[Forum Game] - World in Revolution: 1861 Mk. IV

[etranger01]

"The Aristocracy of Merit"​

Napoleon IV was raised by an English maid, fluent in English, engaged to an English princess, and perhaps the continent's pre-eminent Anglophile. His love for all things British, however, never distracted him from his essential French character, and instead served as an influence on his own unique Bonapartist concept. Among the many other ideas that arose from his active mind, none was so symbolically important as the "aristocracy of merit."

Like his father and great-uncle before him, Napoleon IV knew that awards and public distinctions could motivate men in a uniquely powerful fashion, sometimes far beyond the promise of wealth. It was for that reason that Napoleon I had created the Legion of Honour, but to Napoleon IV this most prominent decoration, awarded for incredible heroism or service to France, ignored the contributions of those men who performed important services that did not quite qualify for such distinction. While heroes and statesmen could strive for the Legion and soldiers for the Military Medal, no such option existed for the civil servant, the inventor, or the artist.

Proclaimed by Napoleon IV and confirmed by senatus-consulte, the Order of Merit was established in November of 1876 as a lesser distinction. With an all-blue ribbon and a silver and blue cross, the Order would serve as the objective for those whose heroism was of a more everyday sort, particularly those whose inventions and works promoted or otherwise enhanced French renown. It also served as a useful award for ministers, legislators, and foreign officials below the rank of Head of State.

In addition to the Order of Merit, Napoleon IV also secured a second senatus-consulte formally granting the title of Knight of the Empire to all recipients of the Legion of Honour and the Order of Merit, a practice which had lapsed since the end of the First Empire. This senatus-consulte also formally established social precedence for the imperial peerage, reinstated the rule that knighthoods would be made hereditary if three generations had received it, and established the Emperor's birthday and coronation day (16 March and 18 September) as the two days on which the yearly titles and orders would be distributed, barring extraordinary circumstances.

Finally, in the least obvious of his various efforts, Napoleon IV quietly dropped "Imperial" from his usual form of address, instead styling himself as His Majesty the Emperor of the French, or more commonly His Majesty the Emperor, as a simpler, more accessible style. "His Imperial Majesty" was still common among the old guard, and Marshal-General Bazaine notably continued to use the Emperor's full name and previous form of address, but the Emperor's own preference was towards a more straightforward form, and the court quickly came to adopt his view as a matter of course.

 

[MastahCheef117]

Treaty of Yokosuka

[X] JOHN ARMOR BINGHAM
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Japan

 

[Gorganslayer]

The Brussels Geographic Conference​

​

With the dawn of the new decade the Liberal Government under Charles Rogier had received a burst of fresh wind in its sails. With an armistice signed in the Franco-German war and fighting after the war resumed moving into Germany itself the Belgian Government was able to move away from the issues of national defence and foreign policy and focus on the social issues. Notably Rogier himself, planning on retiring within the decade embarked on an ambitious plan of social and electoral reforms.


But Rogier was not the only person at the time pursuing more personal projects. Leopold II had taken a step out of active involvement in politics following the railway debacle and finding himself rebuffed over the question of a royal referendum, - namely giving himself the ability to take laws directly to the people and veto based on public reception, something neither party would consent to. This was not to say that Leopold had no political influence at all or had given up his political interest, as this was far from the case. The monarch had played a key role in pushing for the modernisation and reform of the Belgian Military and while he was content with the current state of the Army believed that another more holistic reform would have to be conducted at some point in the future.


Stepping back from politics however allowed Leopold to focus on other interests of his, though these were naturally directed at raising the international prestige and profile of Belgium. Over the period lasting from 1870 to 1875 indeed it seemed as if Leopold was abroad more than he was at home and while at a more difficult time this may have given off a poor image to the Belgian public, in the relative peace and prosperity of the period it did not weigh heavily on the public discourse. Through letters and personal visits and other forms of communication, Leopold gathered around him an extensive group of nearly forty individuals from the United Kingdom, the United States, Belgium, France, Russia and Italy as well as other European nations.


This group was comprised of philanthropists, scientists and other more high brow professions, all united behind Leopold’s vision of a philanthropic endeavour to first explore and then civilise the centre of the African continent. In 1875 this informal society agreed to officially form the International African Society with Leopold II modestly accepting the position of Chairman of the Society.


However, the Society was unable to agree on any plans of action after founding regarding how to proceed, and while individual members of the society (including Leopold II himself) Were wealthy few were willing to lend their funds to support action without a clear directive or policy for how to proceed. As such in 1876 Leopold announced his intentions to host a geographical conference in Brussels. This conference ostentatiously run by the newly founded Royal Geographic Society of Belgium in collaboration with the International African Society aimed to not only increase the international profile of the society and encourage further membership but also to allow the members to decide on a definitive plan of action and raise funds both from the Belgian Government through the Royal Geographic Society but also through the members and associates of the society.


