The People's Party Remains, 1888-

[Marokai Backbeat]

Events of 1902

On February 14th, 1902, the United States Navy introduces it's first Submarine to the the 1st North Atlantic Fleet after several unaffiliated prototype vessels. Several Commanders remark on the need to consolidate the Navy's fleets, citing communication difficulties.

After a peaceful and uneventful Winter, Congress officially reconvenes for his main session of the year on March 4th, 1902. With no foreign affairs on the immediate horizon, President Pattison turns his attention towards matters of the armed forces. The state militias and volunteer forces acted poor in combat, and were often ill prepared and disorganized, lacking proper training. The Navy had been experiencing communication difficulties because of the number of organized groups in each fleet, and the Army lacked proper medical equipment.

Pattison presents several pieces of legislation to the Democratic congress on March 21st, 1902, the first of which is the Militia Act of 1902. The Act would transfer all state militias to the newly created National Guard Bureau. The National Guard would be commanded by each state's Governor (as well as the War Department), as the current State Militias are, and would act as a reserve force for the United States Army, instead of using volunteer forces in front-line combat. The Militia Act would provide for inspection of each National Guard unit by Army officers, required to meet certain standards, and mandate three days of training each month. In addition to overhauling the militia system, the Act would more than double funding for the organization, and for the first time, provided pay for participating in training (and increase pay for participating in armed conflict.)

Populist leaders are concerned over the legislation, fearing too much power for the military, while Republicans remain skeptical, for different reasons. Republican leaders are not opposed to strengthening and reinforcing the armed forces of the United States, but are concerned about irresponsible spending, and question where the funding for such things will be coming from.

"Where is the revenue?" House Minority Leader McKinley (R-OH) states. "Democrats have noble causes but harbor adoration for irresponsible spending!" Democratic House Majority Leader Rice Pierce (D-TN) responds by proposing Republicans and Democrats meet on the issue, out of fear that their proposal will not proceed with united Populist and Republican opposition, after finding out several northern Democrats share Republican concerns.

Democrats promise to consider Republican legislation after passage of the Militia Act after receiving several suggestions that they are concerned about including in the Act. Several suggestions include instituting and/or raising certain fees on licenses, public documents, raising tariffs, and reorganizing the tax rates.

The Militia Act of 1902 reaches a vote in the House of Representatives, where is sure to pass due to a heavy Democratic majority. Populists decry "There is no need to strengthen the military complex of this country. Did we fail in any of our past conflicts? Were we defeated in the Japanese-German Pacific Conflict? Were American forces repelled in the Battle of Santiago? Our forces have served valiantly thus far and there is no need for more. Peace is preferable to war, my friends." Democrats agree to an extent, responding "Peace is always preferable, but our forces must remain strong. The world now sees us as a respectable power, we must look and act as one. We should be prepared for any conflict that occurs, prepared to respond with incredible force if necessary."

Most Republicans reluctantly throw their support to the legislation, and it passes the House despite widespread Populist opposition, 244-113. The Militia Act moves to the Senate, where margins are thinner, but still under considerable Democratic control. Majority Leader Kyle (P-KS) is a vocal opponent of the Act, and tries to convince hesitant Republicans to oppose the Act, and to some extent succeed. Senate Republicans are concerned Democrats will not hear them out after the passage of the Act, and demand fiscal responsibility beforehand, and not afterward. Despite growing Republican opposition, it passes in the Senate, 47-43, a thin margin of victory.

After weeks of wrangling over the Militia Act, the House moves immediately to the Republicans, who propose the 1902 Revenue Act on April 30th. The Act would raise the income tax on the bottom bracket by 1%, increase the average tariff on all goods entering the United States by 4%, and increase fees on public documents (such as court documents, property deeds, licenses, etc) by 12%. House Minority Leader McKinley says "The Act provides a great deal of revenue, without crippling the economy by any stretch of one's imagination." Democrats are receptive this time however, though opposed to tariffs in most cases, because of the recent drop-off of revenue being generated. Populists are flatly opposed to the tariffs, and are concerned about increasing fees on public documents, because of "a regressive effect."

Still, Democrats uphold their end of the bargain and support the Republicans, despite some reservations on tariffs. The 1902 Revenue Act passes in the House of Representatives, 253-104. It moves to pass in the Senate, 58-32.

On May 10th, 1902, The United Mine Workers of America voices discontent over working conditions in a string of coal mines in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. But pledge to continue working after striking a deal with mine owners in the previous year.

President Pattison and Democratic allies introduce the Army Medical Empowerment Act as another major part of President Pattison's packages to improve the conditions of the Army and Navy, which would increase funding for medical science and would mandate increased medical supplies in army bases and on the field. Concerns had been raised for many years resulting from the beginning of the Spanish-American War and the German-Japanese-American Debacle because of several diseases not common in the United States resulting in several thousand deaths. In fact, more soldiers died from disease in Cuba than from combat with the Spaniards.

The Army Medical Empowerment Act passes easily in both houses of congress. Passing in the Senate 79-11, and in the House of Representatives 321-36. President Pattison is pleased and happily signs the bill into law.

On June 12th, business interests step up lobbying efforts to the United States congress to build a canal through Panama, instead of Nicaragua citing the proximity of a volcano in Nicaragua near the site of the planned canal (though it had not been active for many many years). Several other factors come into play as well, such as limited progress already made in Panama by the French, and much of the equipment remaining there, free to be purchased from France. Pattison is more than happy to accommodate the market, but is concerned about how to proceed, because of past treaties with Colombia and an unstable situation in Panama. Both Houses of Congress pass a resolution in support of the President's diplomatic leadership in an effort to build a "Panamanian Canal."

In Washington DC, President Pattison and Former-President Weaver appear together at a July 4th celebration. The Progressive Farmer reports they speak of international relations and Weaver's previous naval reorganization.

On July 10th, Populist Party leaders meet in Nebraska to discuss their party's future. After crippling legislative and electoral defeats, they begin to be concerned about their direction. They begin to direct offices across the West and South to get back to their base efforts, grassroots organizing, in coordination with Labor Unions and Farmer's Alliances and Associations. Populists also bring back an old party plank, universal suffrage, and begin to advertise and organize unions to increase their membership and influence. Considerable progress is made in Florida and Texas.

Throughout August, 1902, President Pattison organizes the Navy in his third effort to strengthen and modernize American's armed forces. The North Atlantic Fleets & South Atlantic Fleets and North Pacific Fleets & South Pacific Fleets are to be combined and radio communications to be reorganized, to avoid communication problems seen in the German-Japanese-American Pacific conflict. Two new fleets of Submarines are also to be fully integrated into the fleets by December 31st, 1904.

