UPDATE I: THE SCRAMBLE BEGINS
Official Update Theme Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyknBTm_YyM
Selected articles and headlines The Times, 18 December,1884 (The United Kingdom and China)
-Government plans economic development plan amid expansion of African colonies.
-Walvis Bay colony surrendered to German Empire by Berlin Conference
-Anglo-Japanese Treaty concluded
-Earthquake in Colchester kills seven
-Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at founded at Cambridge, Pitt Rivers Museum founded at rival Oxford
-Third Reform Act passed in Parliament. Gives almost all male citizens the Right to Vote.
-Sydney and Melbourne receive telephone connection line
-Sir Robert Stout becomes new Premier of New Zealand
The Home Office Baby, Charles Bell
A publicity stunt by Rev. J. Mirehouse of Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, England has caused a public outrage across the nation. Mirehouse, in dispute with Home Secretary Sir William Harcourt over the proposed closure of a local graveyard mailed the corpse of a still born infant to the secretary. The package arrived to Harcourt on November 2nd in a package marked perishable. Later that month, ecclesiastical lawyer Walter Phillimore gave the opinion that Mirehouse had committed no offense known to the canon law of the Church of England and could not be disciplined.
Reports from the Mahdist Rebellion in Sudan, Henry Sutherland Edwards
Cairo, Egypt. Though the situation in the Sudan is desperate things seem to be slowly improving in Englands favor. A large Anglo-Egyptian force was recently deployed to the Northern Sudan to put pressure on the Mahdis forces, allowing for General Charles Chinese Gordon, the commanding officer in Khartoum, to make a swift retreat into Christian lands to the South and meet up an Ethiopian force under the command of Crown Prince Sahle Maryam. The Mahdi, realizing his forces were threatened with encirclement, chose to temporarily relieve his siege on Khartoum to strike against the British force in the north. Though casualties were reported to be high, especially amongst Egyptian forces, the distraction proved effective and a joint Anglo-Italian-Ethiopian army was able to advance up the Red Sea coast and relieve several small Egyptian enclaves and cut the Mahdists off from the sea. (-9 Mahdist infantry brigades, -5 Mahdist cavalry brigades, -1 Mahdist artillery brigade, -4 British infantry brigades, -1 British cavalry brigade, -2 Italian infantry brigades, -1 Italian cavalry brigade, -3 Ethiopian infantry brigades)
A Photograph of Charles "Chinese" Gordon
The China Situation, John Walter
Shanghai, China. Chinese Dowager Empress Cixi has been overthrown and executed following a coup by reform minded politicians lead by Yixin, Prince of Gong. News of the coup was broken in an announcement to the military following the retreat of Chinese forces out of Tonkin. Though details of the Empresss execution remain unclear, the announcement said the Empress had become out of control and her removal was a necessary act for the prosperity of the Chinese people. British correspondents in China have since been reporting regular condemnations of Cixis policies by the leaders of the coup while elements of the military continue to patrol the streets in major cities for fear of demonstrations against the takeover becoming violent. Though the Reformist government in China claims it will honor the most recent treaties made by the previous government, its only foreign action thus far has been to lease a small port on Formosa to the Russian government. Though most on Formosa are apathetic about the sale, the action has received much harsher criticism in Russia where many claim the possession is strategically pointless. This is the second Pro-Western coup to take place in East-Asia this year, following a very similar incident in Korea.
Boer uprising in Natal, Geoffrey Hill
An uprising by Boers mercenaries formerly employed to suppress Zulu revolts has taken place in the Natal town of Vryheid. The Republic of Transvaal has been very public in assisting the rebels even going so far as to allow several volunteer soldiers, many of them the sons of former inhabitants of Natal, to cross the border. A small British force was sent to the area in response to the uprising however they have yet to act against the rebels.
A Review of Princess Ida by Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert, Review by John Seymour
This comic operetta by famed musical team Gilbert and Sullivan is perhaps their raciest yet. The opera based on the poem The Princess by Alfred Tennyson, openly satires topics such as womans rights and evolutionary science. The plot concerns a princess who founds a women's university and teaches that women are superior to men. The prince to whom she had been married in infancy sneaks into the university, together with two friends, with the aim of collecting his bride. The men disguise themselves as women students but are soon discovered, starting a literal war between the sexes. Despite excellent music, the opera which opened at the Savoy Theatre last winter in Westminster has not performed well in ticket sales. Though some conservatives are attributing the poor performance to its risqué content, it is more likely due to the particularly warm weather we experienced last summer during what should have been the shows height.
Princess Ida is set to continue shows until the first of next year but will continue to play on Broadway in New York City for several more months.
