Gilded Ambitions: Concert of Europe Part V (Gameplay Thread)

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New York Public Library Digital Collections

A NEW DAWN FOR NEW ENGLAND:
The Inauguration of Chairman John Francis Fitzgerald

As dawn broke over Boston on April 2, 1900, so did a new chapter in the history of the Confederation. As the last snows ran off into the Charles River, the streets of the city would come alive. Thousands of onlookers would flock to Boston Common to witness the inauguration of a new Chairman - after fifteen years of checkered stewardship under Chairman James Blaine, a new era of governance would at last arrive in New England.

Chairman-elect John Francis Fitzgerald would eschew the typical pomp and circumstance that accompanied inauguration festivities. Rather than accept the traditional horse-and-carriage ride to the Capitol steps, Fitzgerald would lead a mile-long walking procession from his Boston home to the Commons. Initially planned to take no more than an hour, with the inauguration scheduled for noon sharp, the affable Chairman-elect would take three times longer, stopping nearly every block to shake hands and speak with enthusiastic supporters lining the streets. The processional would, at last, reach the Commons just after two-thirty, as throngs of New Englanders - some coming from as far-off as Calais or Syracuse - eagerly watched Fitzgerald take the oath.

The inauguration, traditionally, was a rather subdued affair. The first postwar inauguration at the rebuilt Capitol - Blaine’s first - was a small gathering of Boston elites. Even the election of the populist Butler would see smaller crowds due to an off-season blizzard. However, Chairman Fitzgerald was no traditional politician. The son of Irish immigrants, Fitzgerald had built his political career on his fierce advocacy for New England’s burgeoning immigrant community. Stylish and charismatic, Fitzgerald’s personable character - and his incredible youth, just thirty-seven at his inauguration - would stand in stark contrast to the uptight, traditional Yankee political elite. In fact, Fitzgerald would defeat the leader of this elite - Henry Cabot Lodge - to take the Chairmanship. With the Centralists divided due to the emergence of the Progressive movement, Fitzgerald and his Federalists would conclusively defeat the splintered opposition with 45% of the vote. While Fitzgerald would steeply underperform in wealthy and rural wards, the enthusiastic backing of Irish, German, and other immigrant communities would help him carry major cities by overwhelming margins over Lodge and Hoar, securing him the election. It was these new New Englanders who now crowded the tree-lined avenues of Boston Common, contributing to, by far, the largest crowd in the history of Chairman inaugurations.

Just after three in the afternoon, as the clouds over Boston finally broke, the outgoing Chairman would administer the oath to his successor on the Capitol steps, overlooked by various Congressmen and dignitaries on the Capitol balcony and thousands of New Englanders spilling out deep into the Common. Chairman Blaine, once a dominant figure in New English politics, had been aged and isolated by his tumultuous last term. Increasingly frail and bitter, Blaine would begrudgingly hold the Bible as Fitzgerald recited the oath.

“I, John Francis Fitzgerald, do faithfully swear to execute the office of Chairman of the Confederation of New England, to uphold and defend our Constitution and our principles, and, to the best of my ability, protect the life and liberty of our people. So help me God!”

Smiling, Fitzgerald would step down from the lectern amid raucous cheers from the Common. After an awkward handshake with Blaine, who would quickly leave the stage, Fitzgerald would exchange words with several balcony onlookers, many of whom would play key roles in his government - Roscoe Conkling, the sole other living Chairman, Joseph Conry, one of his closest political allies, the mayor of Boston, among others. Then, waving to the crowd, the new Chairman would walk down to Beacon Street, speaking directly to the crowd.

Friends, countrymen! It is a great honor to stand before you today, as the fifteenth Chairman of our grand Confederation.

It is the dawn of a new century - a shining new era for the world, and for New England in particular. Soon, we shall celebrate our centennial as a free Republic. We have come far since our ancestors repelled the British oppressors from our august shores. We have defended our independence, our freedom time and time again, and while many have sought to extinguish the flame of New England’s liberty, none have succeeded. We have, as the world’s oldest Republic, become a nation respected ‘round the Globe, one of few that guarantees life and liberty for her citizens, and extends this offer of freedom to the oppressed and downtrodden people of the World. And more then anything, my friends, we have built. We have built cities, grand edifices and monuments from what was once rubble. We have built factories, ships and trains, that produce and transport goods that have made this modern age we live in possible. We have built farms, schools, markets, taverns, stadiums - we have built communities where there was naught but dirt before. New Englanders, old and new, built this Confederation from the ground up -  and so must we continue to build as we lead New England into her next century. As your Chairman, I will spend every waking hour in pursuit of this awesome goal.

To build a bigger and better future, we must constantly be willing to improve. I will not shy away from the recent struggles our Confederation has faced, nor the errors in policy my predecessors have made. And I will not shy away from the bold solutions that are needed to correct these mistakes, to set New England on a better path forward in this new Century.

The people of this great Commonwealth have tired of the stink of corruption in our government. They have tired of their Congressmen, their representatives in government being beholden to the interests of nefarious corporations and wealthy elites. Past Chairmen have allowed corruption to seep into the halls of Congress, gripping career politicians in its loathsome tentacles. No more! The people must rule, not the wealthy and elites.

It is time for our Congress to represent the People. As such, we must undertake bold reforms to our republican system. It is essential that all forms of corruption, all influence not directed towards the service of the people be excised from the halls of our Capitol. It is crucial that we make voting a simple process that is accessible to all, that we end the desperate attempts of the elitists to silence the people with archaic polling processes. It is past time for the People to choose their senators through direct election. And, it is well past time to make our elections system more sensible - to allow the People to vote for their Chairman and their Congress at the same time!

