Balance of Power (Gameplay Thread) - Epilogue and Game Over

[Lumine]

End of Early 1904:

The war continues in the East, and it's likely to keep going for a long time. More than a milion people must have died already, but Germany, Austria and Russia keep pushing to see who falls first. And while Germany has the internal instability to survive, Austria is beginning to suffer the strain of minorities and a general lack of leadership, while Russia is in the middle of ethnic and political violence. Observers bet on a negotiated peace that will ensure the independence of the new nations in Poland and the Baltic, but who knows what might happen there...

Elsewhere, wars seem to multiply with the Senoussi rebellion, the Afghan rebellion and the invasion of Morocco, which might prove key for several nations in search of more prestige. With the possibility of building a canal in Nicaragua (the offer will be delivered next turn), President McKinley might be able to finish his term on a very positive note, despite the major constitutional crisis last year, and thus secure John Hay's election when the time comes.

Overall, the people are divided between thinking that this is a new era in which nations will change or just a phase in the system that has held Europe for the past century. There is no clear Superpower in the world now that the British are fighting rebellions and the Americans have scaled down their international efforts, but a German victory in the East might very well result in German supremacy in Continental Europe, something few could have predicted after Wilhelm II's foreign policy blunders.

Alliances, Wars and Popularity:

-Ongoing Wars:
 
-Great Russian War.
  -All-out war between Austria-Hungary and Germany vs Russia in the Eastern Front.
  -War between Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire/Adriatic League.

-Senoussi War:
  -Relative rebel control of the desert, British and French control of the Libyan coastline.

-Third Afghan War:
  -Full rebel control of Afghanistan.

-Invasion of Morocco:
  -Civil war, Allies control the coast cities.

-Popularity Ratings:
(Updated)

-Tsar Nicholas II: Medium.
-President William McKinley: Medium.
-Kaiser Wilhelm III: High.
-Kaiser Franz Ferdinand I: Low.
-Prime Minister Waldeck-Rousseau: High.
-Prime Minister Balfour: High.
-Emperor Mutsuhito: Very High.
-Sultan Abdul Hamid II: High.
-King Vittorio Emmanuele III: High.

Current Alliances:

Three Power Alliance (USA, UK and Japan)
Quadruple Alliance (Germany, Italy, Austria-Hungary and Japan) ("Generalissimo Franco is still dead"?)
Franco-Russian Alliance (France and Russia)
Franco-American Alliance (France and USA)
Franco-British Alliance (France and the UK)
Turkish-American Alliance (Ottoman Empire and USA)
Turkish-German Alliance (Turkey and the German Empire)
Orthodox League (Russia, Serbia, Montenegro and Romania)
Adriatic League (Greece and Italy)

The Map:

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

-Sultan Abdul Hamid II: High.

I thought I never live to see this day, lol.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

To combine both our Slavic Orthodox heritage and the central role of the Romanov Dynasty in our Empire, some modification shall be made to the existing Russian flag.



X Tsar Nicholas II

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

We appeal to all sensible people in Russia to stop Nicholas Romanov before his reckless actions, unnecessary prolonging the lost war in futile attempt to hold illusionic influence in the Balkans, will cause the collapse.

Podgorica is not worth of the Russian people dying for and Petrograd to fall.

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

The Sublime Porte, which has been at on-and-off war with our country and its people for over two hundred years, probably does not have a large audience in Russia to appeal to.

[Lumine]

Sick of waiting, here comes the turn:

Turn Eight - Late 1904: (Part I)

-Russia:

The situation in Petrograd keeps growing worse and worse with the protests and the panic that would come from a potential attack to the city. Father Gapon and his associates have almost taken full control of the unions, and they remain on the streets despite your firing of Witte. Gapon has denounced the aristocracy, the Black Hundreds and the conservative elements of the government, and while most still shout “Long live the Tsar”, they still wish to see a constitutional monarchy for Russia, land reform and to see the government more active gainst corruption.

