El Imperio Muerto: A PDM IAAR

[Revan529]

A private missive from the Interior Secretary to various officers closely associated to the Secretary, as well as pertinent officials:

Noting that, whilst the administration of justice is out of the purview of this secretariat, the offices and departments tasked with the maintenance of the rulings and jurisprudence of the Crown and Courts resides within this august body, it is deemed advisable to take a great interest into this so-called "provincial guard" established in the Baleares; this body, established without permission from the Crown, can be regarded as an extralegal force, one that should be regarded with wariness, but also an opportunity for the Crown to reassert its authority over those islands, which under the Duque de Menorca seem to be notably more wayward and estranged from Madrid; this movement, in the estimation of the Secretary for the Interior, should be infiltrated, co-opted, and otherwise made a tool for the Crown, to quash dissent and disorder wherever it may arise on the Baleares, and from all corners, be they revolutionary or secessionary in nature, all the while presenting a veneer of separation from the official bodies of law and order. Such a relation, controlled by and beholden to the Crown, but left obstensibly free, shall permit the Crown and its Government to act with greater freedom and security in all matters concerning the Baleares; should this project be found successful, other such organisations should be considered.

~ J.M. de Correia

((Focus: Baleares))

 

[Nax24]

Gibraltar...​

It was a nice big rock overlooking the gate to the Mediterranean. It had a population of about 7,000 people, majority Spanish, and it is a British colony.

Britain had seized Gibraltar in the early 1700s, and since then had turned into an Anglo settlement. Ever since then, Gibraltar had been filling up with British citizens and slowly turning this former part of Spain into an Anglo-culture center in mainland Europe. Of course, this has brought tension between the UK and Spain for decades, since the UK is holding a part of the Iberian Peninsular under its control. During the American Revolution, Spain showed its support for the American Nation by attacking Gibraltar to try and divert British troops away from the colonies. The siege failed miserably, and the rock was held by the British. Now though, Gibraltar faces a new kind of enemy from within the Spanish population that stayed in Gibraltar.

Spanish nationalism across Iberia has been pretty high. Military victories and the expansion of the economy has caused pride in Spaniards across Spain to be at an all time high. This applies to all Spaniards, living internally and abroad. In Gibraltar, the rise of Spanish Nationalism has made some of the more radical Spaniards think about uniting Gibraltar with their kin in the mainland. Organizations took root, hoping to liberate this tiny peninsular from British rule and make all Spaniards under the flag of the Carlist Regime, a regime they viewed as strong, stable, and independent from the likes of the British. What followed though would shock many in the world...

--------------------------------

Bomb Explosion in Gibraltar!
Spanish Nationalists Kill a Dozen, Leave More Wounded!​

Today in Gibraltar, a bomb ripped through a local cafe, killing twelve people and injuring a further twenty. The perpetrator of the attack has been apprehended and is confirmed to be a Spanish Nationalist. Spanish Nationalism among the Spanish population of Gibraltar has been at a high following the military and economic successes of the main Spanish Nation, leading some Spanish people in Gibraltar wanting to split off from the British and join with Spain. The resulting blast will have an unknown effect on the relationship between the United Kingdom and Spain, due to recent distancing of Spain from the British. We here in London have no idea what Prime Minister Disraeli will do in the face of such a terrorist act. We also do not know if Carlos VI or anyone in his court will respond to such a violent act. Hopefully, peace will prevail.