It was Leopold's hope that with the conference, the society would be able to progress and aim to have its first expedition fully funded and underway by the end of 1876 if not early 1877. A side effect of the Conference would also be to promote the newly refurbished city of Brussels in an effort to encourage international interest in the developing Capital.

 

[99KingHigh]

Investors Chronicle
​

The board of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway Co. elected on Tuesday to form an autonomous representation of its own membership after purchase of shares was offered from certain Russian governmental and native shareholders of the Magdela Railway co. Great Indian Peninsula Railway Co. offered one half of the proposed purchase to Her Majesty's Government, which accepted the purchase, and subsidized the remaining purchase from the Peninsula Railway purchase, presumably the condition for the initial offering. Presently the combined purchase amounted—combined by the sale—the quantity of fourty-five percent of private shares, making the joint English ownership the largest stakeholder.

The Russian Government continues to command a profitable share in the minority, but the commanding stake has been deferred to the English proprietors. Her Majesty's Government has expressed interest in forming a new company by extension southbound, but it is unlikely the Peninsula Railway Co will participate exclusively in any project after this initial purchase and diminution of available assets for consumption. Cooperative purchase with the Ethiopian Government is anticipated.​

 

[aedan777]

The Fall of a Government

Agostino Depretis, Italy's Fifth Prime Minister
​

While the war between Italy and France had see high support from the Italian people, many politicians and intellectuals saw the war as disastrous, and the increasingly close ties Italy was forging with Austria soured many to the direction of the Crispi government. King Vittorio Emanuele II in particular grew increasingly hostile to the direction of Crispi, which was seeing a complete reversal of Italy's foreign policy. Crispi's abrasive and isolated nature did little to help his standing in the political fields of Italy, being described even by his supporters as something of a loner, and dictatorial in his approaches to government. However his immense support among the Italian people, and fiery speeches promoting his actions secured his power against his many opponents. The relatively good performance of the Italian armed forces against the French countered the belief of Crispi's opponents that he had set himself up for humiliation by going up against France. Still, the heavy losses suffered by the Regia Marina was seen by the more informed as a death knell to the war effort, and Crispi's frantic effort to get more ships from Austria and whatever ships could be quickly built domestically was not inspiring confidence from those with political acumen.

As crispi felt increasingly secure in his position of power in Italy, he near completely shut the aging Vittorio Emanuele II out of power, believing the monarch's place was as a figurehead. Resenting this, and the policies of Crispi, the King entered secret communication with Napoleon IV, who was likewise displeased over the Franco-Italian War. The monarchs undertook a journey to Switzerland, where they came to an agreement regarding peace, which was then presented back to their governments. While by accounts the Emperor was able to force his government to accept the terms without much issue, the same was not true in Italy. Crispi was driven into a fury by what he saw as the King's betrayal of Italy, deriding him as a French Puppet, selling Italian honor for "the promise of a disease-ridden wasteland." According to his political opponents, Crispi also began plotting to declare Italy a Republic after the Treaty of Arenenberg was signed in Switzerland.

Already facing the leading military power in Europe, Italy could scarcely afford an internal dispute between its King and Prime Minister, and much of La Sinistra, Crispi's political faction, began to desert him in favor of a less destructive course of action. He still remained highly popular among the Italian people though, and the threat of civil war seemed to hang in the air as the Crispi refused to put the Treaty of Arenenberg before the Chamber of Deputies to be ratified.

At this key point, Crispi's supposed allies in La Sinistra pulled the rug out from under him. Partially as a reaction to his policies, partially out of a dislike for the man himself, and partially out of personal ambition, a substantial portion of La Sinistra organized behind Agostino Depretis and Benedetto Cairoli to issue a vote of no confidence against Crispi, supported by the King. Though Crispi held on to the support of a number of deputies, it was not enough to hold his position, and he was replaced by Depretis as Prime Minister and Cairoli as Foreign Minister. La Destra, long marginalized under Crispi's rule, was also brought into government, as Depretis made up La Sinistra's losses to Crispi by joining with the pro-French La Destra, in an extremely broad liberal coalition. It was now Crispi's faction that was marginalized in the Chamber of Deputies, who could do little more than give out angry protests when the Treaty of Arenenberg was ratified.

