El Imperio Muerto: A PDM IAAR

[Korona]

((Private.))

After hearing the random MpL member speak, the Duke turned his head to the man next to him, a Royalist deputy and muttered quietly in his ear..

"Remind me to promote that man after all this business is done."

"I'm not even in your party, Your Highness."

"Oh."

 

[TJDS]

To the Primate of Spain

I will appeal to the Most Revered Monsignurs of the Roman Rota for the return of my Pastorate, taken from me without just and proper procedure.

Don de Valle

 

[naxhi24]

Troubled Waters: 1880-1882
​

Following the election of 1879, Spain was set on another Royalist-Los Amarillos coalition. The opposition was gearing itself for another possible "Pontevedra Run-in" with letters and threatening notes. The situation between the Royalists and the People's Party had still remained hostile. A committee ordained by the King was set to meet on the accusations of Pontevedra that the People's Party is a threat to the monarchy in the future, though none are sure about the results of such a meeting. Two bills would enter the Audience after passing through the State Council, one of which was a bill proposed that would eliminate the Party Protection Act, an act that made "All sanctioned parties equal in the eyes of the law", the other was a bill proposed by Los Amarillos member Manuel 'Lolo' Marino Sastre y Luna aimed to cut back on the safety regulations implemented in the following years. Both bills would soon reach the floor of the Audience.

An unusual thing did happen though. The Royalists voted against the Safety Regulations Repeal, a move that shocked many in Los Amarillos. The reason for many Royalists to vote this way was made clear by the Marquis Pontevedra, whom implied that the Royalist League was a protector of worker’s rights and, contrary to past accusations, a party of extreme moderation and sensibility. Los Amarillos was not happy at the result. Los Amarillos began to question the idea of a coalition in which Los Amarillos would serve, and not gain anything out of. So, along with the majority of the Audience, they shut down the repeal of the Party Protection Act. "The Royalists will easily give social reforms to take away freedoms." was how one opposition member put it. "The poor cannot even vote, so unless the Royalists allow them to, they will get no support from these actions." was another response. The further divide between Los Amarillos and the Royalists was made apparent when the People's Party, the Movimiento, and Los Amarillos joined forces in an Audience coalition to achieve over 240 joint-seats in the Audience, outpacing the Royalists for the majority by over 100 seats. The Regionalists stayed neutral in this ordeal, as did the Socialist Party. With the Royalists being a minority party in the Audience, Pontevedra's paranoia would indeed be assumed increased.

The People's Party though would be put under further scrutiny when a bill was proposed to the Audience about forcing a rule that would make the positions of Minister of Interior and Minister of Justice held by two separate people. Obviously, to many, this was a jab at the Marquis Pontevedra, who had both positions given to him by the King. Pontevedra immediately called this act "treason" due to "the nature of the bill telling the King that he has to specifically do something in regards to appointing ministers, for the King shall not be restrained by laws passed here". Many in the opposition stated that "We, as an advisory body, are only offering this as advice, and should the King chose to hear it and adopt it, it is on him". The Royalists stated that even offering advise of this type was treason, for "advising the King to abdicate, or advising him to form a republic would be allowed as well if this precedent is set" according to a Royalist. The People's Party, the Movimiento, and many in Los Amarillos, applauded this bill, and knowing that these three parties posses a majority, Pontevedra simply retired to stating his opinion on the matter. If he is planning to do something, it is only known to him.