((This shall be the start of another special event, not a war. Please IC your responses to this situation))

 

[Nax24]

((Some clarification on what this event is going to be. For a long time, we have been hosting conferences to discuss diplomatic problems whether it is among two enemy nations or members of the Holy Alliance. This has been done mostly on IRC though, and I want to bring such a conference into the IC world. Thus, I have recruited some willing people outside the thread to play as various Great Powers (Germany, Russia, UK, etc) in a conference to discuss the Gibraltar Bombing. @sealy300 shall be playing as the British Ambassador, @MastahCheef117 shall be returning to the game to play as the French Ambassador. If any of you know anyone outside the thread who would like to play as the Northern Germans or Russia, please contact them and me. If a Great Power is not filled, I will take over for them or allow a player to take over their nation))

 

[sealy300]

A statement on behalf of Her Majesty's Britannic Government to the Government of Spain.
​

In light of recent events on the Rock of Gibraltar, Her Majesty's government calls for Convention regard the Straights of Gibraltar and the nature of the territory of The Rock. It should be known that Her Majesty's Government does not wish for conflict over this issue, however there are questions that must be answered. Such an action must have taken place trans-nationally, and therefore the Government of the Untied Kingdom of Great britain and Ireland demands the right to investigate without hinderance to apprehend the criminals responsible for this act. Her Majesty's government has seen no sign or indication that its counterpart in Spain had any involvement with this action, however any hinderance in apprehension of these vile terrorists or validation & support of their aims would be most worrying to Britannia and Her Empire: and would most ceartainly damage relations between our states. It is hoped this shall not come to pass however, as with the people Spain is seen in a positive light; for now. We eagerly await a response with regards to our investigations.

Most Respectfully,
Secertary of state for Foreign Affairs Lord Edward H. Stanley, 15th Earl Derby KG PC FRS,
On behalf of Her Majesty Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Her Government.
​

 

[Dadarian]

A Message from Marquis y Conte Tomas H. B. H. y L. Etxeto
​

Given the consummate want of discussion pending the recent attacke on the Rock of Gibraltar, I offer mine own assistance as an ennobled diplomat in which to placate the British presence on the island and assisteth our nation's soldiers in vacating from the premises forthwith.

​

 

[Firehound15]

A Message from Marquis y Conte Tomas H. B. H. y L. Etxeto
​

Given the consummate want of discussion pending the recent attacke on the Rock of Gibraltar, I offer mine own assistance as an ennobled diplomat in which to placate the British presence on the island and assisteth our nation's soldiers in vacating from the premises forthwith.

​

*The Duke of Menorca endorses the Marquis Etxeto as a wise and well-prepared representative of the Spanish Crown*

 

[Marschalk]

A few weeks before the accident of Gibraltar, Don Esteban Alonso Fitz-James Stuart, Duke of Alba, has been sitting in his cabinet and pondering on his long public career. He has finally made the decision to spend the last years of his life in retirement, giving his manors and his family more of this time - time which they have deserved. The man who was called the Spanish Metternich was nearing the age of seventy. His eldest son, the Count-Duke of Olivares, was the aide-de-campe to the new Crown Prince, his daughters were all married to senior nobles of the Realm, he himself has accrued great honors by his deeds. Sipping his wine, the old aristocrat thought that it was the to let the young blood step in.

To the KING (Keinwyn - Private))

Your Catholic Majesty,

Having the honor of serving as the First Secretary of the Spanish realm for twenty years and as its Foreign Secretary for nearly forty, I have always kept only the good of my August masters and my beloved country in mind. Personal ambitions were always but secondary to these - and therefore I must honestly say that my senior age and problems with health may in the future may (in the future) hinder my execution of the state duties. While my body Is still strong and my mind clear, I know that new trees should replace old ones, so that the orchard keeps living - but the roots should be old, I therefore ask for resignation from my duties as First Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, hoping to stay as a member of Your State Council, providing my expertize when needed. As for my successors, it is up to Your Catholic Majesty, but you have many loyal and able ministers. I must note the zeal of J.M. de Correia
, your Interior Secretary, whose following of the good principles of Carlos V, your Father, has been noted by many.

