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

[YPestis25]

CONVENTION ON THE PROTECTION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY AND INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT

The High Contracting Parties the Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Empire of Quebec: 

Believing that peace, security, and progress in the world can only be attained and ensured by fruitful cooperation between all peoples on a basis of international law and mutual confidence;

Appreciating also the importance of encouraging commercial relations and promoting the flow of capital for economic activity and development;

And considering the contribution which may be made towards these-ends by a statement of principles of conduct relating to foreign investments;

Have resolved for this purpose to conclude the present Convention.

Article I
Every state shall at all times ensure fair and equitable treatment to the property of the nationals of the other states. Such property shall be accorded the most constant protection and security within the territories shall not in any way be impaired by unreasonable or discriminatory measures. 

Article II
Every state shall at all times ensure fair and equitable treatment to the investment and ownership interests of the nationals of the other states. Such investment and ownership interest shall be accorded the most constant protection and security within the territories shall not in any way be impaired by unreasonable or discriminatory measures. 

Article III
No state shall take any measures against nationals of another state to deprive them directly or indirectly of their property, investment or ownership interest except under due process of law and provided that such measures are not discriminatory or contrary to undertakings given by that state and are accompanied by the payment of just and effective compensation. Adequate provision shall have been made at or prior to the time of deprivation for the prompt determination and payment of such compensation, which shall represent the genuine value of the property affected, be made in transferable form, and be paid without undue delay.

Article IV
Parties to this convention shall consider this convention binding on both parties to this convention as well as non-parties to this convention. The parties resolve to undertake all efforts including economic and military countermeasures to rectify any state’s violation of Articles 1, 2, or 3.

Article V
The present Convention shall, as from the date of its entry into force, be open to accession by any state regarding Articles 1 through 3. A state will be permitted accession regarding the full convention by agreement of the High Contracting Parties.

x John IV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

[Spamage]

Treaty of Bahia Blanca

1. The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia is formally admitted to the Andean Alliance

2. Joint training exercises, learning exchanges of military personnel, and strategic planning will commence immediately

3. [Redacted]

4. Any power can invoke the alliance if attacked. All other members are obligated to respond in support.

5. The admission of further members to the Alliance requires the unanimous consent of existing members. Expulsion from the alliance likewise requires universal consent from all members aside from the concerned party.

X - King Henry I of Chile & the Mapuche

X - King Leopold I of the Pampas

[Kuumo]

Treaty of Bahia Blanca

1. The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia is formally admitted to the Andean Alliance

2. Joint training exercises, learning exchanges of military personnel, and strategic planning will commence immediately

3. [Redacted]

4. Any power can invoke the alliance if attacked. All other members are obligated to respond in support.

5. The admission of further members to the Alliance requires the unanimous consent of existing members. Expulsion from the alliance likewise requires universal consent from all members aside from the concerned party.

X - King Henry I of Chile & the Mapuche

X - King Leopold I of the Pampas

x Federico González Suárez, Archbishop-President of the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia

x Manuel Antonio Matos, Secretary of State of the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia

[Kuumo]

CONVENTION ON THE PROTECTION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY AND INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT

Article I
Every state shall at all times ensure fair and equitable treatment to the property of the nationals of the other states. Such property shall be accorded the most constant protection and security within the territories shall not in any way be impaired by unreasonable or discriminatory measures. 

Article II
Every state shall at all times ensure fair and equitable treatment to the investment and ownership interests of the nationals of the other states. Such investment and ownership interest shall be accorded the most constant protection and security within the territories shall not in any way be impaired by unreasonable or discriminatory measures. 

Article III
No state shall take any measures against nationals of another state to deprive them directly or indirectly of their property, investment or ownership interest except under due process of law and provided that such measures are not discriminatory or contrary to undertakings given by that state and are accompanied by the payment of just and effective compensation. Adequate provision shall have been made at or prior to the time of deprivation for the prompt determination and payment of such compensation, which shall represent the genuine value of the property affected, be made in transferable form, and be paid without undue delay.

x John IV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

x Federico González Suárez, Archbishop-President of the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia

x Manuel Antonio Matos, Secretary of State of the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia

[GoTfan]

From the Desk of the President

Recent actions by the Empire of Mexico cannot be said to be in the best interest of the people of Asia.

Offers were made to the Republics of China and Japan for territory in exchange for military support against the Empire of Quebec. In the case of Japan, this was followed by a threat to provoke a rebellion in the Philippines Territory, and to declare war over Japan's recent treaty with the Empire of Quebec. These are not the actions of a rational power, but of a cornered dog, lashing out at the slightest disagreement.

Japan firmly and utterly condemns the actions of the Empire of Mexico.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

WAR!

Given the recent statements by Japanese diplomats and the involvement of Japan in the actions of Quebec, the Empire of the Mexicans sees no choice but to formally declare war on Japan. Mexico strongly condemns Japanese treatment and repression of the Philippine citizens. Luis II sympathizes with the Philippine independence movement and fully commits to supporting their cause on a global stage. Peace with Mexico will only be made when Japan recognises Philippine independence.

[Lumine]

Terms have been offered to the King of Mexico in the hopes of avoiding further bloodshed. Said terms have been rejected, all while a close friend and ally of the Empire, the esteemed Republic of Japan, has been outrageously threatened and declared war upon.

