There is no improvement yet to report in the situation
in Persia. On Saturday last the Shah gave his answer to the identical Note of Great Britain and Russia. Its contents have not been disclosed, but the Persian correspondent of the Times hears that it is unsatisfactory, the Shah practically refusing to renew the Constitution until the Azerbaijan province has been subdued. On the other hand, the St. Peters- burg correspondent, in a message published on Thursday, says that the Shah's proclamation convoking the Mejliss may be expected in a few days. It may be taken for granted that Great Britain and Russia are bringing all possible pressure to bear. Meanwhile the wearisome but inconclusive fighting at Tabriz goes on. The Times special correspondent reports that Ain-ed-Dowleb, on behalf of the Shah, sent a statement into the town on Friday week that the Shah would grant a lawful Constitution, but that four of the most important Nationalists must first be surrendered. The anjuman answered that if the Shah eliminated the word " lawful," which is used by him in a practically prohibitory sense, they would surrender not only four but forty Nationalists to be tried by a properly appointed Court. To this Ain-ed-Dowleh replied that he had orders to reduce the town,—a threat which was made good by the firing of six shells.