Still, as easy as Crispi's political overthrow had been, the Italian people were not necessarily as inclined to accept the peace treaty, since they had been highly supportive of the acquisition of Tunis, and felt that Italy had not been beaten in battle and should thus not give up.The lenient terms of the treaty, no reparations or Italian territory lost, as well as the restoration of Italian vessels and promised support for Italian interests in Central Africa, did much to take the sting out of defeat, but no one could deny it was a defeat for Italy. Italian politicians, excepting Crispi and his supporters, were willing to put the war behind them and work with France for a new arrangement, but whether they maintained the confidence of the Italian people was very much in question.

 

[Ab Ovo]

​

Addressed to His Imperial Majesty Napoleon IV,
Emperor of the French, on the occasion of his assumption of power

Your Majesty,

I wish to personally congratulate you on the end of your regency and convey my dearest hope for the continued prosperity of the French Empire. With wise French stewardship of the Continent I believe that Europe will be able to regain a measure of order and prosperity; and further that in tandem with the United Kingdom, the greatest friend and ally of the Mexican nation, you may be able to establish an accord blessing God's creation with peace and good governance.

Furthermore, at my personal discretion I have appointed Sr. Luis Terrazas to serve as Special Envoy to the French Empire, and in that capacity represent my person alongside Ambassador Altamirano's more general representation of the Mexican Empire.

Yours in the fraternity of God's appointment,

 

[Julius Maximus]

Tsardom of Bulgaria

Birth of a Nation

What became known as the (Third) Tsardom of Bulgaria was forged from the fires of the Russo-Turkish War, as endless Russian armies carved a path into the Balkans alongside their Romanian allies against the Ottoman Turks who held an iron grip over the region for centuries. The estimated amount of casualties is unknown, but estimates put the number in the hundreds of thousands for both sides of the conflict. The role of Bulgaria during the war was unfortunately and tragically very little, as the Ottoman Turks had enacted a brutal campaign of suppression and simple murder of "known rebels", disregarding age or gender in their slaughter of mostly innocent farmers who were only protesting the loss of their land to the Ottoman government for use of railroads, which were conveniently made for the event of war along the Danube against Russia and Romania.

Slaughter of Bulgarian Villagers by Ottoman Bashi-bazouk (Irregulars)

Once the Russians and Romanians found a fatal weakspot within the impressive Danubian defenses a flood of troops poured into Bulgaria, bringing liberation that was so desperately needed from what was recorded by locals as "A state-sponsored attempt of wiping out Orthodox Bulgarians". The Imperial Russian Army marched south towards Sofia, and after Ottoman troops had retreated southward from the city a Provisional Bulgarian Government was established, which comprised of Orthodox Bulgarian nobles supervised by officers of the Imperial Russian Army. This provisional government then immediately made the call to all ethnic Bulgarians to gather arms under a joint Russian-Romanian-Bulgarian banner to remove the Turks and establish a Bulgarian state, free from the Sultan once and for all. The Opalchentsi (Volunteer Army) was formed, but due to the brutal policy of the Ottomans before the war there was a limited number of men who answered and formed units that merged as independent formations within the Russian field armies making their way south and west.

Standard of the Bulgarian Opaltchentsi

The Opalchentsi made good account of themselves even with their small size as forward scouts and being supporting arms of Russian armies during the more larger battles towards the end of the war. They also cleared out pro-Ottoman villages within liberated territory occupied by Ottoman troops who could not or did not retreat in the Russian advance south. The experience and loyalty of the Opalchentsi is expected to be reformed into the Royal Bulgarian Army by 1878 with the aid and assistance of the Imperial Russian Army.

With the Treaty of Salonica official there was massive celebration across Bulgaria, for the first time since the 15th Century Bulgaria was a free nation, without having to bow to the whims of Constantinople and the Ottoman Sultan. The killing and subjugation of Bulgarians had been stopped, Bulgarian nationalism had been realized and could flourish without fear or reprisal. Reports of Bulgarians embracing their Russian and Romanian liberators was widespread throughout the country, and the anticipation of the coronation of a Tsar was eagerly waited by all.

Rumors ran rampant that Russian Tsar Alexander II had suggested to the Bulgarian Provisional Government that his brother, Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich be nominated to become Tsar of Bulgaria. Alexander of Battenburg was a potential candidate, but his complete lack of government experience, Lutheran faith and internal disputes within Bulgaria between nobles and the Russian-led government led him to be quietly removed from consideration. Grand Duke Michael has been Governor General of the Caucasus since 1862, gaining much experience in government affairs, while also overseeing the victorious Russian forces in the final phase of the Caucasian War. His efforts in the region brought relative economic growth and strong leadership among the various minorities in the region, he was deemed a well-qualified (and Orthodox) candidate to lead the new Bulgarian state.