Okhrana has some worrying news in Crimea: Unhappy with having to give away half the fleet and facing trouble with their rations, there have been reports of a potential conspiracy growing within the Black Sea Fleet in order to stage a mutiny.

Ivan Goremykin and his staff have started to work, purging corrupt and disloyal elements from the government as fast as he can. Alas, his main concern right now is the economy, given that the increasingly bad diplomatic situation has the potential to strangle trade. Goremykin is proposing that the economy should be refocused into military production, and he insists on finding a trade partner for advanced weaponry.

-United Kingdom:

Terror in London! Today the city had to face widespread shock when a bomb went off in Trafalgar Square, killing a handful of people and injuring dozens. Scotland Yard followed some suspects across the city, and they were later found dead at an abandoned warehouse. The men seemed to be European, but it was hard to identify them and while Scotland Yard believes this is the work of a large, organized group, they can’t single out the culprit.

The Indian front has stabilized with your reaction towards the officers who wasted Indian lives, an action that has managed to quiet down most of the revolts in the area. Alas, Afghanistan remains defiant despite all your actions, and the Indian troops don’t look very interested in returning to that zone. There’s also another potential conflict in regards to Tibet, given that the current Dalai Lama seems rather interested in having a friendly relationship with Russia. The General Staff is concerned with the possibility of having Tibet as an enemy, and Colonel Francis Younghusband has offered himself to lead a small expedition to take over the country.

Chamberlain has started to work with the tariff system in a moderate version, but the more conservative elements of the government have started openly attacking him and the unionists from this, forcing Chamberlain to fight back and start what seems to be an endless war of public declarations and speeches that threaten to destroy the unity of the government. Should the conservatives receive a reprimand? Should Chamberlain get the reprimand?

The House of Saud has finally come with a proposal in which Ibn Saud has asked for the creation of an Emirate for himself, based on Riyadh. Ibn Saud is ready to recognize the British protectorates in Kuwait, Qatar and Oman, in exchange for him being recognized as the sole representative in the area instead of his rival House of Rashid, which still controls a decent part of Arabia. Experts in the foreign office agree that while Ibn Saud has multiplied his strength since 1902, it will still take him a long time to actually unify the tribes of Arabia, a task that they believe it’s better left for him instead of the British troops. There some concerns about Mecca and a potential Ottoman answer, though.

-France:

Pierre Waldeck-Rousseau is in trouble. The doctors have diagnosed you with cancer, and they have stated that while an operation is possible, you don’t have long to live. This information is still a secret for most people, of course, so it’s up to you to choose whether to remain in office until the end or choose your successor as President of the Council. Among the choices available you have radical Interior Minister Emile Combes, moderate Finance Minister Maurice Rouvier, expansionist and germanophobe politician Theophile Delcasse, and the controversial Senator Georges Clemenceau, who wishes to follow policies from the left that would likely destroy the grand coalition.

The situation in Morocco seems to be improving thanks to the reinforcements, and the same can be said of Libya. Despite some deaths, the General Staff is confident that both nations can be occupied and pacified within a few years, but they ask for your orders in that matter.

A delegation of pied-noirs from Algeria has arrived in France to request a meeting. They claim that the treatment of Metropolitan France towards them is still improper, and they are requesting more benefits in order to  further the differences among them and muslim Algerians, who are still treated as second-class citizens (as in all colonies in the world, of course).

-Germany:

Good day, Kaiser Wilhelm, and welcome back.

Ignored by the government, Heinrich Schnee has taken his case to the press, denouncing the colonial authorities for their treatment of the African natives. He already has a decent amount of support, and he humbly requests an audience with the Kaiser to make his case and seek a reform of the colonial system.

Despite having taken over a while ago, the Kaiser is still unmarried, and that is an issue that has to be resolved right now according to experts in the Imperial court. The more moderate ones recommend a British or Austrian princess, but there are still some “adventures” who insist that an Ottoman Princess would be an interesting choice, no matter how unorthodox it is.

