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AMANULLAH

of Nobles. Named the Majlis~i-Ayan, it has referred
to it all the decisions of the lower chamber, and its
decisions in reciprocity go to the State Council. There
is a method of referring to a half-and-half committee
any question which is a point of argument between the
two chambers, thus depicting in the statute book the
favourite game of the Afghan (and of many European
politicians as well) of shelving a matter until it is past
remembering and past praying for.

Still, however easy it be to criticise the laws which
govern the country to-day, it is a fact that these are the
first ever framed for the Afghan which have given him
anything approaching the right of free speech.

The bombast and the braggadocio of Amanullah are
forgotten- There have been no utterances from the
throne painting the roseate, and usually gory future of
Afghanistan. There have been few claims to universal
recognition as a first-class power, though behind the
fervent speeches of the younger element there is often
enough to be found a self-respecting and intelligent
trust in the future of their virile, sturdy race.

There could not be a better leader than the tall,
dark-bearded, and bespectacled King. He rules with a
knowledge of the Afghan mentality more profound,
because of his years, than that of Amanullah. He has
passed the days of impetuosity, but can still thrill the
eyes and ears of his people with the appearance of a true
Afghan and the deeds of an. old-time hero*

Afghanistan will never have an alien king- It is
impossible. The Faith stands firm, and would resist
even if other circumstances, more material than the
service of the Prophet, directed that an intruder should
step in. Thus it is that in history the man who is
nearest to the Afghan heart has been able to lead where
others have failed.

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