Art of the Possible

[Ahigin]

The Confederate States will invest some of our income towards the Great Siberian Way.

We applaud your economic wit and entrepreneurial intuition.

 

[Shadowbound]

From Russia
To the world
Russia is grudgingly willing to sell up to 200 oil at the price set by Venezuela (10 units of fuel for 1 EP). We would also be willing to accept payment in supplies a rate of 10 units of fuel for 10 supply - that option may be more affordable for countries with a surplus IC.

The Empire of Japan will bid for 100 fuel at 10 ep per turn.

 

[Immaculate]

EARTHQUAKE SHAKES PRAGUE. Prague, Bohemia.
A major earthquake has severely shaken the people of Prague in the Eastern European nation of Bohemia. Extensive damage was inflicted upon the city, resulting in hundreds of dead, and thousands more injured. Aid was immediately offered from the government, and other interests in the area, including financial support and charity from Polish businesses. Numerous landmarks in the city were badly damage, including the famed astronomical clock, which suffered severe damage to the gears during the earthquake. Thankfully, with the provision of significant aid from the Bohemian government and other sources, it seems that suffering will be kept to a minimum. Towards the end of the year, ample reconstruction and begun to take place, as the people of Prague sought to restore their prosperity and development.

The USA pledges (2EP) towards reconstruction of Bohemia. We expect the monies to be spent on alleviation of any suffering and on reconstruction but otherwise place no restrictions on the monies and certainly expect no repayment.

NAPLES CRACKS DOWN UPON LABOR UNIONS AND SUPPORTERS. Naples, Naples.
Under direct pressure from French business interests, the kingdom of Naples has launched a major campaign, partially military in nature, against the nation’s labor unions. While labor unions have been legal for a number of years, new laws have been passed illegalizing them once more. Military and police forces immediately raided a number of known union organizers and arrested them, throwing them into prison. The endeavor has been fairly successful and numerous notorious communists and anarchists have been imprisoned by this latest effort. The Neapolitan government has stated that these drastic measures were taken in order to curb the spread of radical ideologies throughout the working classes and to encourage a positive growth of the nation economy. Left-leaning newspapers have criticized the move, stating that it is a step backward for the people of Naples and the Italian peninsula.

The United States is VERY concerned by the actions taken by the crown of Naples towards organized labor in its kingdom and encourage a re-assessment of their strategy.

JAPANESE BUSINESSMEN KILLED IN KOREA. Incheon, Korea.
The signing of the Treaty of La Rochelle has theoretically opened the doors for major development of Japanese industry in Korea. A small party of well financed business scouts from Japan visited the town of Incheon this December, looking to establish a new factory in the region. Unfortunately, the Japanese proved haughty and arrogant towards the local population and failed to win many friends, to the point where they were confronted by a mob of local workers. One of the Japanese bodyguards reportedly opened fire with his sidearm, killing a member of the crowd. In the ensuing chaos, most of the Japanese businessmen were beaten to death by the mob, and throughout the day other attacks were made on those perceived to be too close to Japanese or Western interests. Dozens are believed to have been badly injured or killed in the chaos and plenty of property damage took place. Reporting of this affair has caused much outrage in Japan itself among the press, demanding some form of action to take place. Foreign governments, already set on edge by the crisis leading up to the Treaty of La Rochelle, are awaiting the Japanese’s response to this matter.

The USA is very concerned by the actions taken by Japanese nationals in attacking Korean civilians and by Korean civilians in attacking the Japanese businessmen. We, like the British, are very interested in determining what actions will be taken by Korea to bring stability to the situation.

INFLUENZA EPIDEMIC SPREADING THROUGH MURILLA. Nueva Toledo, Murilla.
A scare has emerged in South America of a deadly new strain of influenza that has been rapidly spreading throughout the nation of Murilla. Despite the rather backward infrastructure and transportation systems in the primitive nation, it has been reported that entire villages have been abandoned after hundreds of deaths to the dreaded disease. Many have fled across the borders into Peru or Paraguay, seeking refuge from the spread of the influenza, threatening those nations with similar outbreaks. Murilla itself has been partially placed under quarantine, as the government seeks to maintain order through the spread of the disease. Protests have erupted in the quarantined areas, and the president has vowed not to allow the corruption of the army or government by the virulent sickness. Reports have emerged from several border towns in Paraguay, Peru, and Argentina of the spread of the influenza, and local people have been urged to seek medical treatment as soon as the symptoms present themselves.

The United States pledges (2EP) towards medicine and medical support for the people of Murilla. The medicine and support is meant to be utilized to help the people of Murilla but otherwise are not restricted and no payment is expected.

