He can be of great service as long as
there is a proper understanding with the Government, but a very dangerous
state of things is created if he makes himself a rival authority to whom
the disaffected think that they can look for redress."[6]
This (there is no doubt about it) Burton was always doing; and his
knowledge of oriental affairs and methods made him all the more
formidable to the Wali. Matters came to a head when Burton went to
visit the Druzes in the Hauran, a month or two before his recall. By
some means or other he spoiled the Wali's game in that quarter; and
this incensed the Governor so much against him that he tried first to
have him assassinated in the desert, and that failing, demanded his
recall. Of the incident Burton himself says:
"I was not aware that the Wali (Governor-General) had a political move
in the Hauran which he did not wish me to see, or that, seeing, it was
the signal for him to try and obtain my recall.[7]
If this matter had stood alone, perhaps it would not have been sufficient
ground for his recall; but coming as it did on the top of all the others,
it was, I think, the most potent factor.
There was another little annoyance too about this time--that is, just
before Burton's recall. It had reference to the case of one Hasan, a
Moslem converted to Christianity, whom the Wali wanted to punish, but
whom Burton protected against him. Burton's action in this matter was
chivalrous and generous no doubt, but it did not tend to make him any
better friends with the Wali at a time when the irritation between them
was already at its height.
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