Don Francisco de Valle would also face a problem on the ecclesiastical level as well as on the political level. The Archbishop of Toledo ordered de Valle to resign from his priesthood following the proposal of his bill. Francisco rejected, and so the Archbishop of Toledo defrocked de Valle from his priesthood. Of course, de Valle thought that this was breaking Catholic Judicial Law. The Archbishop, according to de Valle, should have charged de Valle first in an Ecclesiastical Court (a court having jurisdiction mainly in spiritual or religious matters) before defrocking de Valle. Thus, using this as a bases, de Valle appealed this decision to a higher court, the Roman Rota. The Roman Rota is a tribunal of auditors that meets in Rome to discuss appeals the Holy See has chosen to hear. These priests are hand-picked by the Pope himself from around the Catholic world to come and serve on the Rota. Pietro de Silvestri, an Italian auditor, was the Dean of the Roman Rota at the time. Now, Catholic judicial law states that a tribunal of auditors, randomly selected, are to sit and hear the case before making a judgement. Due to the nature of the situation and due to an Ecclesiastical Court ruling missing, this Rota tribunal would hear the case and pass judgement. Another tribunal made up of different auditors would then hear the case and pass their judgement on the matter. If both tribunals agree on the result of the case, the case is resolved to the verdict both agreed on. If the tribunals disagree, the case is sent to a third tribunal, which would agree with one of the other two tribunals, and that decision would be the decision of the Rota. So, both the Archbishop and the Priest would have to pack their bags to head to Rome, for the Holy See has delegated their case to the Rota.

(An Ecclesiastical Court)​

Back in the not-crazy world of politics and economics, Spain's prosperity would soon grind to a halt. Land speculation has led to a recession across Spain. Productivity was low, and unemployment was higher than before. Factories could not produce enough to keep up with large demands, and have begun to rely on more subsidies from the government to do their job efficiently. With the economy in a slump, and the government caught up in petty squabbles about legality, some of the poor people of Spain began to turn to other institutions. They began to be drawn towards the ideals of Socialism and even Communism, two ideologies that promised to bring the poor and the rich onto the same level and promoted higher wages for workers and unemployment benefits. Some poor citizens though stuck with the Royalists, a party that has upheld the fact that it is a party of the poor. Some were turned off at the Royalist call for restrictions on freedoms and democratic institution in favor of a more autocratic system. Some members of the poor began to question the idea of only the wealthy being able to vote in the country, saying that their voice also deserved to be heard, instead of the middle-class and rich, pointing to many powerful nations like Germany, the United Kingdom, and Russia allowing all from the poor folk to the rich nobles an equal right to vote. The poor, a population that originally was not involved in politics, was slowly shifting to political activity.

(A slum in Leon)​

At the same time of the recession, the Great Powers of Europe would meet again at the conference table to discuss the issue of a united Italy. Following the annexation of Rome by Italy, many in the Catholic world were wishing to talk about the "Roman Question" at a conference table. Spain led the call, and with the help of the great power that is France, organized a conference in Bern Switzerland. Germany, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Austria (who had to be strong armed with the possibility of the conference allowing and possibly aiding Italy in attacking Austrian holdings to attend) met in Bern to discuss Italy. At the start of the conference, Italy immediately stated it would be moving its capital to Florence out of respect for the Pope. This move was applauded by all, even the British. However, Austria began to ask about the Hapsburg dukes the new Italian Kingdom had replaced, as well as the King of Two-Sicilies. Italy was willing to allow a federal model in this regard, following Germany in allowing these royals to rule in their territories as federal heads of state of said territory, as long as they swore fealty to the new King. It had to be convinced further by Germany (a nation with a similiar model) to allow Francis II to become a vassal of Italy, owning Naples and Sicily like before. In return for asking for adopting this system, Italy wanted Milan. Austria rejected, but the other Great Powers of Europe favored Italy, especially the Germans and British. Austria eventually was forced to give up Milan, on the condition that a Hapsburg would rule Milan as a Duke of Italy. Italy agreed, and the matter of territory was finished. The Pope though wanted authority over Rome once again. Italy and the Papacy would endure a long knock-out brawl over Rome, with Germany even suggesting Italy let the Papacy do its thing until the Pope died. Eventually, a deal was struck. The Papacy would keep Vatican, and would be allowed to appoint a Viceroy of Rome, a person who would jointly work with the King of Italy and the Pope in managing Rome.

(Florence, the new Capital of a new Nation)​

At the same time, Spanish forces were being deployed into the Nigerian Kingdom of Aro. Following the division of Africa among the Great European Powers following a conference in Rome, the Spanish felt that this was the time to expand their holdings further across Nigeria. The Spanish would invade Aro, and Manuel "Lolo" would lead the attack into this Nigerian Basin tribe. The effect was devastating, as Aro quickly fell to the Spanish colonial forces. Lolo would even come out of Aro with a Chieftain necklace taking as booty from one of the many attacks. This would be the first major territorial expansion of Spain since it attacked Morocco years ago. The spirit of expansion is still alive in Spain!

