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The Socialist Party will come out in force this election, with rallies across Spain and various Socialist speakers giving speeches attacking both the Royalists and the People's Party for their policies and painting the socialist party as the only home for the liberal agenda. This will be backed up with socialist pamphlets and a few addresses by Salbatore Verdejo, the chairman of the Socialist Party.

((I'm going to use the platform posted when I first formed the socialist party))
 
"The Socialist Party will come out in force this election, with rallies across Spain and various Socialist speakers giving speeches attacking both the Royalists and the People's Party for their policies and painting the socialist party as the only home for the liberal agenda. This will be backed up with socialist pamphlets and a few addresses by Salbatore Verdejo, the chairman of the Socialist Party."

These, when targeting the Royalists,are similarly censored, and the rallies and meetings broken up. The Marquis also quietly issues a warning to the party's leader, indicating his displeasure.
 
"The Socialist Party will come out in force this election, with rallies across Spain and various Socialist speakers giving speeches attacking both the Royalists and the People's Party for their policies and painting the socialist party as the only home for the liberal agenda. This will be backed up with socialist pamphlets and a few addresses by Salbatore Verdejo, the chairman of the Socialist Party."

These, when targeting the Royalists,are similarly censored, and the rallies and meetings broken up. The Marquis also quietly issues a warning to the party's leader, indicating his displeasure.
Upon hearing the Marquis's displeasure, the chairman changes the strategy to focus on the people's party and ignore the royalists, and apologizes for the lapse of judgement.
 
La Samahan issues many hundreds of pamplets in several cities in the Phillipines. Meanwhile, many members of the organization use their free time to recruit for the society.

Fellow Filipinos!

Our nation has been under the rule of Peninsulare Tyrants for too long! These men, in particular the Royalists, have abused their power for too long! Our mighty people cannot stand the Reign of Terror instituted by people who know nothing of us Wo know nothing of our culture. Who could care less about our well-being! We need a government who works for our fellow Flipinos. Led by people who care for their neighbors, as prescribed in the bible, but not caring only for themselves. Our people do not need the backward ways of the Spanish. We must fight for our nation, fight for our people, and fight for us true government! A government not ruled by a governor-general, who is appointed to keep us under their control, but a government ruled by the Filipinos.

((Focus on Poor and Middle Strata))
 
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Proposed Budget of 1885

((Private: His Majesty, El Duque de Menorca))

Recognising the relative recovery of the Spanish economy, and the continued sluggishness of the expansion of the Royal Army, amongst other matters, the Office of the Treasury and of the First Secretary conclude that several general revisions should be made pursuant of rectifying the latter issue and building upon the success in the former.

Therefore, the military budget for the coming years shall be gradually expanded to allow for a more effective expansion of the Royal Army, whilst efforts shall be made to properly ensure the infrastructure.

The stockpiles for the Royal Army and Navy, having been generally adequate, shall be maintained at roughly the same level, as will the stockpiles and funding set aside of the Department of Public Works, et al. The budget to supplement the Church and private enterprises in all matters shall be kept maintained as is, whilst the administrative budget, pursuant to other goals and operations proposed, or soon to be proposed, by the Office of the First Secretary, shall be expanded to meet those new demands and allow for a swift and easy adjustment. Spending on matters regarding the social programmes shall also be expanded to better counter the vestigial remains of the economic recession.

The military budget shall, pursuant to the interests of expanding the Royal Army and Navy, shall also be expanded. This shall coincide with another round of expansion of the army by the War Council, and general review of the military to be conducted by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Segovia along with member of the Council and officials of the First Secretary, with the intent on properly reviewing the conditions of the soldierly presently serving on land and at sea. Similar reviews should and shall be conducted in regards effect meaningful reform and address issues for the colonial forces, be they in regards to discipline, dress, equipment, and so forth.

Lastly, the establishment of a high tariff wall has been a boon for the Spanish Kingdom, and thus shall be maintained as is, though should the expanded elements of the budget demand it, it too can be raised.