On November 15th, 1877 Grand Duke Michael arrived in Bulgaria and was officially nominated by the Bulgarian Provisional Government and crowned as Tsar Michael I of Bulgaria in the capital of Sofia, the heir to the crown being his daughter Anastasia. Fears of a Russian-dominated monarchy were calmed as Anastasia was yet to be married, and Tsar Michael was in search of Bulgarian noblemen to bring an official and symbolic union of the Romanov branch that Michael is apart of and that of Bulgaria. Not only was Anastasia's future marriage going to be closely monitored but all of Michaels' children were yet to be married and could potentially enter into marriage with Bulgarian noble families into the future.

Tsar Michael I of Bulgaria

Tsar Michael I from a balcony in Sofia made his first public announcement to a large crowd which was spread through newspapers and telegrams to the Bulgarian people hours after his coronation:​

"People of Bulgaria, I come to you a humble man and eternally grateful to have this wonderful opportunity to lead this great nation. I will guarantee you all that I will put my life and total dedication to the advancement and prosperity of Bulgaria until my last breath before all else. Never again shall the Ottoman Turks ever lay their hands upon our children, women or men during my reign so help me God. We shall strive together to bring true unity and show the world that the Bulgarian people are ones to be cherished and we can overcome the shadow that has been cast over this land for centuries.

Our Russian allies and liberators who will be stationed in Bulgaria are not here to subjugate or oppress the people, but help us forge the beginnings of a proper government and rebuild the war-torn lands, something the Turks would never try as they left this land neglected and trampled over you all for only their self-benefit. No more I say! From now on it will be for the betterment of Bulgarians, not Turks, and our Russian allies are here to make sure it is so. I will give you my full trust and my word that the times are changing within Bulgaria towards peace and prosperity, I ask you give me the opportunity to make this a reality. May God grace us all, may God grace Bulgaria!"​

Tsar Michael I left the balcony to vast cheers, how the rest of the country would react moving forward is still to be seen, but Bulgaria was free of the Turks and ready to move forward.​

 

[aedan777]

Italy and the Economic Crisis of 1876

Uniquely among western European nations, Italy avoided the massive economic contraction seen following the collapse of the German state. This was a continuation of Italy's healthy growth during the industrial recession brought about by the silver crash. While apparently positive indicators of the Italian economy to avoid economic decline amidst a major war and world wide economic depression, it was in actuality an indication that Italy's industrial sector still hadn't recovered from the massive economic collapse brought about by the Ricasoli government's heavy investment in textiles as the Confederacy came under blockade. Though the depression ended by 1865 and Italy saw a decade of uninterrupted growth, Italy still lacked the industrial capacity to be affected by the depression of 1876. In an ironic twist of fate, Italy's lack of economic recession was what made it clear that its economy was weak, especially in terms of industries, and still hadn't recovered.

While the war with France had been ongoing, Prime Minister Crispi had been unwilling to disrupt the war effort, and his personal push for a massive naval production program to make up losses, to make an attempt to improve Italy's industrial power. Once peace had been secured and Agostino Depretis took over as Prime Minister, a different situation was faced by his government. With no more war, but a populace that remained anxious and ambitious, Depretis and his cabinet came to the conclusion that the energy of the Italian people was best directed to the industrialization of Italy, to cool their desire for a far flung empire, spun up by Crispi. To facilitate this, tariffs on industrial goods were raised to 15%, and tax breaks were offered to Italian citizens opening new factories.

Depretis would sell this program to the Italian people as a means of self improvement, that to be a Great Power, Italy needed more than overseas possessions taken in moments of weakness, but a strong industrial economy at home. It was hoped that, with their increasing recent desires to have Italy become a Great Power, the Italian people would embrace this new method of increasing Italy's power, one that was significantly less likely to see Italy enter into destructive wars with its neighbors.

 

[99KingHigh]

Convention of Tacna

​

Article I. A military mission, comprised of British officers and staff of the Army and Navy, shall be sent to the Peru-Bolivian Confederation to assist in reforming the Peru-Bolivian military. The members of the mission shall be hired on a three-year contract, with the possibility of renewal if agreed by all parties.

Article II. i) The Peru-Bolivian government agrees to remove tariffs on British manufactured goods and those materials vital for industrial progress.
ii) The Peru-Bolivian government agrees to lower tariffs on Peru-Bolivian agricultural produce to a rate not exceeding 2% of their value.