I would always remain a loyal servant of Yourself and the House of Borbon,
General of Infantry Don Esteban Alonso Fitz-James Stuart y Silva,
Duke of Alba

 

[Marschalk]

Name: Infante Felipe Carlos María Francisco de Borbón y Hohenzollern
Date of Birth: 1852
Occupation: Prince of Asturias, heir to the Spanish Throne

Bio: Felipe was born in 1852 to the then Crown Prince of Spain, Carlos Luis María Fernando de Borbón y Braganza, now King Carlos VI. Initially educated at the palace by manifold tutors, he later attended lectures in law and history in the University of Salamanca, as well as graduating from the military academy in Madrid and serving as an officer in the Royal Guard.Visiting such countries as North German Federation, Russia and United Kingdom, the Prince of Asturias has rather early gained an interest in international affairs - however, his preferences were not limited to that. Felipe has always been an enthusiastic reader of political literature, giving especially much attention to the works of Joseph de Maistre, Edmund Burke and François-Rene, Vicomte de Chateaubriand. Learning to hero-worship his grandfather, King Carlos V, the Prince of Asturias has spoken, in the private and among friends, for a benevolent monarchy that aides the poor and implements the principles of benign paternalism, based on Christian values. He has read the books by Pater de Valle - while not yet voicing any position on their ideas. The Prince of Asturias (what the only ones closest to him know) has written certain novels and short stories himself. These have not currently been published.

 

[MastahCheef117]

The French Empire
​

To His Catholic Majesty the King of Spain:

His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of the French, Napoleon III, has instructed me, with brevity, to relay his wishes to Your court and government.

His Imperial Majesty finds the events that have taken place in Gibraltar both appalling to the world and affronting to the dignity of Her Majesty's Government in London. His Imperial Majesty wishes it to be known, that I, acting as Foreign Minister of the Empire, shall attend any such convention convened between the representatives of Your Catholic Majesty's Government and Her Majesty's Government in London.

His Imperial Majesty hopes that the perpetrators and planners of the attack on Gibraltar are speedily and righteously brought to justice, and that Your Catholic Majesty's Government can proceed from this point to maintain a firmer grip on those undesirable elements of society in Spain.

Written this Nth day of X, in the year of Our Lord eighteen-hundred and seventy-one.

Respectfully yours,
His Excellency the Foreign Minister of the French Empire Antoine Alfred Agénor, Duc de Gramont, Prince de Bidache
On behalf of His Imperial Majesty Napoleon III, Empereur des Français​

 

[Mikkel Glahder]

Antonio sat at his desk. Everything neatly organized. Paper lay in stacks, pens and other writing necesarries lay straight on the table. One of the first thing he did after his father was buried, he changed the office quite radically. Gone were the puritan decorations and simple library. In came grandoise paintings and a larger library. He also covered the walls with wall paper instead of the white chalck walls that his father preferred. Whilst Tomás spent much time in his much beloved chapel, Antonio spent as little time he could there. In general, he found religion boring and restrictive. His thoughts upon religion was kept secret to the public and his friends. Only his family knew this fact and they decided to keep silent.
The Situation in Gibraltar worried Antonio and even though he hoped that Spain would regain proper Spanish lands, he wanted it peacefully instead of with brute force, that had dominated the Spanish reconquista, that even though rightful, was a bloody and complicated affair. His thinking of peaceful expansion did not count for the African continent. He wrote sometime in 1870 that "The negros need to be enlightened. If they do not reach out and grab the bible, we will bring the bible to them and enlighten them. With sword if necesarry." He saw no problem with his ideals were overlapping and saw it as natural for a man to have such thoughts on the unenlightened and a more civil thought about fellow Spaniards and other christians.

 

[Nax24]

((Alright, so a conference was called, and now Dadarian (the Spanish ambassador I picked due to he volunteering and Kein not sending or suggesting anyone else) and Sealy will begin talks to make a treaty related to Gibraltar. Outside forces (Example: Cheef) and the key characters of Spain are allowed to try and influence what demands each side makes (Yes, Spanish people can try to have the Brits make a demand to Spain to benefit them, just don't get caught). The conference will conclude under the following pretenses:

I. A treaty is signed and agreed to by both Spain and Britain.

II. One of the powers walks out of the conference

Depending on these results, an in-game effect will happen.