It is this corruption, this shameful allowance of aristocrats into the halls of Congress that has led to the despicable treatment of working New Englanders. My esteemed predecessor, Benjamin Butler, led the battle for better working conditions, for the right of workers to form unions and advocate for their liberty - and yet, these victories would be blocked by the corrupt elites in the Capitol! Even today, good New Englanders are forced to toil at the whims of these elites, just to feed their families! As your Chairman, I will not let this stand. I pledge to fight for every working New Englander, to guarantee their right to fair treatment and fair pay.

And now, a challenge, a duty fundamental to the spirit of our Confederation. New England is, at heart, a nation of immigrants. From when the first Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock, fleeing the chaos and oppression of the Old World, our nation has been built by come-from-aways. It is immigrants that have made the New English dream a possibility, that have built and rebuilt so much of this great nation after the North American war. It is immigrants that man the factories, the rail lines, the barracks of our grand Army and the ships of our fine Navy. In a world still full of the injustices that led the Pilgrims to seek a new home, it is fundamental to the national spirit and the national prosperity that we continue to welcome the lost and weary to our shining city on a hill. And yet, past administrations have sought to close our doors, to selfishly lock the shining promise of New England out of reach of those who need it the most. They would rather see our nation stagnate than allow immigrants, willing and eager, to contribute their talents and dreams to our great Confederation. They would have us stop moving forward, stop building, stay stuck in the past.

No more, I say. Under my stewardship, New England will remain a beacon of liberty shining out unto the world, and, once more, her doors shall be open to all. We will take in the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. We shall loft the flame of freedom high beside our golden door! We shall extend the promise of liberty to all who seek it, and build a bright future for all of New England, together!

John Francis Fitzgerald, 15th Chairman of the New England Confederation

Wikimedia Commons

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From The Desk of the Chairman

Wikimedia Commons

On Recent Legislative Proposals

Chairman Fitzgerald is eager to begin work on legislation to build New England a better, brighter future. As Congress opens for work, the Chairman has introduced several proposals for their consideration.

The Immigration Act of 1900
- Formally repeals the Naturalization Act of 1881
- Reduction of costs of naturalization, elimination of quota system
- Accelerated/preferred naturalization for immigrants with employment, immigrants with proof of familial ties to naturalized New Englanders, and refugees from oppressive government
- Provides subsidized English classes for adult immigrants, encouraging enrollment in these classes
- Strongly encourages immigrants to enroll their children in New England’s public schools, alongside the introduction of new curricula promoting patriotism and New English republican values

The Labor Act of 1900
- Formally bans ‘oppressive child labor’. Applies to all New Englanders under 14 years old, with some exemptions for New Englanders between 14 and 18 years old, and farm work.
- Requires companies to compensate employees for injuries incurred during work
- Introduces basic safety standards for all workplaces
- Creates a study committee, with appointees by both the Chairman and Congress, to determine the feasibility of the implementation of a national minimum wage

The Succession Act
- With two instances in the past twenty-five years of Chairmans becoming incapacitated in office, it is past time to formalize the succession procedures for this critical position.
- In the event that the Chairman dies, is removed, or is otherwise incapacitated, the Speaker of the House of Delegates will immediately become Acting Chairman.
- The Acting Chairman will wield all powers of the Chairman, with the consent of Congress. Should the position of Speaker of the House of Delegates be vacant, Congress will elect one of their number to serve as Acting Chairman.
- The Acting Chairman may be removed with fifty-five percent of the vote in both Houses of Congress. Should the Acting Chairman be removed, Congress will elect one of their number to serve as Acting Chairman. Each time the Acting Chairman is removed, the threshold for removal shall rise to sixty percent, then sixty-seven percent.
- The Acting Chairman will hold their position until an election can be held, upon which they will immediately cede the title to the duly elected Chairman.
- The Acting Chairman should serve for no longer than ninety days, and will be required by law to call an election on a date no later than seventy-five days following the vacating of the Chairman's seat.

The New England Passenger Rail Authority Act
- Creates the New England Passenger Rail Authority (NEPRA), which has oversight over all passenger rail authority operations within the New England Confederation
- Authorizes NEPRA to act in tandem with rail corporations and local governments to standardize routes, infrastructure standards (including gauge sizes), and quality standards on all intercity lines.
- Grants NEPRA funding to, by 1907, secure standardized, reliable, and affordable intercity rail transport along the following corridors:
  - Atlantic Corridor (South): Stamford - New Haven - Providence - Boston
  - Atlantic Corridor (North): Boston - Portsmouth - Portland - Augusta - Bangor
  - Connecticut River Corridor: New Haven - Hartford - Lebanon
  - National Corridor: Boston - Lowell - Nashua - Manchester - Concord - Lebanon - Rutland -
   Burlington - (Montpelier) - Montreal (with the consent of the relevant Quebecois authority)
  - Adirondack Corridor: Boston - Worcester - Springfield - Pittsfield - Troy-Waterford - Amsterdam -
   Utica - Rome - Syracuse
- Grants NEPRA funding to, by 1914, secure standardized, reliable, and affordable intercity rail transport along the following corridors:
  - Connecticut Corridor: Boston - Worcester - Hartford - Waterbury - Danbury - Poughkeepsie
  - Hudson Corridor - Poughkeepsie - Hudson - Rensselaer - Troy-Waterford - Saratoga - Plattsburgh -
   Champlain
  - Cape Corridors: Boston - Quincy - Plymouth - Sandwich - New Bedford - Fall River - Providence
  - Ontario Corridor: Syracuse - Oswego - Watertown
- Grants NEPRA additional funding to secure frequent intercity rail connections between areas of high population, as the authority sees fit.

