As expected

In doing the British dogleg (note; refers to Canada), or to be the dog leg of the Tang Empire, and the Maine Democratic Republic chose the latter.

Britain is too far away, between the Tang Empire and Canada, a fool should know how to choose?

Maine does not suffer a loss, not to mention the big thick legs, the investment of real money and silver of the powerful Chinese capital makes the Maine Democratic Republic smile toothless, and those who push the boat with the river are obedient.

On June 24, 1890, the Tang Empire publicly announced the formal recognition of the independent status of the Democratic Republic of Maine, and the "Florida version" of the Treaty of Close Military and Political Alliance was signed between the two countries.

Shortly thereafter

Other countries in North and South America have formally recognized the legitimacy of the Republic of Connecticut and the Democratic Republic of Maine and have sent diplomatic missions to establish formal diplomatic relations between states.

The last day of June

The Secretary of State for North American Affairs, Lord Pan Shouguo, led a joint diplomatic mission to Boston, the capital of Massachusetts, to officially begin his visit to the region.

At this time, Boston was full of devastation left by the turmoil of the war, scorched ruins of buildings were everywhere, and even the walls of the state legislature were full of bullet marks.

Finally regaining face, the French army, venting their anger, returned to the mainland by boat from here, and more than half of the total 26,000 French troops had gone, and there were less than 8,000 left.

The retreating French army, laden with looted goods, swaggered across the sea under the angry gaze of the Massachusetts.

It is expected to be by the end of July and the beginning of August

The retreat of the French Expeditionary Force will come to an end, leaving only a military presence of more than 10,000 troops, and all but the Baltimore military base will be evacuated.

The Tang Empire's troops are arriving by sea, with a total of more than 5,000 troops, and many more troops will arrive in the near future to help restore the situation in the region.

July 4th

in the State Capitol

Here, the joint delegation of representatives of the Tang Empire met with representatives of various forces in Massachusetts, and there were about a dozen representatives from different fields and different cities.

Now Massachusetts is leaderless, and there is no condition to organize a general election in a chaotic situation, so naturally there is no independent statehood.

The inability to elect even the desired deputies is the main reason for the turbulent and chaotic situation.

This has to go back, when it comes to Massachusetts' white governor Henry ~ Mackenzie, the current chaos is caused by him, and he is full of good cards.

Republican-born Governor Henry ~ Mackenzie is a tough strongman, in early March, he flatly rejected the Tang Empire's wooing, but died in the ensuing retaliatory looting of the French army.

According to residents of the neighborhood at the time;

A team of about a dozen French soldiers forcibly opened the iron gate and rushed into the mansion of Governor Henry ~ Mackenzie, and then there were continuous gunshots, and the French soldiers who had robbed left with a large amount of gold and silver, and set a fire before leaving.

The fire burned for more than three hours before it was extinguished, and the 13 members of the Henry ~ Mackenzie family, including dogs and servants, were killed here, which became a new blood debt for the atrocities of the French army.

However, the French army categorically denied it, saying that a certain force deliberately framed it, and would never bear this black pot.

Anyway, now it's a headless public case, and the truth in the repeated ruffles is even more confusing, and I'm afraid it will never be able to be traced.

Henry ~ Spencer, Governor Mackenzie's right-hand man, and several others died at the hands of a group of Chinese horse bandits.

Thirty percent of today's turmoil in Massachusetts is the result of French reprisals, and another seventy percent of the chaos is caused by urban thugs, the unemployed, and township bandits, the latter of which are even more harmful.

There are many Chinese farmers in the local area, and they employ a lot of Chinese farm workers.

Once the situation is turbulent, it shows a fierce and fierce face.

They were often well-armed and well-armed, and they gathered dozens or hundreds of horsemen to plunder everywhere, robbing property and women, and striking with cruelty that made people smell discolored.

On weekdays, he worked as a farmer, and in his spare time, he brought out horses to bring weapons and equipment, and became a horse bandit.

Many of these Chinese farmers were retired veterans, who were accustomed to plundering with the Tang Empire's army when they were young, and they were even more comfortable in the chaotic situation.

The convoy of Spencers and the rest of the family collided with a gang of rampaging Chinese bandits, and the result was tragic......

All these factors have led to the leaderless situation in Massachusetts today.

"Guys, be quiet, now listen to me......" Lord Pan Shouguo, annoyed by the noise of the crowd, simply stood on the podium of the parliament, and shouted at the delegates who were vying to express their opinions;

"Don't even say it, I can't hear anything clearly, it's like a vegetable market here, what kind of system is it?

