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

[OBD]

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

[LAKISYLVANIA]

On Russia:

King Luis II congratulates the newly elected president, Pavel Milyukov, from the Russian Republic on his re-election. The Kingdom of Mexico expresses hope for fostering good relations with the Russian Republic in the future.

On the call warning about the dangers of new weaponry:

King Luis II applauds Queen Wilhelmina's call to organize an international conference on the dangers of new weaponry. He adds that the working class tends to be the victims of bloody warfare and intends to send a delegation to Trois Rivières to attend the conference.

On the recognition of Queen Wilhelmina and the Succession Crisis

King Luis II recognizes Queen Wilhelmina as the sole claimant and rightful owner of the throne of Quebec. He voices concern about Louisiana's attempts to destabilize their neighbors, stating that while facing inner turmoil, Louisiana is ignoring issues at home. The King suggests that leaders should focus on addressing the problems their people are facing domestically before commenting on how others should lead their countries. The King also applauds the Empress for being a symbol of women's enfranchisement and hereby formally offers her excellency a visit to the Mexican capital. He also stresses the need for good relations on the American continent, and while we can have our differences, we must prevent resorting to military means to settle our differences.

On Qajar Iran:

The King is disappointed and insulted by the Qajari attempt to meddle in affairs on the American continent in a non-peaceful approach, calling the Shah a diplomatic joke. Historically, Mexicans had good relations with the Qajaris, but they have no right to interfere in a succession crisis that is literally on the opposite side of their country's location. The King will respond by withdrawing the Mexican diplomatic delegations in Iran and expelling the Qajari delegation within Mexico.

EDIT: Changed Montréal to Trois-Rivières

[Dereich]

Having avoided such improprieties in our own conduct, it is with great pleasure that the Emperor hears and accepts the call of Wilhelmina to properly regulate ungentlemanly warfare among civilized peoples. A representative of the Emperor will attend the conference at Tróis Rivieres.

-Louis-Henry von Habsburg-Lothringen on behalf of Charles IX von Hapsburg-Lothringen, Holy Roman Emperor

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Request to the Commonwealth of Louisiana

King Luis II demands the immediate extradition of the Augustinian terrorists to the Kingdom of Mexico. The sole purpose of the Augustinians was to destabilize the Mexican heartland and threaten the lives of the common working class Mexicans, solely representing foreign interests. The King labeled them as un-Mexican in nature, describing them as terrorists funded by the Louisianan realm. It is essential for the Commonwealth, if it seeks a path of peace, that these wrongdoers be returned to Mexico to face trial for their deeds. If the request is denied, the King will feel compelled to take action. Demanding justice is natural, and it is what the Mexican people want and deserve.

The King also regrets Louisianan actions during the Border War. He reiterates his intention to commit to peace and stability, emphasizing the need for diplomatic approaches from both sides for these efforts to be successful.

[Lumine]

The Mexico-Québecois Accord (1900)

The signatories, in recognition of their mutually beneficial and productive relationship over the past century, as well as the lack of justification in any form of aggression towards each other, hereby agree to the following:

1.) That the Empress Wilhelmina is recognized as the rightful, lawful sovereign of the Empire of Québec, and that King Luis II is recognized as the rightful, lawful sovereign of the Kingdom of Mexico. Neither realm will provide any support, diplomatic or military, to any attempts to alter or question this principle.

2.) That Prince Wilhelm of Hohenzollern, an esteemed member of the Houses of Hohenzollern (Québec) and Bourbon (Mexico) is to reside unmolested in Mexican territory. The Empire of Québec expresses its keen commitment to his ongoing personal safety and that of his family and continues to regard him as close kin.

3). That the Empire of Québec will give no asylum or support to any Augustinian rebel and will endeavour to see that those still residing in imperial territory are invited to abandon said territory.

4.) That both nations recognize their respective spheres of influence and their current territorial borders, and recognize that there are no conflicting interests between them.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[LAKISYLVANIA]

The Mexico-Québecois Accord (1900)

The signatories, in recognition of their mutually beneficial and productive relationship over the past century, as well as the lack of justification in any form of aggression towards each other, hereby agree to the following:

1.) That the Empress Wilhelmina is recognized as the rightful, lawful sovereign of the Empire of Québec, and that King Luis II is recognized as the rightful, lawful sovereign of the Kingdom of Mexico. Neither realm will provide any support, diplomatic or military, to any attempts to alter or question this principle.

