[X]-Bernhard von Bülow, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the German Empire, on behalf of His Imperial and Royal Majesty Wilhelm II, Emperor of the German Empire and King of Prussia
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A Death, an Assassination, and an Election
Funeral of Queen Victoria
Funeral of Queen Victoria
Her Majesty Victoria, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, and Empress of India, has entered into immortality. The sorrowful departure of the late monarch has been marked with many tears across the world as throughout the sprawling British Empire, mourners dab their eyes in remembrance of a much loved queen.
There are few moments in time in which one individual can make such an impression upon the epoch as to give one’s name to the period. Yet, surely, the end of the queen’s long reign marks the end of an era, the end of the Victorian Age. The sad conclusion to what has doubtless been a gilded age summons to the heart the fond recollections of times past and of accomplishments achieved, masking the present sorrow with happier memories. Yet, also brought to the fore is all the anxiety for the future that must soon be upon us.
His Royal Highness, Edward Prince of Wales, has succeeded his mother as Edward VII. Throughout the realm the crowds in resounding chorus shout: “God Save the King!”
Depiction of McKinley’s Assassination
The twenty-fifth President of the United States of America, William McKinley, was fatally wounded outside the Temple of Music in New York whilst mingling with the public. The assassin, Leon Czolgosz, a reputed anarchist, discharged his revolver in close range of the President.
President McKinley was rushed to a nearby hospital and immediately admitted to the operating theatre. An initially promising recovery quickly changed as the President’s health rapidly deteriorated, leading promptly to the statesman’s expiry.
Vice President Roosevelt has succeeded McKinley in the presidential post; the assassin’s trial has commenced.
Charles de Freycinet
The snap elections in France were heavily debated by the common people, many comparing the current government the one felled by the Panama Scandals of the 1890s, a fact that was reinforced by attempts by the government to gain influence over Colombia. The Electoral College, and the left, though still holding the control of the Electoral College, knew that reelecting Loubet would lead to greater problems for the party and would ultimately damage France. Facing this reality and the uncertainty that gripped France, there was a strong push for a centrist candidate. Ultimately, they settled upon Charles de Freycinet, a former Prime Minister, from the Opportunist Republicans. [Fingon is now the Senior Partner of France, though he still represents the right]
A Message from His Majesty King Alexander I of Serbia
Seeing the election of Mr. Charles de Freycinet to the position of President of France, Serbia will reopen our dealings with the French Republic. We hope that our dealings will be fruitful in all ways.
Considering the Ottoman threat to the inherent right of Serbian self determination, the Kingdom of Serbia accepts help from our dear friends in the Russian Empire in reinforcing our position as one of the premier powers in the Balkans.
República Federativa do Brasil
The Republic of Brazil is shocked at the murder of one of America's greatest presidents, we send our greatest condolences to the citizens of the United States.
We are also sad to see one of the greatest monarchs of the century pass away, Queen Victoria, we send our condolences to the people of the United Kingdom.
We also reconfirm that Brazil is and will always be the ruling entity in Uruguay and that the current people ruling there are just temporary leaders who will be disposed of their positions once Brazil re-acquires the Cisplatine Region, we shall give all Uruguayan citizens the right to become Brazilian citizens and to vote normally like everyone else in the Republic. Spanish will remain as the official regional language, but Portuguese will be teached as a secondary language in all schools and universities. These are the main changes which will be seen once Brazil restores order to the rebellious Cisplatine region. For those who do not understand the purpose of this message, the Republic of Brazil declares war on Uruguay.
The United States of America is invited to Rio de Janeiro to discuss a new beneficial treaty after the failure of the former Treaty of Fortaleza.
We are also sad to see one of the greatest monarchs of the century pass away, Queen Victoria, we send our condolences to the people of the United Kingdom.