[X] Sir Spenser Buckingham St John
[ ] José Antonio García y García​

 

[jacob-Lundgren]

Victory in war! Victory in peace?
​

The war between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire was a very bloody and savage affair. The Ottomans were determined to stop the Russians from breaching their lines and flooding into Europe, however their powers of war had continued to gradually grow weaker. The conflict proved that Russian willingness to accept casualties outpaced the ottomans abilities to inflict them. The Russians readily embraced the carnage from their offensive as it led to a shattering of the ottoman lines and eventual breakthrough further into the Balkans. The war was never truly at doubt for the Russians, they had long desired to fix what they felt was the chief problem remaining in Europe. It would also cement their influence fully over a region that contained much economic and military potential. Russia had no great need for lands, not that it would prevent some recent land grabs anyways. It also did not lack for people and gaining indirect and heavy influence over more of both would not go far to encourage Russian growth.

However the ability to secure their southern flank, their great weak spot as proven by the Crimean war, would allow for a much stronger overall position in Europe. So long as the Ottomans remained masters of the Balkans, they could be used as a threat against the Russians. As well those markets could remain choked off. Clearly Russian exports would never truly find a home in western or central Europe but perhaps in the Balkans? Perhaps, as many inside the Russian court felt, the Balkans would present itself as a form of European colony. What the British referred to as their empire overseas was organized chiefly around markets to export to or acquire rare materials from. Perhaps the Balkans needs could be met with Russian goods instead of ottoman, french or British. In the end it mattered little since if Russia remained dominate they would have greater influence and as well a such shorter route. Unless the Russians could not provide a good or service, they would at least find themselves as the tallest among many. Still the war and its peace treaty would find itself a greater topic than expected.

The first reaction of many was to celebrate the hard fought victory and the sure peace that was to come. Some however immediately grew skeptical of the treaty. The ottomans did remain in the Balkans and no great effort was made to seize the grandest prize. A powerful Russian army already in possession of the straits could perhaps blast any enemy fleet away from their new access to the world. No doubt any enemy force would find itself so heavily outnumbered and in such a wretched position that it would never try such a campaign. Still others felt that without a complete eviction of the ottomans from at least all but their last great stronghold, this was merely a cease fire. A temporary stoppage in the many wars by eastern powers vs the ottomans. Perhaps the Russians new and enhanced friendships would also spark jealousy among the Balkans governments. Would the Russian have to pick a favored son? Would that cost them dearly with the rest? Still, whatever tomorrow would bring what was clear is that today brought peace and celebration.

 

[Frymonmon]

[X] José Antonio García y García

 

[Ab Ovo]

The Mexican Elections of 1876
La elección de los ladrones
​

The triumvirate of Labastida, Comonfort, and Almonte did not collapse in 1876; it was quite simply executed. Alarmed by the results of the previous elections (which resulted, in the words of the Confederate ambassador to Mexico writing to his wife, in 'uppity' behaviour) the British immediately set about considering how the newly-emboldened Mexican government might be handled. Relations gradually grew cooler as then-premier Labastida rolled out a series of tacitly anti-British measures by his government and there they remained when Mexico was plunged into a depression in 1875. Sensing opportunity, the British held the Imperial government economically hostage until they conceded to London's demands: the dissolution of Parliament, fresh elections, a new, nonpartisan regency council and a number of other points quietly consolidating British control once and for all. After Agustin III appointed a Regency which was acceptable to Westminster, it was time for elections.

Results of the Imperial Mexican election of 1876*
​

To the surprise of absolutely no-one the newly-formed Conservative Party, which was the spiritual successor to Comonfort's Party of Order, won a total majority; and subsequently returned well over 300 Conservative MPs to the Imperial Parliament. Considering the fact that there were only 391 seats in Parliament this raised eyebrows both domestically and internationally, and resulted in Sebastian de Tejada, former leader of the Party of Opposition, fleeing to the United States in order to work with the republican sham government headquartered there. More strident domestic opposition took careful note of the fact that one of the new Imperial Regents, General Miramon, was also General of the Army in addition to having a reputation for cruelty. The indefensibility of open protest was also underscored by the communique issued by the Regency Council immediately post-elections which requested the I Corps of the Royal Army return to 'assist in providing and ensuring order and good governance in the Empire'.

Ultimately however the Mexican Empire continued to function as something which at least resembled a democracy, and so President Zagroniz of the Regency Council duly appointed a Prime Minister and then approved his cabinet. Interesting times were afoot in Mexico and now there was a man who had to navigate them or drown with his ministry.