Though we remain open to peace, it is increasingly difficult to avoid the conclusion that His Majesty Luis II is turning Mexico into a rogue state, one with a persistent unwilingness to abide by basic norms, and an element of chaos in the North American continent that threatens to disrupt other powers as far as Europe and Asia.

We will be discussing further steps with various nations to seek a collective response to the present situation, to secure the neutralization of the present threat, and ensure the return of stolen international property.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Emergency Measures

The following emergency measures and reforms will be implemented.

The Empire of the Mexicans will be renamed into United Mexican States. The United Mexican States will become a federal state, a division of power being implemented between the central government and self-governing states with as central unifying factor the monarch, committing to defending one other in case of conflict, and seeking inspiration from the Mayan Federation model also known as the League of Mayapan. This would also fix issues with foreign actors taking issue with the status of an empire and emphasize a more decentralized confederal model to be implemented. The United Mexican States will consist out of Mexico proper, the Free State of Yucatan, the Free State of Liberia, the state of California and the State of Cuba, modelled after the already established states of Mexico. Official languages being Spanish and the many indigenous languages it contains, the official religion being Roman Catholicism and several recognised indigenous religions.

Elections will be held in 1905 wherever possible. The government will be open to adding several other parties - out of numerous other ideologies or ethnicities - in a broad electoral government alliance, its first priority being the defense of all of Mexico and the creation of a new constitution when Mexico is fully at peace once again.

Mexico will open its borders again for foreign countries given the pandemic is over and will consider the emergency of the pandemic to be over, citing different priorities at the time, namely that of expansionist empires preying on Mexico. Luis II states that if Mexico wants a different path moving forward.

Whenever peace - both domestically as well as with foreign powers - is made, Luis II promises a national referendum on the future of Mexico. With the popularity of the monarchy at question, Luis II promises a national referendum on the status of the monarchy, with being offered the option to move Mexico into a republic or keep it a monarchy, but Luis II and the government state that at the moment the defense of Mexico and all of its allies shall be prioritized, or Mexico will have no future at all.

Luis II offers his hand and cooperation to put arms aside and internal disagreements and conflicts, offering cooperation and defense to all people living within Mexico to expel the foreign invader. Regardless of one's opinion, no-one really is interested in becoming a Quebecois puppet state, a state with a horrible record on treatment of natives and the Spanish-speaking world citing the recent conflict with Colombia. It is time for people to finally make up their mind with who or what they side with, and who or what they are defending. If you heart lays with Mexico, you repel the invader.

The United Mexican States call for full mobilization and will enter a state of emergency until the invader (or all invaders) are expelled. Additionally, no military operations shall be done in rebel-occupied territories or Yucatan. The main focus is expelling the invader. The ones not being able to mobilize or fight, focused on providing food or keeping the little industry we have alive.

Foreign assets seized by the Mexican government will additionally be restored to previous ownership in case the owners or nations of those owners openly support Mexico's defense. New models for investment by foreign actors will be explored by Mexico, in particular focus with the rebuild that will have to happen when those dark times are over. Luis II however states that those decisions were made in interest of Mexico and their people given the international response on it, the only reason of the detoriorating economic situation being the pandemic and the violation of Mexico's national integrity by foreign powers.

The Spanish divisions that have chosen to stay in Mexico will be naturalized to Mexicans and given all rights of those of Mexicans if they agree to be naturalized. They'll also where possible be enlisted and given full choice on where to settle as reward of their loyalty to Mexico. Luis II also announces the creation of a Hispanic elite division corps to be created during and after the war that will be tasked with operations in the interest of the Hispanophone world.

A full embargo on Quebec and Japan will be implemented, and all previous agreements and ties with them will be completely scrapped. Mexico will also formalize the end of the North American Alliance.

[Lumine]

CONVENTION ON THE PROTECTION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY AND INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT

The High Contracting Parties the Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Empire of Quebec: 

Believing that peace, security, and progress in the world can only be attained and ensured by fruitful cooperation between all peoples on a basis of international law and mutual confidence;

Appreciating also the importance of encouraging commercial relations and promoting the flow of capital for economic activity and development;

And considering the contribution which may be made towards these-ends by a statement of principles of conduct relating to foreign investments;

Have resolved for this purpose to conclude the present Convention.

Article I
Every state shall at all times ensure fair and equitable treatment to the property of the nationals of the other states. Such property shall be accorded the most constant protection and security within the territories shall not in any way be impaired by unreasonable or discriminatory measures. 

Article II
Every state shall at all times ensure fair and equitable treatment to the investment and ownership interests of the nationals of the other states. Such investment and ownership interest shall be accorded the most constant protection and security within the territories shall not in any way be impaired by unreasonable or discriminatory measures. 

Article III
No state shall take any measures against nationals of another state to deprive them directly or indirectly of their property, investment or ownership interest except under due process of law and provided that such measures are not discriminatory or contrary to undertakings given by that state and are accompanied by the payment of just and effective compensation. Adequate provision shall have been made at or prior to the time of deprivation for the prompt determination and payment of such compensation, which shall represent the genuine value of the property affected, be made in transferable form, and be paid without undue delay.