2.) That Prince Wilhelm of Hohenzollern, an esteemed member of the Houses of Hohenzollern (Québec) and Bourbon (Mexico) is to reside unmolested in Mexican territory. The Empire of Québec expresses its keen commitment to his ongoing personal safety and that of his family and continues to regard him as close kin.

3). That the Empire of Québec will give no asylum or support to any Augustinian rebel and will endeavour to see that those still residing in imperial territory are invited to abandon said territory.

4.) That both nations recognize their respective spheres of influence and their current territorial borders, and recognize that there are no conflicting interests between them.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

x King Luis II de Bourbon-Orleans

[Attorney General & PPT Dwarven Dragon]

From the Desk of the President



Statement on the Russian Election

His Excellency wishes to warmly congratulate President Milyukov on his recent election, and the Russian people for conducting a most inspirational display of establishing a government that truly has consent from the governed. We look forward to having a positive relationship with the new administration.

Statement on New England leadership

The election of a catholic as Chairman of the Confederation of New England is a pleasant surprise. The previous governments represented nothing but blasphemy against our creator and we can only hope that John Francis Fitzgerald will promote the proper interpretation of the Bible and the true teachings of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Statement on Allegiance with Naples

His Excellency wishes to continue the alliance with Naples into the new century with increased strength and vigor. It is important to remain fiercely opposed to the imperialist and authoritarian French Republic and ideologically similar nations such as Brazil. His Excellency also wishes to open the door to a more established relationship with other, non-authoritarian potential opponents to France such as Scandavia or the U.K.  

Additionally, His Excellency praises King Francis of Naples for his calling for new parliamentary elections. The wishes of the people must always be honored and respected.

Statement on Relationships in the Americas

His Excellency would like to officially express interest in improving relations with the Americas for Trade and Defense purposes where it can justify doing so from an ideologically moral perspective. This includes strengthening existing relationships with Colombia as well as forming new alliances with parties that demonstrate distance from the French-Brazilian forces.

On the recognition of Queen Wilhelmina and the Succession Crisis

His Excellency recognizes Queen Wilhelmina as the sole claimant and rightful owner of the throne of Quebec. His Excellency suggests that leaders should focus on their home constituencies first and foremost. The King also applauds the Empress for being a symbol of women's enfranchisement and hereby formally offers her excellency a visit to the Spanish capital, and is open to a more formal allegiance.

On Qajar Iran:

His Excellency is gravely disappointed in the Qajari attempt to meddle in affairs on the American continent in a non-peaceful approach, calling the Shah a diplomatic joke. Iran has no right to interfere in a succession crisis that is literally on the opposite side of their country's location. His Excellency will be a fierce opponent to Iran moving forward, and will not maintain an embassy or any diplomatic staff in the country.


On the 1904 World Cup:

His Excellency supports the effort to have Mexico host the 1904 World Cup.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Mexican-Spanish Treaty of Cooperation (1900)

A treaty between the Kingdom of Mexico and the Holy Union of Spain

Recognizing the threat from external forces and considering their shared language and history, the signatories affirm their commitment to peace, stability, and the protection of their mutual interests. They propose the following:

1. The mutual reduction of tariffs by 30 percent between the signatories.

2. A non-aggression pact between the signatories, subject to renewal by the consent of both signatories ten years from this day.

3. A defensive alliance whereby each signatory pledges to support the other militarily in the event of an attack from any foreign belligerent, upon the written request of the defending nation.

4. The establishment of an academic exchange program between the signatories.

5. Participation of the Holy Union of Spain in the first World Cup football tournament to be organized in Mexico in 1904.

6. The joint funding of a canal to be built at the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, with costs shared equally by both nations. Profits from the canal will also be shared equally between the two nations.