[Marokai Backbeat]

1902 Continuation

The Constitution of the Republic of Cuba is ratified in Cuba on September 4th, 1902, structuring an official government similar to the United States, with a Cuban General Assembly and Cuban Senate. Presidents were to be elected every 4 years for 4 year terms and the first elections are scheduled to be held on November 10th, 1902.

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On September 21st, 80% of American forces have withdrawn from Cuba. Pattison eagerly awaits the election results.

Populist Senate Minority Leader James Kyle (P-KS) proposes legislation to emulate recently passed legislation in New York on the federal level, requiring all automobiles to have license plates attached to them, consisting of numbers and letters designed to identify them to police and government agencies. The Automobile Licensing Act passes, despite some controversy among worried Democrats about the implications of such a directory of licenses, 63-27 in the Senate. It goes on the pass in the House of Representatives on October 20th, 249-108.

1902 Congressional Elections

Republicans and Populists attempt to gain power after the Democrat landslide of two years earlier, with limited success. President Pattison's successes in the Pacific and masterful command of the United States' armed forces keep the Democrats popular. As is expected, however, there are several corrections after a landslide.

The Twelfth United States Census takes effect in this election cycle, increasing the House of Representatives from 357 Members to 386 Members, a 29 member increase. This assists all three parties, but mainly the Populists, as several of those gains are in the West and South.

Congressional Election Results

Senate:

Democrats - 46 (-3)
Populists - 31 (+1)
Republicans - 13 (+2)

House:

Democrats -  195 (-6)
Populists - 130 (+22)
Republicans -  61 (+13)

[TommyC1776]

good TL.

[Dr. Cynic]

Great timeline... I think the People's Party might've survived alot longer had Bryan not managed to swallow them inside the Democratic Party.

[The Populist]

You pretty much stole an idea I had, but good job

[Marokai Backbeat]

Events of 1903

Throughout the winter, President Pattison and high level diplomats meet and congratulate the new members of the Cuban Government. Tomás Estrada Palma was elected President, overwhelmingly, belonging to the Cuban Moderate Party. Two other major parties stand in the Cuban Senate (50 total members) and General Assembly (165 total members), the Republican Liberals and the National Liberal Party. President Pattison is eager to negotiate trade pacts and land deals with the new Cuban Republic as soon as the 58th Congress convenes.

When the new congress gathers to set their agenda on March 4th, they have several pressing issues. Populists want to move on environmental matters, recently adopting resource conservation and environmental protection to their platforms to great effect in the Southern states of Louisiana and Florida, as well as mountainous states such as West Virginia, Montana, and Colorado. Democrats want to move with trade pacts for Cuba, and Republicans (pleased from their gains) want to cease the neglecting of Puerto Rico and Oklahoma, and move on organizing the government in the former.

On March 14th, Pattison announces to congress he is working with his cabinet and Cuban officials on drafting certain economic policies for mutual benefit.

Senator Levi Ankeny (P-WA) introduces the Forest Protection Act of 1903 which would allow the President to set aside an undetermined amount of forestry for federal protection, in the first effort by the Populist Party for environmental protection and resource conservation.  Democrats, however, are skeptical, and view it as unnecessary, yet support the Act because the authority resides with the President's pen. President Pattison is personally neutral on the legislation, while not seeing a need for such, but agrees to sign the bill if passed.

Ankeny, one of the Populist Party's foremost spokesmen for environmental protection, claims keeping the environment clean and safe is not only a matter of health but a matter of industrial regulation and containment. "Businesses and combinations of businesses should not and will not have the capability to use the environment as they please. Our forests, our meadows, our waters, benefit all Americans and should be protected from abuse of any sort."

The Forest Protection Act of 1903 reaches a vote on March 28th, after a short debate session in the Senate, and passes 59-31. Populists are pleased with the Act's bi-partisan support, and it goes on to the House of Representatives. The Forest Protection Act passes easily for a second time, 296-90, on April 1st. Pattison signs it into law, and only sets aside 1 million acres of forest to be protected as public land.

Senate Minority Leader Eugene Hale (R-ME) introduces the Hale Act which would finally move the process of setting up a government in Puerto Rico while the Congress debates independence of annexation. The island had been ran by the United States Navy and some diplomats for the most part until this point. Populists are opposed to Puerto Rican statehood, but have no serious qualms concerning protectorate status. The Hale Act passes in the Senate with widespread Republican and Democratic support, 66-24. It easily passes the House as well on April 12th, 279-106.

President Pattison announces a deal with Cuban President Estrada Palma over a trade agreement and the lease of land on the Island of Cuba. Pattison submits the Cuban-American Trade Pact to the Senate for approval, which would significantly reduce tariffs for Cuban and American products entering each country, allow Cuban and American businesses to do business in each country, and in return for easing immigration restrictions for Cubans entering the United States, the Cuban government would allow the United States to have an indefinite lease on Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for the purposes of military and naval operations.

Populists are hesitant to agree to binding agreements to other nations, but Republicans are elated with the deal, and wholeheartedly support the Pact. It passes in the Senate, despite Populist reluctance, 60-30. The Cuban-American Trade Pact passes the House by an equally wide margin of 270-116 on May 13th, after considerable debate.

___________________________________________________

The Panama Canal Debacle

On May 20th, Secretary of State Francis Loomis (D), attempts to negotiate a treaty with Colombia concerning a canal across Panama. Loomis offers a deal of purchasing the rights to build a canal for $14 Million and $270,000 annually. Diplomat Tomás Herran, speaking on behalf of Colombia, accepts the deal, with the addition that the United States increase their Naval detail around Panama to contain the Panamanian Liberals, who continuously rebel against Colombia. President Pattison and entrenched corporate interests are pleased with the news, and the Loomis-Herran Treaty is submitted to the Senate, where it passes 78-12.

President Pattison directs a small squadron of Cruisers to bolster American naval forces near Colombia.

The Colombian Senate, however, had other ideas. Herran as it eventually turned out, had no authority to sign a treaty and make demands on behalf of Colombia without the approval of their Senate, and the Conservative controlled Colombian Senate swiftly voted the treaty down. President Pattison and Democratic leaders are furious, believing they had an agreement and call on Colombian President Rafael Reyes to "live up to the bargain" and work to "create a reasonable agreement with the Colombian Conservative Party."

President Reyes is insulted at the implication that he has any sort of bargain to live up to, believing the initial treaty to be invalid because of Herran's rogue diplomacy, and sends a message to Pattison on June 2nd via his envoys that the canal is available for purchase for $60 Million and $500,000 Annually. Pattison called the offer "outrageous" and breaks off negotiations with the Colombians.