His Imperial Majesty's Government of the Mexican Empire

President of the Council of State and Lord Speaker of Parliament: the Rt Hon Romulo Diaz de la Vega (Conservative)
Lord High Chancellor of the Mexican Empire: His Grace the Rt Hon +Próspero María Alarcón y Sánchez de la Barquera (Conservative)
Chancellor of the Exchequer: the Rt Hon Mariano Rivo Palacio (Conservative)
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs: the Rt Hon Joaquín María del Castillo y Lanzas (Conservative)
Secretary of State for the Interior Department: the Rt Hon Manuel Larráinzar Piñero (Conservative)
Secretary of State for War: the Rt Hon Juan Nepomuceno Méndez (Conservative)


​

 

[Korona]

((Private - @etranger01))​

Euer Kaiserliche Majestät

Your Imperial Majesty, I must congratulate you on the your tremendous showing of initiative and your assumption of personal rule within the French Empire. In these times of strife, war, and chaotic upheaval, it is only through a strong monarch that our states may be enabled to prosper and grow. The institution of a monarch is one that is of sacred trust, for both the Lord and the people place their trust in to provide a guiding hand in times of turbulence. With the friction that has plagued Europe for the past years, it is paramount that we as monarchs take our time to look to our people and ensure that their well-being is maintained. Peace has been fleeting, and we as the guardians of our people must take steps to ensure that we can ensure prosperity and peace, if not for our own sake but for the sake of our the people over whom we govern. I firmly believe that you, as a monarch who has already shown great initiative and a commendable drive, will prove to be a monarch who shall look after his own people in the same manner of how Christ attended to his sheep.

I eagerly look forward to this new era of friendship and amity that is bound to persist between our two nations, by virtue of our positions as guides and rulers. I am excited and I am certain that you shall go down in both French and Austrian history as a wise and commendable monarch.

With Respect,

 

[Dadarian]

First Quarter Financial Tickets of Interest: 1876; TSX
Alexander Mackenzie
​

"... Grey & Raw rises 0.01$ a share in the wake of the CSA's cotton export numbers. The premier cotton importer to Canada is sure to take advantage of the falling prices ...."

"... French Canadian banks fall through in wake of the collapse of NY banking. Montreal bankers and their tied loan rates hurt hard due to the restriction of liquid investment...."

"... Montreal bankers call for the Canadian dollar to be pegged to a gold standard. Shares in fluctuation due to nerves about reaction from London and NY."

" ... Toronto banks call on a return to a pegged London rate over unstable NY rate in loan interest, shares rise due to interest in the ideal."

" ... the continued refusal of the government to consider tariffs in the wake of the Dixiephilic Liberal Party causes import firms shares to rise in conjunction with manuf. fall."

 

[alexander23]

​

We are victorious over the vile turkish oppressors. The brave Romanian people have fought hard and long to achieve this dream, yet it finally is almost upon us!. The Muslim hordes have been pushed to the sea, the lands of our people never to be threatened again by the turks!. Yet it have come with a cost, thousands of our young men have given their life for the future of the romanian people, and not just in our country, but everywhere where one may reside!.

The fight for our freedom is however not over yet, meanwhile the turkish oppressors have been defeated, thousands of our brothers and sister still lie under the tyrant boot of foreigners, in the regions of Transylvania and Bukovina. They struggle to break the chains of tyranny and ask for the world to not let the brutal turkish massacres be done once more upon them!. I call the Austrian Empire and their Habsburg masters to release our brothers and sisters of Bukovina, to end the bloodshed so both people can once more be on harmony and peace!. I say to our people do not let damnation reach the lands of Bukovina, help however you can so your family, because all romanians are family, are secure on these times of uncertainty.

With the conclusion of hostilities, the armed forces of Romania are demobilized so our young men can return to their homes, and to wherever their destiny may await, for they are warriors of our freedom!

Glory to Romania, Glory to our People!​

 

[Korona]

Das Kaisertum Österreich
​

His Imperial Majesty and the Austrian Empire are most distressed at the rampant war-mongering and incitement of unlawful rebellion by the Kingdom of Romania. The opinion of the Kingdom of Romania that somehow, those residing in the crownlands of the Duchy of Bukovnia and Kingdom of Hungary are suffering from brutal repression at the hands of His Imperial Majesty are completely and entirely false. Furthermore, the stipulation that the Austrian Empire seek to inflict 'brutal Turkish massacres' upon those residing in the Austrian Empire is comedic in it's inaccuracy.

His Imperial Majesty shall do his utmost to ensure that those residing in the Duchy of Bukovnia and the Kingdom of Hungary are treated fairly and with the rights of an Austrian citizen. However, His Imperial Majesty shall not tolerate outward rebellion or the promotion of internal destabilization towards His person. The Austrian Empire stands stalwart and united towards all those wishing harm and aggression towards it, and reiterates it's desire for amity and peace.

