Page:Statesman's Year-Book 1913.djvu/1247

 CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT 1125

1906, the Government announced that the Shah had given his consent to the establishment of a National Council (Majlis i Shora i Milli). Under the rescript of August 5, 1906, it Avas decided that the National Council should consist of and be elected by members of the reigning dynasty (princes and kajars), clergy, chiefs, nobles, landowners, merchants, and tradesmen. An ordinance of September 10, 1906, fixed the number of members at 156 (60 for Teheran and 96 for the provinces), and early in October elections were held. On October 7, the National Council (or as many of its members as could be got together) met, chose a president, and was welcomed by the Shah, whose speech was read before it. A further rescript dated December 30, 1906, signed by Muzaffar-ed-din, and countersigned by the Vali-Ahd, and by the Grand Vizier, deal with the decree of August 5, 1906, and state the powers arid duties of the National Council, besides making provision for the regu- lation of its general procedure by the National Council itself. The number of members was limited to 156, but could be raised to 200 ; members were to be elected for 2 years ; would meet annually on October 8 (14th Mizan), and have immunity from prosecution, except with the knowledge of the National Council. The publicity of their proceedings (except under conditions accepted by the National Council) was secured. Ministers (or their delegates) could appear and speak in the National Council, and would be responsible to that body which had special control of financial affairs and internal administration. Its sanction would be required for all territorial changes, for alienation of State property, for the granting of concessions, for the contracting of loans, for the construction of roads and railways, and for the ratification of all treaties, except such as in the interest of the State require secrecy.

There was to be a Senate of 60 members, 30 to be appointed by the Shah, and 30 to be elected on behalf of the National Council, 15 of each class being from Teheran, and 15 from the provinces. Provision was made as to procedure in case of difference of opinion between the National Council and the Senate. But no Senate was actually ever elected.

By a rescript of February 11, Muhammad Ali Shah confirmed that of December 30 which he had signed as heir apparent ; on October 8, 1907, he signed the final Constitution, and on November 12 before the House took the prescribed oath.

The National Council was not completed until the end of 1907 ; the first Parliament was dissolved on June 23, 1908, the Parliament building partly demolished and sacked by military, and decrees were issued announcing the abolition of the National Council. Insurrections broke out in many places, but only in June 1909, when Nationalist forces were marching upon Teheran, the Shah re-confirmed the Constitution of 1906 and (July 1) signed a revised ordinance concerning elections. The nationalists entered Teheran July 13, when the Shah fled to the Russian legation and abdicated (July 16). A provisional government was then formed and a council of nationalists constituted to advise the Cabinet. The Vali-Ahd was proclaimed Shah ; Azud el Mulk Regent. Under the revised electoral law the number of members of the Majlis is fixed at 120 (15 for Teheran). Elections began in August. Three months later (November 15, 1909) the new Parliament was opened by the Shah, but only 67 members were present. On December 24th, 1911, the Nasr-el-Mulk issued a Rescript declaring the Session ended, but no mention was made of elections in the near future. H. H. left Persia for Europe on June 11, 1912, nominally on short leave of absence. In August, 1912, a Committee of former Deputies and notables was formed to consider the question of new elections for the Majlis, but as they were unable to agree on the manner in which these elections were to be held the question of forming a new Majlis has once