7. The mutual diplomatic recognition by both states of both the Mapuche Nation and the newly-formed Chilean state.

x King Luis II de Bourbon-Orleans

[Attorney General & PPT Dwarven Dragon]

Mexican-Spanish Treaty of Cooperation (1900)

A treaty between the Kingdom of Mexico and the Holy Union of Spain

Recognizing the threat from external forces and considering their shared language and history, the signatories affirm their commitment to peace, stability, and the protection of their mutual interests. They propose the following:

1. The mutual reduction of tariffs by 30 percent between the signatories.

2. A non-aggression pact between the signatories, subject to renewal by the consent of both signatories ten years from this day.

3. A defensive alliance whereby each signatory pledges to support the other militarily in the event of an attack from any foreign belligerent, upon the written request of the defending nation.

4. The establishment of an academic exchange program between the signatories.

5. Participation of the Holy Union of Spain in the first World Cup football tournament to be organized in Mexico in 1904.

6. The joint funding of a canal to be built at the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, with costs shared equally by both nations. Profits from the canal will also be shared equally between the two nations.

7. The mutual diplomatic recognition by both states of both the Mapuche Nation and the newly-formed Chilean state.

x King Luis II de Bourbon-Orleans

x President Arsenio Linares y Pombo

[Attorney General & PPT Dwarven Dragon]

President Arsenio Linares y Pombo Calls Election for Delegates to Constitutional Convention

His Excellency hereby calls for an election to elect Delegates to a Constitutional Convention. The goal of the Convention will to be to write a completely new Spanish Constitution to guide the nation in a republican form of Government that we can be confident is endorsed by God. While leaving the exact election date up to local jurisdictions, his Excellency declares that any such election must be conducted no later than August 31, 1900 and the convention will convene as soon as practicable after that date. His Excellency will directly appoint 45% of the delegates to the convention while the remaining 55% will be allocated proportionally among the cities and towns of the nation of Spain. His Excellency will serve as Chair of the Convention but will only vote in the event of a Tie. His Excellency desires new legislative elections for a 2.5-year term as soon as practicable after the Convention's adjournment, and new Presidential Elections for a five year term beginning in 1903, to be part of this document. The President should retain authority over treaties and other diplomatic affairs, and existing treaties should remain intact, but the President is open to the legislature having to approve new treaties.

[PSOL]

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran:

The Sublime State is confused as to why the Shah is being condemned for his involvement in the affairs of the Americas when it has been nothing but peaceful. Neither the Shah or the Sublime State has involved itself with any sort of succession crisis and wishes to have good relations with everyone.

[DKrol]

Statement on the Mexican Border War

The Commonwealth of Louisiana supported King Luis II during his succession crisis and never challenged his right to rule over the Mexican Kingdom. And yet now the Commonwealth is being attacked by the Red King as a hotbed for insurrectionists and traitors. The instigators of the crisis, Prince Augustine and General Tomás Mejía Camacho, laid down their arms and surrendered to the force of King Luis, paying for their actions with their lives - struck down in a most gruesome fashion. The Red King has shown a propensity for violence and retribution; it is no wonder some who erred in judgement and took up arms against him have chosen to reshape their lives in the Commonwealth. Men who have committed crimes in the Commonwealth of Louisiana will face Louisianan justice.

[PSOL]

Due to incompetence in the Ministry of Foreign affairs, there will be a shuffling and clear review of current errors done on the Shah’s behalf. The agreement involving the Shah with the succession crisis was an error on the fault of others and is now null and void.

[DKrol]

Qajar-Bourbon-Orleans Treaty of 1900
1) The Sublime State recognizes the Prince-Emperor Henri-Philippe de Bourbon-Orleans as the one rightful Emperor of Quebec.
2) A state of friendship shall exist between the Sublime State of Qajar Iran, the Commonwealth of Louisiana, and the Empire of Quebec. Each signatory pledges itself to protect the territorial boundaries and domestic political stability of the others.
3) Exports between the ports of the Sublime State, the Commonwealth, and the Empire shall require customs checks to occur in the domestic port of embarkation, rather than the port of arrival.
4) No tariffs shall be paid on trade between the Sublime State, the Commonwealth, and the Empire.
5) The Commonwealth shall maintain an Office of Technology at the Embassy in Tehran to provide advice and resources on hydroelectricity and petroleum extraction.
6) A delegation from the internal security force of the Sublime State shall conduct a six-month residency with the Commonwealth Gendarmerie in New Orleans, followed by a six-month residency of a delegation of the Commonwealth Gendarmerie in Tehran, to share best practices and learn advance techniques.