The election for the Polish King is set for this year and with the nobility and the people ready to vote, you have been briefed on certain issues regarding Poland. Since there hasn’t been a monarchy for many years, it will be hard for the Poles to get used to the idea at the beginning meaning that the one with the power will be the Prime Minister. Two men are currently aiming at the position: Josef Pilsudski (socialist and a respected leader of the Polish uprising) and Roman Dmowski (a right-wing nationalist) represent extremes from the Polish society, but are the only ones with the strength to survive.

The candidates for King are:

-Prince Adalbert of Prussia (your younger brother, unlikely to be very popular or accepted)
-Archduke Charles Stephen of Austria (the Austrian candidate, he is more in touch with the poles, but he might become the puppet of Franz Ferdinand).
-Prince Josef Stanislaw Poniatowsky (an old aristocrat, descendant of the old house of Poniatowsky)
-Prince Wladyslaw Leon Sapieha (a moderate landowner and social activist)
-Prince Adam Ludwik Czartoryski (a rich landowner and a patron of the arts)

Franz Von Papen, Bulow’s adjutant and expert conspirator argues that the Empire should push for Adalbert and try to rig the election to keep Poland as a puppet instead of autonomous, as he believes the Poles will soon try to gain true independence from Germany.

[Lumine]

Turn Eight– Late 1904: (Part II)

-Japan:

Is Japan alone in the world now? It seems that leaving the war has destroyed Japan’s credibility among many nations in the West, and it remains to be seen if the alliances Japan set are going to survive the end of the year.

It seems the situation in China grows unstable with the recent fights in the court. While Empress Dowager Cixi still rules with an iron fist, she is old, and people are beginning to wonder what will happen after she dies. On one side we have young Prince Chun, seeking to restore the legacy of his imprisoned brother, the Emperor Guangxu. Another major player is Yuan Shi-Kai, who has seen most of his allies (who ranked higher than him) die of old age, putting him at the front of court politics. Finally we have the eunuch Li Lianying, who pretty much controls the court affairs. It seems the three of them are engaged in a fight to control the court, and some advice that Japan might have an interesting opening here.

The Imperial General Staff is now in the possession of many bases in the Pacific, and it has been suggested that it’s time for Japan to arm the Pacific and turn it into a stronghold. They recommend funding military and naval bases in Formosa, the Philippines, the Kuriles, the islands bought to the Germans and so forth. The reasoning behind it is that the IJN would be safe to act in the Pacific and with enough capabilities to threaten places like Singapore.

-Italy:

-It’s election time in Italy! Giovanni Giolitti stands ready for the next election (in which he is expected to win in a major landslide), and he has asked for your support during the election. So far Giolitti leads a coalition of Liberals, Radicals and Republicans who are fighting Filippo Turati’s Socialists (who like Giolitti anyway) and Tommaso Tittoni’s Historical Right.

-The war in Morocco and Bulgaria seems to be going along rather nicely, but the commanders there have asked for reinforcements and an increased commitment to these wars.

-Taking the complicated situation in Europe into account, several military leaders have asked for Trieste’s defenses to be increased, and they argue that a fortification system should be built in Northern Italy to contain the French or the Austrian in case of war. It’s an expensive project, but it could prove decisive in case of a war.

-Italy has quickly consolidated control of Somaliland after the recent treaty with France, and it has been suggested that a railroad could be built to increase the existing infrastructure in the zone. Needless to say, it would be also prove decisive in a conflict with Abyssinia...