~ Count Gyula Andrássy, Foreign Minister of the Austrian Empire​

 

[Harpsichord]

​

To the government of the Kingdom of Spain, (( @Stormbringer ))

As per the Treaty of Buenos Aires (1871), I request on behalf of the Argentine Confederation that the treaty be altered to remove all reference to silver coinage from Article IV., with the subsequent effect that silver coinage no longer be legally exchangeable between our nations or with gold coinage.


~ Norberto de la Riestra, Minister of Finance


___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

​

Articles for addition to the treaty of Rosario (1865/1876)

(on weights and measures) ~ To adopt a common system of weights and measures, using the metric system as its base.
(on the interchange of currency) ~ To mint gold coinage according to agreed specifications of weight and fineness(i), that said coinage be freely interchangeable, and that any adjustment to these specifications must be made in unanimity of the signing powers.
(on telegraphy) ~ To establish and agree upon a universal format and composition of electrical telegraph lines. ​

[x] Ricardo López Jordán, President of the Argentina Confederation (Argentina)
[x] Duncan Stewart, Minister of Finance (Uruguay)
[x] Francisco Solano López, President of the Republic of Paraguay (Paraguay)
[x] Adolfo Ibáñez Gutiérrez, Minister of the Interior and Foreign Affairs (Chile)

(i) Adopting the common specifications formerly agreed upon by the Kingdom of Spain and Argentine Confederation as agreed in the Treaty of Buenos Aires (1871)


In acknowledgement of the growing organisational capacity necessitated by the additional articles, I recommend to the governments of our fellow signatories that an annual meeting of Ministers Plenipotentiary be held in Rosario from this year forward. I also suggest that the aforementioned additional articles be phased in over a transitional period of three years, to allow for the necessary modification of laws and statutes.

~ President Ricardo López Jordán

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


After a discussion no longer than required by the traditions of the chambers themselves, the Argentine Congress readily ratified the Treaty of Bern (1874), effecting entry into the General Postal Union.

 

[Stormbringer]

The government of Spain agrees to suspend indefinitely the convertibility between silver and gold coins minted by Spain and Argentina while maintaining the convertibility of the gold coins minted in the two countries. @Harpsichord

 

[baboushreturns]

Negusa Negast Menelik II the Lion of Judah
(1844-?)
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Menelik was raised during one of the most tumultuous times in Ethiopian history. During his childhood and into his early adult life Ethiopia was little more than a geographic term on a map. By the time of his birth, it had been a fractured land full of warring Kingdoms and Kings for well over a century. The future Emperor grew up in the thick of this. His paternal Grandfather, Negus Sahle Selassie was the ruler of the Kingdom of Shewa. He was a famous man, well known for his just rule and his great administrative and diplomatic skill. In his time on the throne (1813-1847) Selassie managed to transform the Kingdom's tax code; making it not only fairer but more efficient, he also reformed its criminal code making it more just and, was an astute diplomat concluding numerous alliances with the Abbichu Oromo. Sahle Selassie had a great affinity for modernization, in all ways but especially when it came to firearms. This would be a love his almost certainly passed onto his Grandson. The old King was so successful in his efforts that by the end of his reign a community of Greeks, Armenians, Indians, Persians, and Arabs had sprung up around his court in Shewa.

This stability would not last. In 1847, when Menelik was only three years old, Negus Sahle Selassie fell mortally ill and although his younger son, Menelik's uncle was the widely favored heir to the throne, some change in Selassie's heart caused him to name his eldest son, Menelik's father Haile Melekot as his future heir. Travelling around his realm, the withered and dying King convinced both his younger son and, his vassals to abide by his decision. Yet, when he passed away almost immediately warfare erupted.

Negus Haile Melekot​

The Abbichu Oromo, nominal vassals of the Shewan Kingdom rose up. In a few months, they were at the gates of the capital and, it was only through the loyalty of several generals and, nobles along with, Shewa's stores of firearms that Haile defeated the insurrection. For a period after this bloody episode, there would be peace. Yet, Negus Haile Melekut was not made of the same stuff as his father, and as young Menelik came of age he grew up learning the histories of his grandfather's reign from his tutors. He took a keen interest in the technological marvels imported from the West and also showed a great skill for learning languages, and was trilingual age eleven. This period of stability would not last in Shewa however. In 1855 Emperor Tewodoros began his campaign to conquer Shewa and, reunite the ancient Abyssinian Empire under one Emperor once more.

