Last week, the Shabanda, or Turkish Consul, who is now the chief authority, demanded six thousand tomans of the Syrians (Assyrians). With great trouble this was partly collected and partly borrowed by the help of the Sirdar (Persian Governor), who demanded six hundred more for his share. The Shahbanda promised that, if this were given, the shops and houses of the Syrians (Assyrians) in the city would not be disturbed. It remains to be seen how much his word is worth.

-- Miss Mary Schauffler Platt