-USA:

Finally we have a competitive election in the United States, and it will be Hay/La Follette v. Dockery/Hearst. It seems Hay has the edge over the Democrats, but the election shouldn’t be taken for granted at all. The Senate and House elections will be crucial as well, so you should be careful in your electoral strategy. (This is the final McKinley turn, next turn belongs to the winner)

President Santos of Nicaragua feels quite encouraged by the recent news, and he has proposed something very similar to the Hay-Herran treaty, provided that the United States will pay his government $50 m and $250.000 a year in gold coin as long as the temporary lease of Nicaraguan soil remains there. Experts have calculated the expense of the project to be set at $140m without counting the payment to Santos’s government.

With the economy more or less stable and most foreign adventures finished, it seems the McKinley government has a few months left for their final actions. What will you do to end your term as President?

-Ottoman Empire:

Grand Vizier Hilmi Pasha has started a very active and ambitious schedule, and so far he has already coordinated efforts with the Senate and the Army to give further strength to the Empire. He reports that, so far, the Baghdad Railway is progressing, but in need for more money. He also believes that while the war in Bulgaria can be won, the country cannot be occupied for long before facing a guerrilla war that Empire will have problems fighting.

Your foreign trip has been a massive success, but you faced a lot of danger during your stay in Italy, where a gunman tried to assassinate you before being gunned down by the Carabinieri. While you suffered no harm, it should be a good time to think of a potential successor should anything happen to you.

Kurdistan and the occupied zones in Armenia seem to be stabilizing, but it’s not easy at all to control such large populations. There are rumors among the army that the Sultan might be thinking of repeating past actions against the Armenians in order to wipe them out of the Empire (read: genocide).

-Austria Hungary:

-While some parts of Transylvania have been recovered by the army, the population has turned against the Austrian army, desiring to join their Romanian brothers. The army reports that they can take Transylvania back, but holding it will be complicated and bloody.

-A lack of action in the domestic front not only has led the Austrian economy into stagnation, but it’s hurting the war effort was well. Some argue that the Austrian economy should be geared towards military production, some that rationing will be need, and some say that the problem will simply go way after the war is over.

-Following the example of Kaiser Wilhelm III, the feminist movement in the Empire has faced a massive growth, with women demanding the right to vote just like the German women. Of course, the conservatives and the aristocracy are up in arms against this, and Hotzendorf and his military group already have enough motives to despise you. What will you do?

[Lumine]

Event – a Nobel for the Institute of International Law!

TO: All players.

With war growing over in the East and atrocities mounting over the world, it was obvious the 1904 Nobel Peace Prize was not going to a head of state. As a result, the winner was the Institute of International Peace, an organization based on Belgium who had been working rather tirelessly “to formulate the general principles of the science of international law”. The Institute has gained a lot of prestige with the prize, and rumor has it that they plan to denounce Nicholas II, Franz Ferdinand I and Wilhelm III as warmongers if the war goes on.

Event – 1904 Summer Olympics!

TO: All Players.

The third modern Olympic games were hosted in the United States this year, from August to September 1904 in St. Louis, Missouri. It was a strange occasion, since Governor Dockery was one of the main candidates to the Presidency, and it was believed that a successful Olympics would help his bid. Sadly, it was not to be. The Great Russian War prevented many athletes from coming to the games, and organizer James Edwards Sullivan proved to be incredibly incompetent as an organized, which, coupled with the fact that most athletes couldn’t even get to St. Louis meant that the bulk of the participants were Americans (who won 212 medals). Some records were broken and interesting events held, but it was certainly a disappointing occasion, leaving many people to hope that the 1908 Olympics would be much more efficient and enjoyable. It seems Governor Dockery has not suffered in popularity in the United States itself, but his perception in the exterior has become mostly negative.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

To: The United Kingdom
From: The Ottoman Empire

We are shocked and disgusted with an awful act of terror on the Trafalgar Square. Our prayers and sypmathy goes for the victim and their families. We wish the British Police quick success in finding and arresting the criminals.