The Imperial Mission came here to help stabilize the region, to promote the resolution of the future status of Massachusetts, and to seek the well-being of the local population.

There are so many of you, and even if you make a lot of noise for a longer time, it won't help solve any problems.

Now consult with yourselves and nominate three representatives to come out and speak to the Imperial Mission.

If there were any questions, they were raised by the three deputies, and the others all shut up and stayed quietly on the sidelines.

Otherwise, they will be expelled.

Now I'm going to give you 20 minutes to choose someone who can represent your interests, and now let's get started. ”

As soon as his words fell, there was a "chatter" at the scene, and these people representing different forces vied with each other to grab it, hoping to be recognized by others and become one of the three representatives.

With a simple move, Lord Pan Shouguo allowed the focus of contradictions to erupt within him and freed the joint diplomatic mission.

Ten minutes later

After internal screening and competition, three representatives who were able to speak head-to-head with the Imperial diplomatic corps were newly released, two white and one Chinese.

Pretending to be unintentional, Lord Pan Shouguo and Viscount Lin Feng, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, knew that this matter was stable when they touched their eyes tacitly.

Two of the three deputies are their own people, and the boiled duck is still afraid that he will fly?

The dialogue was presided over by Viscount Lin Feng, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, and in full view of everyone, Viscount Lin Feng said solemnly;

"Please take your attention;

It was a dialogue organized by the Empire to resolve the question of the future fate of Massachusetts and bring it into the orbit of smooth and orderly development.

The demands expressed by the three representatives will be finally approved by the representatives of all parties.

As long as more than 70% of the delegates present agree, it will become an officially approved plan, and the Imperial United Delegation will help promote the final implementation of this plan and create an environment for peaceful development.

Now three deputies can identify themselves, their names and the groups they represent, and the Imperial Joint Delegation will be recorded as part of the procedure.

The delegates who are watching in the back are requested to be quiet, and if you have any questions, you can hand over a note, but you are not allowed to speak out indiscriminately, and violators will be expelled from the venue.

Let's start now, who starts first? ”

"I'll ......," the tallest middle-aged white man raised his hand, and continued;

"I'm Carl ~ Vincent, Irish, 51 years old, from Boston's East End, representing some of the businessmen of the East Side Pier 3 and 5 Workers' Union, the Boston City Craftsmen's Union, the Rickshaw Pullers' Association, and the Transportation Chamber of Commerce.

"Your Excellency, I am Ma Wenxiu, a 46-year-old representative of Chinese descent born in the Celestial Empire, representing the lords of the estates of Boston and neighboring towns, the Winemakers, Lumberjacks, and Flour Millers' Unions, the Construction Association, the Police Union, and the Boston Transportation Association. Some people are ashamed to say that they represent some businessmen of the Transport Chamber of Commerce, and I am the official representative. ”

Carl Vincent, who was standing aside, was furious when he heard this, turned his head angrily, and said loudly; "Watts? Haven't you woken up yet...... Man, I'm representing 46 Irish businessmen at the Transporters, is there anything wrong with that? ”

Ma Wenxiu sounded like a woman's name, but in fact he was indeed a middle-aged greasy businessman with a fat body, he said sarcastically unhurriedly;

"Oh...... You're talking about the little characters who haul goods in horse-drawn carts, and forgive me for not remembering them, or knowing their names, and why they chose a representative independently?

I am the majority shareholder of Boston's largest transportation firm ~ Maochangda Commercial Bank, which owns 272 mule-horse carts and 16 freight vehicles, and is one of the initiators of the Boston Transportation Chamber of Commerce.

There is no doubt that Maochangda Commercial Bank is also a perennial partner of Boston terminals, and can largely represent the demands of terminal management and labor, right?

The 46 Irish businessmen you represent will soon be expelled for violating the rules of the Chamber of Commerce, and there is not much need for much disagreement in a Chamber of Commerce.

So, Mr. Carl Vincent can remove the article on representing the transporters, and I have no problem with the rest. ”

"Don't compromise, to hell with your damn Chinese capitalists and big estate owners, I'm not afraid to offend you......" Carl Vincent roared angrily, his face flushed.

Such a scene made the other onlookers nod their heads frequently, and they had already recognized Carl Vincent's stubbornness that was not afraid of power.

Not everyone dares to contradict the famous Ma Wenxiu, who is the owner of a Chinese-American estate in Boston, and has a huge power behind the construction chamber of commerce. It can easily pull up a cavalry team of thousands of people, and has a close relationship with the local garrison of the Tang Empire.