The Hydroelectric Act
- Formalizes the New England Hydroelectric Authority (NEHA) with oversight over hydroelectric projects within the Confederation
- Encourages the construction of new hydroelectric projects on, among other major rivers, the Hudson and Connecticut Rivers, in a manner that does not disturb shipping
- Encourages the use of new hydroelectric projects to electrify rural areas, particularly those without electricity at current
- Authorizes NEHA to work with local governments and corporations on these new projects


On the Conference on Ungentlemanly Warfare

Chairman Fitzgerald applauds Empress Wilhelmina for her initiative in this matter of grave importance. It was North American soil that saw some of the worst uses of these terrible weapons, and it is in the interest of all North Americans that these weapons be consigned to the past, never to be used against her denizens again. The Chairman will personally lead the New English delegation to Tróis Rivieres to ensure a favorable settlement is reached by all.

On the Quebecois Succession

As a proud Republic, New England has maintained a tradition of noninterference with succession in her allied monarchies. Nonetheless, Chairman Fitzgerald is disturbed by the recent diplomatic conflict emerging from the Quebecois succession. With respect to the paramount importance of national self-determination, the Chairman urges Quebec and Louisiana to come to a mutually agreeable solution for the sake of unity and harmony on our home continent.

On the Russian Election

Chairman Fitzgerald extends warm congratulations to the Russian Republic’s new President, His Excellency Pavel Milyukov. From republic to republic, it is heartening to see Russia’s continued commitment to republican ideals and to the liberty of her people. The Chairman extends his best wishes to President Milyukov, and welcomes continued warm relations between the Russian Republic and the Confederation of New England.

x Chairman John Francis Fitzgerald, New England Confederation

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Treaty of Nantucket

Recognizing the historic friendship and partnership of the Confederation of New England and the Kingdom of Mexico through the North American Alliance,

The Confederation of New England and the Kingdom of Mexico hereby agree to the following:

i. Both nations agree to respect the sovereignty of other another, and are forbidden from undertaking any action which would violate the national sovereignty of either signatory.

ii. The Kingdom of Mexico affirms that ships in the Caribbean flying a New English flag will not be attacked.

x Chairman John Francis Fitzgerald, Confederation of New England

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From The Desk of the Chairman

Wikimedia Commons

On the Campobello Conference

Chairman Fitzgerald was pleased to have the opportunity to personally meet with Her Majesty Wilhelmina I, and the Quebécois delegation, at Campobello Island, and to reaffirm the deep historical ties between the Confederation of New England and the Empire of Quebéc. Discussing a wide range of topics, from the sweeping constitutional reforms Her Majesty championed to potential Quebécois-New Englander cooperation across a variety of fields, the Chairman is confident that Her Majesty, and Quebéc at large, remain committed to the high-minded ideals of constitutional governance and liberty that New England has long championed, and is committed to continue fostering the special relationship between New England and Quebéc.

Furthermore, the Chairman, now far more versed in the intricacies of succession law, is pleased to formally recognize Her Majesty Wilhelmina as the sole legitimate Empress of Quebéc, and is eager to continue working closely with New England's longtime partner to the North for the security and prosperity of both great nations.  

On the Caribbean Crisis

Chairman Fitzgerald expresses his dismay at the rapid escalation of hostilities in the Caribbean between the Commonwealth of Louisiana and the Kingdom of Mexico, two longtime partners of the Confederation. New England formally protests the implementation of the embargo, which will have cascading negative effects on all nations - including New England - that engage in extensive trade in the region, as well as the Mexican legitimizing of effective piracy in the region, which has grave implications for the rule of law on the high seas. The Chairman urges both parties to come to a sensible resolution that undoes the deleterious impact on commerce these ill-guided policies will surely have on the region.

In the meantime, the Chairman has instructed the New England Merchant Marine to work in tandem with private enterprises to identify safe trading routes in compliance with the Louisianan embargo and with concern to the safety of New English shipping through the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. In particular, he echoes the advisory of the Merchant Marine that all vessels registered in New England have clear documentation on hand and clearly fly the New English flag, to minimize risk of piracy. The Chairman further warns all relevant powers that infringement upon New English flag vessels will not be taken lightly.

On the 1904 World Cup

Chairman Fitzgerald graciously accepts the invitation from Mexico to partake in the 1904 World Cup.

On the North American Cup

Chairman Fitzgerald, a devout football fan - who has personally enjoyed the sport as a proud former member and coach of the Boston recreational leagues - is excited to formally announce that Boston will host the next edition of the storied North American Cup. Alongside the three traditional competitors of the North American Alliance, the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia, the United Kingdom, the Kingdom of Naples, the Kingdom of Scandinavia, the Holy Union of Spain, the Kingdom of France, and Portugal have also been invited to participate. With ten competing nations spanning the Old and New Worlds, this iteration of the North American cup is set to be historic.

