p. 9 | Reform in Afghanistan

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 25, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 12.

Reform in Afghanistan.

Advices from Cabul say the Ameer of Afghanistan has divorced all but four of his wives. The divorced women are allowed to remarry at their pleasure, and the ameer has promised a life-long support to those who do not marry again. He has also decreed by beat of drum that none of his subjects shall hereafter have more than four wives, and that all in excess of this number must be divorced. The ameer is also suppressing evil-doers with an iron hand. In a recent proclamation he ordered that any one convicted of taunting another on account of his religion shall be blown from a cannon’s mouth. This punishment has already been inflicted. Robbers are placed in cages, which are hung prominently in the thoroughfares, as a warning to others. Another proclamation of the ameer, evidently aimed against those who attempt to corner grain, decrees that every one possessing grain, in excess of what is absolutely necessary for the support of his family for four months, shall sell it. If he fails to do so, his whole supply will be taken by force. A trust magnate would be a criminal in Afghanistan.