OOC: I rather expected an assassination attempt to be made in Greece, rather than Italy

[Snowstalker Mk. II]

Russian Empire's Responses--Late 1904

• It is puzzling that the Russian economy had not been shifted into full war production. Do this immediately. Furthermore, to placate the workers who have been diligently producing for Russia and for the war effort, discuss with the cabinet the implementation of several social reforms--workplace safety laws, insurance for those injured and unable to work, and perhaps even a small minimum wage. Continue to seek out waste and graft within the government and punish those responsible. After the war we will begin to further develop and cultivate the vast lands east of the Urals in a program modeled after what the Americans did in the 1860's.
• Regardless, with the Hunnic armies so close to Petrograd, we cannot afford anything but full unity. Bring in scabs to fill any industrial jobs, and establish a citizens' guard to prevent German entry into the city at all costs. Violent strikers or destroyers of property will be dealt with by paramilitary units.
• Negotiate with the men in question; offer them new training and positions in other parts of the military, as well as the Black Hundreds.

We also express our concern at the reported terrorist attacks in London and hope that justice will be served.

[Donerail]

Empire of Japan - Late 1904

Our ambassador in Peking shall be instructed that he is to offer whatever covert support Japan can provide to Prince Chun. We desire a China that is closer to Japan than to Western powers, and Prince Chun (who draws inspiration for governmental reforms from the Meiji monarchy) seems most likely to be that man.

We fully support allocating enough funding to ensure IJN hegemony over our portion of the Pacific.

[Dr. Cynic]

The French Republic: Late 1904

--- Rather than cling to power, I will announce my illness and retirement to the French public. I will express no preference, but rather allow the cabinet to choose a new leader without interference, but I will express my wish that any new Prime Minister should call another election sometime in 1905. To that end, I will spend some time laying the groundwork and preparing propaganda to help the new leader along.

--- In Libya, while we control the cities, I want to continue to press into the desert, setting up supply lines, which are to be close to one another as possible to prevent any part of the army being cut off and destroying Senoussi resistance wherever it may be found. In Morocco, I want the reinforcements to be used well. Use our control of the coastal towns and press in the fresh recruits from French Algeria to trap the nation in a pincer movement. Press on to the capital. I want the Sultan captured dead or alive. Raisuli, dead or alive. Abdelhafid dead or alive.

--- We will accept the meeting with the pied-noirs. We will in fact work on a new grant of civil rights for all French citizens who are either born as citizens of the Republic or swear loyalty to it. Rather than treat citizens of French colonies as second-class, we will grant them the rights of any other Frenchman, including (once the situations are stabilized) elected officials who will be able to address colonial concerns to the French government. As part of the future general election campaign, one promise will be that all French citizens will have equal treatment in France, be they Secular, Christian, Muslim or Jew. France believes that this is a new world and as such, she wishes to lead the way in terms of imperial powers recognizing the rights of all their citizens.

To: Great Britain
From: France

Prime Minister, we are shocked and horrified to hear of the bombing in Trafalgar Square. You will have all possible and necessary assistance from the French government that we can provide in order to help you along.

[free my dawg]

To: Abdulhamid II
From: Vittorio Emanuele III

We express our gratitude for your stop at Rome and our apologies for the incident. We will be investigating further into who caused the attempted assassination.

To: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
From: The Kingdom of Italy

We are appalled to hear of the terrorism at Trafalgar Square, and we pray that this group is found and dismantled as quickly and bloodily as possible.

To: The French Republic
From: The Kingdom of Italy

We express our strongest condolences over Waldeck-Rousseau's health, and we pray for a recovery.

[Dr. Cynic]

To: The Kingdom of Italy
From: The French Republic

We thank Vittorio for his kind words during this time. The Prime Minister sends his personal thanks.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

To: The Kingdom of Italy
From: The Ottoman Empire

Your Majesty,

We would like to express our gratitude for a wonderful welcome we have received in Rome. An act of madman cannot possibly spoil a positive results or our two great nations coming closer. If anything, your Carabinieri did confirm their reputation of bravery and effectiveness.

x Abdul Hamid II


To: The French Republic
From: The Ottoman Empire

We are deeply shocked and saddened with Your Excellency's illness and we would like to wish you a speed recovery. Under your leadership, the French Republic and the Ottoman Empire has made an extraordinary progress in mutual relations and our people shall never forget that.

x Abdul Hamid II

[windjammer]

Lumine, I just see a problem for Germany.