After all the economic problems, the political issues, the religious quarrels, and the diplomatic solutions, a Spanish politician at the time would be exhausted! Wouldnt it be nice to just walk around a place and enjoy the wonders of what the world offered? A fair, perhaps, would soothe the individual? Well, luckily for Spain, a fair would come to it, a World's Fair! The World's Fair was an event held every few years to showcase the advances in technology and culture across the world. Spain had attended many fairs in the past, but this year, it was announced that the World's Fair would be held in the coastal city of Barcelona in Catalonia, a city of rich culture and a proud history. Barcelona would be the center-piece of culture, technology, and ingenuity. The King spared no expense into turning Barcelona into a vibrant setting willing to accept tourists and dignitaries from across the world. Felipe VI would make sure that the Exposició Universal de Barcelona would go down as a major prestige boaster for Spain. The World's Fair is set to be the biggest event of the new decade!

​

----------------------------
Player Actions Needed: The World's Fair is coming to Barcelona! As such, a special event shall be held in which inventions and cultural ideas from across the world shall be brought to Barcelona to be exchanged with tourists from around the globe. This is a big deal for Spain, and as such, government officials would be wise to speak in such a setting. Perhaps new ideas could even be brought into Spain via the foreign dignitaries arriving?

 

[Riccardo93]

The Marquis de Pontevedra attends the World’s Fair, attending several of the venues stoically, only periodically taking notes of tools, machines, and other ideas he finds useful for the Public Words Department in particular or the Interior Secretariat in general.

He however spends the bulk of his time speaking with foreign delegations, both the notable figures of states, as well as more common men, gossiping, cajoling, betting, and the like (rarely losing his gambles, and rarer still revealing his secrets). At the end of each day, he condenses what intelligence he has gathered, both high and low, from that rumour mill into a series of neatly arranged notes, with his own personal assessments attached. These notes are promptly sent to the King for his review; in particular, Pontevedra took keen interest in the attendees from Italy and Austria, though he nearly as often frequented German and French attendees. In his estimation, a European War would take off, or truly become a Continental war, should either of these sets enter into war with one another; he of course, was wholly intent on learning the national mood, both from the populace at large and from the elites, of those nations.

In a similar vein, he instructs members of the secret police to take careful note of the above, but even moreso of literature being distributed at the fair, as well as lectures. Whilst Pontevedra had no intention of banning these sales or events - he had no desire for an international incident - he was similarly wary of unwelcome ideas infiltrating the Kingdom. Thus he instructed his agents to buy all the books they found unseemly, so that they could be disposed of at a later date, whilst also taking up space at speaking venues, or otherwise redirecting their attendees to other events.

He also gave a few addresses and speeches and the like, though the Marquis considered none of them to be particularly noteworthy; his other tasks were of more import, he deemed, though he did spend considerable effort writing several pieces for the state newspapers, as well as for Royalist papers, applauding and advertising the Barcelona Fair, whilst also taking the chance to utilise the recently modernised railways – offering lower fees for subjects of the Crown to travel to the city and attend the fair. He concluded their spending in Barcelona, and along the trip to that city, would more than make up for the losses, and could very well help counter the ongoing recession.

 

[Alexiuskomenoi IV]

Salbatore Verdejo entered the world's fair with keen interest. There were many venues open and many foreign people in attendance. He perused through the stalls, taking a look at the many things they had to offer.

He was just leaving from one of the speeches The Marquis Pontevedra was giving, he had a idea come across his mind. The Socialist Movement was popular with the lower class, and with all the foreign delegations at the fair, pressure could be put on the crown to give these men the right to vote.

He sent for one of his aides, who approached him once called over. "Have the socialist party stage demonstrations outside the fair. I want as many people in them, and them to showcase that the Socialistas are not a movement to be trifled with. They should remain peaceful of course."

"At once, Senor Verdejo."

The aide begins to leave, when Salbatore ushers him back again. "And Senor..."