With the advice of experienced footballers from around the globe, a bold new format has been agreed upon for this landmark event. Rather than the traditional knockout format, the nations will instead be divided into two groups of five. Each member of a group will play every other member of the group once, with points awarded depending on the outcome of the match - three points for a victory, one point for a draw, and zero points for a defeat. Should ties occur at the end of the group stage, they will be broken by 1) the result of the game between the tied nations, 2) goal differential, 3) number of total goals scored, and 4) sportsmanship.

The winners of each group will be guaranteed spots in the semifinal, while the second and third place nations in each group will play each other for the right to advance to the semifinal. Should these games end in ties, an extra thirty-minute period - followed by penalty kicks - will be used to determine the winner.

The semifinal will feature the winner of Group A against the play-in victor of Group B, and the winner of Group B against the play-in victor of Group A. The final will feature the winners of both semifinal matchups. A third-place game will also occur.

The two groups of five have been determined by random drawings.

Group A
New England
Quebec
United Kingdom
France
Portugal

Group B
Mexico
Colombia
Naples
Scandinavia
Spain

Group-stage games will be played on Cambridge (Briggs) Field and Fenway Field, with all playoff games taking place in the Boston Common Stadium. New England is pleased to offer transportation and state-of-the-art lodging for all official delegations in Boston, and for international visitors in Cambridge. Visiting fans are encouraged to attend the games, however, they will be seated in different sections to preserve the peace. Chairman Fitzgerald expects all attendees to respect the principles of camaraderie and sportsmanship that the North American Cup was founded upon.  

Chairman Fitzgerald also invites non-participant nations to send delegations to Boston, whether to enjoy the festivities, further the development of football as a truly international pastime, or discuss further cooperation between participant states in the spirit of friendship through sport.

Chairman Fitzgerald looks forward to personally welcome the delegations of these fine nations to the great city of Boston, and is eager to showcase New English excellence in both football and hospitality to the world.

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Scandinavia requests urgent clarification as to the status of its nationals' holding and investments in the Kingdom of Mexico.

New England joins Scandinavia in requesting urgent clarification as to the status of its nationals' holding and investments in the Kingdom of Mexico.

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TREATY OF TROIS-RIVIERES (1900)

ARTICLE 1
Any form of biological warfare, as well as all forms of chemical warfare with the sole exception of non-lethal tear inducing irritants for emergency domestic situations; are hereby considered to be ungentlemanly forms of warfare.

ARTICLE 2
The previously mentioned forms of ungentlemanly warfare are hereby banned within the territory of the signatures for domestic use, and for international use in terms of pre-emptive or first-use.

ARTICLE 3
The stockpiling of agents for biological and chemical warfare is hereby prohibited. All current stockpiles of such agents must be disposed of.

ARTICLE 4
Research on chemical and biological warfare will only be allowed for the purposes of finding countermeasures, antidotes or for purely scientific purposes. Incentives and support will be provided for experts in such fields to switch to non-lethal research. Signatures must share their findings with the Ungentlemanly Warfare Commission in order to prevent and/or deter the start of a new arms race.

ARTICLE 5
The sale of agents for chemical and biological warfare will be made illegal. Companies that held a role or stake in such fields until January 1st, 1900, and who may encounter financial losses as the result of this protocol, may be reasonably compensated by their respective nation if they so decide, under their preferred mechanism.

ARTICLE 6
The signatories will further formally renounce the right to non-first usage of chemical and biological weapons in self-defence for all time. To enforce this renunciation, all signatories will agree to enact immediate and full economic sanctions, including an economic embargo, against any nation that engages in ungentlemanly warfare after the aforementioned date. Signatories must also pass legislation or enact decrees that ensure compliance with Article 6.

ARTICLE 7
An Ungentlemanly Warfare Commission will be established in a city belonging to the Swiss Republic or any such other neutral and non-aligned nation, with participants from all signatories. Delegations from the Commission will be provided reasonably access to signatory countries to ensure compliance with the previous articles.

The Commission must ensure that the make up of delegations to specific countries places emphasis on neutral, non-aligned, or non-rival nations to the one to be inspected. Information thus collected will remain the private, exclusive property of of the Commission, which must enact regulations with harsh penalties for any actors who illegally access or divulge any of its contents.

Suspicion of non-compliance must be brought to the Commission, who will issue a report – by majority vote – within 90 days outlining whether Article 6 ought to be invoked.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

x Chairman John Francis Fitzgerald, Confederation of New England
x Secretary of State Lucius F. C. Garvin, Confederation of New England

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Emergency Proclaimation

Wikimedia Commons

Chairman Fitzgerald expresses deep concern at the continued escalation of the Mexico-Louisiana crisis, and once more urges the powers to seek rapprochement. The Chairman protests blockades that stifle the free flow of trade in the region, and warns both powers in the conflict that attacks or infringement upon neutral ships will face harsh diplomatic consequences.

Recognizing the high tensions in the region, the Department of State has issued new advisories regarding travel in the region. The Department of State warns against all naval travel in the Gulf of Mexico and within 30 nautical miles of the isle of Cuba, with a further zone of caution extending to the entirety of the Caribbean Sea and a region extending 50 nautical miles north and east of the Leeward and Windward Islands. Ships traveling in either zone should be on high alert, be adequately armed, carry clear identification, and clearly fly the New English flag. The New England Merchant Marine will continue to work to establish safe shipping routes, notably through Quebecois Puerto Rico, to ensure the general safety of ships in the region.

A carve-out to the Gulf of Mexico warning zone will extend 10 nautical miles beyond the Mexican shoreline, from Cozumel to the port of Veracruz. Should the Commonwealth of Louisiana impose a reciprocal naval blockade on the Kingdom of Mexico, or should circumstances on the seas demand it, this carve-out will be dissolved.