Taxation

Taxation upon the Lower Sorts: 40%
Taxation upon the Middling Sorts: 40%
Taxation upon the Better Sorts: 20%

National Stockpiles

Stockpile of the Royal Army: 35%
Stockpile of the Royal Navy: 35%
Stockpile for Public Works and Miscellaneous: 100%

Education Spending: 85%
Administrative Spending: 60%
Social Spending: 60%
Military Spending: 70%
Tariffs: 40%

Contingencies:

Should the government run a sustained deficit of over 200, reduce military spending in 5% intervals to 60%.
Should the deficit continue, reduce education spending in 5% intervals to 75%.
Should the deficit continue, reduce first the army stockpile, then the navy stockpile should it persist, to 30%.
Should it continue still after that, raise the tariff rate to 45%.

Should war break out, military spending shall be raised to maximum, and the army and navy stockpiles shall be increased to - at minimum - 80%, though preferably to 100% (these latter increases should be at the discretion of the Department of the Treasury and the War Council/Secretariat, considering the threat posed by the foe). These increases should then revert to normal levels after peace, though should the treasury boast a surplus, the military budget may remain elevated. If the deficit is within acceptable levels (i.e., below 200), it is acceptable to to raise the tariff to 45% to further close the gap.

This shall be left for review by His Majesty, and the Department of the Treasury

~ El Marques de Pontevedra

-

((Private: His Majesty))

On the Management of the Colonies

Hitherto, the Office of the First Secretary has been exceedingly lax in overseeing the management of His Majesty’s Colonies, and reports from such have been increasingly found to hold little more than trivial information.

Therefore, the Office of the First Secretary resolves to conduct a thorough investigation into the workings of the various departments responsible to these colonies, as well as generally restructure the means by which they are managed.

Thus, effective the first of January, 1885, the Department of the Colonies shall be effectively established as a sub-office of the First Secretariat, with the singular duty of ensuring the proper governance of His Majesty’s Colonies, and to provide effective oversight of the bureaucracy and all other matters pertaining to our colonial possessions.

Amongst the offices and institutions to be subsumed into this new department is the Royal Company of the Philippines, whose Chancellor has, in the estimation of the Office of the First Secretary, proved of late highly ineffectual in effecting meaningful development in the matters this company has been entrusted with, namely the promotion of trade between the Philippines and the homeland; such problems, however, extend to most all other local governances of the colonies, and thus, this overhaul and radical correction is deemed necessary.

~ El Marques de Pontevedra

-

((Private: His Majesty))

On the General Structure of the Department of the Colonies

Chief of the Department, appointed by the First Secretary and approved by His Majesty at his discretion.

The Office for the Americas, which shall be entrusted with ensuring the proper management of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and all other possessions of the Crown in the Western Hemisphere. The present administrations of these islands and regions shall, after being reviewed, be made part of this office, save for where replacements are deemed necessary or previous roles are otherwise found to be, and therefore made, redundant. Similarly, an attaché from the First Secretary, to be replaced every two years, shall be sent with the express purpose of overseeing the colonial government on behalf of the First Secretary expressly, to ensure no abuses by the government are made, and that no dubious actions, be they government-made or from the colonial population, go unnoticed by the government in Madrid.

The Office for Africa shall be subdivided between two key offices, the Office for Morocco, and the Office of Egeria, or Nigeria as the British refer to it (Egeria being drawn from the native tongue for the region); they shall be reviewed as the above will be, and shall similarly be sent an official from the First Secretary.

The Office for the Philippines and Asia shall, quite obviously, devote itself to the governance of the Philippines, Shanghai, and the other territories controlled by or otherwise beholden to the Spanish Crown. It shall, like the above to, be subject to review and an official appointed expressly by the First Secretary to minimise abuses and to promote good governance.

~ El Marques de Pontevedra

-

((Private: Private: War Council, His Majesty))

Regarding the State of the Royal Army and Navy

The present state of the armies and navies of the Spanish Kingdom have, despite efforts to improve their standing, been found disappointing. Thus, as stated in previous addresses to the Crown and memoranda to the various Secretariats and offices, the War Council shall undertake a broad review of the state and condition of both the Royal Army and Navy, whilst the budget shall be expanded to allow for the necessary expansion of both.