Selected articles and headlines from the Berliner Tageblatt, December 22, 1884 (German Empire)
-Catholic Moderate Party continues to dominate Legislature
-Construction begins on new Reichstag Building
-German Naval Reform Act passed; Army officers removed from chain-of-command (+.5 Naval Quality)
-Germany expands colonies, annexes Togoland (-1 infantry brigade)
-Franz Liszt to perform in Berlin for Christmas Concert; Kaiser to attend
An Interview with Bismark on the Congo Conference, Maximilian Müller-Jabusch
Citizens who frequent the city centre of Berlin have no doubt taken notice of the flood of foreign diplomats and increased security in the area. For our readers who are not well informed on the state of current events, a conference between the powers of Europe and United States is being held for the regulation of trade and colonization on the African Continent. Though the happenings taking place in the conference are being held, for the most part, in great secrecy, our publisher was able to access a press pass for the
Berliner, enabling me to get a rare interview with Chancellor Bismarck himself.
Müller-Jabusch (M): Why was our fair city chosen as the place for the conference?
Chancellor Bismarck (B): Berlin, being the capital of the German Empire and the center of mainland Europe, seemed like a logical choice when deciding where the world's foremost leaders should meet.
M: What were Germanys goals coming into the conference?
B: Peace. The recent activities in the Congo by Belgium, and the rebellion in Egypt have caused many nations to come at odds with each other and there was worry it may have escalated beyond control. Hence the conference was convened to hopefully divert those disasters as well as future disputes, particularly in the Dark Continent.
M: How are relations between the diplomats at the conference?
B: There was some tension as one would imagine, but nothing that was not smoothed out through thorough negotiation.
M: Even with the French?
B: (Laughs) Frances diplomats have proved perhaps to be the most civil of all. A lot of progress was made because of them.
M: That's good to hear relations with our neighbors are improving. As you stated earlier, some of the primary issues were the Madhist rebellion in the Sudan and the situation in the Congo. Were any other issues covered?
B: The debate over the colonization and division of Africa was discussed thoroughly and much ground has been made on that front, many colonial powers have agreed to remain in pre-designated areas of influences there by avoiding any disputes over land that might arise in the future, as has been a common factor in the growing involvement of European powers in Africa. Further more, all nations within the conference have agreed that the slave trade be banned. It has been a mark on our history for quite some time and I am happy that it has been erased.
M: I am sure this news will delight our readers. Could you give us information on what areas have been assigned to which powers? Also, does this include our recent treaty with the Sultanate of Zanzibar?
B: The majority of North Africa will be regarded as French territory, with the exception of Egypt. Much of South Africa, including the Boer states is considered in the influence of the British, with the exception of South West Africa, which is German. The Congo Free State has been granted to Belgium with of course free trade through the area by all signing power. The horn of Africa has been granted to Italy while Portugals current holdings have been recognized and we have acknowledged their right to expand said holdings. Of course there are numerous more technical territorial assignments to different nations that would take to long to list here.
M: Rumors coming out of the conference say East Africa has been a major point of contention. Is this true?
B: East Africa has been a problematic area, yes.
M: How do you think the growth of our overseas empire will affect the German homeland? Will the average German see any benefits?
B: The point of this growth overseas is so that the German people can reap the benefits. Currently we are in the process of making it easier for the average Germans to move more easily to our colonial holdings and make a profit there if they wish. In addition to that our current holdings are in the process of being reorganized to better allow the export of raw materials from them, to Germany.
M: Other powers have been known to make attempts to assimilate the natives in their colonies into their respective cultures. Does Germany have any such plans?
B: This was an issue discuss that was also brought up in the Berlin Conference. We as enlightened people have an obligation to spread our knowledge and faith to the savages in Africa and hopefully bring them out of the darkness, so to speak. If we do not, then we will have failed ourselves.
M: So the colonial empire should be mutually beneficial to the Germans and natives alike?
B: My first concern is my own people, but yes it will also benefit the natives.
M: And one last question. How is the Kaiser? Have you spoken to him recently?
B: The Kaiser is well and in good spirits. We have been working very closely on these issues and he is rather pleased with the progress that has been made in both the Conference and other matters.
M: Excellent news. Let him know us at the Tageblatt wish him good health. Chancellor it has been an honor and privilege to speak with you on these manners. The staff and readers of the Tageblatt thank you for being so informative. We hope to have a follow up interview sometime in the future.
B: Of course, and your welcome.