We also reconfirm that Brazil is and will always be the ruling entity in Uruguay and that the current people ruling there are just temporary leaders who will be disposed of their positions once Brazil re-acquires the Cisplatine Region, we shall give all Uruguayan citizens the right to become Brazilian citizens and to vote normally like everyone else in the Republic. Spanish will remain as the official regional language, but Portuguese will be teached as a secondary language in all schools and universities. These are the main changes which will be seen once Brazil restores order to the rebellious Cisplatine region. For those who do not understand the purpose of this message, the Republic of Brazil declares war on Uruguay.
The United States of America is invited to Rio de Janeiro to discuss a new beneficial treaty after the failure of the former Treaty of Fortaleza.
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An Announcement from His Majesty, King Victor Emmanuel III
I would like to first, acknowledge the fine service of my father as King of Italy, and this first message is in respect to him. Now, on to more pressing matters. Firstly, I would like to address the pressing situation in China. It is clear that the Italian legation is under major threat and because of that I will be seeking to meet with representatives from the military to address the situation. Secondly, I would like to address the political battle between the Right and the Left and I would like to say this: Stop. These political battles are injuring Italy's chances of advancement in the international stage! Sure, if this year was the year in which there would be elections, propaganda campaigns may happen, but in years that do not have elections, what use do these campaigns have? Regardless, I hope this message will have effects in the near future.
With regards to recent events on the international stage, I would like to confer my shock at the assassination of President McKinley of the United States. I hope the President's family will be comforted by many in the passing days. I also want to convey my wishes to the new President of the United States, President Roosevelt. May he lead his country well. The death of Queen Victoria is also something I would like to address. Her reign as the Queen of the United Kingdom was a very prosperous one, and I hope the UK will keep its prosperity in the near future.
Now, I end my announcement. Thank you for all that have listened.
República Argentina
The Argentine Republic sends its condolences to the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain in their times of mourning. Both President McKinley and Queen Victoria were great leaders and dedicated to global peace and prosperity. They will be missed. Accordingly, we send our congratulations to King Edward and President Roosevelt, and wish for them to know that they have the good wishes of the Argentine people.
Adding to the litany of bad news, the crazed Brazilian dictator seeks to destroy peace in South America with his mad actions. The Argentine Republic shall not stand to see these atrocities perpetuated on Spanish-speaking nations by the imperialist and autocratic nation of Brazil. As fellow sons of Bolivar, Argentina stands with her Uruguayan bretheren. I therefore issue an ultimatum to the President of Brazil: cease all attempts to compromise Uruguayan sovereignty and territorial integrity at once, or we will be forced to recognize the existence of a state of war between the Argentine Republic and the Republic of Brazil. I hope the Brazilian President will see the wisdom of the peaceful course of action, but Argentina shall not back down. We will protect and defend our Uruguayan brothers, no matter the cost.
- Julio Roca, President of Argentina
Tsardom of Romania
The world has once again suffered great loss. The assassination of President McKinley, and the death of Queen Victoria are great tragedies, and we send our deepest condolences to their families and countries. May their successors rule as ably as they did. Combined with the previous assassination of King Umberto I, this has been a dangerous year for leaders, and a sign of the increased risk from anarchists. We pray that this is the end of their actions.
We are also pleased to see a change in government within the Republic of France. The previous administration had lack intelligence, subtly, and foresight. Had they been allowed to stay in power, I fear great catastrophes would have come. We hope that President Charles de Freycinet is more capable than his predecessor.
We also note the outbreak of another war with displeasure. While it may be far away, war is almost never the best solution to a problem. We hope that Brazil resolves it's problems with Uruguay and Argentina peacefully; the world already sees enough dead from the Boxer Rebellion, Boer War, and Colombian Civil War.
-Carol I, Tsar of Romania
Official Statement from King Dom Carlos I
In this Time of War between Brazil and Uruguay, with the possible inclusion of the Republic of Argentina, it seems South America will be driven into another large War. It is a shame that our fellow brothers of the Portuguese Tongue are the aggressors in this unfortunate situation.
Yet that does not excuse Brazil in attacking Uruguay in the fashion it has. It pains Portugal to do this to our former colony, but peace is more important then war.
