1890: A year of foreign intrigue
The 1890 election's conclusion brought a sense of domestic peace to Germany. Although the usual minority grumblings continued, especially in territories with a sizeable French contingent, and a small scale uprising in Stettin by individuals associated with a group calling itself "The Legion of Prinz Ferdinand," for the most part there was no significant troubles. There were warning signs that Hungarians, in particular, were growing angry at their treatment, but the increase to minimum wage neutralized any other serious unrest.
Another source of liberal pride was the thriving economy. Minister of War Konrad von Schwaben was able to secure the construction of twelve new cruisers and upgraded six naval bases without a serious dent in the treasury. The Minister of the Interior's decision to encourage the training of clerks in Bohemia, Campania, Piemonte, Hessen, Österreich, and Flanders ensured that factories in the most populated states in Germany had the best and brightest talent working to improve efficiency. Franz von Bavel-Timmermans also announced that Otto Kant would return as Commander of the Gendarmerie, winning him some support from those who appreciated his decision to stick his thumb in the eye of the liberal majority. Finally, Minister of Education Walther Herwig continued to support theoretical research into the underpinnings of a capitalist economy, including a Republic-wide contest for the best original analyses and critiques on the writings of Adam Smith and David Ricardo.
The subject that captured the mind of the German public, however, was foreign interference in German politics. The Gendarmerie uncovered a plot by Byzantine spies to stir up trouble in Pomerania. This plot included the payment of prominent local officials to espouse Poland and Polish politics as superior to those of Germany. When those spies were caught, the Byzantine Empire immediately placed some of their navy on a war footing, in case Germany sought retaliation. Three members of the Byzantine cell also made an attempt on the life of prominent Socialist Axel Wouters, citing Wouters' willingness to accept military buildup that only exacerbated tensions. Wouters was shaken but unharmed. Multiple newspapers took up the Wouters incident as a call to dramatically increase the size of the German military to prevent a potential Great War. Another important step in that process would be to find loyal friends to protect Germany beyond her commercial partners and Ethiopia. An unnamed diplomat within the Foreign Ministry wrote an editorial in
Die Deutsche Zeiten:
Germany's international position is, sorry to say, not good. Great Britain, Poland, and France have all proclaimed their undying hatred for Germany until their ancestral lands are returned to them. There are three countries, however, who might consider an alliance with Germany. First is Canada. Canada likes Germany, remembering the Republic's efforts to break them free of British tyranny. They are worried about German aggression, but if some gifts and other symbolic gestures are made, they will almost certainly sign a treaty of mutual defense with Germany. The other alternative are either of the South American powers, Venice and the Byzantine Empire. Each mistrusts Germany, but each also looks at the other as a bigger threat and rival. Both Venice and the Byzantines hate Germany right now, but a consistent campaign to improve relations might serve to bring one or the other closer to Germany and therefore an alliance.
On the lighter side of German politics, Stadtholder Heinrich IV von Silesia-Glogau was arrested after hiring thugs to attack Konrad Friedrich von Hohenzollern. The Chief of the General Staff is, of course, always accompanied by a team of bodyguards, but Herr von Hohenzollern dismissed them when he saw the clumsy attempts of the two to sneak up on him. He knocked out one of them with a single punch, causing the second to turn and run, as fast as he could, directly into a brick wall. The first assailant, beyond terrified, identified the Communist as his patron and begged the Chief of the General Staff not to kill him. The Gendarmerie searched the Stadtholder's residence and uncovered plenty of evidence of the Stadtholder's complicity. Herr von Silesia-Glogau currently awaits trial.
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((Attempt 1 rolls: 15. 1 -- Coin flip, Heads [I did not bother to apply the modifiers due to the natural 1]
Attempt 2 rolls: 15, 6, 10 -- Detection, 6))
The trial of Heinrich IV von Silesia-Glogau is, of course, our first priority. The mountain of evidence against him is damning, but nonetheless, justice must be properly served. Otto Kant, the Commander of the Gendarmerie, will serve as prosecutor. Herr von Silesia-Glogau may elect to act on his own behalf, or hire anyone he chooses to serve as his defense. The jury will consist of the following individuals:
Wilhelm Liebknecht ((Sakura_F))
Axel Wouters ((NachoEater))
Walther Herwig ((Warlord Skorr))
Friedrich Thiessen ((Idhrendur))
Karl Adimari ((PTSnoop))
Johannes Carile ((alxeu))
Eva von Vandenburg ((Michaelangelo))
Herr von Silesia-Glogau, or his representative, may make his plea at any time and offer his opening statement. The prosecutor will then make his opening statement. Then either side may choose witnesses or present additional evidence, at which point the jury will vote on innocence or guilt. If found guilty, the jury may also make a sentencing recommendation, although the final determination is to be made by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
While the jury proceeds, the business of the Reichstag may proceed as usual. Ministers may make adjustments to proposals and new legislation may be introduced.
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court