Meanwhile, Panamanian rebels (mostly from the Liberal Party) are strengthening, and are readying for their third major uprising against the Colombian government. Leading the seperatists are Belisario Barahona prominent journalist and Liberal Party leader, Isthmus of Panama Governor José Domingo de Obaldía, and former Conservative General Rafael Uribe. Many in Panama had been supportive of the American plan for construction of a canal, pushing the Colombian Congress for many years to support infrastructure projects and revitalization efforts in Panama, and the refusal and broken diplomatic relations between the two countries triggered the anger of Panamanian separatists, even causing some Conservative Party members to switch sides.

On June 14th, several minor attacks throughout several cities in Panama take place against Colombian Government forces.

Colombian President Reyes demands, in accordance with the Mallarino-Bidlack Treaty, that President Pattison step in and assist the Colombian forces to put down the rebels. Pattison does not directly answer Reyes, but orders the newly organized 4th Atlantic Fleet to move into range of Panama on June 20th.

[Marokai Backbeat]

1903 Continuation

Formerly influential Conservative Party leader Manuel A. Guerrero relays a message to American forces that he wishes to speak with American envoys about something "gravely important." Guerrero and Governor José Domingo de Obaldía send this message to American forces:

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President Pattison deliberates what action to take with his closest advisors intensely, fearing Populist backlash but realizing the great benefits a canal would bring. Pattison directed his envoys to pressure the Colombian government to cease "oppression" and "abuse" of the Panamanians, and ordered the 4th Atlantic Fleet to hold a defensive position inside Colombian waters, frightening the Colombian leaders.

Republicans and Democrats are supportive of the measures President Pattison is taking, but Populists are split. Many Populists throughout the South and Great Lakes see the matter as another Cuba; Saving a people from oppression and delivering them to the freedom they deserve. But most Western Populists see the matter as "unnecessary foreign entanglement." Senate Minority Leader James Kyle (P-KS) sends a letter to President Pattison urging him to have restraint.

Throughout July, Pattison orders naval officers to peacefully block Colombian advances on Panama, and at the same time show no direct favor to the rebels, leading to several tense stand-offs but no violence.

On July 28th, 1903, José Domingo de Obaldía declares Panama a "free and independent nation" from Colombia, resulting in an outraged President Reyes. President Pattison unofficially recognizes Panama as an independent Nation the following day, but urges Congress to make it an official recognition.

General Uribe coordinates several successful attacks on Colombian forces and repels them from rebel supply points. Colombian forces are unusually weak due to American interference.

Senate Majority Leader Newton Blanchard (D-LA) proposes the Blanchard Resolutions on August 1st, which would declare the United States to officially recognize the Republic of Panama. Colombia threatens to officially end all diplomatic relations with the United States if the Senate passes the resolution. Minority Leader Kyle is opposed to the Resolutions, claiming they are "inflammatory and too risky to implement." Kyle unfortunately does not speak for all Populists, and is unable to mount a serious defense because of the previous year's passed joint resolution to support all diplomatic efforts aimed towards building a "Panamanian Canal."

After two weeks of debate in the Senate, and continuous peaceful interference with Colombian forces, the Blanchard Resolutions pass the Senate on August 16th, 61-29, wider than Kyle had hoped. The resolutions pass the House of Representatives 298-88 on August 21st, officially recognizing Panama as an Independent Nation. Colombia does not follow through on it's threat to cut off diplomatic relations, but withdraws it's forces back to the Panama/Colombia border.

Panama leaders begin motions to make deals with Americans considering a canal and how to rebuilt the ravaged countryside.

Secretary of State Loomis convinces several European nations to recognize the Republic of Panama. By September 19th, fifteen nations have recognized Panama as an independent state.

While Colombia still refuses to recognize Panama, they sign a ceasefire agreement with Belisario Barahona and a team of separatists. On September 25th, the Provisional Government of the Republic of Panama contacts American diplomats and President Pattison and announces their willingness to negotiate a fair treaty for the construction of an American canal. Secretary of State Loomis is dispatched with a team of diplomats on board the USS Connecticut to negotiate with the new Government of Panama.

On October 29th, Pattison announces the successful Loomis-Barahona Treaty which would allow the United States to purchase the rights and property to build a proper canal through the Isthmus of Panama for $9 Million and $200,000 annually, with the added clause that Panama and American forces have the right to protect the canal in times of war or regional instability. A copy of the Treaty reaches the Senate on November 5th, 1903, and is approved by a vote of 80-9, with one Senator absent due to illness.

President Pattison withdraws half of the 4th Atlantic Fleet on November 10th, 1903.

The United Mine Workers of America begins consideration of a strike on November 17th, after several attempts at formal union recognition are ignored. The UMW demands recognition, the ability to bargain collectively, and a say in the management and structure of the mines. A strike is averted on November 21st when mine owners offer a temporary increase in pay throughout the winter, upon urging from the Department of Labor that a coal shortage in the winter would lead to "grave disaster."

Congress adjourns for the year on November 30th. President Pattison's attention remains on the labor disputes throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio.

[Marokai Backbeat]

Events of 1904

Throughout the winter, President Pattison and his cabinet keep a close watch on the labor disputes taking place throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania, the latter being the President's home state. Though angered at the lack of recognition and allegations of unlawful business practices send the United Mine Workers into something of a frenzy, they remain at work because of a pay increase, political pressure on the mine owners, and at the urging of the Department of Labor.

On March 4th, Congress begins a new session, and Populists look to the mine workers in Pennsylvania as something to move on within the year. Populists demand stricter regulation and assurances that businesses are abiding by the regulations and laws passed by the congress, but Democrats threaten to shut down the official session if Populists "seek to inflame tensions in an already precarious situation."

Republicans dislike the Democratic Party's belligerence, but shy away from taking politically controversial positions due to their cherished gains in the 1902 Congressional Elections. Left no choice, Senate Minority Leader James Kyle (P-KS) backs down, but pledges his and the Party's support to all working men.

By April, 1904, several American businesses have opened in the Republic of Cuba. President Estrada Palma welcomes the business as "the beginning of a new era for the Island of Cuba."

After weeks of political stunts and strong-arming, business in congress finally gets moving on April 12th, 1904. Representative Burleigh Spalding (P-ND) proposes the American Waterway Protection Act (later termed the Spalding Act) which would make it a misdemeanor to dispose of any sort of waste in rivers, harbors, ports, dams, channels, and many other bodies of water/running water without a permit. Spalding heralds the act as a great step forward for environmental protection, and an effort to prevent corporate abuse of the land and water. House Majority Leader Rice Pierce (D-TN) is opposed, claiming the act is "too broad and too harsh. Such an act would punish literally every citizen of this Nation."

Spalding responds by saying to reporters from The New York Times "If Mister Pierce thinks it such a good thing to dispose of hazardous wastes in American waters, he is a poor man indeed. To use the defense he has for his opposition to the Act, is shameful. This is a critical matter for the protection of the public's health." Pierce asserts "No one is defending disposing of waste in waters, I am merely suggesting punishing everyone for simply throwing a torn piece of parchment into a river is outrageous."