The Government of Portugal, as well as myself, issue this to the Republic of Brazil.
The Republic of Brazil will cease all aggression with the Republic of Uruguay, or else the Kingdom of Portugal shall join both the Republic of Uruguay and the Republic of Argentina in open conflict to help stop Brazil in her aggressive expansion across South America and to secure the independence of the Republic of Uruguay.
Brazil is Portgual's Son, and sons must be taught discipline.
-Dom Carlos I, King of Portugal and the Algraves.
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In an unexpected turn of events, the Danish King performs something quite unorthodox in order to combat a growing trend in the Kingdom of Denmark and launches a campaign titles "Den Danske Ånd" or the Danish Spirit in English. He also invites journalists from the major national newspapers to an opportunity to interview him directly.
Tl: "Together with King Christian, shall we make Denmark great!
Take part in the Danish Spirit!"
This poster was the key of the campaign, being put up even in the remotest parts of the Kingdom
The King himself describes the "Danske Ånd" to Berlingske Tidende as what is the best of the Danish people and calls the others to join in. He often cited the great performance of the participants of the Olympics, competing in a sport with rivals but remaining humble no matter the result. In his view the Danish Spirit is defined by the hard-working people that got the nation back on track after the humiliating defeat resulting in the loss of Schleswig-Holstein. He's very keen to point out its the "little people" that makes the difference. So in short he sees the core of a Dane is to never give up, never back down, work hard for the good of all but most important of all, humility.
His Majesty continues to describe his goals to implement social reforms for the people, he strongly argues that the "little people", yet again, are the back bone of the nation and it is the governments purpose to take care of those nations. He sees right now that the nation of Denmark currently doesn't do enough but if we all "chip in" he sees Denmark without any limits.
Several political figures debates about this move as a way to flirt with the new Left parties that has been forming and getting strength. However His Majesty Christian continues to be strongly against parliamentarian and refuses to budge in that regard. Many of the newspapers readers however are quite happy to see a strong figure take a leading position now when the times are so unruly with the death of leaders and open declarations of war.
Tl: "Together with King Christian, shall we make Denmark great!
Take part in the Danish Spirit!"
This poster was the key of the campaign, being put up even in the remotest parts of the Kingdom
The King himself describes the "Danske Ånd" to Berlingske Tidende as what is the best of the Danish people and calls the others to join in. He often cited the great performance of the participants of the Olympics, competing in a sport with rivals but remaining humble no matter the result. In his view the Danish Spirit is defined by the hard-working people that got the nation back on track after the humiliating defeat resulting in the loss of Schleswig-Holstein. He's very keen to point out its the "little people" that makes the difference. So in short he sees the core of a Dane is to never give up, never back down, work hard for the good of all but most important of all, humility.
His Majesty continues to describe his goals to implement social reforms for the people, he strongly argues that the "little people", yet again, are the back bone of the nation and it is the governments purpose to take care of those nations. He sees right now that the nation of Denmark currently doesn't do enough but if we all "chip in" he sees Denmark without any limits.
Several political figures debates about this move as a way to flirt with the new Left parties that has been forming and getting strength. However His Majesty Christian continues to be strongly against parliamentarian and refuses to budge in that regard. Many of the newspapers readers however are quite happy to see a strong figure take a leading position now when the times are so unruly with the death of leaders and open declarations of war.
The statements our friends in Portugal have made are truly worrying, "Brazil is Portugal's Son, and sons must be taught discipline", As far as I know, Brazil is an independent entity, we may have Portuguese blood running through our veins, but that doesnt mean we are Portuguese, this statement has given us the impression that Portugal is still attached to their former colony, which is truly worrying, we hope that the Portuguese king, a dear friend to our people, rethinks his stance towards us in favor of better relations. The Uruguayan Crisis is currently being discussed between Brazil and Argentina, in efforts to resolve this in a peaceful way.
