persian education— Persian and Arabic philosophy and science—but he also received instruction from- various European professor.*engage.d as his tutors.., Thus he was well versed in subjects taught in the Schools and universities of Europe. He spoke French particularly well, and devoted considerable time to the study of political sciences and the politico history of Europe, Among the literary men of Persia lie gained fame for his excellent caligraphy and elegant style, two accomplishments much . prized , in Persia. . The- ex-Shah' was, however, above all a military man. He had a careful and thorough training in> the art of war, and commanded several regiments. He entered the army as m ensign, and reached the grade of commander solely on his merits, and oily after having served the full period fixed for each intermediate grade He was described by those who knew him is a serious and earnest man, eneretic and fond of his work, personally attending to every detail of hi s Go--yernment, and exacting from his Ministers and assistants accurate and efficient work. He lacked that Oriental love of pomp and display usually associated with Persian nfonarchs.' He vas fond of simplicity’ and' the sumptuousness of his Court did not exceed that which was absolutely necessary for the maintenance of his rank and dignity. Mahommed’s reign was' troubled, and ended with his abdication in 1909. He lost his throne in consecquence Of his futile attempts to stamp out the constitutional system and to regain the absolutism of his ancestors.. Early in March, 1908, an attempt was made to assassinate Mahommed Ali at Teheran, when two bombs were thrown at him as he was driving in a motor-car. The ex-Shah went unharmed, but 12 bystanders were killed and a large number were wounded.