x Louis-Philippe III, King of the Commonwealth of Louisiana
x Henri-Philippe, Prince-Emperor

The cowardly Shah, buckling to the Quebecois pressure, has refused to sign this agreed upon treaty. As such, all of its provisions are null and void and the Qajar State is removed from the list of favored nations.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

King Luis II on the Hispanophonic community globally.

Given our intelligence services indicating that tensions are escalating globally, particularly in Spanish-speaking parts of the world, with the looming destruction of the Chilean, Quechua, and Mapuche populations and repression against the Spanish-speaking population in Cuba, California, and Central America, the king finds it necessary to take measures to ensure the safety of these citizens. We cannot allow countries with Spanish-speaking populations to express aggressive language towards other Spanish-speaking nations. For these reasons, the king has entered into defensive pacts with the Holy Republic of Colombia and the Holy Union of Spain. This is to prevent potential bloodshed and to stop Spanish-speaking citizens from becoming targets of aggressive military operations directed against them.

For this reason, the king wants to recognize and defend the independence of both the Santiago Regency and the Mapuche Free State. The king proposes, among other things, to suggest a monarch to these new nations to improve their diplomatic situation and provide legitimacy so that these new countries can be protected against aggressive acts by third parties. The king also proposes that these countries adopt a similar constitution to that of Mexico, one that ensures improved living conditions and guarantees labor rights. The rights of native populations and women should also be protected, of course.

The king aims to be the ultimate protector of the Spanish-speaking world and appeals to these people worldwide to support him in this quest. The king will not allow violence and acts of war to be directed against them. We must unite; only then can we prevent foreign aggression.

On the Shah

The Mexican King commends the actions of the Shah and undoes the actions announced before, apologizing for the diplomatic incident. Mexican diplomats within the territory of Qajar Iran will remain doing what they were doing, while the Qajari diplomats no longer are expelled, and are welcome to stay here.

[Attorney General & PPT Dwarven Dragon]

From the Desk of the President



A further Statement on the Shah

His Excellency Condemns the Shah for even considering entering the above treaty with Louisiana and Henri-Phillipe. The previous statement on the Shah remains applicable in full. His Excellency further condemns Louisiana for its participation, though it will grant that Louisiana is at least on the same continent as Quebec and is thus not as out of its league as the Shah.

[Kuumo]

Official Statements from the Office of the Archbishop-President


(Source: u/S-I-B-E-R-I-A-N on r/vexillology)

On the Recent Russian Election

The Archbishop-President congratulates President Milyukov on his election as the new leader of Russia and looks forward to a civil and productive relationship with the Russian Republic.


On the Recent New English Election

The Archbishop-President congratulates Chairman Fitzgerald on his historic victory as the new Chairman of the Confederation of New England. Recognizing the tremendous strides forward made by both of our states in the past generation, the Holy Republic of Gran Colombia looks forward to a new era of relations with New England under Chairman Fitzgerald's leadership.


On the Quebecois Succession Dispute and the International Conference on Ungentlemanly Warfare

The Holy Republic of Gran Colombia recognizes Empress Wilhelmina as the legitimate sovereign of the Empire of Québec. The Archbishop-President appreciates the Empress's leadership in calling for a moratorium on the usage of chemical agents in warfare and will personally attend the International Conference on Ungentlemanly Warfare in Tróis Rivieres.


On the Inaugural 1904 World Cup

The Archbishop-President is proud to announce the participation of a Colombian national team in the first World Cup hosted by the Kingdom of Mexico. This event holds promise in building a spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition between the participating nations and building bridges between distant peoples through a shared pastime.

[PSOL]

Iran will send its national team to the 1904 World Cup

[Lumine]

Her Imperial Majesty accepts the explanation provided by the Qajar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and wishes to consider the matter close and forgotten. Montréal is also pleased to confirm that a treaty has been signed regarding economic and technological cooperation, which we hope will represent a further step in the successful discovery and eventual exploitation of our natural resources.