BRAZIL LAUNCHES MANUMISSION PROGRAM. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Brazilian government has launched a program to slowly and gradually emancipate the nation’s extensive slave population. At the beginning of the year, millions of slaves are believed to have been in chains throughout the nation. Brazil has had the largest population of slaves in the world since the 1880s and boom in rubber plantations. The government has begun the slow and arduous process of buying slaves’ freedom from local slave owners, but estimates that at the current level of financial commitment, it may take another four to five years to complete the process, despite optimistic declarations of completion by 1902. Some opposition exists towards the program, claiming that it could completely destabilize the heavily resource-based economy of Brazil, and bring in hundreds of thousands of newly freed workers into the cities, causing rapid destabilization. Questions also exist on the rights of these new freedmen, and whether or not they will be allowed to serve in the armed forces. Still, the move has been heavily applauded by foreign press in Europe, claiming that it is a powerful effort made towards modernization.

The United States applauds the Brazilian Manumission Program and the wisdom of the government who launched it.

To: Those Interested in Buying Supplies
From: Bavaria

As of this year only, Bavaria is offering surplus supplies for sale for the low price of 10 Supplies for 1 EP. We will offer only up to 150 units of Supplies for purchase this year.

We’ll buy all 150 units for 16EP. Thanks.



A note to EQ:
1) Woot woot; and we're off. Great start! Loving the game so far!
2) The update refers to the Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo was never the Dominican Republic yet in this timeline.

 

[Decamper]

GREEKS ATTACK TURKISH PATROLS IN COUNTRYSIDE. Thessaloniki, Ottoman Empire.
There has been reports of growing unrest against Ottoman rule throughout the Balkans, as Christian populations become increasingly agitated. The boldest of these demonstrations of unrest have been in the form of partisan attacks in Ottoman Greek territories. Entire Ottoman patrols have been found butchered in their barracks or attacked outright while in the countryside. The Greek partisans have been clearly well armed and organized, striking at will against their hated Turkish enemy. Ottoman papers have been quick to blame the republic of Greece for this activity, and financing the effort against them. On the other side, Greek newspapers have praised these guerrillas in arms against the Ottoman Empire, claiming that they represent a growing desire to dismantle the hated empire and their heathen leaders.

The Ottoman Empire announces it will investigate the possibility of foreign funding of the terrorists involved in the brutal attacks against our soldiers. We reach out to our Greek neighbours, and request that they denounce this destablising and needless bloodshed, and cooperate with Ottoman patrols to keep our shared border free of violence.

 

[Grandkhan]

Excellent update EQ!

Maybe it's ambitious but glorious glorious Paraguay needs POWER!

 

[JohannaK]

The Foreign Office is informed that if they do not act upon their subjects to maintain order, Ethiopia will. We pledge to eliminate this threat to national security, wherever it comes from.

OOC: I will continue to play Ethiopia until confirmed as Fujian

 

[Masada]

The Foriegn Office is not aware of British subjects involvement. If British subjects were found to be involved then the Crown would be concerned about Ethiopia's cavalier threat to their health and the implication that Ethiopia intends to pursue the matter within British territories.

 

[JohannaK]

The British crown then has nothing to fear. If they were no British subjects, they couldnt be within British borders, and Ethiopia shall ensure that civilization reaches this no-man's-land as well.

 

[EQandcivfanatic]

@JohannaK: Fujian is yours if you want it. Ethiopia stands by all comments made so far since the update.

@Ahigin: The error will be corrected with the following update.


To: Austria-Hungary
From: Argentina

We thank you for your offer but we are currently hoping for opened negotiations with Japan on the construction of new vessels. We will keep your offer in mind should negotiations with the Japanese fall through.

To: Confederate States of America
From: Venezuela

We of course are happy to allow our good friends and allies a naval base on Venezuelan soil.

To: Confederate States of America
From: Liberia

Your terms are acceptable.

To: France
From: Bavaria

We accept your offer and will provide the supplies upon receipt of the EP announced.

To: Russia and the United States of America
From: Bavaria

Unfortunately we have concluded a deal with the Empire of France for the sale of our excess supplies.

To: Russia
From: Naples

Unfortunately at this time, our production is earmarked solely for local demand and we are unable to accommodate your proposal.

To: Russia
From: Greece

We possess only enough supplies to support our own forces, particularly with the threat of the Ottoman oppressor constantly looming overhead. If we were perhaps offered some form of international security against the insidious Turk, we could be able to sell surpluses.

To: Russia
From: Switzerland

We would be willing to sell 10 Supplies for 1 EP, but lack the production to offer much more than that.

To: Russia
From: Bohemia

With the recent tragedy in Prague we do not feel comfortable with selling any supplies surplus at this time.

To: United States of America
From: Bohemia

We thank you for your support in these dark times.

To: United States of America
From: Naples

We would thank the United States to abide by their own doctrine and leave European affairs to Europeans.

To: United States of America
From: Murilla

We thank you for your support and request all of the aid and medical personnel that could be made available to prevent the situation from becoming a tragedy for all of the Americas.

To: Ottoman Empire
From: Greece

We hardly see why internal unrest among your wrongfully oppressed subjects is a matter of concern for the Greek nation. We are certain that justice will be brought to those who deserve it in this matter.