The debate inside the House of Representatives itself is no less serious, as an overwhelming amount of Populists and many Republicans line up in favor of the Act, most Democrats are opposed because of the broad powers of the Act, making passage of the American Waterway Protection Act shaky at best. On May 2nd, a vote is reached, and the Act receives a 197-189 vote of passage. Populists march on, and the Act reaches the Senate shortly thereafter, where passage is even less likely than it was in the House of Representatives.

Senator Edward Carmack (D-TN) says on the floor "I am not opposed to the power of the federal government in regulating important affairs, despite quite a lot of my Democratic colleagues differing opinions on that matter, but I am opposed to widespread penalties being laid upon our citizens. I urge my fellow Senators to vote against such an Act." Carmack's moderate voice leads a few Republican Senators to waver, and on May 9th, the American Waterway Protection Act is voted on 46-43 (1 Senator Absent) and fails.

___________________________________________________

'The Great Coal Strike of 1904'

On May 29th, everything the Department of Labor and President Pattison, as well as Pennsylvania Governor Daniel Hastings worked to maintain with the United Mine Workers of America crashed. The temporary increase in pay from the mine owners ended in late April, and since then, negotiations between the Union and the mine owners went terribly. George Baer, representing the mine owners and president of the Reading Railroad and John Mitchell, Union President, refused to see eye to eye if initial demands could not be met.

Mitchell demanded from the owners Union recognition and a say in the business decisions of the mine owners, a permanent pay raise, and alleged the owners had been unlawfully overworking (without overtime pay) the miners as stated in the Revised Labor Fairness Act of 1895. During negotiations, a response to a letter written to the spokesman for the mine owners, George Baer, became public after Baer had revealed a clear contempt for labor movements and the miners and published in the local newspapers, later picked up by The New York Times. Turning the public opinion of the region heavily against the mine owners, the United Mine Workers of America officially voted unanimously in favor of a strike.

By June 16th, 1904, more than 150,000 miners were on strike, imperiling the coal supply of the United States.

[Marokai Backbeat]

The remainder of 1904 will be posted later on, I'm exhausted and headed to bed.

[JWHart]

<de-lurks>

One of the best timelines I've seen on the forum so far. The one bit of criticism I'd offer is that I see a slight tendency towards Ameri-wank -- did the U.S. lose a single battle against the Germans/Japanese?

Also, I'm curious as to whether America's more aggressive entry onto the world stage will have any ripple effects in Europe. At the least, I'd think Germany would be more cautious in it's dealing with the U.S. during WWI (assuming that still happens).

Keep it coming!

[Marokai Backbeat]

<de-lurks>

One of the best timelines I've seen on the forum so far. The one bit of criticism I'd offer is that I see a slight tendency towards Ameri-wank -- did the U.S. lose a single battle against the Germans/Japanese?

Also, I'm curious as to whether America's more aggressive entry onto the world stage will have any ripple effects in Europe. At the least, I'd think Germany would be more cautious in it's dealing with the U.S. during WWI (assuming that still happens).

Keep it coming!

Thanks very much And you should post more often!

As to your question, American forces did suffer some defeats intervening in the German-Japanese War, but mostly from the Japanese. The German Navy wasn't as powerful in the Pacific as the Americans or the Japanese, and mainly relied on ambushes on American forces throughout the Caroline Islands.

As for the Japanese, they defeated the Americans (mainly by playing a good defense) at Manilla once or twice. It was the second major attack and a coordinated assault with the Filipinos that broke the Japanese hold on Manilla Bay. The Imperial Japanese Navy is the second most powerful force in the Pacific, but their attention was divided between Germany, the Americans, and tension with Russia, causing some of their forces to be divided.

In short, I referenced some American defeats and losses, but not to the extent I did the losses of the Japanese and Germans.

[JWHart]

As to your question, American forces did suffer some defeats intervening in the German-Japanese War, but mostly from the Japanese. The German Navy wasn't as powerful in the Pacific as the Americans or the Japanese, and mainly relied on ambushes on American forces throughout the Caroline Islands.

As for the Japanese, they defeated the Americans (mainly by playing a good defense) at Manilla once or twice. It was the second major attack and a coordinated assault with the Filipinos that broke the Japanese hold on Manilla Bay. The Imperial Japanese Navy is the second most powerful force in the Pacific, but their attention was divided between Germany, the Americans, and tension with Russia, causing some of their forces to be divided.

In short, I referenced some American defeats and losses, but not to the extent I did the losses of the Japanese and Germans.

Ah, fair enough. On re-reading, the "Second Battle of Manilla" does imply a first battle, doesn't it? It also would explain how Pattison passed his military expansion so quickly -- racial attitudes being what they were, the USN losing a battle to a non-white country would put a shock in the system. (OTL, the Russo-Japanese War was the first time a Western nation had lost a "modern" war to non-whites, and the Russian government nearly collapsed because of it. Wonder if that'll play out the same, BTW)

Does the fact that American defeats are glossed over mean that we're reading this from an ATL American History textbook, or am I reading too much into it?

[Marokai Backbeat]

As to your question, American forces did suffer some defeats intervening in the German-Japanese War, but mostly from the Japanese. The German Navy wasn't as powerful in the Pacific as the Americans or the Japanese, and mainly relied on ambushes on American forces throughout the Caroline Islands.

As for the Japanese, they defeated the Americans (mainly by playing a good defense) at Manilla once or twice. It was the second major attack and a coordinated assault with the Filipinos that broke the Japanese hold on Manilla Bay. The Imperial Japanese Navy is the second most powerful force in the Pacific, but their attention was divided between Germany, the Americans, and tension with Russia, causing some of their forces to be divided.

In short, I referenced some American defeats and losses, but not to the extent I did the losses of the Japanese and Germans.

Ah, fair enough. On re-reading, the "Second Battle of Manilla" does imply a first battle, doesn't it? It also would explain how Pattison passed his military expansion so quickly -- racial attitudes being what they were, the USN losing a battle to a non-white country would put a shock in the system. (OTL, the Russo-Japanese War was the first time a Western nation had lost a "modern" war to non-whites, and the Russian government nearly collapsed because of it. Wonder if that'll play out the same, BTW)

Does the fact that American defeats are glossed over mean that we're reading this from an ATL American History textbook, or am I reading too much into it?

I'll try to highlight American defeats from now on if that's better

[Marokai Backbeat]

1904 Continuation

President Pattison is conflicted on how to proceed. Public opinion is in favor of the strikers, however if he does nothing, a coal shortage would be quick to erupt. Coal prices had already risen to eight dollars a ton from five dollars a ton, and there were worries that several serious efforts to conserve energy were to be taken within the next month if a constant supply of coal was not restored. Populists called on Pattison to intervene in favor of the strikers as Former-President James Weaver had done by keeping the peace via the state militias, and then correcting the wrongs through the legislature.