The King of Shewa provided weak resistance to Tewodoros, who quickly advanced through the Kingdom, meeting little resistance on his way, as Melekot's vassals defected en masse. This strategy of constant retreat and withdrawal would be Melekot's undoing, as his brothers abandoned his cause. Deserting to the highlands with their armies. However, this was nothing compared to the harm done to the King by his own Mother and, Grandmother, who defected to Tewodoros, leaving Negus Haile Melekut with few supporters and, almost no resources to draw upon. By this point, the King was gravely ill and deeply discouraged. In the late summer of 1855, he torched his capital and retreated with a small band of followers to the small village of Atakelt. There he would die, but not before naming Menelik his heir.

Tewodoros II​

Almost twelve at this point, the young Menelik was only a child, when he was taken hostage by Negusa Nagast Tewodoros II, along with his uncle Darge Sahle Selassie. Within Tewodoros's court, the "King" of Shewa quickly grew to become one of the Emperor's favorite courtiers. He took great care in seeing that Menelik was well educated, in all affairs of state, as well as, the art of war. Once Menelik came of age, Tewodoros decided to marry his daughter Altash Tewodoros off to the Prince as a sign of affection. This constant support and affection from the Emperor earned him Menelik's loyalty and, it was with his blessing that Menelik, as well as his Uncle, returned to Shewa in 1863. Upon his return, the masses flocked to their true King and, many nobles hailed his return, while Tewodoros's appointed governor was recalled to Magdala.

In the ensuing years, Negus Menelik would reorganize his Kingdom and put down several local revolts against his rule. He would also faithfully serve Tewodoros and contributed 5,000 men to his 1865 campaign into Djibouti. Menelik would even stay loyal to Tewodoros through his darkest days, in the immediate aftermath of Debr Tabor when, numerous nobles were calling for the overthrow of the Emperor. Menelik helped calm tempers and rally the southern and, eastern nobility behind the Tewodoros. This decision would benefit Menelik greatly, and as the flow of weapons increased from Egypt, Menelik finally understood why his mentor had taken the deal.

The Soldiers of Menelik's Army​

In 1867, armed with 10,000 Minié rifles Negus Menelik led his own army east into the lands held by the Somali tribes. The Somalis had long been a nuisance for Ethiopian herders and their incessant raids had contributed to the underdevelopment and poverty of the eastern frontier. In a brief but brilliant campaign along the Gestro River, Menelik managed first, to cross the Bale Mountain range, no small feat. He then to subdued four separate Somali rulers within three months. His campaign met with such great success (mostly due to the superiority of Ethiopian firepower) that by 1869 Menelik and his men had made it to the small city of Kismayo on the Indian Ocean. For this Menelik, Negus of Shewa was appointed the governor of Southern Somalia by the Tewodoros. For the next five years, Menelik would rule from Mogadishu helping to cement Imperial rule over the various tribes and clans in the region.

Menelik's world would change in 1874, with the Battle of Rassini and the fatal wounds Tewodoros II suffered there. Menelik was, in fact, present at the battle and, saw to the wounded Emperor himself. Dying with no legitimate sons (his only son had passed away at age 13 of pleurisy) he named Menelik his true heir and, passed on several days after. Of his death, Menelik had written "I should have gone into a forest to weep over his untimely death ... I have now lost the one who educated me, and toward whom I had always cherished filial and sincere affection." In March of 1875, Menelik returned to Magdala and was crowned Negusa Nagast or Emperor at the Chapel of Amba Mariam. From these origins began the reign of Menelik II Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Elect of God, King of Kings.

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[Mikkel Glahder]

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Articles for addition to the treaty of Rosario (1865/1876)

(on weights and measures) ~ To adopt a common system of weights and measures, using the metric system as its base.
(on the interchange of currency) ~ To mint gold coinage according to agreed specifications of weight and fineness(i), that said coinage be freely interchangeable, and that any adjustment to these specifications must be made in unanimity of the signing powers.
(on telegraphy) ~ To establish and agree upon a universal format and composition of electrical telegraph lines.
[x] Ricardo López Jordán, President of the Argentina Confederation (Argentina)
[ ] Duncan Stewart, Minister of Finance (Uruguay)
[ ] Paraguay
[ ] Chile

(i) Adopting the common specifications formerly agreed upon by the Kingdom of Spain and Argentine Confederation as agreed in the Treaty of Buenos Aires (1871)

[X] Adolfo Ibáñez Gutiérrez, Minister of the Interior and Foreign Affairs, of the Republic of Chile

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The President of Chile, Alvaro Covarrubias Ortúzar, has signed the Treaty of Bern (1874), effecting entry into the General Postal Union.