Powerful and gun-like, he is a tyrannical figure in Massachusetts, and those who offend him will die without explanation.

There is a grapevine that says

Lieutenant Governor Spencer and several other hard-liners were murdered by the Chinese cavalry he sent because they offended Ma Wenxiu.

Together with their families, more than 20 people were not spared, and their bodies were thrown directly into the river and flowed to the sea, leaving no traces, and the methods were extremely cruel.

Of course, this is just irresponsible gossip.

Ma Wenxiu was not as difficult to get along with as he imagined, but still maintained a warm demeanor, turned to the representative behind him and said;

"Friends, the Boston Transit Chamber represents the interests of more than 1,760 practitioners and needs to speak out with a unified voice. In front of the mission, we will strive to meet the conditions of the transport chamber of commerce.

There are only 46 people, and they have to express different opinions, so there are thousands of people in the entire chamber of commerce, what kind of resolution can everyone form with their mouths?

I stand by my opinion that Mr. Carl Vincent cannot represent the Boston Transit Chamber of Commerce.

Please raise your hands to vote, and those who disagree with my opinion are invited to raise their hands.

Well, only two people raised their hands, and it seems that the vast majority of people do not disagree with my opinion. ”

"You are so shameless, why don't you let the person who agrees raise their hand, I insist on my opinion......" Carl Vincent is not a fool either, and sees through the little tricks at a glance.

At this time

Lin Feng, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, felt that he had to come forward to play a round, and he said with a solemn expression; "Okay, stop arguing. Now that the vote has been taken, the Registrar requests that Mr. Carl Vincent represent the Transport Chamber be deleted, and the last one ......"

"Honorable Mission, I represent the ordinary citizens of Boston, and the people of the towns and villages of Massachusetts, and I am Robinson, the former deputy speaker of the Massachusetts Assembly, 55 years old, a traditional American." The last representative said.

Robinson did not emphasize that he was of Irish or German descent, as was common among white descendants of early immigrants. Because neither their parents nor grandparents are from the same European country, they identify more with their American identity.

This person is a moderate conservative, and he can indeed represent the interests of most of the people at the bottom, and he is also the representative of the most widely supported, which can be regarded as a centrist.

Now that the three representatives have been identified as having general support, it is time to move on to the next procedure...... Agree on the future of Massachusetts.

The Tang Empire's diplomatic mission proposed five options for delegates to choose from;

First, maintain the status quo and still recognize Washington as the legitimate and sole government of the United States.

Second, independent statehood.

Third, join the New York Republic camp and be a part of it.

Fourth, join the Connecticut Republic and be a part of it.

Fifth, join the Tang Empire and become a relatively independent vassal kingdom.

The exclusion option was passed, and the first, third, and fourth options were quickly ruled out after the heated discussion, leaving only the second and fifth options.

There was a surprisingly unanimous opinion among the deputies, and the first option was the first to be discarded.

Look at the friends around you, who can get out, who still wants to stay in that big quagmire in the United States, saddled forward with a huge international debt that can never be repaid?

That's pure abuse, and no one wants to do it.

The third and fourth options are excluded, and it is purely the result of comparison.

If there is no big thick leg of the Tang Empire, it is also a good option to join the more powerful Republic of New York, at least in the northern part of North America.

Or joining the Republic of Connecticut, which is a weaker North American country, but Massachusetts certainly has more say than the former, and is more like an equal partner.

But as soon as the option of the Tang Empire came out, the first two were overshadowed.

Why?

People have to die more than people, and goods have to be thrown away.

People's psychology is very simple, since you choose a big thick leg to hold, then why not choose the thickest thigh?

Whether it is the Republic of New York or the Republic of Connecticut, they are all scum in front of the majestic and domineering Tang Empire, so there is no need to compare at all, the gap is far away.

The second option, independent statehood, was another choice direction, which was also supported by many delegates, and became one of the two options that were finally preserved.

It is called a chicken head, and it is not a phoenix tail.

The deputies who support this part of the opinion are really not interested in finding another master for themselves, and will they not be happy and happy in the independent state-building?

It's this feudal kingdom, huh...... What exactly is a charter?

It aroused the strong interest of the delegates at the scene, and the voice of private discussion suddenly became louder, and the "buzzing" caused the dissatisfaction of the delegates and missions on the field.

"Click...... Silence, please pay attention to your demeanor, this important moment that will affect the future fate of Massachusetts, no one must want to miss it. Then please keep your mouth shut, you can communicate by handing a small note. Viscount Lin Feng, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, glanced around majestically, and his voice of private discussion was suddenly extinguished.