A legislative chamber has been created as well, so it should be these elections that should determinate the future Prime Minister?

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Ottoman Empire - Late 1904

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم


I am very pleased with Hilmi Pasha's performance as my new Grand Vizier.

As of specific challenges:

Baghdad Railway

Our domestic programs has already proved to be a resounding success and must be continues. Completion of the Baghdad Railway is a priority, as it not only will improve our communication, but also provide steady jobs and revitalize our commerce.

I'm surprised we're short on cash to finish the project. We have imposed tax on aristocracy, lands seized by the state are generating income, there are American investments (particularly in the railways), and soon we will start collecting (if we are not collecting already) Russian war reparations.

I'm reluctant to raise taxes on general population. Some time ago we have ordered to issue "Reform Bonds", how is that going? We can combine this with War Bonds, as the Bulgarian campaign is still going on. Maybe we should seek a loan abroad?

Before making a decision, I wish to consult with my economic advisers (that is, the Game Moderator )


Armenia

There's no need for an immediate action, as the problem hasn't fully develop, and we surely hope we won't have to face it. However, we need to have options.

I understand massacres are tempting for some, due to "cheap" nature. On the other hand, in the era of new approachment in foreign affairs, I don't wish to inflame world public opinion. Massacres are ruled out.

While this must remain a secret for now, we ought to consider a resettlement of any troublemaking elements in our Armenia. Either to the Kingdom of Armenia or export them abroad. Since France is interested in gaining settlers in Libya, that is a possible avenue. How is that, Paris?  


Kurdistan

Continue to reward loyal tribes.

Once again, we must stress upon the Kurds that we will honor our promises of cultural and language autonomy once the peace is restores and, with no hopes for independence, this is the best deal they ever got.


Arabia

Naturally, we are no longer responsible for this territory and we do not wish to impose anything on our British friends. However, we feel obliged (especially given our recently signed regional pact) to give our opinion.

We are concerned about the Saudi ambitions. We can say, from our long experience in dealing with them, that they are unreliable and won't stop at nothing in purse of their dream of domination over the entire peninsula. And that would have a disastrous effect thorough the entire Middle East.

If you decide to recognize the Saudi emirate, we advise to not abandon the Shariff of Mecca and the Rashidis, so Ibn Saud can be keep in check.


I'll post some additional stuff later.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Bulgaria

We have no intentions of expanding into the Balkans again. These provinces were nothing but a constant source of sorrows for me any my great ancestors.

Bulgaria is an exception because we need to defend out capital and the Bulgars has already provided the base for a foreign attack in this very young century.

However, we wish to confirm that we have no intentions of annexing and occupying the entire Bulgaria. Our territorial demands are limited. We are even willing to allow Ferdinand to remain in throne, provided he'll surrender quickly. All we want from remaining Bulgaria is an exclusive military and diplomatic alliance, as we do not wish to meddle in her domestic affairs.


Education

We need to pay more attention to our educational policy. While we are already tightly controlling school circullums, that is hardly enough.

We ought to make primary education as universal as possible, as we need more educated society (primarily on elementary level) to improve our economic standing.

Second, but not least importantly, we need to forge the young generation's minds. They must be raised in unshaken belief that we all are Ottoman citizens first, united in one, multinational state by our history, traditions and Muslim heritage. We have nothing against ethnic and cultural autonomy (it actually makes our culture richer) but that cannot contradict the principle of Ottomanism.