 

[Immaculate]

From the United States of America’s Secretary of State, John Hay
To the States of the Pacific

John Hay, Secretary of State​

The USA will once again be launching a trade mission internationally this year and seeks to develop new trade relations between the private business communities of the USA and of the states of the Pacific.

We seek permission from the governments of Russia, Siam, Vietnam, Japan, and the local governors of Spain, Britain, and France in the Pacific to host myself and a team of businessmen and investors. At this time, due to the chaos and violence in China, we will not be visiting that region at this time. Other nations seeking to host the trade mission are more than welcome to make us aware of their interests and we will arrange to visit those states also.

Our goal is to establish new business links between Pacific Asian communities and the investors and businessmen in USA as was done in the Americas last year. US business expertise, capital, and technological know-how may be able to assist interested parties in accelerating local economic development and industrial development and bring wealth to all nations involved.

We look forward to hearing from you.

 

[gay_Aleks]

We would like to meet your business representatives. However, any caught with materials supporting Philippine or other rebels or any who have committed crimes on Philippine ground will be dealt with.

Swiftly.

 

[Shadowbound]

The Empire of Japan will host the American trade delegation, to continue previous conversations regarding the lowering of specific tariffs.

 

[Ahigin]

From Russia
To Bavaria
We understand that you have political considerations to keep in mind. We do not blame you for that. However, if you ever find it possible to conclude trade deals with us, we will be more than open to negotiations.

From Russia
To Naples
Thank you for your response. Please keep us in mind as future trade partners.

From Russia
To Bohemia
Our prayers are with you. We completely understand that this is not the right time to discuss trade. Please accept our since apologies for our diplomats' lack of tact.

From Russia
To Greece
Russia is willing to participate as a referee in regional matters only as a part of a broader international community. We will make sure to align our policies with France and the United Kingdom in order to preserve your proud country from any foreign encroachments.

To: Russia
From: Switzerland

We would be willing to sell 10 Supplies for 1 EP, but lack the production to offer much more than that.

From Russia
To Switzerland
That is an acceptable deal for us. Consider it done. If you ever find the capacity to expand your supply production, we will be open for bigger deals with you.

 

[gay_Aleks]

To: Russia
From: The Kingdom of Spain

We're interested into supporting the Great Siberian Railway. However, we would like to ask several questions about this project: how long will it take, what will be the rate of return of the investments?

 

[Ahigin]

From Russia
To the USA
We will be pleased to welcome the Union's delegation in the Russian Far East. Governor-General of Transamur Nikolai Grodekov will make sure to find time to personally meet with Unionist representatives.

Spoiler :

Governor-General Nikolai Grodekov

From Russia
To Spain
We welcome your investments and assure you that you have made the right choice. The project's completion date fully depends on how quickly it can gather investments. Currently, our estimates indicate that it should be completed by 1907, but that date is a subject to change.

The rate of return is currently a subject of debates among numerous consulting firms around the world. As you could have already found out from the analytical articles available in press [i.e. EQ's update], most of the analysts predict the project a bright future and consider it a smart investment.

 

[Nailix]

To: Naples
From: Italy

We send our condolences for the loss of your former King, and hope the future will be bright under your new leadership.

 

[Immaculate]

Department of the Interior Secretary, James Rudolph Garfield, announces Founding of the United States Forest Service

J. R. Garfield, secretary of the interior​

Theodore Roosevelt, as one of his first actions upon taking the office of the presidency has authorized the Secretary of the Interior, Mr. J.R. Garfield to found the United States Forest Service.

The Forest Service has, amongst it's missions the protection and management of the state’s eight newly formed national parks: Akamina-Kishinena, Cascadia (OTL British Colombia), Banff; Alberta Territory, Crater Lake, Oregon; Wind Cave, South Dakota; Sully's Hill, North Dakota; Mesa Verde, Colorado; Platt, Oklahoma, and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Territory.

John Muir serves as the first head of the National Forestry Service.

John Muir, First Head of the National Forestry Service​

 

[J.K. Stockholme]

OOC question to players: Hey, I'm not alone when I say the banner at the top of updates and the front page is too long, and requires scrolling horizontally to read the whole text?

 

[Terran Empress]

OOC question to players: Hey, I'm not alone when I say the banner at the top of updates and the front page is too long, and requires scrolling horizontally to read the whole text?

No you are not alone, it is too long, and is kinda annoying.

 

[Immaculate]

Roosevelt appoints William Howard Taft as US Resident General of Korea

In a move none really found surprising, President Roosevelt has appointed the man many believe to be his protégé, William H. Taft, as US Resident General of Korea.

William H. Taft, US Resident General of Korea​

Prior to his appointment in Korea, Mr. Taft served as Solicitor General of the United States and as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. He is expected to bring his judicial experience and wisdom to bear upon the crisis in Korea and assist in negotiating settlements fair to all parties.

Despite Taft’s hawkish stance regarding the CSA, he has openly spoken against imperialism and for the end of the ‘era of colonialism’ and it remains to be seen how these values will influence his governance in Korea.