~ El Marques de Pontevedra

-

((Private: Members of the Government (ex. War Council), His Majesty))

On the General Need to Restructure the Government, and Suggestions Pertaining to that Goal

The Government of His Catholic Majesty, the King of Spain, has of late been found wanting in the estimation of the First Secretary; in and of itself, this would be but a minor concern. However, with sweeping reforms being made upon the governance of the colonies, it is deemed advisable that the government of His Majesty be thoroughly reviewed and restructured to allow for greater and more efficient governance of the Kingdom.

Thus, the following structure of the Crown’s government is advised as such:

Office of the First Secretary, who can take upon the roles of any of the below as needed.

Department for the Colonies, tasked as outlined in the General Structure of the Department of the Colonies.
Department of Inspection, tasked with internal review of the government to minimise corruption, weed out unnecessary jobs and positions, and to otherwise maintain and improve efficiency.
Department of the Regions, tasked with reviewing the decisions of the Regional Audiences, as well as to assist in their administration and keeping their laws in line with Royal authority and directives.
Etc.

Office of the Second Secretary, who shall take the First Secretary’s portfolio and general management of his departments should be ill or otherwise engaged in such a way that impedes his governance on behalf of His Majesty. He may also take on roles as the First Secretary sees fit.

Office of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs

Offices of the Ambassadors and Emissaries of His Majesty, and their various officials, departments, embassies, etc. shall be managed here.
Etc.

Office of the Secretary for the Interior and the Treasury

Department of the Police, to maintain the public order as needed
Department of the Treasury, tasked with reviewing the state of greater financial affairs, minting currency, and in general directing the economy and advising His Majesty and the First Secretary on related matters.
Department of Customs, Duties, and Revenue, tasked with collecting taxes, fees, customs, and other forms of revenue, as well as ensuring such incomes collected by regional, local, or colonial governments are done so fairly and honestly.
Department of Labour and Public Safety, empowered to ensure the regulations set for by His Majesty in all matters pertaining to the well-being of His subjects are enforced.
Department of Education, to oversee the education of private schools, etc.
Department of Review, tasked with reviewing the actions, statements, and activities of the political parties, clubs, and organisations of the Kingdom of Spain and root out disloyal or subversive elements as such, amongst other roles.
Department of Truth and Honesty, tasked with running the state newspapers and ensuring private or party-owned newspapers are kept factual and correct in all matters, as well as ensuring items, documents, and activities of the Crown are kept secure from unnecessary exposure.
Department of Economic Affairs

Office of Public Works and Industry, tasked with the construction, expansion, or overall improvement of state-owned factories, railways, plantations, and so on.
Office of State Commerce and Infrastructure, tasked with the actual management of state-owned factories, railways, plantations, and so on.
Etc.

Office of the Secretary for War

Department of the Royal Army, tasked with all matters pertaining to the Army
Department of the Royal Navy, tasked with all matters pertaining to the Navy
Royal War Academy, to educate our junior officers
Royal Academy of Engineers, as proposed by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Segovia before the First Secretary to ensure the young officers of our Artillery Corps, amongst others, are effectively trained and qualified
Etc.
Office of the Secretary for Grace and Justice
Department of the Courts for Dispensing His Majesty’s Justice, managing the affairs of the judicial body of the Crown
Department of Prisons and Their Proper Maintenance, tasked with the maintenance of His Majesty’s prisons and their good conduct.
Etc.

President of the Council of State, to act on behalf of all matters pertaining to that body on behalf of His Majesty; the post be temporarily vacant, the First Secretary shall take upon the role, followed by the Second Secretary, the Foreign Secretary, the War Secretary, and the Interior and Treasury Secretary should the preceding not be available.

It is believed that these changes to the structure and conduct of His Majesty's Government will streamline the administration along more effective and intelligent lines, allow for better and more direct, or indeed more flexible, governance of the entirety of the Spanish Empire, and cut waste, corruption, and inefficiency from the Crown.

~ El Marques de Pontevedra

-

The Marquis de Pontevedra, after reading reports of several dissident, even separatist, pamphlets being published in the Philippines, dispatches more secret police to inquire into the matter and more importantly find those behind their publication and issuance. He similarly steps up his efforts to reform colonial administration, particularly in the Philippines.