Québecois-Qajar Treaty of 1900

The signatories, in recognition of their lack of conflicting interests, as well as the immense projected benefits of a close economic relationship, hereby agree to the following:

1.) The recognition of the Empress Wilhelmina as the rightful, lawful sovereign of the Empire of Québec.

2.) The provision of capital and funding from the Empire of Québec for the expansion and development of the Qajar oil industry.

3.) The provision of Qajar experts on oil exploration and exploitation to the Empire of Québec, to search for possible oil deposits within its borders.

4.) The deployment of a two-year mission from the Québecois Académie des Sciences to Tehran, in order to further develop the Qajar universities and improve its system of higher education. 

5.) The reduction of oil and agricultural tariffs between both nations, to promote the exportation of oil into Québec and the importation of agricultural goods into the Sublime State.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

[PSOL]

Her Imperial Majesty accepts the explanation provided by the Qajar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and wishes to consider the matter close and forgotten. Montréal is also pleased to confirm that a treaty has been signed regarding economic and technological cooperation, which we hope will represent a further step in the successful discovery and eventual exploitation of our natural resources.

Québecois-Qajar Treaty of 1900

The signatories, in recognition of their lack of conflicting interests, as well as the immense projected benefits of a close economic relationship, hereby agree to the following:

1.) The recognition of the Empress Wilhelmina as the rightful, lawful sovereign of the Empire of Québec.

2.) The provision of capital and funding from the Empire of Québec for the expansion and development of the Qajar oil industry.

3.) The provision of Qajar experts on oil exploration and exploitation to the Empire of Québec, to search for possible oil deposits within its borders.

4.) The deployment of a two-year mission from the Québecois Académie des Sciences to Tehran, in order to further develop the Qajar universities and improve its system of higher education. 

5.) The reduction of oil and agricultural tariffs between both nations, to promote the exportation of oil into Québec and the importation of agricultural goods into the Sublime State.

x Wilhelmina I von Hohenzollern,
Empress and Defender of Québec

X NSQ
With this declaration, the Sublime State is establishing the Iran Oil Company to be an official crown holding to be ran by the main Bonyad of Iran, Astan Razavi Quds.

[GoTfan]

Proclamations from KIng Francis III

On the matter of Spain and the MEditerranean

The Kingdom of Naples will not diverge from its current course in international diplomacy. As such, the King wishes to maintain and deepen existing ties between Naples and Spain. The President's desire to liberalise and reform his nation is one that we Italians heartily support.

On the Quebecois succession

The Kingdom of Naples has no desire to become involved in the dynastic struggles of the North American continent. The king is willing to offer his services as a mediator given Naples' historic friendship with both Louisiana and Quebec, buit nothing more.

On the Conference on Ungentlemanly Warfare

The King applauds Empress Wilhelmina on her initiative, and will dispatch a delegation posthaste

On Football

The King, as an eager fan of football himself, is quote eager to see Naples participate in the sport on the world stage. He will accept Chairman Fitzgerald's invitation for a Neapolitan team to participate in the North American Cup.

He is also supportive of efforts by Mexico to host the 1904 World Cup.

[DKrol]

Statement on the Global Game of New Orleans Football

His Majesty the King is very pleased to see the global spread of New Orleans Football. Given the deep involvement of the Fake Empress and the disloyal Quebecois, however, no team representing the Commonwealth will be sent to Boston to partake in the North American Cup nor in any tournament which includes a team loyal to the Fake Empress. Instead, His Majesty has commissioned a new domestic cup to begin this year, ensuring the loyal people of the Commonwealth and the greater Bourbon-Orleans realm are not denied the sport they love - and invented.

The Commonwealth Cup will feature teams with the best players from each constituent realm of the Commonwealth, Columbia, Orleans, the Royal Demesne, California, Liberia, the Caribbean, and the Northern Territories, as well as two teams representing additional populations, one for those who claimed asylum after the Mexican War and one for loyal Quebecois who have pledged themselves to the Prince-Emperor.