As I stood up to shake the Chancellors hand, I was handed a sketch of a map of Africa showing the divisions of the continent among the powers present. As one can see on the map, the nations of Liberia and Abyssinia (Ethiopia) have been left independent. To our uninformed readers, this is probably due their acceptance of Christianity and significantly higher level of development than in other African states. Morocco was left as is as well; this is due to their treaties with the French and Americans. Of particular note on this map is East Africa. It is evident there truly is some conflicts over this area, as it seems quite a bit of redrawing has been done, however the area for the most part appears to be in German hands for now.*
*For a follow up article please see the next page
Crisis in the Indian Ocean: Did the Conference really avert conflict?, Maximilian Müller-Jabusch
About two months after my interview with Chancellor Bismarck, word reached the Tageblatt of an unfolding crisis in the Middle East, East Africa and Indian Ocean. Our correspondent stationed at the German consulate in Zanzibar sent word to us that an uprising of Pro-Omani forces, unhappy with the German-Zanzibari treaty, have taken possession of the port and assisted a force of about four brigades of British Royal Marines in landing. The British marines and rebels subsequently forced the Sultan to abdicate in favor of a new monarch who immediately threw out the German treaty in favor of one surrendering most of the mainland to Britain, just before declaring himself a vassal of Oman. Two and a half weeks later, and behind schedule due to being refused fuel in Mozambique, a German fleet consisting of a battleship, multiple cruisers and over 10 brigades, headed by Konteradmiral Hans von Koester, arrived to find the situation. The British commander, Vice Admiral John Baird, declined to allow the Germans to make port in Zanzibar and subsequently told them to depart to Dar Es Salaam. The German fleet, unaware of what to do next aimed its guns at the city, while the British did the same with their artillery stationed on the island. What followed next was a multiple day standoff between the powers in which neither dared to fire a shot. After three days of sitting outside the city and low on supplies, Koester began to contemplate storming the city but just as he began to prepare, word reached him that a larger British fleet was arriving on their flank while a smaller force from India, armed fresh troops, was also on its way. Understanding that the odds were no longer in his favor, Koester complied with the British order and left for Dar Es Salaam. Upon arriving in the city however, the Germans were horrified to find the area in chaos. After consulting with some of the inhabitants it became apparent that the root of the chaos was a slave rebellion and amid the anarchy, three factions emerged: Pro-Omani forces, Pro-Zanzibari forces and independent Slavers fearing their businesses interests were threatened. The German forces sided with the pro-Zanzibari faction and were able to bring peace to the city, but reports say the countryside still remains a war zone.
(-1 German brigade, -6 Zanzibari brigades, -1 British Marine brigade, -3 Zanzibar slaver brigades)
Further adding to this confusing situation are recent reports coming out the Middle East from our correspondent Hugo Zöller in Alexandria. Despite Britains installation of a Pro-Omani leader in Zanzibar, another German force has landed in Qatar amid mild resistance after refueling in Oman. This action appears to be to enforce a recent treaty negotiating fishing rights in the area between the two Arab countries as well as a home base for German business interests in Persia. The Ottoman Empire, which had nominal rule over the peninsula, has yet to make a public statement.
(1 German brigade, Qatar annexed by Germany)
Writings from the journal of General François Oscar de Négrier, 2nd Brigade Tonkin Expeditionary Corps (France and Black Flag Army)
February 23, 1884
I have just arrived in the Tonkin colony and have been assigned to the 2nd Brigade of the Tonkin Expeditionary Corps. Despite the unfamiliar climate and some degree of anti-European sentiment, the French troops appear to be in good moral. I am also quite surprised with the quality of the native troops that have been assigned to my command. They are much better equipped then expected and despite the language barrier, obey orders very well.
August 14, 1884
Despite originally being assigned to take part in combat against the Chinese forces, our recent peace treaty with the Qing has made this unnecessary. Nonetheless I have been told that the war is not yet over as a well organized bandit force known as the Black Flag Army has refused to lay down its arms. With news that we will be combating an insurgency and not fighting off an invasion the moral of our troops appears to have dropped dramatically. Nonetheless I expect things will pick up within the next few weeks when our superior quality in battle becomes more apparent to them.
November 1, 1884
We have been assigned to relieve a surrounded Legionnaire force at Tuyen Quang in upper Tonkin. Rumor has it that Liu Yongfu, the much feared commander of the Black Flag Army, has taken personal command of his troops in the siege and is armed with over a thousand troops.
November 7, 1884
We have reached Tuyen Quang to find the small Legionnaire contingent surrounded and vastly outnumbered with traps and enemy irregulars widespread. The enemy has hesitated to engage us directly and is instead focusing on hit-and-run tactics. Despite my expectations that they would be in a desolate situation, the Black Flag Army knows the land well and also appears to be better funded than expected, even possessing some out-dated artillery.