The conference will be held in Lisbon due to Portugal being friendly to both the UK and Spain.

I ask that all major correspondence, deals, requests, and proposals, be made here in thread and not on IRC or in a PM. You may talk in IRC about a deal, but they can only be solidified with IC))

 

[sealy300]

To the Marquis y Conte Tomas H. B. H. y L. Etxeto,

It is my understanding that you shall be representing the nation of Spain at the coming Conference on the Gibraltarian Strait in Lisbon, and I wished to make your acquaintance prior to it. I wish to convey the request of my government beforehand to ensure that at-least a private agreement could be reached. The Demands of Mr. Disraeli are as follows:
- To Allow free investigation by the Gibraltar Police Force on both sides of the border to apprehend the conspirators that facilitated this attack.
- The reaffirmation of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland's sovereignty over the territory of Gibraltar.
- The offical renouncement of the Provisions in the Treaty of Utrecht pertaining to the nationality and religous origin of persons allow to dwell there.
- An offical statement made by Spain and Her government disavowing these terrorists and the aims they support.
We; being the government, believe these to be perfectly reasonable demands with regards to Gibraltar, and see this event as an opportunity to modernise the relationship between Spain and The United Kingdom over the peninsular. I do hope to further talk of the exacts of this deal at the conference.

With Regards, Lord Edward H. Stanley.
​

 

[Keinwyn]

The resignation of the Duke of Alba - whilst not entirely a surprise - was a substantial blow to the administration. Whilst he had never enjoyed a close relationship with the Duke, he had nevertheless been an able minister whose advice had proven indispensable on multiple occasions, and indeed, as events would occur he soon found himself sorely wishing for his former foreign minister's steady statesmanship. Accepting his resignation, the King readily appointed the Duke to the State Council and, further, promoted him a Capitán-General of Spain in recognition of his long-standing service.

The King then proceeds to announce his new cabinet:

First Secretary of State: Duque de Escalona (Qwerty)

Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs: Marqués de Riojo (Dadarian)
Secretary of State for the Treasury and Economic Affairs: Duque de Escalona (Qwerty)
Secretary for the Office of War: Conde de Montilla (zen)
Secretary of State for the Interior: Sr. de Correia y de Medinaceli (Revan)
Secretary of State for Grace and Justice: Sr. de Correia y de Medinaceli (Revan)
President of the Indies & Africa Council: Príncipe de Belmonte (ML)
​

...and tasks the new Foreign Minister to deal firmly with the situation at hand. He also charges the new Justice secretary with some preliminary investigation into the matter. His personal secretary is ordered to draft a statement in response to the incident and to make inquiries about the families of the deceased...

 

[Sneakyflaps]

Fernando’s feet were hurting, they had been marching around the barracks all day, made several trips on horseback the last few days, out to see the countryside to study the layout of the land. It had been an interesting exercise when the young officers had been given command of a regiment, and ordered them to overcome certain challenges. The biggest issue was the class the following day, where we had to give reports and assessments, also the most boring part. Yet Fernando looked forward to the coming weeks, now back in Berlin, to study the great military leaders of old and read about their campaigns, something he found truly fascinating, not to mention letting his feet get a bit of rest.


(Private to Kein)
My dear father

Not too much has happened since my last letter, I am still busy with the college but we recently got back to Berlin and we are about to study the great military leaders of old. Adelina has gotten another supporting role in the theater that she is really excited for. She showed me a book the other day called: El fracaso de los Pecadores. Apparently it has been spreading around Berlin as of late, it should already be known in France and Britain, it involves three different families in Spain. I admit father, it has a socialist tone but it is still a good read and I have attached a copy of the book together with this letter that I hope you will enjoy reading. I wonder if grandfather would approve of the book or not, probably not in its current state, but father we should surely try to improve the lives of those living in the factory, as if this is right, are poorly paid and treated. While grandfather might have given land to some, then there are still plenty of peasants’ left without proper income and sustainability, or at least I have been told so. Like our great forefather said, “a chicken in his pot every Sunday.” Perhaps when people look back to us, they will see that your reign ensured a chicken more often than simply on Sundays, if they even receive that at the moment.

