29 MARCH 1924, Page 3

It seems, after all, that Persia is not to become

a Republic. The New Year is being celebrated out there, and the present Government, which is of a decidedly progressive character, had decided to make this national festival an occasion for proclaiming a Republic, a la Turque. But trouble set in almost at once. The idea of a Republic was apparently entirely unintelligible to the people of Persia. The resulting agitation began decidedly to interfere with the merchants' business, and lastly, ecclesiastical opposition developed. The idea has, therefore, had to be dropped for the moment. As a consolation prize the Government is to be allowed, it seems, to depose the present Shah and put up his infant son as Regent. * * *