I come to you today under the shadow of a great calamity, on the sixth of September our President William McKinley was shot while attending a Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. Shot by an anarchist that felt that he was doing his so called duty to the common man, cowardly I say to resort to such methods. He only succeeded in angering and thereby galvanizing the American people, the proud citizens of this land. Of the last seven presidents, he is the third to have been murdered. A sinister recital as both the venerated President Lincoln and President Garfield were killed by assassins of types unfortunately not uncommon in history. President Lincoln fell victim to terrible passions generated by four years of civil war while President Garfield fell to the revengeful vanity of a disappointed office-seeker.
President McKinley was killed by a depraved man belonging to the kind of criminals that object to all governments: Good governments, bad governments, Republics, Constitutional Monarchies it matters not. The type of criminals who are against any form of popular liberty if it is guaranteed by even the most just and liberal laws, and who are as hostile to the upright exponent of a free people's sober will as to the tyrannical and irresponsible despot. They favor disorder, they favor chaos… they favor anarchy. When compared with the suppression of anarchy, every other question sinks into insignificance.
President McKinley was loved throughout the US, we have never had a man of his position that did not carry the bitter animosities that eventually engulfs us as a result of public life. He was a kind and gentle man, a man of moderation. A man of principle. Such a measure of a man could be taken in under the most dire of moments, in the immediate aftermath of being shot as the assassin was seized and beaten, instead of taking the pleasure of watching a measure of retribution take place he ordered the beating to stop. The man was given his due process and a fair trial, he was given more than he quite possibly deserved.
You would be hard pressed for any personal hatred towards President McKinley, for he never acted with anything but consideration for the welfare of others. No one could fail to respect, be it in public or private life. Those that try to defend these murderous criminal acts seek to excuse their criminality by asserting that it is exercised for political ends, against wealth and irresponsible power. But for this assassination even this farce of a base apology cannot be urged in the face of Judas-like infamy.
The anarchist, and especially the anarchist in the United States, is merely one type of criminal, more dangerous than any other because he represents the same depravity in a greater degree. The man who advocates anarchy directly or indirectly, in any shape or fashion, or the man who apologizes for anarchists and their deeds, makes himself morally accessory to murder before the fact. The anarchist is not just a foe to system and progress, but an enemy to liberty.
Anarchistic speeches, writings, and meetings are essentially seditious and treasonable.
I sincerely recommend to the Congress that it should take into consideration the coming to this country of anarchists or persons professing principles hostile to all government and justifying the murder of those placed in authority. Such individuals as those who not long ago gathered in open meeting to glorify the murder of King Humbert of Italy perpetrate a crime, and the law should ensure their rigorous punishment. They and those like them should be kept out of this country; and if found here they should be promptly deported to the country whence they came; and far-reaching provision should be made for the punishment of those who stay. No matter calls more urgently for the wisest thought of the Congress.
The Federal courts should be given jurisdiction over any man who kills or attempts to kill the President or any man who by the Constitution or by law is in line of succession for the Presidency, while the punishment for an unsuccessful attempt should be proportioned to the enormity of the offense against our institutions.
Moving to other issues at hand our present immigration laws are unsatisfactory. We need every honest and efficient immigrant fitted to become an American citizen, every immigrant who comes here to stay, who brings here a strong body, a stout heart, a good head, and a resolute purpose to do his duty well in every way and to bring up his children as law-abiding and God-fearing members of the community. But there should be a comprehensive law enacted with the object of working a significant improvement over our present system least we let in undesirables of a low moral tendency.
Our nation’s prosperity has been attributed to our economic and financial prowess. In order for us to protect what we've gained and in order to protect our interests in addition to our shipping lanes and influence the United States will begin an ambitious ship building programme to significantly strengthen our merchant marine fleet and our navy. American shipping is vital to our economy.
With regards to overseas, I have no doubt in my mind that the forces of the righteous and just will triumph over the wicked barbarian hordes that threaten innocent foreigners who have nothing to do with their delusional grievances that have become muddled further in their blood lust. Order and responsible governance will be brought to the Philippines while we seek resolution in Colombia that would bring great business, wealth and even more prosperity with the construction and completion of the Panama Canal. We cannot be troubled by some damned thing in South America with so many tumultuous events taking place elsewhere both within the country and without.