"Yes?"

"Make sure none of this gets back to me."

"Of course Senor Verdejo."

The attendant leaves, and Salbatore goes back to enjoying the rest of the fair.

 

[Riccardo93]

((Private))

"Mi señor" a senior member of the secret police approached the Marquis, who was in the middle of spectating a card game between some dignitaries; the Austrian was, unsurprisingly, losing quite badly. "It seems that a demonstration has begun outside the fair-grounds; though we haven't confirmed it, they seem to be socialist, if I'm not mistaken."

Pontevedra continued to watch the game, or rather the various players form and break alliances, and breathed out a quiet response. "Disperse, peacefully if at all possible. They are breaking the law, and make it known to them; if they relent, then arrest them as needs be - fine the attendees who refused to disperse."

The agent nodded and turned to go.

"Are there any speakers?" the Marquis asked, as the Austrian lost another hand - the Germans and Italians had formed a strong alliance there.

"I believe so."

"Should the crowd agree to disperse, begin rounding up the speakers; bribe them, trick them, drug them, whatever you need to get as many as possible - don't draw too much attention to yourselves if it can be helped, though I'll leave the means by which you do this to your discretion. Should they not disperse, well, your jobs will be that much easier."

"As you say, señor."

Pontevedra rose from his seat - it creaked in relief - and approached the table. "Mes compagnons! Be so kind as to deal me in. I believe it's time you all learned how to play poker." He sat down between the French and the German, a cool smile half-hidden behind his moustache.

 

[naxhi24]

Japanese Goods for Sale!

Sushi!

Sake!

Tea and Silk Clothing!

Rice!

Far Eastern Delights that Europe has yet to see!

Come one come all!
​

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

Japan has progressed a lot over the past few decades. It is enduring a period of rapid industrialization, the like of which the world has never seen before. Many accredit this industrialization to the pro-western policies of the Japanese government. With new economic strength, Japan has been able to project itself on the world stage, and it considered a Great Power along the likes of Russia and Austria. Perhaps the Spanish attending the World's Fair would care to experience these foreign delights?

 

[Qwerty7]

The First Minister approaches a japanese vendor at the fair and requests some sake before being chased off for being a "filthy nanban."

 

[Duke Dan `the Man`]

La Samahan​

La Samahan was founded by anti-Spanish Filipinos on June 17, 1881, as a underground, patriotic organization advocating and supporting Filipino Nationalism and Seperatism from the Spanish State. In order to join, aspiring members must complete a set of tests, similar to the Masonic Rites of the Freemasons, in order to test loyalty to the cause. Secrecy is of utmost importance, as well as following the various rules set forth by the society. The organiation is headed by a so-called Chancellor, who oversees the Supreme Council, the governing body of the Society.

The Goals of the Samahan

• Develop a sense of camaraderie between each and every Samahans.
• Unite the Filipinos into one single cause, that cause being the freedom of themselves and their neighbors from Spain
• Win Independence from Spain and establish a Republic in our Homeland

 

[naxhi24]

More Delights from the Far East!

Chinese Tea and Silk on Sale!
​

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

These fresh goods from China are being offered by British and Russian merchants. Contrary to Japan, China has gone a different route. In the forty years following the Opium Wars, Chinese stability evaporated. Hong Xiuquan, a failed civil servant of the Qing Dynasty and a self-proclaimed "Brother of Christ" rallied a large army and overthrew the Qing Dynasty, establishing the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. Even with this change in government, China still was preyed upon by the west. The British were granted more ports, and Russia was allowed to invade Korea, a former Chinese tributary. States in the south of China rebelled and declared their independence, and the Taipang fought many wars against Tibet. China is a cesspool of instability ripe for the picking. Spain would be wise to move in to secure its own ports in China?

 

[Korona]

The Duke attends the Japanese booth, and after he encounters a rare form of art known as hentai, he walks away from the booth in disgust. It is in his apartment in Barcelona that the word weeaboo is first coined, after a fierce conversation with his wife.