November 9, 1884
I have received word from another French commander in the region that his brigade was recently attacked by a large irregular force and took significant casualties. Despite this, he also mentioned that a Black Flag Army scout was captured. Through some coercion techniques, the scout has revealed to us the Black Flag Army has succeeded in receiving funding from Chinese crime organizations by their exportation of Opium and other drugs to China. These drugs not only seem to keep their population complacent, but are also a driving force of the economy of the area. If we seek to destroy their funding we must target this! I have sent word to the colonial governor and consul in Shanghai to investigate this.
December 3, 1884
We have made a major push into Black Flag territory, and have succeeded capturing some of their major poppy fields. Despite this, we took higher than expected casualties in the offensive and lost many good men. Our force at Tuyen Quang remains under siege, however the legionnaires continue to hold strong and have defended against multiple attacks. My message to the governor has been delivered and he has authorized the destruction of all poppy fields captured and has also given orders for the production of granaries and the delivery of food shipments to the peasant farmers as compensation. The Peasants appear to be happy with this but I continue to sense layer of mistrust within their smiles and thankfulness.
December 19, 1884
An attempt to make a final push against the Black Flag Army force surrounding Tuyen Quang and end the war by the end of the year went awry. Our forces were admittedly poorly organized going into the battle, and a mole within our ranks has succeeded in relaying false messages between commanders attempting to coordinate the attack. The mole has since been captured however casualties continue to be high on both sides. Our botched attack has not only allowed the Black Flag Army to put even more pressure on Tuyen Quang but to expand their territory north and west as well. Despite all of this, Tuyen Quang continues to hold out.
(-2 French Marine brigades, -4 French infantry brigades, -1 BFA infantry brigade, -8 BFA irregular brigades, -1 Agriculture EP from BFA)
Selected articles and headlines from Le Petit Parisien, September 1884 (France)
-Malagasy soldiers raid French outpost on Madagascar after fears of French aggression. Attack is repulsed. (-1 Merina infantry brigade)
A Bar at the Folies-Bergère by Édouard Manet, Review by Stéphane Mallarmé
This work by Édouard Manet features a scene from the popular Parisian Nightclub Folies Bergère and centers on an attractive barmaid. Despite Manets extreme use of detail to bring the nightclub to life, the main areas of interest are quite well hidden. Note that the beverages being served are Pale Bass Ale. This perhaps suggests an English tourist sits on the other side of the counter. It should also be noted this is where Manet has chosen to leave his signature. Is this Manets attempt to take the age-old practice of self promotion to a new level? One final but major peculiarity also exists within painting and becomes obvious as soon as one realizes that it is in fact a mirror directly behind the barmaid. If one understands there is a mirror in the background, the older woman depicted behind the barmaid should be her reflection given her posture and stance, yet this is clearly not the case. Knowing Manet personally, I dont believe this to be a fault in perspective. I believe this is meant to portray something of a double-reality or perhaps it is as simple as an attempt to show us a drunken mans perception of the world.
Selected articles and headlines from Neue Freie Presse, November 1884 (Austria-Hungary)
-Unified Astro-Hungarian Army Bureau created; All new equipment issued (+1 Army Quality)
-Serbian Cattle Plague devastates Hungarian agriculture.
-Serbian terrorist cell with alleged plans to assassinate Archduke Karl Ludwig stamped out in Novia Pazar.
United States of Greater Austria?, Guido von List
Across the whole Empire a single political issue remains on every citizens minds: this issue of the creation of third full kingdom for the Slavs in the Habsburg Empire. The creation of a tripartite monarchy is perhaps the single most polarizing issue the Empire has faced since the creation of the Hungarian Kingdom seventeen years ago; nonetheless it is the Hungarians who have been delaying the process of further division for almost a year now. Emperor Franz Josef, who was convinced for the need of this after hearing of the growing instability in the Balkans, gave his blessing on the issue on the condition the Hungarian Prime Minister also approved. Though after several meetings between the Hungarian Prime Minister Kálmán Tisza, the Austrian Prime Minister Eduard von Taaffe and the Emperor himself have occurred, little progress has made. Tisza claims that the Hungarians already feel neglected and that issues such as the plague striking Hungarian livestock must be dealt with before he will approve giving any autonomy to the Slavs. Nonetheless the issue remains on table and some are even speaking of the idea for a Federalized United States of Greater Austria if the creation of a third kingdom takes place. To rouse popular opinion in favor of the new plan and perhaps drawing inspiration from the on-going American Presidential Elections, the Emperor has made a tour of the country meeting with local leaders and businessmen, greatly endearing him to the people.
I can't wait for the stats and the map!