"I oppose Article 5 and insist on independent statehood." Sure enough, it was Carl Vincent who jumped out again and loudly expressed his opposition.

Ma Wenxiu glared at him angrily, and asked angrily with the blue tendons on his forehead exposed;

"Why oppose becoming part of the Tang Empire? Is the Empire's exalted position in the whole of America, and the noble royal blood not worthy of you, a vulgar white farmer?

No wonder the British have never been kind to the Irish, who wants to rule you trash? ”

"For God's sake, I'm going to kill you......"

"Quiet, quiet, these two representatives, please shut up, click, click......" Viscount Lin Feng tapped the magic hammer in his hand with an annoyed expression, and raised his voice and said;

"Please be gracious, and don't shout at each other like rough men in the streets, this is a solemn and sacred occasion to discuss the future fate of Massachusetts.

Mr. Ma Wenxiu, since you took the lead in verbally attacking the other party, please apologize to the other party.

Otherwise, I will be compelled to terminate your delegate and choose another gentleman who can maintain his graceful manners. ”

Under the majestic gaze of Viscount Lin Feng, Ma Wenxiu's face opened his mouth with a red face, and closed it in frustration, and finally he could only say to Mr. Carl Vincent; "I'm sorry, Mr. Carl Vincent, I apologize to you only for the unintentionally offensive language, I have no intention of belittling the Irish......"

"Alright, that's enough, Mr. Carl Vincent, now you have to apologize to Mr. Marven so for your rudeness, we are all waiting, please don't delay the progress of the agenda." Viscount Lin Feng unconsciously put himself in the position of a high arbiter, and let the representatives present subtly accept it.

Some people see the mystery, but the vast majority of people don't see it.

Robinson, the former deputy speaker of the Speakers, was the one who saw it, and his sophisticated eyes silently stopped on Carl Vincent and Ma Wenxiu, and then looked at the first ambassador who looked like he was presiding over justice, with a thoughtful expression.

But he didn't break it, but wisely kept silent.

"Okay, I apologize, but I'm not afraid of you Ma Wenxiu, I still insist on the idea of independent statehood." Carl Vincent looked stubborn.

Viscount Lin Feng spread his hands and said; "Since we have apologized to each other, it is time for free debate, please pay attention to the words, do not involve attacking the other party and the race, please gentleman's debate."

Ma Wenxiu exhaled deeply, stood up and faced Carl Vincent and said;

"I support joining the Tang Empire as a part of it because it will bring lasting prosperity and peace to Massachusetts. With a lot of investment, our coastal region will develop better and its people will be richer, which is in the interest of all of us.

Presumably, all of you will not deny these benefits, right?

Look at our neighbors, the Democratic Republic of Maine and the Republic of Connecticut, which received a lot of investment from the Empire just by signing a treaty of close military alliance.

When we become a member of the Empire, we will not only have the esteemed status of citizens of the Empire, but we will also naturally have an advantage in competition with the surrounding regions.

Guys, don't forget......

We compete with New York Harbor in the Republic of New York, New Haven in the Republic of Connecticut, and Portland in the Democratic Republic of Maine, all of which are important ports along the Northeast coast.

Boston, which drives the economy of the entire Massachusetts area, has little advantage over these competitors, and that's where our problem lies.

Only by becoming a part of the empire, by His Royal Highness the Prince, can we receive special favor from the imperial side and maximize our interests.

As a merchant and estate owner, I strongly supported Massachusetts becoming part of the empire, which was the best option. ”

"I'm against it, you're looking for another master for yourself, isn't it good to be free and independent?" Carl Vincent shouted angrily.

Looking at his excited look, even Pan Shouguo, the Minister of North American Affairs, was deceived, and thought to himself;

Where did you find this living treasure? The red-faced singing is really amazing, if he didn't know that this thing was a secret pile buried by the military for more than 20 years, he would have really been blinded by him.

The Department of North American Affairs has taken over many of the networks between the military and the Department of the Interior, as well as other departments, and there are not many hidden stakes like Carl Vincent, which can be found in all walks of life in American politics and economics, especially white people.

Carl Vincent was a member of the White Servant Army at the Battle of Chicago, and was one of the emperor's ardent supporters because of his steadfastness, stabbing dozens of American Northern officers and soldiers on the battlefield.

In addition, he himself is more clever, and he is not at all as reckless as his rugged appearance.

So, Carl Vincent was picked by the military in the wounded camp, and after recovering from his injuries, he came to Massachusetts to hide.

After 28 years, it's finally time to perform.

It's a pity not to be an actor. (End of chapter)