Chapter XIII: Elections to the House of Commons
In the noisy square, a few birds tentatively landed on the branches of the trees, and were about to look for insects among the leaves, but they were frightened away by the cheers of the crowd under the trees, leaving a feather slowly falling, proving the arrival of the birds.
On the high platform, Arthur looked at the cheering crowd with great satisfaction. Now it seems that Arthur's planned tax cut has been very successful in gaining the hearts and minds of the people, and if the Australians' desire for unity made them look forward to Arthur's rule, then after the tax cut, they have begun to welcome and rejoice in Arthur's arrival.
In that case, Arthur didn't mind adding another fire. He motioned for the crowd to calm down, as there was more important news to be announced.
Sure enough, after seeing Arthur's gesture, the originally noisy square quickly quieted down, as if it was not them who were noisy before.
Arthur was pleased with the effect and said with a smile: "At the same time, I have a very important thing to announce. Although we are a monarchy, I am more than happy to give my people their rights. I declare that the House of Lords and the House of Commons are formally established, and that elections to the House of Commons will be held every two years from 10 May to 17 May. The results will be counted from the 18th to the 24th, and the elected members of the House of Commons will officially take office after the announcement on May 25. Now, every Australian can proudly declare that you are free to fight for your rights! ”
"Long live Your Highness! Long live Australia! ”
As Arthur's bombshells were struck one after another, all the Australians present became more and more satisfied with Arthur, and everyone was glad that the British stopped him during the Federal Council at that time, otherwise the rulers of the original colonies would continue to rule Australia, and whether they could cut taxes or not, let alone give Australians rights.
"Sons of the people, elections to the House of Commons are open to all adult Australians and all adult Australians have one vote. During the election period, I will send the Guards to inspect the election site to ensure that there is no fraud in our House of Commons elections. The House of Commons has the power to make and amend ordinary laws and elect cabinet members, and is one of the most important branches in Australia. And now, as the Duke of Australia, I declare that this right shall be conferred upon all my people. Let all Australians participate and witness that Australia will rise in this beautiful world. Long live Australia! The more Arthur spoke, the more excited he became, and finally he even yelled directly.
However, at this time, Arthur's slight gaffe was not noticed, and everyone was immersed in joy and excitement, shouting after Arthur.
Amidst cheers and applause, Arthur ended his coronation speech perfectly.
If Arthur was very mysterious and expectant in the hearts of Australians before, then now in the hearts of Australians, Arthur's status has surpassed Queen Victoria, who ruled them for decades, and he is already a very benevolent and excellent monarch.
If Arthur can continue to maintain his popularity and reputation among the Australian people, then his position in Australia will be unshakable.
May 9, 1900, Sydney Harbour.
After more than 10 days in Australia, Queen Victoria finally had to continue her journey to the Isle of Wight.
Looking at the boy in front of her, who was already taller than herself, Queen Victoria was also a little emotional for a while, and said with a smile: "Arthur, your speech is very good, I believe that Australia can become the most brilliant pearl of Oceania under your leadership." ”
"Grandmother, you must pay attention to your health, Arthur is still waiting to participate in the celebration of the 70th anniversary of your accession to the throne!" Arthur did not reply to Queen Victoria's compliment, but said to Queen Victoria with a reluctant expression.
"Hahaha, good boy, grandmother knows. Your mother and two younger sisters still need your care in Australia. I've got the best teachers from England to teach you and them. Hopefully, the next time we meet, my Arthur will grow up to be a good ruler, and my grandmother will be proud of her. Queen Victoria kissed Arthur lightly on the forehead, and then took Princess Beatrice and the fleet head away without looking back.
If Queen Victoria hadn't betrayed her heart by shaking her shoulders slightly, perhaps this farewell would have been less sad.
Bidding farewell to Queen Victoria, Arthur will need to receive the precious treasure that Queen Victoria has left him.
A full two thousand British royal guards and their families numbered nearly eight thousand people, as well as two English cooks, two maids, six servants, and a personal tailor.
In addition to these, 237 million pounds sterling and 50 million worth of industrial equipment, as well as Arthur's two military factories in England, a steel mill and a shipyard, important equipment and skilled workers were transferred by Arthur.
To be honest, Arthur is glad that he was born into the British royal family and is the only son of Queen Victoria's favorite son, Duke Arthur.
Even if the fiefdom is changed to Australia, which does not have any industry and infrastructure, it can have more than 200 million pounds of start-up capital and 50 million pounds worth of industrial equipment, as well as multiple factories.
Not to mention how huge the capital of 200 million is, even just 50 million pounds of industrial equipment and these factories can allow Australia's industry to expand rapidly and make up for the gap with Western countries.
What's more, Australia has a large number of mineral resources, including coal, iron, aluminum, oil, natural gas, gold, silver and other minerals, and the reserves of each mineral are very rich, which is completely enough to build Australia into a strong industrial country.
Australia also has a very rich natural uranium ore, you know, uranium-235 extracted from uranium ore is one of the main materials for making atomic bombs, even in later generations, the world's natural uranium ore available for development is only 5 million tons, and Australia has 610,000 tons, more than one-ninth.
With such abundant mineral resources, coupled with huge start-up capital and a large number of industrial equipment, as well as the support of the British Empire, the most powerful industrial country in a short period of time, Arthur is fully confident that he will raise Australia's industrial level to the second rate in Europe in a short period of time, and even launch an attack on the first class in Europe.
What's more, at this time, Australia also has a unique geographical environment, and there are no competitors in Oceania, and the two potential opponents, an island country and the United States, will not pose a threat to Australia in a short period of time due to various reasons and restrictions.