Chapter XXXII: The Argument

Afghan court life from an English standpoint. The Afghan Courtier. Untrustworthiness. Intrigue. Question of “cause” or “consequence.” Possibility of raising the moral plane. The Amîr’s obvious opinion. His Highness’s great work. Certain evils. Former condition of the middle classes: present condition: opening of the eyes: comparison with similar class in India. Progress in Afghanistan. Civilizing effect of the Amîr. Dôst Mahomed’s rule: comparison with Abdurrahman. Altered condition of country. The Amîr’s civilizing measures: drastic measures. Peaceful measures: education: the teaching of handicrafts: of art: the spreading of knowledge: prizes for good or original work. Personal fascination of the Amîr.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

TROPHY OF AFGHAN ARMS

PORTRAIT OF HIS HIGHNESS THE AMÎR (from a Painting by the Author)

OBVERSE OF HAND-MADE CABUL RUPEE OF THE PRESENT REIGN

COLOSSAL FIGURE “SA-MAMA” IN THE BAMIAN VALLEY (from a Photograph
by Arthur Collins, F.G.S.)

THE AUTHOR AND THE ARMENIAN INTERPRETER (from a Photograph by
Van der Weyde)

PRINCE MAHOMED OMER AND HIS “COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF” (from a Photograph
by Arthur Collins, F.G.S.)

AT THE COURT OF THE AMÎR.