Pattison, however, is opposed to this. A politician from the old Bourbon wing of the Party, Pattison had used the Pennsylvania Militia to break up a major strike during his time as Governor of Pennsylvania when strikers refused to go back to work and both sides fell to violence. On June 19th, newly appointed House Minority Leader John Lind (P-MN) attempted to introduce the Lind Resolution, a non-binding resolution issuing a statement of support for the United Mine Workers of America. The resolution was squashed immediately by Democratic leaders, who wanted to make certain Populists wouldn't interfere in the planning stages of a reaction.

Many Populists and Labor Leaders however recall President Pattison's Inaugural Address where he implicated strikers as "bullies" to the businesses of the country, and aren't prepared to give up so easily. On June 21st, Former-President Weaver arrives in the capitol to rally Populists and publicly urge the President to intervene "fairly, safely, and responsibly."

On June 23rd, 1904, President Pattison directs Secretary of Labor James Lloyd (D-MO) and a team of aides to go to Pennsylvania and attempt to negotiate some sort of agreement between George Baer (Mine owners' spokesman) and John Mitchell (President of the United Mine Workers). Pattison was intensely worried about the political implications of a serious strike and nation-wide energy shortage in an election year, and urged the Department of Labor to move swiftly in giving recommendations. A meeting is scheduled between the two major parties in the strike for June 27th, but Spokesman Baer refuses to show, asserting sitting down at the same table with the strikers would be tantamount to Union recognition.

Senate Majority Leader Kyle (P-KS) and John Mitchell label the mine owners "Immature and irresponsible" while Baer counters by labeling the strikers "essentially anarchists." Mine owners begin hiring private security forces to guard the mines from the strikers, at the Pennsylvania's Republican Governor's refusal to call in the national guard to break up the strike. President Pattison begins private consideration of a commission designed to solve the problems of the strike.

On July 12th the situation takes a turn for the worse, strikers outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania attempt to persuade several of the men still working at the mines to join the strike and are accused by the mine owners as attempting to block entrance to the mine, something the strikers deny. Given all the justification needed, security forces attack the strikers, and chaos ensues. Fights take place throughout the surrounding mines of Pittsburgh between strikers and the mine's security, lasting until the morning of July 13th. The New York Times reports that the miners did not instigate the confrontation, despite the claims of John Markle, local mine owner, that the strikers began the assault.

Upon the news, Pennsylvania Governor Hastings calls in the Pennsylvania National Guard to keep the peace, later writing a letter to President Pattison updating him of the situation. Pattison shrugs off the recommendations of Governor Hastings and of several of his Cabinet officials, and orders several commanders to dispatch National guard troops in favor of the mine owners, later defending his action:

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Many Populists and much of the Republicans in the North-Northeast are opposed to President Pattison's action, claiming he has "no authority" and is "acting reckless and ignoring the needs of the workers."

President Pattison and Labor Secretary Lloyd announce plans to form a mediating commission, designed to investigate the causes of the strike, hear arguments from both sides, and propose solutions to solve "this and future disputes." Many are skeptical of Pattison's sincerity behind the scenes, and he delegates much of his part in forming the commission to Vice President Smith (D-MD). On July 27th, Vice President Smith announces he and Secretary Lloyd have persuaded Former-Presidents Weaver and Cleveland to head the commission, as part of the effort to create a "fair deal for both sides involved."

By the end of July, the price of coal has risen to 19 dollars a ton, more than triple the price before the strike began.

Believing the President is sympathetic to him, George Baer agrees to participate in the commission being created on behalf of the mine owners in Pennsylvania. Believing they stand a good chance of making their case, and public opinion being solidly on their side, on August 12th, 1904 John Mitchell puts ending the strike and participating in the 'Coal Commission' to a vote to the United Mine Workers Union workers, and it passes by a wide margin. On August 20th, the strike officially ends, and most of the workers return to the mines. The price of coal peaks at 22 dollars a ton, more than four times the original price.

Throughout the next months (and eventually through the Winter), the eight commissioners, a team of aides, and Former Presidents Weaver and Cleveland will tour the coalfields of Pennsylvania, hear arguments and allegations from the United Mine Workers of America and the Independent Mine Owners. They will examine living conditions, wages, working conditions, and several other things brought to the commissioners' minds. President Pattison is pleased the strike is finally over and the steady supply of coal will (more or less) resume. Public opinion of Pattison's reaction is mixed, to say the least.

Over the next several weeks, membership in unions skyrockets, and labor leaders claim it as a victory for the Union movement.

[Marokai Backbeat]

The 1904 General Election Season

The 'Great Coal Strike' dominating the news and the business of politicians for the year, not much is accomplished legislatively, but Party leaders are pleased to have had their party conventions.

Populist Party Convention, 1904

William Jennings Bryan and Eugene V. Debs return to the Populist Party convention, this year held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Bryan asserts the need for the return to power for the Populist Party, and that he can be a peaceful mediator and leader in the face of a crisis such as the Coal Strike. Debs however, claims the reason the Populists endured such a serious defeat in 1900 was because of the Party's inability to renew itself and it's image, and to be flexible and open to other movements. Debs claims being a labor leader in the past and widely respected member of labor union circles will easily make him a powerful and successful President.

Though narrower, Populists once again nominate William J. Bryan, still a powerful and influential member of the Populist Party and believe their stronger position and Bryan's Democratic past will help them to win this election. Populists nominate a young influential Populist from the south, James Griggs (P-GA) as Vice President, narrowly once again over Euguene Debs. Debs is furious, claiming "The Populists have once again ignored the Labor movement when it comes to their party's leadership." and bolts the convention to declare his intention to run for President independent of the Populist Party.

Republican Party Convention, 1904

Republicans feel very strong and optimistic for the first time since 1888, believing they stand a real chance. Looking for a chance to break through the lock the Populist and Democratic Parties have on media coverage and have a candidate that stands out to the average voter, Pennsylvania Governor Daniel Hastings is contacted about the possibility of running for President. He accepts, and is easily nominated by the Republican Party.

Businessman, past community organizer, and Representative from New York, Charles Dunworth is chosen as the Vice Presidential nominee.

Democratic Party Convention, 1904

Though rattled from some of the crises that have taken place in the last year and Pattison's handling of them, the Democratic Party proudly renominates Robert Pattison and John Smith for President and Vice President, respectively.