Article IV
Parties to this convention shall consider this convention binding on both parties to this convention as well as non-parties to this convention. The parties resolve to undertake all efforts including economic and military countermeasures to rectify any state’s violation of Articles 1, 2, or 3.

Article V
The present Convention shall, as from the date of its entry into force, be open to accession by any state regarding Articles 1 through 3. A state will be permitted accession regarding the full convention by agreement of the High Contracting Parties.

x John IV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Most Devout Majesty,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[S019]

DECLARATION OF THE EUROPEAN PROTESTANT POWERS ON PAPAL INTERMEDDLING

The Kingdom of Scandinavia, the Kingdom of Great Britain, Ireland, and the Americas, and the Kingdom of Prussia, taking note of the growing politicization of the Catholic Church through the Papal and Cardinal behavior, declare that it is there policy:

To check the degradation of domestic order due to the Catholic Church or Catholic Church officials.

To prevent any efforts by the Catholic Church or Catholic Church officials to undercut the national sovereignty and unity of the Protestant Powers, particularly with regards to Ireland.

To reserve the right to take all legal and official measures to preserve domestic order and the national sovereignty and unity of the Protestant Powers.

To preserve the religious peace in Europe.

Additionally, the Protestant Powers note with concern the growing sectarian strife which the current Pontiff has fostered in Europe and the globe and urge him to preserve the non-political nature of the Catholic Church before his actions unleash a storm which cannot be contained. The powers also note that any further interference in their domestic affairs will warrant a strong response which shall risk the peace of Europe.

[Attorney General & PPT Dwarven Dragon]

DECLARATION OF THE EUROPEAN PROTESTANT POWERS ON PAPAL INTERMEDDLING

The Kingdom of Scandinavia, the Kingdom of Great Britain, Ireland, and the Americas, and the Kingdom of Prussia, taking note of the growing politicization of the Catholic Church through the Papal and Cardinal behavior, declare that it is there policy:

To check the degradation of domestic order due to the Catholic Church or Catholic Church officials.

To prevent any efforts by the Catholic Church or Catholic Church officials to undercut the national sovereignty and unity of the Protestant Powers, particularly with regards to Ireland.

To reserve the right to take all legal and official measures to preserve domestic order and the national sovereignty and unity of the Protestant Powers.

To preserve the religious peace in Europe.

Additionally, the Protestant Powers note with concern the growing sectarian strife which the current Pontiff has fostered in Europe and the globe and urge him to preserve the non-political nature of the Catholic Church before his actions unleash a storm which cannot be contained. The powers also note that any further interference in their domestic affairs will warrant a strong response which shall risk the peace of Europe.

X King Frederick Louis von Hohenzollern

[windjammer]

Statement from the USCR
The USCR is pleased to announce agreements have been reached with these following countries :

Treaty between the Russian Republic and the USCR
1)    Despite two very different ideologies, the Russian Republic and the USCR share the same goal of peace and economic development.
2)    A non aggression pact is hereby signed between our respective countries.
3)    A delegation of USCR businessmen will visit the Russian Republic and a delegation of the Russian Republic businessmen will visit the USCR in order to increase trade between our respective countries.

x Archbishop President Cavalcanti

Treaty between the Austria and the USCR
1)    Despite two very different ideologies, Austria and thee USCR share the same goal of peace and economic development.
2)    A non aggression pact is hereby signed between our respective countries.
3)    A delegation of USCR businessmen will visit Austria and a delegation of Austrian businessmen will visit the USCR in order to increase trade between our respective countries.

x Archbishop President Cavalcanti

Treaty between the Kingdom of Scandinavia and the USCR
1)    Despite two very different ideologies, the Kingdom of Scandinavia and thee USCR share the same goal of peace and economic development.
2)    A non aggression pact is hereby signed between our respective countries.
3)    A delegation of USCR businessmen will visit Scandinavia and a delegation of Scandinavian businessmen will visit the USCR in order to increase trade between our respective countries.

x Archbishop President Cavalcanti

[Dereich]

Treaty between the Austria and the USCR
1)    Despite two very different ideologies, Austria and thee USCR share the same goal of peace and economic development.
2)    A non aggression pact is hereby signed between our respective countries.
3)    A delegation of USCR businessmen will visit Austria and a delegation of Austrian businessmen will visit the USCR in order to increase trade between our respective countries.

x Archbishop President Cavalcanti

X Graf Montecuccoli, Imperial Foreign Minister

[YPestis25]

DECLARATION OF THE EUROPEAN PROTESTANT POWERS ON PAPAL INTERMEDDLING

The Kingdom of Scandinavia, the Kingdom of Great Britain, Ireland, and the Americas, and the Kingdom of Prussia, taking note of the growing politicization of the Catholic Church through the Papal and Cardinal behavior, declare that it is there policy:

To check the degradation of domestic order due to the Catholic Church or Catholic Church officials.

To prevent any efforts by the Catholic Church or Catholic Church officials to undercut the national sovereignty and unity of the Protestant Powers, particularly with regards to Ireland.

To reserve the right to take all legal and official measures to preserve domestic order and the national sovereignty and unity of the Protestant Powers.

To preserve the religious peace in Europe.