I also have been told that the book was published here in Spain, but there were several issues, a shame really. Perhaps it is time to redress some of those laws, now with the order of Carnation which you so wisely created, it is the proper time to repeal some old laws, to allow the writers which you so seem to wish to reward, with more freedom so that Spain may enter another golden age.

Well enough with that, how are my brothers, does Felipe still idolize our grandfather? Does he still see him as a savior of Spain and champion of the poor?
Is Pelayo feeling better nowadays, has his health improved and has he finally gotten rid of those horrible illnesses? If not then hug him from me. Anyways, I hope that you are doing well and that your duties as king are not too troublesome, I as always look forward to hearing from you.

Your Son
Fernando

 

[Revan529]

((Private correspondence to the First and Foreign Secretaries))

To their Excellencies, the First Secretary and the Foreign Secretary,

Honourable sirs, having reviewed the matter put forth by the British - that is, their demand to freely search territories held by the Spanish Kingdoms - is one that cannot be done without ceding the greater portion of our international status and our internal security. If the British are free to traverse our lands in a veritable witch hunt, with complete and utter impunity, and the subjects of the Crown left wholly without protection from this government, how can we claim to be any different from the decrepit Porte or from the ever-declining Chinese?

That the British are so insistent on this point is a further confusing matter, as all immediate signs point to the culprits having been subjects of the British Crown, and therefore without connection, save perhaps of culture, without the Spanish Kingdoms, and therefore completely outside of His Majesty's reign or command, and something of an internal matter that the British should attend to - to be frank, honourable sirs, if those in London are so inept as to be incapable of protecting the Rock, as they call it, from its own citizenry - as miniscule as it is - how can they hope to find any shadowy culprits lurking within the vastness of the Spanish Kingdoms?

I must further bring forth the matter of our own traitors living within the confines of the British Kingdom - notably the late Alejandro de la Casa, but many others - who actively opposed the righteous ascension of Carlos V and committed vile and heinous acts of terror across the Iberian peninsula. Would the British concede a Spanish-led search to apprehend those fugitives from justice?

Lastly, as the latest Secretary for Grace and Justice, and in further capacity as Secretary for the Interior, I can begin an immediate investigation into the matter for the sake of the Crown, independent from and wholly unbeholden to the British and their machinations, though if the government sees fit, I can allow for cooperation with them. But I must fully stress my concerns of unmitigated British power to search and seize whomever they deem suspicious. Let us condemn this vile act of terror, for that is what it is, and let us assist in bringing to justice those responsible, but do not allow the British impunity in their searches - a carte blanche that could be used to undermine the Crown's authority.

Sincerely,
J.M. de Correia y Medinaceli, Secretary for Grace and Justice and for the Interior

 

[Qwerty7]

The Duke of Escalona thanks His Majesty for placing his trust in him before setting to work on a letter sent out to members of La Sociedad del Gentilhombres

​

To the esteemed members of La Sociedad del Gentilhombres,

The Society is proud to announce that a hunt shall be held in the forests near the estate of the Duke of Escalona from August 15th-17th. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend this hunt where we shall also partake in a variety of activities including reading, hunting, prayer, feasting, and games. Those whom are not members are not allowed entry to the hunt unless the Society grants a member special permission to take a guest.

Furthermore, the Society announces the establishment of the "Youth Society." The Youth Society is intended to provide young men between the ages of eight (8) and seventeen (17) the opportunity to practice civility and to socialized in an orderly manner. Children shall partake in lessons on being a gentlemen, games, hunting, reading, and a plethora of other events. If there is further information then please send a letter to the Society preferably through their offices in Toledo.