We thank all those who have offered and will offer in advance their condolences to a grieving nation. As we mourn we will take solace in knowing that a great man known as William McKinley now rests eternally while in the embrace and warmth of god, our holy savior and protector. We offer our own condolences to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland: Her Majesty Queen Victoria will be forever remembered in the sacred halls of knowledge and in the pages of history. We extend our hand towards Italy as we know your pain and congratulate President of France Charles de Freycinet on his election to such a high office.
We will pick ourselves up and we will march forward towards dawn.
~ President Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States of America
*News of the Ultimatum to Brazil by the Portuguese Government has been very un-popular among the people of Portugal. To them, Brazil is nothing but a long lost memory. They feel like this war would bring Portugal down. So the people started to Protest the ultimatum, demanding that it be revoked and Portugal remain neutral in the war among the South American States. Eventually, after weeks of Protests, King Carlos I revoked the Ultimatum to the Republic of Brazil.*
((Did someone get threatened in IRC?))
((Statistic wise, and military wise, Portugal is not fit to fight Brazil.))
We are happy to see that our brethren in Portugal have got their wise king into re-thinking his stance regarding the Uruguayan War, we are happy to see our excellent relations come back, and we hope for nothing but peace and benefit between our nations.
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- Extract from the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. Nyårstal till Brödrafolket, Oscar II, Sveriges och Norges Konung (New Years speech to the Nordic people, Oscar II, King of Sweden and Norway)Aftonbladet said:
The Italian Left has repeatedly shown that, when it comes to state affairs, our cooperation with the Government is out of the question, and so we have demonstrated in our support for extending the Italian commercial interests overseas. We also support the Government´s position when it comes to the defence of our interests in China, and will continue doing so.
However, what we cannot tolerate is the current state of corruption that our country suffers, not only tolerated but promoted by the Government. Factories run unefficient in the north, and starvation and unemployment run rampant in the south. This is not only a matter of chance, but the result of an administration more focused in getting their own benefit than helping their citizens.
Also, and with all due respect, we would like to ask the King to respect the attributions detailed in the Statuto Albertino. The King must remain as a figurehead for all Italians, and we are sure that siding with a political party and demanding us to stop a healthy and necessary opposition task is not a good way to earn the trust of the thousands of Italians who trust us.
Andrea Costa
*An excerpt from one of Queen Wilhelmina's speeches to her people*
My fellow citizens of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, I know that times seem dark now. With the armies of the Heathen rebelling against their European Supierors in the orient, the British Empire Clasing with our cultural kin in South Africa, and even at home, where employees of the state are murdered and robbed in the very streets of our capitol. But we are the Dutch, and while are Empire has declined from its glory days, we are still a powerful player on the World Stage. Though the army of China still lays siege upon the brave defenders of the Legations, including dutch citizens within the German Legation, we urge those within Peking to not lose hope. Liberation is on its way, for the Armies of a Grand Coalition have broken the treacherous forces of the Chinese and are surrounding the city as I say these very words. The Dutch Nation has proven itself on the fields of faraway China, where the forces under General Van de Graaf proved decisive in the Assault on Tianjin, bringing their embittered German and Russian allies back from the brink of defeat and joining the second charge that captured the fort. Again he would fight alongside our Dutch and German allies in the North Army, crushing the Chinese forces sent against them with cannon and steel. Soon, the Coalition forces will shatter the walls of Peking upon the heads of the Boxers and all the world will stand in awe as the Dutch lead the liberation of Peking.