Additionally, the Protestant Powers note with concern the growing sectarian strife which the current Pontiff has fostered in Europe and the globe and urge him to preserve the non-political nature of the Catholic Church before his actions unleash a storm which cannot be contained. The powers also note that any further interference in their domestic affairs will warrant a strong response which shall risk the peace of Europe.

X King Frederick Louis von Hohenzollern

x John IV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

Treaty between the Kingdom of Scandinavia and the USCR
1)    Despite two very different ideologies, the Kingdom of Scandinavia and thee USCR share the same goal of peace and economic development.
2)    A non aggression pact is hereby signed between our respective countries.
3)    A delegation of USCR businessmen will visit Scandinavia and a delegation of Scandinavian businessmen will visit the USCR in order to increase trade between our respective countries.

x Archbishop President Cavalcanti

x John IV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

[Spamage]

Commissum Nobis

As His Holiness continues his divine task of restoring Papal authority and strengthening the Papacy for the benefit of all Christendom, it has been his pleasure to issue a Papal Bull on the subject of future conclaves.

As per the terms of this bull, Commissum Nobis, it is hereby established that all future Conclaves must be held in the Vatican in order to be held as legitimate. Should this prove impossible due to warfare, the only alternative legitimate location shall be the Papal island of Malta. No Conclave held under the territory of a foreign power will hereafter be recognized as valid, so as to protect the Church from any intervention by a secular prince.

Furthermore, in order to free the College of Cardinals from any undue influence from secular rulers, it is decreed that the so-called jus exclusivae, that is to say, the veto of a candidate for the Papacy by a foreign ruler, which the Church already does not formally recognize, is to be now forbidden under penalty of excommunication.

As to the most recent declaration by a number of European rulers, His Holiness' view is simple, and one shared by all Catholics alike: that no Protestant ruler has any say, nor should they have any future say, on the internal affairs of the Church. By virtue of their holy status as Princes of the Church, any Cardinal who is abused or in any way mistreated will necessarily bring an equally strong response from the Catholic faith.

[GoTfan]

The Constitution of the Republic of Japan

1) The President is empowered as the head of state, chief executive, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. In times of national crisis, he shall be empowered to act for the security of the nation

2) The position of Vice-President of the Republic of Japan is created. The Vice-President will serve as the head of the Presidential Cabinet and President of the National Diet.

3) The positions of President and Vice-President will be subjected to a seven year term, renewable once and elected by universal male suffrage.

4) The President shall be empowered to veto legislation. A veto can be overridden by a two-thirds vote of the upper house of the National Diet.

5) The National Diet shall be empowered as the legislature of the Republic. The lower house, termed the House of Representatives, shall be elected on universal male suffrage in electoral districts under the First Past The Post system. The upper house, termed the House of Councillors, shall be elected on current property status under the Single Transferable Vote system

6) The House of Representatives shall serve four year terms; the House of Councillors shall serve staggered eight year terms so half of the Councillors will be up for election.

7) The House of Councillors will have the power to confirm the appointment of Ministers and scrutinise them in their duties.

8 ) Bills pertaining to finance and the national budget may not be blocked by the House of Councillors unilaterally, but revisions can be demanded.

9) The House of Councillors may initiate impeachment measures against the President by a three-quarters vote.

10) The House of Representatives must be dissolved within ninety days of an election date. During this period, the House of Councillors will serve as the sole house of the Diet.

11) In times of crisis, the Diet may pass an Enabling Act to give the President the authority to enact decrees for a period of up to 180 days

"With this, Japan has ended the decades of stagnancy that has gripped it. Our Constitution guarantees the democratic opening of Japan while taking into account the privileges of the existing classes, thus giving us a fair and balanced Constitution.

The Republic of Japan has taken its step into the modern world. Today, we embrace the future.

Under the terms of this Constitution, Yamamoto Gonnoyhoe, Minister of the Navy, is appointed Vice President of the Republic of Japan. In order for political forces to organise in this nation, elections are scheduled for October 5th, 1906.

Kyowakoku Banzai!"

x Tokugawa Iesato, President of the Republic of Japan

[Lumine]

It is the will of Her Imperial Majesty that Marshal Julien Sorel, conqueror of Guadalajara and hero of the battle of Zacatecas, be promoted to Grand Marshal in replacement of His Highness Prince Louis.

Her Majesty also wishes to elevate New England general Leonard Wood to the Marshalate, should he wish to accept said promotion. This, in recognition of his undoubted skill, and of the key role played by the Commonwealth of New England and its brave people in the new North American Union.

Crown and government alike also wish to extend their congratulations to His Excellency the President of Japan for his remarkable constitutional achievement, his brilliant choice for the Vice Presidency, and the progress made by this nascent and renewed nation in the past few years. With Japan having been the most recent victims of Mexican thuggery and aggression, Québec stands with them in solidarity.

