There is really no standing army, in Persia as we understand such, except the royal guard and the weak Persian Cossack brigade at Tehran.  The artillery and infantry which do all the garrison work are militia regiments, embodied for two years at a time.  The conditions are one year’s service to two years’ leave, and that they serve under their own local chiefs and officers.  The administration of regiments is given to Ministers, high officials, and others for purposes of emolument or distinction, as the case may be.  This system gives the influence over the troops to those who deal with their pay, and not to the Commander-in-Chief, who is regarded merely as the keeper of the great gate through which the pay passes after toll is taken.  The Naib-es-Sultaneh, equally with his brother, the Zil-es-Sultan, appears to have a great dislike to the Prime Minister, whose loyalty to the Sovereign and his heir could not fail to create strong jealousy in high places.

I shall now finish with a few remarks on the able and sagacious Sadr Azem, the Prime Minister, who, by his strong character, resolute will, and prompt action, has proved his loyalty to the Crown and his fidelity to the Shah.  He became Prime Minister at an unusually early age for such a high position, and this preferment drew upon him the jealousy and envy of many in such a manner as often to cause him great embarrassment.  There can be no doubt of his conspicuous energy and talent.  His pleasing manner and happy disposition attract adherents and gain for him their best services.  In addition to his personal qualities, he has an astonishing knowledge of public affairs, which makes him a most valuable Minister.  With the people he is deservedly popular, for not only is he liberal and kind, but he understands their feelings and can interpret their minds.

[Illustration:  MIRZA ALI ASGHAR KHAN, SADR AZEM (From a Photograph by Messrs. W. and D. Downey)]

He was beside Nasr-ed-Din Shah in the shrine of Shah Abdul Azim when the assassination took place, and at once brought his Majesty back to the palace in Tehran.  This happened about two o’clock in the afternoon, and the Shah breathed his last within four hours afterwards.  It appears that the Sadr Azem immediately grasped the situation, and put himself in telegraphic communication with the Vali Ahd at Tabriz, four hundred miles distant.  He then summoned all the Ministers, State officials, military commanders, and the most influential people of the city, to the palace, and announced the death of the Shah.  Under his able guidance, the prompt recognition of Mozuffer-ed-Din Mirza as Shah, in accordance with the will of his father, was effected.

The English and Russian Legations, as representing the two strongest and chiefly interested European Powers, were immediately informed, and the Minister of the former, and the Charge d’Affaires of the latter, were invited to the palace.  On their arrival, the Sadr Azem wired to the Vali Ahd in their presence the allegiance of the whole party who were there assembled.  This was done about four or five hours after the death of Nasr-ed-Din Shah, and the following morning, in consequence of this decisive action, Mozuffer-ed-Din was publicly proclaimed Shah of Persia.