Public works

With our reserves still largely mobilized, we have already ordered that those not needed at front or its vicinity will be directed to help advancing our domestic projects, particularly in area of transportation and logistics.

Learning from this experience, we thereby order an establishment of the Public Works Corps once the war is over to continue these envadeours (not only in transportation). The corps will provide a employment and housing opportunities to those in need, as well as serve as an alternative form of national service for some.

[Lumine]

Lumine, I just see a problem for Germany.

A legislative chamber has been created as well, so it should be these elections that should determinate the future Prime Minister?

Could be, but the legislative elections will have to come later (when the war is over, otherwise it's kind of futile), which means the next Polish King will appoint his first acting Prime Minister.

[CLARENCE 2015!]

OOC-I will be busy today so will give a longer response later on...

I would like to express my profound condolences on behalf of our entire nation to our British brethren... we pledge our full support in helping you recover from this and find the culprits

I would like to remind my countrymen that terrorists and anarchists plague the streets of our European partners- we must do all we can do fight them before they reach our shores as well. I hope the voters keep that in mind as they head to the polls to elect either a diplomat and statesman respected across the world- or an unknown and inexperienced isolationist

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

We consider international anti-terrorist agreements as valid and any help the Ottoman Empire can provide on this field is assured if requested.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Obviously, thinking of succession can't be nice for any autocrat, but after incident in Rome, although we have no intentions of departing anytime soon, we are forced to consider the matter.

Let's see my brothers first. Mehmed Reshad? He doesn't seems like a leader material, more a figurehead material. Mehmed Vahideddin is utterly untested. Finally the third, Abdülmecid, seems more interested in arts than politics.

We are going to need some advice from my government. Meanwhile, we shall test them (we can make use of our relatives after all).

Mehmed Reshad is going to be my personal representative in recovered parts of Armenia. Mehmed Vahideddin is going to be send to officially meet with Ibn Saud and see, what is really going on there. Abdülmecid will be my plenipotentiary in talks with the Patriarch, as we are still moving to establish the Pharnar City State. We will watch carefully their performance.

Another option is selecting one of my own elder sons (on which I also need some reports). Third, most unusual option, is to name a minor, under which his mother, by then a Valide Sultan, would exercise regency together with the Grand Vizier.

We must emphasize that our successor must not only be committed to our reforms, but also to maintain unity of our "party" (moderate reformists, secret services and the army).

[Cranberry]

Kaiserreich Deutschland - Late 1904:

Zur Lage der deutschen Nation, seine Majestät der Kaiser berichtet:

Case Schnee:
Acknowledging that freedom of press is one of the most fundamental forces in a democratic nation, I appreciate any journalist exerting this right. Therefore I will invite Herr Schnee to a private audience with me and the concerned minister, where we will talk of the issues in German South West Africa.

Poland:
As the Polish people shall elect their own king independent and uninfluenced, I will not endorse any candidates for the office of King. I will appoint both Mr Pisludksi and Mr Dmowski to serve as co-Prime Ministers until the first free Polish legislative elections. Those two gentlemen will form a government and rule Poland together with the Polish king until these elections. Should any difficulties or disagreements between these two gentlemen arise, I will gladly assist to mediate these.
To balance our common foreign policy, a new council shall be formed, the "Polish-German Council of Friendship". This council shall comprise of the Kaiser, the Chancellors and the foreign and internal ministers of Germany; as well as the King, the Prime Minister(s) and the foreign and internal ministers of Poland.

I shall also travel to Warsaw, where I will hold a speech before the Polish people.

[Dr. Cynic]

From: The French Republic
To: The Ottoman Empire

Prime Minister Waldeck-Rousseau and indeed the people of France wish to extend personal thanks for your well wishes in this difficult time for him.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Since His Majesty the Kaiser has recovered from the Russian assassination attempt, we would be delighted to invite him for a state visit in Constantinopole.


OOC: Dmowski and Piłsudski in one room? That can end in murder