The General Election of 1904

Though the Democratic Party was very worried about their re-election, the Populists were moreso. Eugene Debs was a powerful labor leader and influential Populists, twice now ousted by the Populist leadership. His departure and formation of the Social Democratic Party terrified the Populists, and finally sent them into a frenzy upon the announcement he and long time friend and labor leader from Illinois, Benjamin Hanford, were forming a ticket and running for office.

Vote splitting was a major problem for the Populists. Bryan and Griggs desperately attempt to heal the wounds created by the rift between the Populist Party and Debs, but are largely unsuccessful outside of the West and Midwest. In the South, however, Populists do extraordinarily well, once again breaking through Democratic dominance in the Southern states, and taking advantage of Griggs' Southern roots.

Daniel Hastings and Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Charles Dunworth campaign aggressively in Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio, with a great amount of local support and name recognition. Hastings campaigns on his tenure as Governor of Pennsylvania, and his support of the strikers in the earlier Coal Strike, further cutting into Populist base supporters. Because of the recent implementation of the new census, 238 Electoral Votes were required.

Robert Pattison/John Smith (D), PV 41%, EV 244
William J. Bryan/James Griggs (P), PV 29%, EV 120
Daniel Hastings/Charles Dunworth (R), PV 23%, EV 112
Eugene Debs/Benjamin Hanford (SD), PV 7%, EV 0

The Republicans deliver to Pattison a narrow defeat in his home state, because of Hastings' local union support and recent name recognition boosts from the press, but Pattison manages to retain the Presidency narrowly.

Populists believe their loss is because of Debs, however, and are furious at the Social Democratic ticket. Despite the loss of Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin because of Debs stealing votes, Populists manage to pick off two additional traditionally Democratic states in the South and add them to the Populist column.

Congressional Election Results

Thankfully for the Populists, Debs and his Social Democrats are only focused on the Presidency, and field no serious candidates for office in Congress. Even in light of the fact that many Social Democratic voters support Debs and shunned the Populist Party, many still vote for Populist congressmen. This results in many Republican and Populist gains, but Democrats once again retain narrow control over both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Senate:

Democrats - 38 (-8)
Populists - 35 (+4)
Republicans - 17 (+4)

House:

Democrats -  164 (-31)
Populists - 151 (+21)
Republicans -  71 (+10)

[JWHart]

As to your question, American forces did suffer some defeats intervening in the German-Japanese War, but mostly from the Japanese. The German Navy wasn't as powerful in the Pacific as the Americans or the Japanese, and mainly relied on ambushes on American forces throughout the Caroline Islands.

As for the Japanese, they defeated the Americans (mainly by playing a good defense) at Manilla once or twice. It was the second major attack and a coordinated assault with the Filipinos that broke the Japanese hold on Manilla Bay. The Imperial Japanese Navy is the second most powerful force in the Pacific, but their attention was divided between Germany, the Americans, and tension with Russia, causing some of their forces to be divided.

In short, I referenced some American defeats and losses, but not to the extent I did the losses of the Japanese and Germans.

Ah, fair enough. On re-reading, the "Second Battle of Manilla" does imply a first battle, doesn't it? It also would explain how Pattison passed his military expansion so quickly -- racial attitudes being what they were, the USN losing a battle to a non-white country would put a shock in the system. (OTL, the Russo-Japanese War was the first time a Western nation had lost a "modern" war to non-whites, and the Russian government nearly collapsed because of it. Wonder if that'll play out the same, BTW)

Does the fact that American defeats are glossed over mean that we're reading this from an ATL American History textbook, or am I reading too much into it?

I'll try to highlight American defeats from now on if that's better

Oh, focus on what you want, I was semi-joking. (Although, based on your writing style to date, you might consider portraying this as a textbook from the ATL. It's a technique often used on alternatehistory.com)

Good update!

[Marokai Backbeat]

The Second Term of Robert Pattison (D-PA), 1905

Over the winter, the Coal Commission remained hard at work observing the working conditions, pay, allegations of overworking, and much more that the Independent Mine Owners and the United Mine Workers of America brought to the table. Throughout the commission, several reports in The Progressive Farmer & The New York Times come to light of internal fighting between James Weaver and Grover Cleveland over how to handle the findings of the commission.

February 14th, 1905 marked the final day of argument before the commission, and the end to all the presentation of the findings from the coal fields and from inside the UMW. After testimony from over 650 witnesses from each side, George Baer summed up his arguments by saying "This isn't about suffering, 'democracy', or any other issue the workers have cited, this is about the right of a business to do as it pleases in this great country. This is about my rights."

The United Mine Workers close by citing the terrible working conditions of several of the mines, and remarking "The mine owners will say this about about rights. That is true, but it is not concerning the right of a businessman to ruin the lives of working men, and to abuse them for their profit. It is about our rights as hard and honest workers to earn an acceptable wage, to live a life kept up with this country's standard of living and survive comfortably for all our hard work." Through all the rhetoric, however, many in the commission had already made their minds up.

On February 21st, the commission settles unanimously on a proposal to both sides, and is swiftly picked up by Pennsylvania newspapers.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Baer is disappointed in the requests of the commission, but fearing further public backlash, political pressure from the weakening Democratic Party, and increasing prices of coal agrees to the Coal Commission's proposals. President of the UMW John Mitchell finds the agreement to come before an arbitration board for all future disputes as de-facto union recognition and happily goes along with the findings. The aftermath of the Great Coal Strike of 1904 officially ends on February 26th, 1905.

On March 4th, the new congress convenes, and President Pattison remains secluded after the formalities. Winning the election by carrying New York and Wisconsin by less than 2%, his political strength is considerably weakened, as is the congress, though still under Democratic control.

Populists are mixed on their gains however. Though they picked up a considerable amount of seats in both houses of congress, and broke further into the Democratic dominated South, such victories were bittersweet. Eugene Debs was blamed widely by Populists as the reason William J. Bryan lost the Presidency, and several Populist leaning states such as Illinois and Wisconsin.

Regardless, business begins on March 20th, 1905, when Representative Spalding (P-ND) once again introduces the American Waterway Protection Act, a proposal which would make it a misdemeanor to dispose of waste in rivers, harbors, ports, dams, channels, and so on without a permit from the state governments. Just as the last time, many forces inside the Democratic Part rise in opposition to the Act.

"Once again the Populists seek to punish the entire nation for the simple act of tossing a torn piece of paper into the Mississippi." Says Majority Leader Pierce (D-TN). Debate lasts for roughly two weeks, before a vote is brought to the floor. It does not look good for the Democratic Party this time around. With strengthened Populist delegations, and more Republican moderates, the American Waterway Protection Act of 1905 passes 214-170, with two Representatives absent.

The Act goes on to the Senate, to pass by the somewhat narrowed margin of  48-42 after Democratic rallying sways Republican senators to their side. After much private consideration, President Pattison vetoes the American Waterway Protection Act on April 3rd, 1905, heeding to the calls of his fellow Democrats.