More broadly, the Department of State implores New Englanders conducting business in either Louisiana or Mexico to do so with caution, and informs the Louisianan and Mexican governments that infringement upon the life, liberty, or property of New English nationals will not be tolerated. Should war break out, the New English Embassies in both nations are prepared to secure safe passage home for any New English national.

Furthermore, the Chairman notes that, as a proud signatory of the Treaty of Tróis-Rivieres, New England will not tolerate the usage of chemical weapons by either side of this conflict. Should either side violate the doctrine laid out by the draft Treaty, New England will immediately impose a full embargo on the violating power, and urges other global powers to ratify the treaty and adopt this standard posthaste.

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The 1900 North American Cup
Host New England Victorious, Iberian Powers Emerge
with permission from Spamage

A stray ball is launched into the crowd as Quebec defeats France 2-1
via Spamage, Midjourney

Occurring amidst a backdrop of growing tensions around the world, the North American Cup of 1900 would provide a welcome respite from the conflicts. Ten nations, spanning across several continents, would send delegations to Boston to partake in spirited competition through football. These nations would include three of the traditional four participants in the storied North American Cup - host New England, Quebec, and Mexico - alongside the seven invitee nations of the United Kingdom, Colombia, Scandinavia, France, Spain, Portugal, and Naples.

Chairman Fitzgerald, a great fan of the sport, personally presided over the ceremonies. In addition to the traditional football grounds on Boston Common, in the heart of the rebuilt city, games would take place at newly constructed stadiums in Fenway and Cambridge. Fans from across New England and the world would travel to Boston to witness the games, many arriving by New England’s extensive network of rail lines.

Chairman Fitzgerald is escorted onto Boston Common to formally open the North American Cup
via National Park Service

Alongside the football contests themselves, the North American Cup would be accompanied with a showcase of the best hospitality New England had to offer. This would include generous spreads of traditional New English cuisine - fresh lobster and fish dishes alongside craft alcohol and a wide variety of delicious pies. While fine dining would of course be offered to dignitaries, more informal dishes would also be highlighted. Festivities would also highlight the many cultures of New England - the "melting pot" of the world, including street vendors and music - these would be open to the public.

Boston would also take the opportunity to showcase her newest buildings and technologies to the world. Taking advantage of the increased international presence, the universities of the Confederation would convene at Harvard to demonstrate advancements in New English science to the public, particularly electricity and hydropower. City officials would tout the first-ever ‘subway’ running under central Boston, as well as the city’s growing trolley system used to ferry spectators to and from the other stadiums. And, of course, tours were offered to the construction site of the grand Statue of Liberty, which would be fully completed and ready to welcome the nations of the world to Boston - the Gateway to America - within a few years.

Group Play

Before the tournament, the odds-on favorites were the trio of North American nations, whose teams had a significant advantage in experience over their European counterparts. Since the end of the North American War two decades prior, international competitive football had become a staple in North America. While Louisiana, a pillar of football’s continent-wide explosion in popularity, was absent from the Cup, the three remaining North American teams (including reigning champion Quebec) were all strong contenders to hold onto the title. The Colombian team, who had cut their teeth against the Mexicans in friendly competition, were also viewed as strong contenders.

However, things would quickly be turned on their head with the emergence of two surprising contenders - the Iberian nations of Spain and Portugal. Portugal would burst on the scene after a stunning 3-0 upset of the Quebecois favorites followed by a tie with group-leading New England, while Spain would, similarly, beat Colombia then tie Mexico. However, their rises would be defined by different attributes - the Spanish breaking out with their potent offense, while the Portuguese would be defined by their stout defense, allowing just one goal throughout the entire group stage. Nonetheless, the unexpected excellence from the Iberian sides would captivate football fans around the world over, and gain them many new fans.

Buoyed by raucous home crowds and competent players honed by years of domestic play, New England would cruise to the top of Group A, with Portugal finishing second. Quebec, after a heartbreaking loss to New England and the aforementioned shock upset to Portugal, would rally with wins over France and the United Kingdom to sneak into the knockout rounds. Group B, meanwhile, would go down to the wire between Mexico and Spain - on the final day of round-robin play, with the Mexicans sitting out, Spain would give Scandinavia a bloody nose (winning 2-0) to secure the group off goal differential. Colombia would take third place to earn a crack at reaching the semifinals in a rematch versus Mexico.

Playoffs

The play-in would be opened by a rematch between Portugal and Quebec. The Quebecois team, gaining momentum after two hard-fought victories and eager for revenge against the Portuguese side, would come into the game with energy. However, Quebecois hopes would soon be shattered. Portugal would find their way past Quebec’s defenses twice in the first fourteen minutes, scoring a third time before the half to shatter Quebecois hopes of revenge. While Quebec would finally weave a goal past the Portuguese defense at the seventy-fifth minute, it was simply too little, too late for the Francophone side. Portugal would advance to face Spain in an Iberian rivalry game.

The other play-in game would be marred by news from the outside world. With news of three world powers invading their home country just reaching Boston, the listless Colombian team would be pummeled by the Mexicans, going down 4-0. The Colombian delegation would promptly leave Boston to return home to the ongoing battle for their nation.