[KaiserDave]

Treaty between the Russian Republic and the USCR
1)    Despite two very different ideologies, the Russian Republic and the USCR share the same goal of peace and economic development.
2)    A non aggression pact is hereby signed between our respective countries.
3)    A delegation of USCR businessmen will visit the Russian Republic and a delegation of the Russian Republic businessmen will visit the USCR in order to increase trade between our respective countries.

x Archbishop President Cavalcanti

x Pavel Nikolayevich Milyukov
President of the Russian Republic

[KaiserDave]

CONVENTION ON THE PROTECTION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY AND INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT

The High Contracting Parties the Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Empire of Quebec: 

Believing that peace, security, and progress in the world can only be attained and ensured by fruitful cooperation between all peoples on a basis of international law and mutual confidence;

Appreciating also the importance of encouraging commercial relations and promoting the flow of capital for economic activity and development;

And considering the contribution which may be made towards these-ends by a statement of principles of conduct relating to foreign investments;

Have resolved for this purpose to conclude the present Convention.

Article I
Every state shall at all times ensure fair and equitable treatment to the property of the nationals of the other states. Such property shall be accorded the most constant protection and security within the territories shall not in any way be impaired by unreasonable or discriminatory measures. 

Article II
Every state shall at all times ensure fair and equitable treatment to the investment and ownership interests of the nationals of the other states. Such investment and ownership interest shall be accorded the most constant protection and security within the territories shall not in any way be impaired by unreasonable or discriminatory measures. 

Article III
No state shall take any measures against nationals of another state to deprive them directly or indirectly of their property, investment or ownership interest except under due process of law and provided that such measures are not discriminatory or contrary to undertakings given by that state and are accompanied by the payment of just and effective compensation. Adequate provision shall have been made at or prior to the time of deprivation for the prompt determination and payment of such compensation, which shall represent the genuine value of the property affected, be made in transferable form, and be paid without undue delay.

Article IV
Parties to this convention shall consider this convention binding on both parties to this convention as well as non-parties to this convention. The parties resolve to undertake all efforts including economic and military countermeasures to rectify any state’s violation of Articles 1, 2, or 3.

Article V
The present Convention shall, as from the date of its entry into force, be open to accession by any state regarding Articles 1 through 3. A state will be permitted accession regarding the full convention by agreement of the High Contracting Parties.

x John IV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

x Pavel Nikolayevich Milyukov
President of the Russian Republic

[Chancellor Tanterterg]

CONVENTION ON THE PROTECTION OF PRIVATE PROPERTY AND INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT

The High Contracting Parties the Kingdom of Scandinavia and the Empire of Quebec:  

Believing that peace, security, and progress in the world can only be attained and ensured by fruitful cooperation between all peoples on a basis of international law and mutual confidence;

Appreciating also the importance of encouraging commercial relations and promoting the flow of capital for economic activity and development;

And considering the contribution which may be made towards these-ends by a statement of principles of conduct relating to foreign investments;

Have resolved for this purpose to conclude the present Convention.

Article I
Every state shall at all times ensure fair and equitable treatment to the property of the nationals of the other states. Such property shall be accorded the most constant protection and security within the territories shall not in any way be impaired by unreasonable or discriminatory measures.  

Article II
Every state shall at all times ensure fair and equitable treatment to the investment and ownership interests of the nationals of the other states. Such investment and ownership interest shall be accorded the most constant protection and security within the territories shall not in any way be impaired by unreasonable or discriminatory measures.  

Article III
No state shall take any measures against nationals of another state to deprive them directly or indirectly of their property, investment or ownership interest except under due process of law and provided that such measures are not discriminatory or contrary to undertakings given by that state and are accompanied by the payment of just and effective compensation. Adequate provision shall have been made at or prior to the time of deprivation for the prompt determination and payment of such compensation, which shall represent the genuine value of the property affected, be made in transferable form, and be paid without undue delay.

Article IV
Parties to this convention shall consider this convention binding on both parties to this convention as well as non-parties to this convention. The parties resolve to undertake all efforts including economic and military countermeasures to rectify any state’s violation of Articles 1, 2, or 3.

Article V
The present Convention shall, as from the date of its entry into force, be open to accession by any state regarding Articles 1 through 3. A state will be permitted accession regarding the full convention by agreement of the High Contracting Parties.

x John IV, King of Scandinavia and Emperor of Africa

x Pavel Nikolayevich Milyukov
President of the Russian Republic

x Louis XX de Bourbon, The Most Christian King-Emperor of France, Defender of the Christian Faith, and Protector of Latin Europe

[DKrol]

Columbia (Reorganization) Act of 1905
1. All references in statute to the former state of Columbia are hereby repealed and re-enacted in accordance with the state boundaries established in the Constitution of 1903, establishing the states of Georges, Mississippi, and Caroline.
2. In accordance with the Constitution of 1903, the declarations of a state of rebellion in the states of Georges, Mississippi, and Caroline are hereby repealed.
3. Elections for seats in the National Assembly shall be held in the states of Georges, Mississippi, and Caroline in July 1905 to be filled for the balance of the term elected at the 1903 general election.
4. For the states of Georges, Mississippi, and Caroline, no fewer than half of the elected Deputies to the National Assembly must be Black or otherwise identify as a member of a minority population. Political parties must ensure that half of their nominated candidates are Black or otherwise identify as a member of a minority population. The Sovereign reserves the right to appoint Deputies in order to enforce compliance with this Section.
5. Notwithstanding Section 5 of the Citizenship Act of 1904, no man who took up arms against the Commonwealth in, or provided aid or comfort to, the Columbian Rebellion shall be allowed to vote until January 1, 1908.
6. Any man who commanded troops in battle in, or alleged to have held political authority during, the Columbian Rebellion shall be hanged.
7. It shall be a crime to construct, finance, or house a statue, painting, memorial, or other idolatry glorifying or otherwise honoring any men who commanded troops in battle in, or alleged to have held political authority during, the Columbian Rebellion. This section shall be punishable by a fine of $1,000, the loss of voting privileges for a period of ten years, and up to life improvement for repeated offenses.
8. A military governor shall be appointed for each of the states of Georges, Mississippi, and Caroline in order to ensure the smooth and stable restoration of government. The military governors shall further be granted extensive powers to ensure that school curriculums and public instruction properly teach the brutal and barbaric history of the Columbian Rebellion.