-

((Private: Bilbao shipyard owner))

Senor Scruvera,

Your shipyard in Bilbao is one of great interest to myself, and indeed to His Majesty’s government; we have for several years now been attempting to expand the Royal Navy, yet have had little fortune in accomplishing this, largely due to a want for materials. Your shipyard, I believe, could very well be essential in rectifying this situation.

On behalf of His Majesty’s government, I propose both a contract, with which your shipyards becomes the preponderant producer of iron-clad warships and other modern vessels on behalf of the Kingdom of Spain. I am further willing to invest in the expansion of this industry and bring it under greater support from the government, in exchange for becoming an invested party in the shipyard, thereby allowing both great oversight for the Crown in this endeavour, and granting you not only favourable contracts, but extensive connections, support, and various other boons not readily available, such as investment in the nearby infrastructure to further expedite this process of ship-building.

I eagerly await your response.

El Marques de Pontevedra
 
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The Los Amarillos attached to the Marquis do what they do best, buy their seats and ignore the election all together until they are once again returned to Parliament.
 
The economic woes that beset the world continues, yet Spain stands like a shining beacon, recovering brilliantly whilst this malaise hangs over the rest of Europe. The careful management of our economy, our successes in the Orient, and effective reforms to the treasury have effected meaningful change and fostered an environment in which His Majesty’s subjects are wealthier, and our domestic industry is both favoured and protected through a number of proactive policies.

Abroad, our empire continues to reassert itself as one of the great powers of Europe, and our prestige grows ever greater.

With these victories and recoveries, and the birth of the future King of Spain only months ago, this crisis has passed and confidence has returned to Iberia.

We must now resolve ourselves to continue these that encourage this progress, that maintain the stability and order of the realm, and that expand our influence abroad. As the elections come around this season, the Royalist League, which has pioneered these great and many accomplishments, shall continue to march forwards, with boldness and pragmatism, with wisdom and temerity.

Whilst the other factions and parties, languorous and empty, maintain the same hollow concerns, preach fear and dissidence, and serve only to weaken and undermine the policies which have effected these great deeds of Spain, the Royalist League looks to the future with hope and optimism, with an assured countenance, aware that whatever the difficulty may be, whatever adversity may affect us, the Kingdom of Spain shall not only persevere, but rise stronger and greater than before.

These parties, and this Audience, gathering places of doubt and fear and disloyalty, have achieved nought but impeding this recovery, and indeed may well have played a part in fomenting it; it was only through the decisive action of the secretariats that these crises were addressed, that this storm which tossed about our economy was pacified, like the Orient was only months ago.

Only through the Crown, and through its loyal representatives, as embodied by the Royalists, can further progress be achieved; the expansion of colonial possessions, their betterment, the restoration of economic confidence, the brilliant successes achieved by the treasury under the helm of the Royalists – managing not only to balance the budget, but also reduce taxes, whilst maintaining our other budgetary commitments – and the litany of other accomplishments that would steal the breath from even the hardiest of men. All were brought forth by the Royalists whilst the other parties debated and voted and considered and weighed and every other mundanity imaginable.


((Aimed at All Classes))

-

The Marquis de Pontevedra then, of course, begins taking the necessary steps, through the Election Committee and other avenues, to expand Royalist support.


((Aimed at the ballot box))
 
((Private: Bilbao shipyard owner))

Senor Scruvera,

Your shipyard in Bilbao is one of great interest to myself, and indeed to His Majesty’s government; we have for several years now been attempting to expand the Royal Navy, yet have had little fortune in accomplishing this, largely due to a want for materials. Your shipyard, I believe, could very well be essential in rectifying this situation.

On behalf of His Majesty’s government, I propose both a contract, with which your shipyards becomes the preponderant producer of iron-clad warships and other modern vessels on behalf of the Kingdom of Spain. I am further willing to invest in the expansion of this industry and bring it under greater support from the government, in exchange for becoming an invested party in the shipyard, thereby allowing both great oversight for the Crown in this endeavour, and granting you not only favourable contracts, but extensive connections, support, and various other boons not readily available, such as investment in the nearby infrastructure to further expedite this process of ship-building.

I eagerly await your response.