 

[Duke Dan `the Man`]

((PRiVATE))
Recognizing the fact that much of the government, and by consequence, their guards are going to be away at Barcelona. He uses this opportunity to distribute a number of pamplets in the night, printed in Ghent, in a socialist-like manner - in an attempt to further divide Spain - in a number of Spanish port cities, excluding Barcelona - where the majority of politician will presumably be - so the distributors may escape quickly.

Comrades! As many of you have heard of, the government has opened up the World's Fair in Barcelona! A grand affair certainly! Much food, grand and delicious food to be devoured by the people of Spain, . Much money has been spent to impress the world, showing our international brethren the splendor and deep coffers of the Spanish nation,, that we would be willing to spend such money that could have been spent helping the people of our nation, of which is experiencing a GOLDEN AGE in economics, seen in ours cities, formost XXX*. Unemployment have dropped down to the level this nation has NEVER seen before. Instead of feeding our already well-fed population, from which we have ERADICATED hunger, we spent it, so others may see our GLORY, the GLORY OF THE MONARCH, HIS CATHOLIC MAJESTY, THE GLORY OF OUR MORAL NATION! We have no need of serving the people, the corrupt people, when we could serve GOD HIS CATHOLIC MAJESTY. Let us serve our fellow Spaniards as well as GOD, the greater and better 'human' than any other, heir of the GLORIOUS SAINT CARLOS V THE GREAT and the Catholic Monarchs of Castile and Leon and Aragon, let's serve our betters, the GREAT AND HIGH KING, and not ourselves, for it is our duty. It is mandated by HIS CATHOLIC MAJESTY, so we must follow his commandments and let him lead us into HEAVEN!

A message from your local and national and only Socialist Party​

​

((Focus on Poor Strata.
*City pamplet is distributed in))

​

 

[Riccardo93]

Wherever these pamhlets are found, they are seized, because the police are still in those cities, especially the local police; if their distributors are found, they too are taken. The Marquis, taking time out of his busy schedule in Barcelona, directs the police and available agents of the secret police to deal with this issue, and more importantly discover who is behind it.

 

[naxhi24]

Enjoy the Spectacular Culture of Indochina!

Enjoy the Luxuries of an Exotic Place!
​

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

Napoleon III may be regarded as an Emperor who ended up falling short of his uncle in prowess, but one thing that many accredit him for was expanding the borders of France into the far-east. Under his rule, France invaded the regions of Cambodia and Dai-Nam, annexing Cambodia and southern Dai-Nam in "The Treaty of Saigon", and establishing Saigon as the capital of a new French Indochina. Following Napoleon III's overthrow, the new King, Henri V had decided to move further up into Dai-Nam, annexing much of the land. Some say all of Dai-Nam shall be under the control of France within a few years.

 

[Duke Dan `the Man`]

Simon, or rather his business partner at the bank, spends some time at the fair enjoying some sushi from one of the Japanese vendors and making contacts with some Chinese there, hoping to secure better prices for Simon and himself in the country.

 

[Otto of england]

Article that starts circling in prominent Spanish papers

War Hero of First Carlist War, Saviour of Zaragoza, Dead!

Various excerpts from the obituary
Lieutenant General Isandro Durante, Duque de Zaragoza was pronounced dead three days ago after a massive heart failure struck him at his families dinner table....

... The man had retired from public life after a similar event struck him twenty-five years previous, at the time his doctors warned him thay if he did not reduce his stress levels he wouldn't survive the year...

... during his life he was known as a great army reformer having restructured the entire Spanish army and pushing for benefits for veterans and disabled soldiers...

...With the passing of General Durate Spain loses one of the few remaining men who fought bravely for its modern society, and loses the man who with his every breath loved Spain. General Durante is survived by his three kids Gregorio, Fabian and Cassandre. A funeral will be held in Zaragoza in one weeks time.

((New character will be posted today or tomorrow))

 

[Firehound15]

((Plz do India next.))

 

[naxhi24]

((Plz do India next.))

((British still own it, nothing really changed there...))

 

[Firehound15]

((British still own it, nothing really changed there...))

((But... Voluntary communal farming...))