[GoTfan]

The Pacific Railway Prize

His Excellency President Tokugawa is pleased to announce the Pacific Railway Prize!

The Prize will take two stages: 1906 for research and development, and 1907 for the greatest race the world has ever seen. All entrants will compete along a pre-set course decided on by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.

The race course will begin in Hiroshima, and race up Japan's beautiful east coast, passing through goal stations at each stage. The goal stations will be Fukuyama, Okayama, Himeji, Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Shizuoka, and Yokohama before concluding in Tokyo. The winner is to receive a monetary prize funded partially by the Republic of Japan and by entrance fees of the contestants.

Entrance fees must be paid to a special fund created by the Department of Economy and Finance entitled Pacific Railway Prize Fund.

The President and government invite all nations to compete!

[Spamage]

1905 Midturn Update

Poor Mexico, So Far From God, So Close to Quebec
Luis II Abdicates! Regime Thrown into Chaos as Regency Established

Princess-Regent Fernanda and the Imperial Women Process Through the Capital
(Made by Me Via Midjourney)

   Mexico was not blind to rumors swirling in the air at the start of 1905. The Court in Mexico City, already reeling from Quebec’s surprise attack, was well-aware that the situation was growing precarious. Whispers of a multi-national coalition hung over the heads of Luis II and his advisors as they considered how to proceed in coming months. While there were extensive plans for the defense of the Mexican homeland, the sheer scale of the enemy caused great panic. Victory would only be achieved on a foundation of Mexican corpses. Indeed, the government was well-aware yet more sacrifices would be asked of the Mexican people. Yet, with the rubble of the last war still smoldering, could the populace truly be expected to bear such a burden?
   At this juncture, Emperor Luis II took one of his most controversial actions yet. On the morning of February 5th, he formally decreed Mexico’s ‘unconditional surrender’ to the Quebecois government. He followed up with notice of his formal abdication, formally stepping aside. In his address to the throngs of his soon-to-be former subjects, Luis emphasized his act was for the good of the Mexican nation. With enemies on all sides, and more than 2 million already dead, he had little desire to force his people to suffer in a war they were ‘most certain to lose.’ The crowd murmured as the reality of the situation set in. Some cried out in agony, terrified of losing their beloved sovereign, while others watched in stony silence. The future of Mexico seemed even more murky than it had just days prior. The former Emperor was removed from the capital in great haste for royal estates at Tlacotepec by his former ministers within hours, leaving Mexico City awash in rumors and uncertainty. Yet, the Emperor went alone, neither his wife nor his children being permitted to join him in a sign of how rapidly his authority was abating given his step down from the throne. In the coming weeks his situation would evolve, becoming something more akin to house arrest as he was sidelined from the political scene.
   The entire nation, friends and foes of Luis II alike, was stunned as the gravity of the situation set in. After a reign of 11 years, the Red King had become somewhat of an institution in Mexican affairs. The thought of him unilaterally surrendering and abdicating caused widespread confusion. Yet, perhaps the move did make political sense. In some quarters, the Emperor was being seen as a liability. His declaration of war on Japan was a rash act, one which only served to expand the crisis Mexico found itself embroiled in. Likewise, many had become wary of the sometimes-erratic nature of his governance, sweeping decisions made and reversed on a whim. Still, there was a sense of unease. What conditions would be forced upon the realm? What would the future entail for the Mexican people?
   It only took hours for major players to act in Mexico City. Luis’ abdication left the future of the government highly ambiguous. There were some that expected his wife and children to follow him into exile. Yet, the machinery of his regime continued to spin, the Council of State declaring his eldest daughter as Emilia I, ‘Empress of the Mexicans’ within the afternoon. Two major factions emerged, the leading players being Princess Fernanda of Mexico (eldest sister of the former Emperor and onetime potential heir to the Mexican Throne) and Emiliano Zapata, a leading delegate to the National Assembly and key player on the Council of State. They had very different bases of support and ideologies, despite both having been nominally loyal to the regime. Fernanda represented many elites, those tied to the regime by blood, duty, and nationalism. She also had extensive support among the Mexican Church, citizenry in the capital, and even some of the Augustinians. Zapata, on the other hand, embodied the ideological supporters of the former Emperor. His movement advocated for the continuation of the Luis reforms, emphasizing that the revolutionary principles were greater than one sovereign and ought to be continued. Indeed, Zapata and some of his provincial supporters began to flirt with republicanism, bolstered as they were by Luis II’s promise for a national referendum.
   Both factions recognized the former Emperor’s last command and were resolute in an initial show of unity. Indeed, Mexico was to unconditionally surrender to Quebec, such a drastic decree could not be undone. The Mexican military was ordered to cease all offensive operations, but soon began to seemingly dissolve entirely. Thousands of Mexican soldiers laid down their arms or returned to their homes as word of the developments spread, military organization seeming to break amidst the chaos.
   Aside from organizing their surrender, the key act of the new regime would be establishing the Regency for the new Empress, who was only 12-years-old. While Zapata prepared a bill to push through the National Assembly, naming himself and political allies as regents alongside representatives of the Royal Family, he found himself outmaneuvered by the Imperial Women, who presented him with a fait accompli. Princess Fernanda bypassed the national assembly, using her ties within the regional state assembly in Mexico City to force through a resolution recognizing herself as Regent. Her claim was bolstered by follow-up declarations of support from regional assemblies in Veracruz, Tamaulipas, and Coahuila. Loyalist prelates followed up with quick declarations of support. Fernanda then joined in a massive procession alongside Empress Emilia, Empress-Mother Frederica of Quebec, Empress Dowager Emilia Zarco da Camara (Luis II’s aged mother), and her two younger sisters Princesses Leonora and Emilia of Mexico. Fernanda sought to emphasize stability and continuity, tying her regency to both her brother’s late regime as well as that of her grandfather, the long-dead Luis I. It was a decisive action, one that infuriated Zapata, who could only stand idly by as the crowds cheered the ascendancy of his political rival emerging within the Mexican Royal Family.
   Yet, despite the ascendancy of Fernanda as regent, from the start serious questions emerged over how much control Luis II’s former government held in the provinces. While some provincial assemblies had bolstered her claim to the regency, most had not. With a power vacuum in the center of the realm, local officials have taken prerogatives and privileges formerly exercised by the central government. Within the Mexican Army, the generals have been almost universal in their deference to the new empress and her aunt, but there remain questions around lower-level ranks.  Questions remain over the future of the Royal Revolution, the future size of Mexico, and what conditions will be imposed upon her. Until Quebec makes her formal demands for the reorganization of the country known, the situation remains one of great uncertainty.   