After much construction and research, Britain's Royal Navy introduces an entirely new class of warship to the world on April 28th, 1905. The HMS Dreadnought is launched, containing far more powerful weapons and armor plating than the Battleships of other countries. Germany immediately orders increased construction of submarines and initiates research to replicate the Dreadnought's power on German ships.

After years of tension with the Russian government and increasing imperialistic desires for Korea and Manchuria, the Empire of Japan stuns the Russian Empire by launching an attack on the Russian Pacific Fleet along the coast of China. On the night of May 14th, 1905, several Japanese torpedo boats approach the fortified Russian base Port Arthur, realizing that it must be eliminated if Japan's military can make significant progress into Russian occupied Manchuria and properly occupy the Korean peninsula.

Russian Admiral Stepan Osipovich Makarov, admired tactician and popular Russian naval commander, had ordered the entire force stationed in Port Arthur to be on full alert for a Japanese assault, which he believed imminent despite no show of Japanese aggression so far. Because of this, the Imperial Japanese Navy's initial assault was spotted. Several Russian ships were damaged in the first torpedo volley, but the Cruisers and Destroyers were quickly moved into position, and advanced on the Japanese forces. Japanese Admiral Heihachiro Togo managed to severely damage several of the most powerful Russian ships, but took significant damage on his forces as well, and retreated by morning. Both nations declared war within the following two days. The Russo-Japanese War had begun.

President Pattison consults congressional leaders and his closest advisers, and announces that the United States pledges neutrality in the conflict, but orders Pacific commanders to create defensive positions around critical parts of the Alaska territory, as well as dispatches a small Cruiser force to the Philippines.

On May 24th, realizing that Japan gets a great amount of it's naval force from nations like Britain, France, and certain companies in the United States, Populists in congress contemplate legislation that would make it illegal for any American business to trade "materials that may be used to bolster military or naval forces" with the two opposing sides. Senator William Allen (P-NE) and Senator William H. Taft (R-OH) introduced the Allen-Taft Act which would do exactly that, with the added provision that any company discovered doing such will be broken into smaller businesses or shut down entirely.

Democrats are largely opposed to the legislation, believing that while businesses shouldn't do business with aggressive foreign powers, especially those at war with one another, also believe that the Government shouldn't under any circumstances threaten to close down businesses for such reasons. "Trade is essential, regardless of the squabbling of foreign powers" declares Majority Leader Blanchard (D-LA). Though Democrats are opposed to the legislation, Republicans and Populists are in agreement over the matter, and it passes in the Senate 51-39. The Allen-Taft Act similarly passes the House of Representatives by a vote of 237-151 on June 11th, 1905. President Pattison signs the Act into law, somewhat hesitantly, on June 12th.

[Marokai Backbeat]

1905 Continuation

On June 14th, Japan launches naval strikes on Vladivostok, headquarters of the Russian Pacific Fleet and lands soldiers near Port Arthur at Namp'o, a town in the Northern Korean Peninsula. Several squadrons of Russian ships gather together in defense of Vladivostok, and succeed in repelling the Japanese at great cost. Several ships were lost or severely damaged, and plans for an assault on Sapporo, Japan were delayed indefinitely. The 6th Russian Pacific Squadron was dispatched to defend the Russian island of Sakhalin.

Japanese troops run into heavy resistance on land, skirmishing on and off with the Russian Army for weeks throughout the Korean Peninsula. By July, the Imperial Japanese Army had completely captured the cities of Anju and Sunchon. Russian troops were ordered to fall back to the border with the Korean Peninsula and Russian occupied Eastern China.

Russia institutes mass-conscription and orders the Russian Baltic Fleet to move to reinforce the Pacific Fleet by the end of July, 1905. Tsar Nicholas II believes that due to Russia's recent military reforms during the distraction of Japan during the German-Japanese-American War that it will be possible to launch an attack on Japan herself and repel Japanese troops from Korea and Manchuria.

On July 10th, Senator Frank Brandegee (R-CT) introduced the aptly titled Oklahoma Act, which would grant statehood to the Oklahoma Territory, something the Republican Party has pushed for for quite some time. Most Democrats and Populists are receptive to the idea of statehood. Some Populists however, are concerned at the representation of Oklahoma and when such representation would be elected. Believing that any representation should be elected, and not appointed, Minority Leader James Kyle (P-KS) introduces an amendment which asserts "The first official congressional delegation from Oklahoma to the United States Congress will be elected on the first Tuesday of November, 1906, and no date before."

Republicans agree to the amendment to get widespread bi-partisan support, and it passes in the Senate, 78-12. The Oklahoma Act of 1905 goes onto the House of Representatives where it passes by an equally wide margin of 337-49. President Pattison signs the Act into law on July 21st.

On July 24th, 1905 Admiral Togo of the Imperial Japanese Navy orders his re-organized fleet to approach Sakhalin and capture several ports, including but not limited to Nevelsk and Korsakov, just a handful of miles south of the most popular town of the island, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The Russian Pacific Fleet awaits them, and once again is on the defensive in another battle.

Russian Admiral Oskar V. Stark combats the Japanese for as long as possible, but is forced into withdrawal after losing several ships to the Japanese. By nightfall, Japanese troops capture the first town on the Russian island of Sakhalin. On August 5th, the Russian Baltic Fleet, much stronger than the Pacific Fleet, arrives in the Pacific to reinforce the weakening Russian Pacific forces.

August 20th, 1905, marked the first major combined land and naval assault of the Russo-Japanese War, when over 30,000 Japanese troops and a full fleet of ships attacked the Liaodong Peninsula, inside the border to China from North Korea, and the critical port town of Dalian, as part of Japan's ongoing strategy to neutralize the Russian Navy. Fighting in the initial area is incredibly bloody, with the admired Japanese General Yasukata Oku ordering the soldiers to attack the Russians in concentrated and heavy waves. Though this overwhelms the Russian forces and the Russian's experimental tactics of widespread "trench warfare", it also racks up Japanese casualties. The Japanese once again score a victory, and drive the Russians out of the immediate area, but at great cost.

Russian Admiral Oskar Stark prepares a reinforced squadron of ships (thanks to the Baltic Fleet's arrival) to re-take Sakhalin. Managing to avoid the Imperial Japanese Navy for the time being, Admiral Stark launches the first serious Russian counter-offensive of the War, on September 9th. The Commanders in charge of the Japanese squadron guarding the occupied ports in Sakhalin were not expecting a Russian counter-attack, and were ill-prepared for battle. Russian ships are far better trained this time around, because of constant training exercises from the Russian Baltic Fleet's long voyage to the Pacific, and it shows.