 

[naxhi24]

((I will tell you what I can give though Fire, a detailed description of the world))

Tales from the Fair​

As the World's Fair continues to embark onward, one overhears the news of the world. The tourists from across the world, from Europe and Asia, to the Americas and back, to the Middle East and beyond, tells stories and tales from their homes, and will the place with history and world affairs. As one wonders through the many booths each country has established in the World's Fair, the events of the world come to his ear.

Europe has been bustling with the fever of industrialization. The mighty engines of the European industrial juggernaut have reshaped the landscape. Across France, Germany, Britain, Austria, and Russia, the mighty industrial machine has shaped the social, economic, and political landscapes of the land. Besides France, These Great Powers of Europe share a democratic tradition. The poor people vote in ballots that are secret to all, and because of that, socialist and communist parties are powerful in these countries. Conservatism still sways the most of the population, for all these nations have conservative governments. In Germany, unions have formed, allowing workers to collectively bargain for more rights and better conditions for their work. You can see the products of these political and social reforms in Barcelona, for Germany has one of the largest booths at the fair. Germany has also been hailed as "The Workshop of the World" for its mighty industrial output, overtaking the British as the strongest industrial power in the world.

As you walk past the French exhibit, you see something a bit unusual. The Tricolors are flying in the booth. Seems normal right? It does until you realize that the flag of France is not the tricolor, but the Fleur de Lies. Indeed, there are still many in France who wave the tricolor proudly against the laws of the French regime. Henri V's reign has been very shaky since he assumed the throne and replaced the national flag with the flag of his Bourbon ancestors. Revolts and rebellions have sprung up across France against the absolutist regime. The harsh laws of Henri V, clamping down on democratic institutions and dissolving the National Assembly have been scrutinized for their absolutist nature. The old King though is getting very old, and there is hope that his heir, Prince Philippe, will be a more open and democratic King of France.

The Slavic Country Exhibits also show a sign of change. The reason why is because there are more of them. There is a Romanian, Bulgarian, Serbian, Montenegroian, and Russian exhibit at the fair. All of these nations share one thing in common, they have banked off of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The Turks have been losing ground in the Balkans for decades. The revival of a Greek state and the Kingdom of Greece succeeding against the Turks in capturing Greek and Macedonian territory caused other cultures to rise up in revolt against the Turkish government. Moldova and Wallachia, two vassals under the Ottomans, broke off and united to form the Kingdom of Romania. Romania and Spain share the commonality of having an archconservative government. Bulgaria broke off from the Turks following Romania, yet much of the claimed lands of the Bulgars are still under Ottoman rule. Serbia also expanded during the collapse of Ottoman stability in the Balkans, but were stopped by Austria. Austria even took the weakness of the Ottomans and expanded into Bosnia. Montenegro even managed to obtain much of the land it claimed from the Turks during this time.

The Middle East is also showing signs of change. A Persian exhibit is at the World's Fair. Persia was once a backwards nation in the Middle East, and was inferior compared to the might of the European powers, as well as the Ottomans. Over time though, reforms made by the Shah of Persia allowed Persia to adopt western technology, and adopt western standards. Most countries that are "uncivilized" are attempting to become western. Egypt is such a nation. Following the construction of the Suez Canal by British engineers, Egypt experienced a period of rapid industrialization as many powers used the Suez as a way to drastically shorten the distance between the west and the east.

The Americas are also experiencing change. The United States of America has put many Latin-American nations into its sphere of influence. South America is filled with diverse governments and political climates. Chile is an absolute monarchy, but according to the Argentinian dignitaries, Chile is very weak and on the brink of collapse. Brazil is a constitutional empire, and one of the strongest nations in South America. Columbia and Venezuela are experiencing political instability and economic problems. One thing you do notice is a Canadian flag flying. Yes, the United Kingdom has granted Dominion status to many colonies in its control. Canada was one of the first, and some say that Australia and New Zealand will follow. Mysore is another dominion of the British, right in the heart of India. Many say this is a way for the UK to have more stability in these regions by granting large-scale autonomy.

As you finish your walk through the Fair and the booths of many nations, you feel more informed about the world and what is happening in it. Perhaps these can help you in dealing with people from these places in the future?