Each team will play each other team twice in a round-robin format in the League Stage. Upon the conclusion on the League Stage, the top four teams in the standings will advance to the Playoff Stage and play single-elimination matches until the Champion has been determined.

[LAKISYLVANIA]

On the terrorist football team in Louisiana

King Luis II is displeased with the announcement that the Louisianan Commonwealth intends to allow a football team composed of terrorists to participate in its domestic cup. While I cannot intervene in the domestic affairs of Louisiana, I must speak out against the prince-emperor assembling a team of traitors and terrorists for our nation. This is an issue I cannot overlook, and it may lead to dire consequences. Both of our nations have recently experienced conflict during the border war, and this decision could potentially return us to a challenging crossroads. I reiterate our desire for the extradition of those individuals if it is the goal of the prince-emperor to maintain peace.

On the world cup

The King announces and confirms the participation of the Holy Republic of Colombia, Qajar Iran, the Kingdom of Naples and the Holy Union of Spain to the 1904 world cup. They'll join the Kingdom of Mexico and the North American national teams which automatically were already invited but have yet to confirm participation.

[Lumine]

Québecois Propaganda

In light of present issues, as well as Her Imperial Majesty's push for serious constitutional reform, the permanent secretariat, Empress’ Household, and the ISB will be secretly collaborating in manufacturing propaganda to build up popular support for the Empress. Although the themes will steer clear from criticizing foreign governments, they will persistently uphold a belief in Québecois manifest destiny and the preservation of its sovereignty, by celebrating key moments in the Empire's 120 or so year history.

Wikimedia Commons

A troupe of popular Québecois actors, assisted by the famed and revered French actress Sarah Bernhardt - bribed with the equivalent of a truckload of money - will be holding a series of plays on Québecois history, mostly free (thus heavily subsidized) and simplified for the benefit of working-class audiences. Historic moments will include Prince Henry's crossing of the Atlantic and the Vaudreuil-Henry partnership; Québec's colonial dash to the west in the 1830's; the North American War and the assassination of King Henry II; and the creation of the Empire under Philip I, including a scene in which Bernhardt plays the Empress Wilhelmina and vows to protect the Empire at all costs.

Aside from the usual posters and other written or visual propaganda calling on to support the Empress in upholding sovereignty, independence and constitutionalism, patriotic songs will also be provided in the hopes that they picked up by audiences. One such example is the "Marche Wilhelmine", adapted from a popular song born from the North American War:

Marche Wilhelmine (OTL Marche Lorraine)

Good Québecers, never stop singing,
This song full of zeal,
Of our immortal empress,
Wilhelmine of Québec.
Echoing from the deep woods,
This melody of battle,
That we sing for all time,
Can still be heard!

Princess Wilhelmine,
Her hussar’s uniform black as coal,
Child to the Emperor,
Rushed forward to save the Empire,
She led the citizens and stumped the traitors,
And secured her rightful Crown! Oh, oh, oh,
Secured her rightful Crown!

Proud children of Québec,
From the mountains to the plains,
Above us soars a spirit serene,
Wilhelmine, our beautiful empress!
Old, Stout-hearted citizens,
We'll brave every blow,
And weather out any storm,
For we guard the gates of the Empire!

Proud children of Québec,
From the mountains to the plains,
Above us soars a spirit serene,
Wilhelmine, our beautiful empress!
Old, Stout-hearted citizens,
We'll brave every blow,
And weather out any storm,
For we guard the gates of the Empire!

[LAKISYLVANIA]

Panama Canal Blockade

Following recent threats and refusals to comply with Mexican demands, the Mexican king has decided, in agreement with the owners of the Panama Canal, to enforce a blockade. Several Mexican ships will guard both entrances of the Panama Canal, and Louisiana ships will not be allowed to enter. If they approach too close to either entrance, fire will be opened.

The Kingdom does not believe Louisiana has the right to make use of a canal it hasn't built or taken part in, insisting on using the original route across the Magellan Strait if it wishes to enter either the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean.

The blockade will only be lifted when the King of the Louisianan Commonwealth accedes to the Mexican King's demands to extradite the remaining Augustine terrorists. The Mexican King sees this action as necessary after the provocation of the formation of a football team of terrorists.