Ireland Roiled by Unrest
British Troops Restore Order in an Island of Unease

Dublin After the Attempted Rebellion, 1905
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

   It may have seemed innocuous, but Queen Mary III’s issuing of the ‘Declaration of the European Protestant Powers on Papal Intermeddling’ struck Ireland like a thunderclap. It was particularly unpopular among the predominantly Catholic native Irish. Here was a population that had endured centuries of persecution, dating all the way back to Henry VIII’s start of the English Reformation in the 1500s. It was a people who had been crushed during the Desmond Rebellion and again during Cromwell’s destructive invasion during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Even more recently, as late as the 1750s, it had been Irish Catholics who had been subdued by the government of George II in the last gasps of Jacobitism. While Catholic Emancipation had subsequently been enacted, somewhat easing tensions, most had not forgotten the past. Nor the present. Despite the government’s emphasis on Ireland being an ‘integral’ part of the British Isles, the native Irish found themselves underrepresented in the military, administration, universities, and almost every other pillar of social life. They found themselves governed at home by haughty Ulstermen and in Westminster by an Anglo-Scottish-American Protestant elite. To such a populace, the siren song of nationalism and other more taboo ideologies was all too strong.
   The Irish nationalists screeched of past horrors and more to come in infuriated diatribes directed against Mary III. It was deemed hypocritical and unseemly for the non-Catholics to involve themselves in the affairs of the Church, an area wholly outside their concern. These generally non-ideological nationalists found themselves in lockstep with the long-suppressed Irish Catholic Republicans. Even the moderate Irish Parliamentary Party, seeing the sentiment at home, was cornered into denouncing Mary III’s actions. Apolitical Irish, typically indifferent to the nationalist crusade, were themselves annoyed by a perceived attack on their faith. Tensions on the island rose, British officials trying to calm the situation with limited success.
   Matters came to a head on March 10th after a particularly visceral sermon from the pulpit in Dublin. Rumors spread among the general public that Archbishop-Cardinal William Walsh would be removed from his post for slandering the government. The following morning opened with widespread explosions; an attempted uprising afoot. Thousands of Irishmen took to the streets, denouncing British rule and calling for a new, independent Irish Nation. The rebellion demonstrated great geographic scope, protests and mobs erupting in Cork, Galway, and Kilkenny. Observers all across Europe watched with extreme concern over developments there. While some lower-level officials in France and Spain not-so-subtly called for the triumph of the Irish people, the mood in Stockholm was one of extreme concern and support for Queen Mary.
   Despite their impressive show of number, the rebels were quite outmatched. It took perhaps a week, but most of the rebels were quickly outmaneuvered. Theirs was a rebellion of passion, not one that had been highly organized. Many lacked sufficient weapons and political organization to truly gain ground. Lord Lieutenant William Ward oversaw the stabilization of Dublin on March 12th, giving the militarized Irish police broad latitude in suppressing unrest. Mass arrests and raids were carried out throughout much of the island, investigators seeking to find the culprits primarily responsible. Yet, here the disorganization of the insurrection has worked to the advantage of the dissidents, many using the chaos of the suppression of the nationalists to melt back into anonymity.
   Indeed, by the end of March it seemed the worst had passed, yet not without throwing the situation in Britain into greater disarray. The formation of a government took on greater significance in the eyes of the British public, as did the fate of those rebel leaders apprehended by British officials. What was to be done about the recent violence? How would those British officials murdered by Irish mobs be avenged? What would become of the militant Archbishop-Cardinal who, while publicly denouncing the violence, undoubtedly played a role in its eruption?  Not since the 18th century has the situation on the Emerald Isle deemed so uncertain. A question mark hangs over the region as all eyes look to see how Buckingham Palace will respond.