Much Cheer,
La Sociedad del Gentilhombres

 

[Dadarian]

To the Marquis y Conte Tomas H. B. H. y L. Etxeto,

It is my understanding that you shall be representing the nation of Spain at the coming Conference on the Gibraltarian Strait in Lisbon, and I wished to make your acquaintance prior to it. I wish to convey the request of my government beforehand to ensure that at-least a private agreement could be reached. The Demands of Mr. Disraeli are as follows:
- To Allow free investigation by the Gibraltar Police Force on both sides of the border to apprehend the conspirators that facilitated this attack.
- The reaffirmation of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland's sovereignty over the territory of Gibraltar.
- The offical renouncement of the Provisions in the Treaty of Utrecht pertaining to the nationality and religous origin of persons allow to dwell there.
- An offical statement made by Spain and Her government disavowing these terrorists and the aims they support.
We; being the government, believe these to be perfectly reasonable demands with regards to Gibraltar, and see this event as an opportunity to modernise the relationship between Spain and The United Kingdom over the peninsular. I do hope to further talk of the exacts of this deal at the conference.

With Regards, Lord Edward H. Stanley.
​

A Message from Marquis y Conte Tomas H. B. H. y L. Etxeto to Lord Edward H. Stanley
​

The British position on the happenings of the rock of Gibraltar art utterly unacceptable. Given the failure of the British govrrnment to protect their citizens and the retention of traitors to the Coronet by the British government, we cannot in valorous faith alloweth the British government to exercise extreme abuses of our sovereign rights in the area.

While we doth not support the acts yond terrorists has't committed in the climature, we cannot wholeheartedly accepteth aught less than a Spanish lead on any and all investigations in Spanish territory, as is due to the rights of our sovereignty and King.

I desire yond we can work together in which to capture these criminals in a way yond doth not compromise the pride or prestige of either empire.

 

[Korona]

The Duke of Escalona thanks His Majesty for placing his trust in him before setting to work on a letter sent out to members of La Sociedad del Gentilhombres

To the esteemed members of La Sociedad del Gentilhombres,

The Society is proud to announce that a hunt shall be held in the forests near the estate of the Duke of Escalona from August 15th-17th. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend this hunt where we shall also partake in a variety of activities including reading, hunting, prayer, feasting, and games. Those whom are not members are not allowed entry to the hunt unless the Society grants a member special permission to take a guest.

Furthermore, the Society announces the establishment of the "Youth Society." The Youth Society is intended to provide young men between the ages of eight (8) and seventeen (17) the opportunity to practice civility and to socialized in an orderly manner. Children shall partake in lessons on being a gentlemen, games, hunting, reading, and a plethora of other events. If there is further information then please send a letter to the Society preferably through their offices in Toledo.

Much Cheer,
La Sociedad del Gentilhombres

The Duke of Seville quietly RSVPs to this event.

 

[Nax24]

((So, figuring that not much has developed as a result of the conference, I am going to start the vote tonight as Sealy and Dadarian continue to do their thing. Just keep in mind that I will make a result up for the conference based on what happened so far.))

 

[Somberg]

Name: Cristóbal Aldecanta
Date of Birth: July 21, 1838
Place of Birth: Córdoba, Spain
Bio: A lawyer of middle class birth, Cristóbal is a unabashed liberal at odds with the direction that Spain has moved in since the triumph of the Carlists in the Carlist War. His father was a stout supporter of Isabel as monarch and, following the end of the Carlist War, went underground to oppose the absolutism of Carlos V. He was subsequently killed in the liberal uprisings that rocked Spain in 1847. Because of this, Cristóbal has become fiercely opposed to the absolute power of the monarchy and seeks to rein in the power of the king, establish a constitutional monarchy within Spain, and secure rights and freedoms for all Spaniards.