In Africa, war between the British Empire and the Boer Republics have begun in earnest, and though the British claim that the Boer violated their treaty, I understand that many of my citizens are eager to aid their cultural kin however they can. So, I am pleased to announce that The Government of the Netherlands is looking for a group of Capitalists interested in creating a company in the field of Pharmaceuticals and Medical supplies. If such a company is created, it will be sponsored by the government in any efforts to send Medical Supplies and other combat-unrelated aid to the innocent civilians of Transvaal who have been caught up in this war. Additionally, if any Dutch citizen desires to leave the country in order to aid the Boers in a more... direct sense, let it be known that the Government of the Netherlands will take no actions against you or your assets in the country, but will also take no responsibility for your actions or safety while fighting in a war that is not our own.
At home, though we have had setbacks in our attempts to build state-owned medical supplies factories, this has illuminated a new path for our industry to take rather than disheartening us. We are moving away from rigid, state-owned industry and are putting out faith in you, the private citizens of our glorious nation, to create a medical company as ambitious and indomitable as the spirit of the Dutch. We of course will encourage you with tax breaks and even subsidizing your first factory. Dutch Capitalists, your country calls on you to create a Pharmaceutical Company, for the Boers, for the Dutch people, and for all the ailing humans in need of aid!
Not only must we look within our borders to build, but we must also grow the economies of our colonies. In the East Indies, the Jewel of the Kingdom, sources of oil and rubber are begging investors to purchase infrastructure allowing their wealth to flow out of the Orient and into the pockets of your brave Dutch men and women, who dare to explore the wealth of the Orient like the great explorers of our history. In Suriname there is gold in the hills of Rosebel, begging for a shrewd and wise Dutchman to invest in mining and make himself a fabulously wealthy and influential man. Even in our newest concession, the Isles de Toas, is full of untapped potential. Though our new found friends in Venezuela were wise enough to recognize the value of their island, they did not have the ability to create suitable industry and profit off of the island. However, we do and both as businessmen and patriots, it is our duty to expand the copper and cement producing capabilities so they may aid our economy and their profits may fill the coffers of intelligent Dutch investors.
On a more solemn not, we mourn the passing of both Queen Victoria of England, who even when our relations were out their most hostile, was still admired as a paragon of grace and virtue; and President William McKinley, whose killer will meet justice in this world and the fires of the next. Our best wishes to the new president Theodore Roosevelt, may his reign be as long and prosperous as his predecessor's should have been. We are quite pleased to see the rise of a more... moderate candidate to the French Presidency, especially after a his predecessor's erratic behavior. We agree with the Brazilian government, it appears and has always appeared to us that Uruguay has been a claim of the Brazilian nation and its while we hope for peace in South America, we wholeheartedly state our support for the Brazilian Government and affirm our hope for our two nations to foster closer relations.
-Queen Wilhelmia, Sovereign Ruler of the Netherlands and all its Holdings
The following is a translation of a pamphlet was distributed to a number of Boxer solders during the height of the Rebellion:
Brave solders of most serene China, we must stand against evil foreign tyranny! They have come too take our lands, and our ways. Make us there slaves. We will not kowtow too these foreigners. We have defeated on the field of battle, and we shall continue too do so. Divine providence is with us. We can not be defeated! We will bring death too those who invade! With our Chinese brethren, we spill the blood of our foes! We will make a new Wall with the bodies of the Westerners!
Brave solders of most serene China, we must stand against evil foreign tyranny! They have come too take our lands, and our ways. Make us there slaves. We will not kowtow too these foreigners. We have defeated on the field of battle, and we shall continue too do so. Divine providence is with us. We can not be defeated! We will bring death too those who invade! With our Chinese brethren, we spill the blood of our foes! We will make a new Wall with the bodies of the Westerners!
República Argentina
Argentina thanks Portugal for its moral support and willingness to stand up to the mad dog of Brazil.
The "President" of Brazil has attempted to resolve the Uruguayan situation with subterfuge. His treachery will not dictate the course of the Argentine Republic. I therefore reiterate my ultimatum to the Federative Republic of Brazil: cease all attempts to compromise Uruguayan sovereignty and territorial integrity at once, or we will be forced to recognize the existence of a state of war between the Argentine Republic and the Republic of Brazil. The choice is yours, señor.
- Julio Roca, President of Argentina