El Marques de Pontevedra

Querido Marques de Ponteverda

I know the value of the value of these vapores are to the government and its interests, I do know that contracts are what will help my business grow. However I fear that by agreeing to the Crown allowing great oversight, I will be forced to adopt the policies of the Secretario económica, which I fear will only hurt my business in the long run. The policy of mutualism is one that is not favorable to the growth of my business, and I am afraid that by adopting mutualism, my business will not be successful enough to grow to meet the demand of the contracts.

-Senor Scruvera
 
((Private: FH))

El Duque de Menorca,

With the recent creation of a shipyard in Bilbao capable of producing the warships necessary for the expansion of the navy, as well as higher quality and more numerous commercial vessels, I believe that the government should take steps to procure a similar factory of its own; to that end, I believe that a second shipyard capable of producing more steam-vessels should be established, owned wholly by the Crown for the express purpose of expediting the expansion of the fleet. The exact whereabouts of this factory mean little to me, though Barcelona, Valencia, A Coruna, or Cadiz would all be sound in my estimation; I will leave such matters to your discretion.

Instead, I ask that your Secretariat and officials inquire into this matter, both in regards to its costs, the practicalities, and any other necessities to ensure such a shipyard is well maintained and efficient be considered before formalising the project.

~ El Marques de Pontevedra
 
La Samahan issues more pamplets

Fellow Filipinos,

As we all know, the clergy of our nation, the isles of the Phillipines, are not our own. Rather, they are Peninsulare filth. Our children are taught by the corrupt, the Spanish imperialists hoping to end our burgeoning hope for change, change that would better our people, and instead brainwashing our future generation with Royalist propaganda, hoping that force-feeding our future generation with lies while they expect us to lie there and takes it. Our people mustn't listen to the lies that they expect us to listen to, that they expect us to believe that is true. We don't only need them, the people who know not what we know about our people. We need Filipinos to rule and to pray, to lead us whether in mass and prayer or in the government. Like the Spanish economy, we have been driven down by forces outside of our control. But we have an opportunity to rise once again, like a Phoenix, we can rise, but only through the will of the people, through the strength of the people and by the means of the people, the common Filipino people, can we rise. But like a weight, Spain sits on top of us, enjoying themselves through the wealth we have worked for, yet the rewards we never get. We can get the rewards, but only if we rid ourselves of the things that limit us. Power should be with the people, the majority, as true republics work, very much unlike the monopoly the Royalists have. But we know it is right that the government works for us, not for already with power. It is not only right but it is our right to have one. The Conversative Bloc is too stuck in their ways to truely change anything. Yet we need change, we need changing fortunes for our nation, and that can only come through our hands. But we must first cut off the chains imposed on us by Spain.
 

((Private: Senor Scruvera))

Senor Scruvera,

Your concerns are certainly legitimate, though I feel that they may perhaps be overblown; this investment that I propose, and more specifically the oversight, would be in regards solely to promote the military and commercial vessels of the Crown, whilst the shipyard would have largely free reign over the remainder of its other business, so long as it follows the pertinent laws that all other industries must follow.

Furthermore, your fears that the company will not grow are, in my estimation, largely a non-issue; the Crown can and likely will be a valuable customer, whilst in all matters with which we have an active interest, we ensure that our vital industries are protected and promoted; as was outlined in my previous letter, the Crown would be willing to devote time and funding to not only expanding the shipyard, but also taking measures to ensure that, even in the event of a deficit being run by your shipyard, it will receive enough support to ensure that any and all royal projects are well provided for, to the extent that most every concern regarding growth or stability or the like would rendered largely unimaginable.

~ El Marques de Pontevedra

-

Reports of further, and increasingly belligerent, pamphlets from the Philippines reached the Marquis; however, it seemed that these radicals did not even have their facts correct. Thus, as an immediate fail-safe, in addition to issuing a formal ban on these pamphlets to be enforced by the local authorities and by his secret policemen, and ordering the arrest and interrogation of those in possession of such subversive material, he also penned the following tract:

The Kingdom of Spain has, despite the onset of a recession brought about by the Liberal States of Europe, recovered by and large by virtue of the pragmatic and effective policies of the Royalist government; further industrial expansion, and therefore greater availability of goods and access to an increasingly developed and expansive market are now available to His Majesty's Filipino subjects. Whilst the liberal parties of Spain did little more than complain and debate, the Royalists enacted meaningful changes to the budget, whilst simultaneously preserving the safeties enjoyed by the workers of the Kingdom, as evidenced by the Royalist-led opposition to the repeal of several laws that guarantee the safety and security of all His Majesty's workingmen. The Filipinos, like all subjects of His Most Catholic Majesty, enjoy freedoms many of their fellows throughout the rest of the world lack; who amongst the Chinamen are free? The Dutch rule their colonies with an iron fist, as do the British in India. Spain has, since the reign of Great Carlos V, actively worked to advance the status of all of its colonial possessions - trade has been made easier, laws protecting the worker from predations made and enforced, and countless other benefits, from modern infrastructure, schools, administration, and security from other, less scrupulous powers.


Though he had little evidence as to who was behind this spree of sedition, and even less about its origins, Pontevedra began taking greater interest in the colony, as well as precautionary measures. Pontevedra instructs the clergy, after having been so egregiously attacked, to make more stalwartly pro-Spanish sermons and speeches, whilst supported by the bureaucracy. In a similar vein to elsewhere in the empire, Pontevedra attempts to reform and improve the bureaucracy of the Philippines to further bolster Spain's position on the island.
 
Fernando Armando Hernando Rolando Fernández invited his richest friends to his mansion outside Madrid for a soiree. The richest men of industry were all there, for Fernando had made it a point to become acquainted with all the most important ones. Connections were important in business. They also allowed him to push his point of view onto these influential men who could shape the economic fate of an entire nation.

As Fernando sat down on a chaise lounge amongst his fellow capitalists, he sipped on a glass of wine and said, "So, my friends, what are your plans for this coming election?"

One elderly gentlemen huffed and said, "Why bother planning? It's not like the election matters."

Fernando rolled his eyes. This was why the Royalists were able to do as they pleased. "The Assembly is an important institution. It allows our voice to be heard so that we may properly advise the king."

"Spain has been ruled by kings for centuries, and they've done fine without advice from us."

Fernando rose from his seat, fetched his cane, and stood up straight. "That, my dear sir, is a terrible attitude. It is our duty as loyal citizens to aid His Majesty in bringing prosperity to this country."

Strutting out into the centre of the room, he soon drew the attention of all those in attendance. "God granted us with a gift in the form of His Majesty, the royal family chosen to rule over us and guide this country. Just as a monarch is destined to rule, there are those who God has blessed with the skills and talent necessary to bring prosperity to their nation. And those people, my dear friends, are us. We have shown through example that we are masters of industry, that we can bring wealth to the nation through our actions. Now doesn't it seem natural that those with such a talent should be advising his Majesty on matters pertaining to the economy? We should make our voices heard through the Assembly so that we and the nation can prosper as a whole."

The crowd murmured to each other excitedly, riled up by what Fernando was saying. The capitalist wasn't done quite yet. Now that they were hanging on his every word, he could pull them in.

"The question though is which party best represents us. Of course the government would tell you the Royalists are the best option, but their policies do not fit with how we could best aid the country. They believe the best way to handle the economy is to have the state manage it, but we all know that is not the best path. What do bureaucrats know of business? No, the best way to ensure prosperity is to place men who have raised businesses from the ground up in charge, or better yet, for the state to allow businessmen to run their businesses as they see fit. The state sticking their hand in our business and telling us what to do will only hinder our businesses and hurt the economy. If the Crown wants Spain to prosper, as surely it does, it will allow us capitalists free reign to bring in wealth to this fair nation. And there is one party that will aid us with those efforts, and that is Los Amarillos. If we place our support behind them and fund their candidates, we can increase their presence in the Assembly so that they may present our capitalist interests to the Crown. I urge you, my friends, to support them in the coming election, to fund their campaigns, and to spread their name wherever you go."

Fernando felt as though the crowd gathered around him would burst out in applause, although of course the setting was not proper for such a display. After his impromptu speech, many of his fellow capitalists came up to him and informed him of their intention to back Los Amarillos. With some of the richest men in Spain putting their support behind the party, surely it would do exceedingly well in the upcoming election.

((Aimed at the Upper Class, specifically capitalists.))
 