[DKrol]

Statement from His Majesty the King

The Columbian Rebellion was an act of brutal aggression by a small cadre of extremists, bent on destroying our Great Commonwealth for the cause of racial discord. As I assured the good people of the Commonwealth from very start, we would win the war. And we did, with ease. Now comes to the process of rebuilding our Great Commonwealth and reuniting our Great Society. That cannot be done with men who led troops in battle against us or usurped political authority living amongst us. Accordingly, any commanding officer or political usurper must be held accountable for their crimes. I am demanding that the British Government in North America transfer any and all war criminals to the military governors appointed under the Columbia (Reorganization) Act of 1905 within 100 days. Each criminal turned over will be judged and, if found to have held command or usurped political authority, held accountable. Failure to do so will inflame the North American continent once again and create further divides.

[Attorney General & PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Statement from His Majesty the King

The King has carefully considered the system of government present in his country, and while seeking to avoid the collapse of a country that recently attempted a wholesale restructure, he does see the wisdom in expanding some freedoms in a careful, limited fashion.

Therefore, the election of a Parliament has been scheduled for December of 1905. Individual constituencies may hold elections at any time during that month for a three year term beginning in January of 1906.

While there will not be a formal constitution at this time, His Majesty hereby establishes the following edicts regarding this new body:

- The Parliament will be composed of 400 seats. The seats will be elected in a mixed-member proportional fashion as follows:
  ---- The Nation will be divided into 200 districts by the shortest splitline method, keeping districts as equally populated as is reasonably possible.
    -- Each District will elect 1 representative by instant runoff voting
    -- Each voter will also vote on a separate nationwide question asking them to select their favorite political party. The remaining 200 seats will be allocated to the parties proportionally according to the results of this question, with a 5% minimum support level required to receive representation.  The Parties may develop their own processes to decide who will take  the seats they earn through this question.

- The Right to vote freely for the candidate of one's choice is guaranteed.
- The Right to run for a seat in Parliament is guaranteed to any candidate gathering 20,000 signatures of voters throughout the Kingdom. Candidates may select their party affiliation at time of filing.
- Ballot access to the favorite party question is guaranteed to any party with an elected leadership and the signatures of 40,000 voters throughout the Kingdom. In Subsequent Cycles, at least 2% support in the prior election shall grant automatic access without any signature collecting.
- Each Polling Place is required to be open for at least 10 hours.
- The Right to vote shall be given to all adult citizens of Prussia, 21 years and older, male and female, provided they are not currently incarcerated.
- Elections will be held every three years (December 1905, 1908, 1911, ....) with the Parliament taking office the following month. The Parliament shall generally have discretion to decide its in-session days and days in recess, however the King retains the power to dissolve or recess the parliament at any time for any length of time

- The Parliament is responsible for proposing, debating, and passing legislation on various subjects. The Parliament is responsible for determining the rate of collection and distributing revenues of state. The Parliament shall be chaired by the Speaker, who will not be a elected member of Parliament, but instead a direct appointment by his Majesty the King, who shall administrate the body in a non-partisan fashion and only vote in the event of a tie. Bills submitted directly by the King or the Speaker shall however have priority consideration.  The King shall have the absolute right to veto or line-item veto any bill passed by the Parliament, and the King may continue to govern by executive order as they please.

- The King shall retain the power to sign treaties, though the Parliament may invalidate his signature by a two-thirds vote, and the Parliament cannot be overridden on these matters.

- Governmental powers, local or national, not covered in this release, remain in status quo.

The King further authorizes the following general rights for the people:

- Freedom of Speech and of Assembly and of the Press is guaranteed, provided such is peaceful and does not contain or express falsehoods about his Majesty the King.

- The Right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures in the absence of a search warrant is a protected right.

- The Right to be innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the right to a speedy trial, the right to trial by jury of the people, the right to be protected from double jeopardy, the right to have an attorney present at all stages of the proceedings, the right to not be forced to self-incriminate, the right to be protected from guilt by association, and the right to appeal the sentence directly to the King, shall be afforded to all accused of a crime by any court in this nation. The King retains an absolute right to Pardon or grant early release from incarceration.

- Slavery is hereby formally prohibited throughout the Kingdom, and punishable by Death.

- Those convicted of crimes shall have freedom from Cruel or Unusual punishments, and the Death Penalty or life without parole shall only be administered for the crimes of Murder, Rape, Treason or Slavery. All executions shall be by either Hanging or the Guillotine. The King may not modify sentences such that these guidelines are violated.

- The right of all Prussians to equality before the law, regardless of gender, faith, ethnic background, wealth, or stratum, shall not be abridged.