New England and Mexico, the two remaining North American nations in the draw, would face each other in the semifinals, with the winner favored to win the tournament. Mexico would dominate the ball from the tip, but would be unable to find any goals against a tough New England defense - rather, it was New England that struck first, just before the half, much to the delight of the crowd. Increasingly desperate Mexican attempts to equalize would fail, with a New English striker scoring in the waning seconds of the game, an exclamation point to a statement victory.

The Iberian grudge match would become an instant classic, with both sides playing very aggressive, physical games. Portugal would open the scoring in the 22nd minute off a corner kick. Unlike the Mexicans, though, Spain would find an equalizer at the 58th minute - just the third goal scored against the Portuguese defense. With both teams searching for a dagger, it would ultimately be a Portugal goal at the 83rd minute to send the Portuguese team to a much-anticipated  - albeit unexpected - final against the home team.

Mexico and Spain would duel for third place two days before the scheduled final. With a smaller, more subdued crowd in attendance, the Mexican team would lead from wire-to-wire to secure the bronze medal, a small - but welcome - consolation for their heartbreaking loss to New England.

The sun shined high over Boston Common as the two North American Cup finalists took the field. The stands were filled to the brim with enthusiastic New English football fans, eager to see their team take home the North American Cup for the first time in history. The first half hour of the game would see the crowd somewhat subdued as the New English side attempted repeatedly to break through against Portugal. However, with a Portuguese player committing a hard foul at the thirtieth minute, an opportunity would arise - referees would award New England a penalty kick, which was easily converted. With New England up, Portugal would redouble their efforts to score, only to be stifled by a strong New English defense, and at the eightieth minute, New England would be awarded another penalty kick - much to the protest of the Portuguese coach, who would be ejected after aggressively confronting a referee. After converting the penalty and scoring once more just three minutes later, the match was all but over - while Portugal would get on the board with a last-minute goal, it was the ecstatic New England fans that stormed the field as their team secured the 1900 North American Cup. Chairman Fitzgerald, personally in attendance, was on deck to personally congratulate the victorious New English side and award them the hefty tournament trophy.

New England emerges victorious on Boston Common
via Spamage, Midjourney

In addition to being a historic triumph for New English football, the North American Cup, hopefully, has turned interest in football global, with new powerhouses emerging outside of the American continents. While the 1904 World Cup in Mexico may be in jeopardy due to conflict, football will certainly return to the global stage soon, with even more nations soon to join the sport.

[OBD]

From The Desk of the Chairman

Wikimedia Commons

On Louisiana

Chairman Fitzgerald condemns, in the harshest possible terms, the usage of chemical weapons by the Commonwealth of Louisiana in open violation of the Treaty of Tróis-Rivieres. While Louisiana is not a signatory to the Treaty, this is no excuse. As such, Chairman Fitzgerald will, in full compliance with the Tróis-Rivieres standard, instruct the relevant trade authorities of New England to impose a full embargo on the Commonwealth of Louisiana until Louisiana signs the Treaty of Tróis-Rivieres and comes into compliance with its standards.

Chairman Fitzgerald does not take this act lightly. Louisiana has long been a key ally for the Confederation, and the Chairman has nothing but affinity for the people of Louisiana. He hopes that New Orleans will soon realize the folly of their actions, and move into compliance with the Treaty at the earliest possible date.

New England will follow the Québecois standard and guarantee the basic rights of Louisianan nationals currently within New England, and the right of Louisianan royal and state organizations to currently-held property in New England - though, this property will not leave the boundaries of the Confederation prior to the lifting of the embargo. New England further warns the Commonwealth of Louisiana against seizing or nationalizing properties held in Louisiana by New England or other Tróis-Rivieres signatories.

The embassy of New England in New Orleans will remain open, and New England will allow Louisianan diplomatic officials to continue operations at the Boston embassy. Especially in light of the recent conflict with Mexico, New England will continue to work with Louisianan officials to ensure safe passage home for any New England national in Louisiana.

On The Economy

Prior to the introduction of more concrete measures, Chairman Fitzgerald will immediately petition Congress to unlock emergency funding for New English merchants to redirect lost Caribbean trade to other reliable nations, Québec in particular. As supply permits, Chairman Fitzgerald will seek to remedy the shortfall of tropical goods previously imported from Mexico and Louisiana through trade with Puerto Rico.

Chairman Fitzgerald extends his thanks to Empress Wilhelmina for her designation of New England as a favored trading partner. New England will reciprocate this designation, as well as Québecois efforts to address current shortfalls and secure supply chains, and Chairman Fitzgerald urges New English firms to urgently export locally-produced goods to Québec and other friendly powers as demand requires.

[OBD]

Treaty of San Miguel du Cozumel (1901)

The Confederation of New England and the Kingdom of Mexico hereby agree to the following terms:

1. In recognition of the exceptional and innovative expertise possessed by New England in the field of medical research and treatment, the Confederation of New England will solicit volunteers from the New England Red Cross and medical institutions to travel to the Kingdom of Mexico. These medical professionals will be tasked with providing treatment to wounded soldiers, addressing their injuries, and offering assistance with the management of chemical burns—a horrifying phenomenon the world has not witnessed before. The Kingdom of Mexico guarantees that these volunteers will not be stationed near frontline combat, and guarantees their safe passage home to New England.

2. The Confederation of New England commits to prioritizing the export of surplus medical supplies to the Kingdom of Mexico at a 20% discount from market value. This initiative aims to support the treatment of injured Mexican soldiers. The specified goods to be sent include scalpels, forceps, scissors, probes, bandages, gauze, dressings, and antiseptics such as carbolic acid, iodine, and hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, anesthetics such as ether and chloroform, pharmaceuticals, painkillers, and orthopedic devices like braces and splints will be included.