The Marquis de Pontevedra sat in his office, littered with papers and folders; it was a plain and otherwise sparse room apart from those piles and stacks. He sat at his desk, his large eyes darting down the latest report before quickly poring over another. Occasionally, he’d pick up his pen and scrawl some notes before returning to his work. For most, it would have been a dull, perhaps even torturous endeavour. The Marquis however studiously continued, his countenance as ever shrouded in a demure coldness. As his eyes scanned over another letter, only recently arrived from the Philippines judging from the date, a knock came upon his door. It was a member of the public works office; Juan was his name, the Marquis recalled, an ogre of a man who had nevertheless proven useful over the many years he had served under the Marquis. Loyal and competent, and quite able to spot disloyalty and incompetence.

“Milord” he said, his Galician accent just barely subdued after years in the capital; he still spoke like a peasant, though the Marquis cared little. “It seems that the boys have yet more time on their hands, and I’d rather not have them enjoy themselves at your expense.” Punctual, as always. “It is fortunate then that I’ve only recently written to the Duke of Menorca in regards to a project for them; however, should that not be enough for them, send a request to the Duke to review the present factories controlled by the Crown and see which ones are in the most dire need of expansion or repair.”

“As you wish, milord.” He replied with a half-bow. “I nearly forgot; a letter, from your brother. It arrived yesterday after you had left.” He handed the brown envelope over to the Marquis, then turned to go. Pontevedra finished reading the report from the Philippines – unimpressed by the lack of progress thus far – and then turned his attention to familial matters. Or Portuguese matters, should his brother be opting not to waste his time.

The Marquis was soon disappointed to see that his brother had indeed chosen to discuss the former, though at least he briefly relayed to him the situation in Portugal. It was information the Marquis already know, but at least it verified and dispelled some rumours. The heart of the letter though was in regards to the Marquis’ younger nephew, Henrique, who had recently turned twenty-three. Pontevedra had long since chosen the lad as his heir, lacking children of his own, and any particular interest in them, and it seems his brother was now interested in finding the boy a Spanish bride. Taking a quick glance at the clock that adorned the top of the mantle, and determining he had some free time, the Marquis finished the letter and quickly drafted one of his own, which was then promptly sent to the Duque de la Victoria.

Finished with that meddlesome business, the Marquis returned to more important matters; a letter from the Election Committee, as well as another from the Society of St James.
 
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The Associated Judgment Press Issues a Call to All Parties!

Women across Spain are striving to extend the freedoms of all fellow females in their nation. We stand for the principles of true democracy, the will of the nation, and equality of all under the eyes of god. For these reasons we call upon all parties to turn towards the neglected, and stride towards the future. No woman or man is oppressed: such is the definition of a modern nation. Those of you who are brave enough to take a stand, who will not hide behind the cowardice of the past, we invite you to declare your support for Women's Suffrage.
 
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The Associated Judgment Press Issues a Call to All Parties!

Women across Spain are striving to extend the freedoms of all fellow females in their nation. We stand for the principles of true democracy, the will of the nation, and equality of all under the eyes of god. For these reasons we call upon all parties to turn towards the neglected, and stride towards the future. No woman or man is oppressed: such is the definition of a modern nation. Those of you who are brave enough to take a stand, who will not hide behind the cowardice of the past, we invite you to declare your support for Women's Suffrage.

The Newspaper reaches the chairman's desk, and he officially declares the Socialist Party in favor of Women's Suffrage. Socialists under the party will now call for it in the upcoming election.
 
This is, like many things, censored heavily by the Interior Secretary. The Marquis also begins placing greater scrutiny on the private women's college established some years before. He lastly politely discourages the Socialists from pursing such injurious and needless policies.
 
Although Pedro hadn't ever allied to a particular party, none seemed to truly encapsulate his, or indeed his families, vision of what Spain could be. He was happy to watch and to observe the ordering of matters, being in a purely secretarial role limited his ability to diversify much beyond his posts. However, the crown murmured occasional comments in times of quiet and solitude, and Pedro offered the odd word, which he hoped his King would follow through.