3. Furthermore, the Confederation of New England will prioritize the export of surplus field hospital equipment to the Kingdom of Mexico at a 20% discount from market value. This assistance is intended to facilitate the establishment of first-care facilities for the prompt treatment of wounded soldiers in Mexico.

X King Luis II, King of Mexico

x Chairman John Francis Fitzgerald, Confederation of New England

[OBD]

Treaty of Porto Rico

Article I:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia, the Empire of Quebec, and the Republic of New England, “the High Contracting Powers,” declare the preservation of trade and commerce in the Caribbean Sea as their foremost goals.

Article II:
In pursuit of this goal, the High Contracting Powers shall furnish joint naval squadrons to convey unarmed commerce in that area of the Caribbean not under formal blockade by any of the belligerent parties in the region. Such commerce will be under the personal guarantee of the High Contracting Powers and any acts taken against it will constitute a hostile act against said Powers.

xCharles XIV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa
xAlfred Lagerheim, Utrikesstatsminister

x Chairman John Francis Fitzgerald, Confederation of New England

[OBD]

Chairman Fitzgerald is pleased to see the Republic of Russia's successful constitutional reforms come to fruition. From brother republic to brother republic, we congratulate President Milyukov and the Russian people on this grand accomplishment, and look forward to continued goodwill and cooperation between our governments of and for the people of our great nations.

[OBD]

Treaty of Newport

The Confederation of New England and the Turkist Empire agree to the following:

1. The signatories commit, in the spirit of friendship, to establishing new trade and supply networks across the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

2. The Turkist Empire shall increase exports of tea, sugar, and nuts to the Confederation of New England.

3. Tariffs on agricultural goods between the two nations shall be reduced by ten percent.

4. The Confederation of New England shall provide and assist in the training and technical exchange of naval affairs for the Turkist Empire. Naval officials are invited to New English shores for joint coordination.

5. The Confederation of New England shall encourage local merchants to reroute consumer good exports disproportionately affected by the embargo on the Commonwealth of Louisiana to the Turkist Empire.

6. A foreign exchange program will be instituted between the two nations for students of exceptional merit, focusing on areas of entrepreneurship, science, and the trades.

7. Future areas of partnership shall be at the discretion of additional treaties.

X Grand Vizier for Life Ahmed Muhtar Pasha, Turkist Empire

x Chairman John Francis Fitzgerald, Confederation of New England

[OBD]

Treaty of Commerce between the Kingdom of Scandinavia the Republic of New England, and the Kingdom of Mexico

Article I:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia, the Republic of New England, and the Kingdom of Mexico, “the High Contracting Parties,” shall undertake efforts to restore the flow of bananas, sugar, coffee, and tobacco from the Kingdom of Mexico.

Article II:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Republic of New England shall dispatch trade convoys to escort merchant ships from unblockaded Mexican ports in the Yucatan and Guatemala.

Article III:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Republic of New England shall reduce tariffs on all bananas, sugar, coffee, and tobacco transported from the Kingdom of Mexico, irrespective of the nationality of the merchant ship.

xCharles XIV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

X King Luis II, King of Mexico

x Chairman John Francis Fitzgerald, Confederation of New England

[OBD]

Amalienborg Agreement


Article I:
The Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Republic of New England, “the High Contracting Parties,” bound by common cause in good government, trade, and diplomatic relations declare that their mutual policy shall be the continuation of the beneficial relationship.

Article II:
The High Contracting Parties shall establish the Kontor för Sjösamarbete (Office for Naval Cooperation) to allow for the mutual undertaking of new naval research.

Article III:
The High Contracting Parties shall collaborate to preserve Freedom of the Seas and the trade lanes in the North Atlantic.

Article IV:
The High Contracting Parties shall cooperate in procuring those raw materials disrupted by the ongoing American Wars.

Article V:
A foreign exchange program will be instituted between the High Contracting Parties for students of exceptional merit, focusing on areas of entrepreneurship, science, and the trades.

x Chairman John Francis Fitzgerald, Confederation of New England

[OBD]

The Kingdom of Poland extends their sincere condolences to the Vatican. We mourn the death of Pope Clement XIV, and send our best wishes and prayers to the Vatican in their time of need.

King Sigismund is gravely concerned regarding the potential safety of the Conclave, and echoes Austrian concerns regarding the selection of a safe location with historical precedent. Poland harshly condemns any attempts to manipulate the outcome of the Conclave, and will instruct the Cardinal of Krakow to follow directives from Vienna regarding the location and manner of the Conclave.

Poland shall mobilize a small detachment of peacekeepers in case the French compromise proposal comes to pass, and stands ready and willing to assist as needed to ensure the Conclave is a peaceful process respecting the rule of law and Papal customs.

[OBD]

Proclamations from the Court of Warsaw

Wikimedia Commons

On Domestic Reform

King Sigismund is pleased to announce a series of reforms to Poland's august system of governance. With Poland having stood at peace for thirty years under the stable hand of the Hapsburgs, the time has come for the implementation of true modern, enlightened governance. The King looks forward to inviting the people of Poland into the halls of government, and to work hand-in-glove with them to continue advancing Poland in the twentieth century. Furthermore, the King extends his best wishes to all party lists running in the upcoming election.

The 1903 Reforms

- Suffrage shall be broadened from landholding nobles to all males over the age of 25 who can pass a literacy test. Alongside the implementation of this literacy requirement, funding shall be granted to organize standardized local schooling across Poland to ensure that the Polish people are prepared to meet this requirement.

- A tiered system of local government, partially elected by the people and partially appointed by the Crown, shall be established. The tiers of jurisdictions shall be towns of considerable size, the county (powiat), the district (ziemia), and the province (województwo). Each of these local governments will have the power to manage local affairs in their jurisdiction - allocating taxes to the public good, resolving disputes, and appointing local magistrates, among other duties. Jurisdictions containing more local governments will exercise oversight over these governments - for instance, provincial government will exercise oversight over all district governments within the province's borders. This system will allow for the creation of effective local government uniquely tailored to addressing local needs, resolving issues with precision and compassion.

- A Special Commission on Boundaries, consisting of professional bureaucrats appointed by the Crown, shall formalize all provincial, district, county, and town boundaries with respect to the local government system. The Commission will be tasked with clarifying the location of boundaries where unclear and resolving boundary disputes. The Commission shall create a formal, binding map of all provinces, districts, counties, and towns by the year 1905. To complete this task, the Commission is authorized to create sub-offices across the Kingdom of Poland, and to appoint and confer with existing local officials to complete this task in a speedy and fair manner.

- The reform of the national government. Henceforth, there shall be a Senate, consisting of 100 seats, and a Sejm, consisting of 444 seats. The Senate shall be elected by nobles and landholders, and the Sejm shall be elected by the broader electorate. Acting in tandem, these bodies will have lawmaking power - should legislation pass both the Senate and Sejm with a 50% vote, it shall be transmitted to the Crown, who will have the option to exercise veto power.

- The Sejm shall elect from among its number a Prime Minister, who will then form government with consent of the Crown. Should the Prime Minister fail a No-Confidence vote (threshold 60%), the Sejm must select a new Prime Minister with royal assent. Should the incumbent Prime Minister have royal assent to do so, or should the Sejm be unable to elect a new Prime Minister, a irregular Sejm election may be called.

- The establishment of an Electoral Commission to oversee the elections process. The Electoral Commission will have the broad authority to print and distribute ballots, count results, and protect against fraud.

- The first elections, which shall be scheduled for this year, shall be conducted on the provincial level - based on population, each province shall be allocated a number of seats in the Senate and Sejm. For Sejm elections, each party list shall submit a list of candidates to the Electoral Commission, and voters will vote for their party list of choice. Each party list shall be allocated a number of seats proportional to their vote share, with a threshold of 5%.

- In future elections, which shall occur every five years, the Special Commission on Boundaries will be responsible for the drawing of Sejm constituencies within provincial borders. These constituencies should be compact, roughly equal in population and coterminous with local boundaries.

- The Law of The Parties - all candidates running for a seat in the Sejm shall be required to register with a 'party list'. All 'party lists' require significant support from members of the public, and are subject to approval by the Crown - 'party lists' deemed against the spirit of national tranquility will not be allowed to stand. Agitation for radical ideologies shall not be permitted.

On the Resolution of the Papal Crisis

King Sigismund is gladdened to hear that the conflict over the location of the next Papal Conclave has been resolved. In the face of unprecedented global turmoil and diplomatic mischief, it is important that the unity of the Catholic Church endure. As previously discussed, the King formally confirms the participation of Polish peacekeepers, as part of a Polish delegation to Konstanz, and is eager for the peaceful selection of a new Pope in line with Papal customs.

On the Baltic - Vistula Authority

The Crown is excited to announce the Baltic - Vistula authority, a joint project with the Kingdom of Scandinavia to spur economic development and cooperation in the Baltic region. An ambitious undertaking, this project would see the creation of a grand, multinational Baltic port that will unite the region and serve as a cultural and economic gateway to Poland and Central Europe. This project would create a closely-interconnected port network, uniting Scandinavian Danzig, Polish Gdynia and Mikoszewo, and should Prussia prove interested in the project, Prussian Elblag. Upon completion, the Baltic - Vistula authority will spur greatly increased trade across the region, represent a massive step for all nations involved towards economic and technological process, and solidify the Baltic brotherhood of Scandinavia, Poland, and (possibly) Prussia.

The following projects shall occur under the Baltic - Vistula Authority:

- Construction of a high-capacity rail network with standardized rail gauge, linking Gdynia, Sopot, Danzig, Mikoszewo, and (possibly) Elblag with both passenger and container rail. These will be interlinked to domestic Polish [and Prussian] lines to provide further economic connections.

- Expedited customs access, and possibly lower duties, for trade and goods transport between cities within the Baltic-Vistula Authority.

- Construction of widened shipping passages along the Martwa Visla to increase shipping capacity between Danzig and the Vistula.

- Significant expansion of port facilities in Gdynia. Upgrade of existing port facilities

- The creation of a formal advisory body for the Baltic-Vistula Authority with limited power and oversight over trade in the region. It shall consist of appointees by the Crowns of participating nations.

In tandem with the Baltic-Vistula projects, the Crown formally calls for the expansion of rail lines linking Gdynia and Mikoszewo to the remainder of Poland, and for the expansion of port facilities in Warsaw to accommodate increased trade along the Vistula River. In particular, upgrades of the Gdynia/Mikoszewo-Bydgoszcz-Torun/Plock-Warsaw corridors, as well as connections to Lodz onward to Krakow and southern Poland, shall be prioritized, with the eventual goal of frequent passenger and cargo service.