It often seemed he would, given a strong family favour between both crown and his family, even if the line had been tainted by actions of previous infirm members of the house. But now he could see interesting developments. Although he, at times, hadn't seen eye to eye with the standpoint of the Marquis de Pontevedra, the man's views often being too reactive and backward for Pedro, or indeed his adoptive father's, tastes, he had to admit his new idea on government structure , even if it nullified his current positioning in the government hierarchy, was certainly a good one, and thus Prince Duke Pedro commended the Marquis, so much less economically powerful than him Pedro would oft internally laugh at the dichotomy of it all, for his forward thinking, and passed on word of the new suggested order to his majesty, to see if it had a chance to be approved.
 
Portuguese Pressuring King to Splinter from Spain

"We, the progressive and liberal government of the Kingdom of Portugal, hereby submit to the approval of the Chamber of Deputies of the Portuguese Cortes, a declaration removing all Spanish control over the government, nation, and people of Portugal..."

Members of the Liberal Coalition in the Chamber of Deputies in the Portuguese Cortes have passed a resolution to declare the Kingdom of Portugal a fully independent nation from Spain. Ever since Carlos V had restored Miguel I to his position as King of Portugal, Portugal has been all willing to hand over many things to Spain including control of diplomatic affairs, economic benefits, and even the ability to control Portuguese military actions in times of war. Miguel I though has long since been dead, and the people have not just sat down and taken kindly to their Spanish overlords. In the last election, a Liberal Coalition consisting of Radical Liberals, Progressives, and Moderate Liberals won control of the Chamber of Deputies on a platform that they would no longer accept Spain, a country run by Arch-Conservatives, having any dictation on the population of Portugal who are clearly more liberal. Prime Minister José Luciano de Castro himself has supported the movement, and some have even said that British influence made the Liberals propose this resolution. Two things though are capable of stopping this resolution from becoming official, the Chamber of Peers, and Miguel II, the King, who (like in Spain), has veto ability. But with mounting Liberal popularity in both his population and government, many are wondering if Miguel II will stay true to his distant kin, or break to the Liberals and remove Spanish officials from the country, effectively ending Spanish control over Portugal. Regardless, if the Chamber of Peers passes the resolution, the new government in Spain following its current election will have to deal with the threat of Portugal possibly attempting to break off from Spain.
 
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((Private: Mars))

Your Majesty,

My brother has written to me only recently, and it seems the situation in Portugal is becoming increasingly out of hand. I suggest writing to the King of Portugal and to the Court of Lisbon, applying pressure to push back the liberal reforms of the nation, whilst also offering support to Portugal in these troubling times.

To back up on these promises, I would further suggest moving troops closer to the border, in preparation for any unpleasantness occurring.

Furthermore, if your Majesty believes it necessary, maintaining the present order, or indeed enhancing our position there, can become an additional role of the secret police, which I believe thus far is largely underrepresented there.

As well, I can begin covertly funding the parties and groups most sympathetic to our cause to further empower the Portuguese Crown in making a decision beneficial to all parties involved.

In short, we must follow a multi-faceted route to ensure our continued privileged status with the Portuguese, or we shall otherwise be compelled to radically expand our role in the governance of that nation, if not outright ensure it is not so gravely misruled.

~ Pontevedra


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The Marquis then writes both to his brother, various Spanish diplomatic officials in Lisbon and elsewhere, and attachments of the secret police to begin laying the groundwork for the aforementioned policy changes, whilst compelling them to step up their communiques to ensure the First Secretary was well-aware of any further developments.
 
Fellow Filipinos,

Our nation, the Filipino nation that we are all part of a family, our collective Filipino family, the family of the whole nation, our nationality. What do we, the Filipino family, do when presented with a threat. We, as a kind and forgiving people, have let those who care for no one but themselves, into our hearts. Yet the disease that is greed, that we have let into us, has spread itself into our nation. But we, we did not let it spread, our heros, those who rose against the disease, tried to stop the disease, but they failed. We must try once again, to stop the disease, to throw off the shackels of oppression imposed by imperialist powers, they are strong, as are we, but they wish to use our strength, only to strengthen themselves. The disease is Imperialism. The host is Spain. And we can stop its spread. but if you help. If we don't allow those who have already tried and died in order to stop it, die in vain. In their name, and in the name of our protection, we must fight back! Do not let their lies taint your mind as they have already done. Will you let those who may have already died, in the name of liberty, and justice for our family, die in vain?