The battle persists for many hours and into the night, as Japanese Cruisers are alerted from other areas of Sakhalin to immediately come to their aid, but it does little good. The Imperial Japanese Navy is distracted by the naval skirmishes along the Korean Peninsula, exhausted from previous Russian battles, and still feeling the effects of the German-Japanese-American War years earlier. By the morning of September 10th, 1905, the Russian Navy had scored it's first major victory in the war, and retook most of the Japanese occupied ports on the island of Sakhalin. Over the next several weeks Russian forces focus on eliminating remaining pockets of Japanese resistance, and repelling Japanese naval forces in their attempts to re-occupy the Island.

On September 26th, reports come to light in the on-going coverage of the war in The New York Times that Japan is undergoing a financial crisis, relying heavily on excessive debt spending, ignoring budget shortfalls, and attempting to secure assistance from it's ally, Great Britain. President Pattison sends an envoy to British Prime Minister William J. Brodrick (Conservative) requesting Britain's government refuse to send any military aid to Japan, suggesting only humanitarian aid and military neutrality. Prime Minister Brodrick promises to "greatly consider" the request.

General Yasukata Oku of the Imperial Japanese Army, who has spent the last month preparing his forces, prepares a spectacularly large assault on the Russian fortress just outside of Mukden, Manchuria. With a force consisting of over 220,000 soldiers and countless artillery units, General Oku beings the campaign on October 2nd, 1905. Russian forces are ready, fortified, energized, and especially ferocious. Commanding the defense is Russian General Alexei Kuropatkin, a close confidant of the Tsar and proven military commander. While Japanese forces were massing their forces, more than 250,000 Russian troops were already manning the fortress, and creating a variety of defenses. Upon the arrival of the Japanese forces, Russian forces had already created a vast array of trenches, prepared rows of Maxim Guns, and held a defense formation to prevent flanking.

The beginning of the Battle of Mukden began on the outskirts of the area, between only a few thousand soldiers on each side. Russian forces were weakest in this area, but because of General Oku's insistence on sending massive waves of soldiers to overwhelm the Russian trenches, the Imperial Japanese Army lost twice the amount of Russian soldiers, despite their victory.

On October 10th, General Oku's forces were spotted by the second Russian line of defense, less than five miles away from the main Russian fortress. This time, however, Russian Commanders were using a combination of trench warfare and heavy artillery fire, as well as raining down volleys of bullets with strategically placed Maxim Guns. Halfway through the second major confrontation in the Battle of Mukden Japanese troops hit a mine-field placed ahead of the Russian's far-right flank, with disastrous results for the Japanese. Though the battle lasts into the night, Japanese troops are forced to retreat, and plan a second attack.

[Marokai Backbeat]

1905 Continuation #2

Admiral Oskar Stark and Admiral Stepan Makarov of the Russian Navy join forces and plan a coordinated naval attack on Korean port city Wonsan, and an attack on Japan herself, returning to the forefront the plans to attack Sapporo.

On October 23rd, Admiral Stark, commanding a fleet of over two dozen Battleships and Cruisers attacks Wonsan, with surprising efficiency. Though the Japanese are strapped for resources because of the financial crisis at home and Britain's recent refusal to assist with steel and ship designs, and several American businesses being shut down by the United States Government for doing business with Japan, the Imperial Japanese Navy does significant damage to Admiral Stark's combined fleet of Baltic & Pacific Fleet forces. The fight ends with a stalemate on the evening of October 24th, 1905, and Russian forces withdraw.

After several small-scale skirmishes, General Oku launches the second strike on Russian's defensive line outside the Russian Fortress in Mukden, with better results than the previous attempt, on November 11th. Japanese cannons are moved into placed quietly before the beginning of the entire confrontation, and succeed in taking out more than half of the Russian artillery units. Though more Japanese soldiers are lost for the third time in a row than Russian soldiers, Japanese forces manage to break the Russian line and send them into retreat to the main fortress, manned by over 180,000.

On November 25th, Admiral Togo launches a series of raids along the coast, damaging three Russian ports, but critically harming on a handful of structures and ships. The Russian Empire later receives intelligence that Japan lacked the necessary forces and resources to launch a coordinated assault on all three ports.

The Russian Army launches several counter attacks in Korea, sending a cavalry force to evade the main Japanese line. Russian forces succeed in doing major damage on a variety of resource bases critical to maintaining the line as well as several Korean villages.

On December 13th, 1905, in the final major battle of the year, Japan launches an all-out attack in the final conflict in the Battle of Mukden. Attacking the Russian fortress with 200,000 men, compared to Russia's 192,000 soldiers, each side stalemated in terms of manpower. The Russians however, have the edge artillery-wise and territorially, possessing several lines of trenches, flanks of cannons and Maxim Guns, and reserve cavalry forces on stand-by behind the fortress for dealing with Japanese artillery.

General Oku directs 60,000 men to approach the trenches swiftly and in a concentrated fashion, and his commanders order the Cannon Battalions to fire on Russian artillery. This time, however, Russians are ready. The Reserve Cavalry Squadron is ordered to flank the Japanese as quickly as possible, and eliminate the "artillery threat." Significant damage is done to only a handful of Russian artillery units, and Japanese firepower is crippled.

Russian trenches, however, are not going well. Japanese soldiers are overwhelming the soldiers in the trenches, and Russian artillery was focused more on it's self-defense rather than firing volleys onto the oncoming Japanese. General Alexei Kuropatkin immediately ordered all artillery to fire "with all your might" and ordered all cavalry and spare men to defend the trenches. The battle lasted off and on for several days, and by the end, the Japanese military had been dealt a crippling blow. General Oku was killed by stray cannon fire, and the tide of the war had turned.

Democrats, realizing the carnage, implored President Pattison to intervene diplomatically towards the end of December, 1905. Pattison pledged to explore all options in the coming year, but recognized "this is, however, not our war."

[Marokai Backbeat]

Sadly there is a picture in the 2nd Continuation that refuses to display.

Edit: Fixed!

[JWHart]

... and several American businesses being shut down by the United States Government for doing business with Japan,

Does this mean that Pattison signed the Taft-Allen Act? It wasn't explicitly mentioned.

President Pattison sends an envoy to British Prime Minister William J. Brodrick (Conservative) requesting Britain's government refuse to send any military aid to Japan, suggesting only humanitarian aid and military neutrality. Prime Minister Brodrick promises to "greatly consider" the request.

I wiki'd that name -- do you mean this guy? Any reason he gets in instead of Balfour, or just butterflies?

As usual, good stuff. Japan's Great Power ambitions are turning into an epic fail...

[Marokai Backbeat]

Indeed, President Pattison did sign the Allen-Taft Act into law. I'll edit in his signature to clear that up.

And yes, I'm referring to him. He was a fairly prominent and experienced Conservative, and with more issues cropping up abroad (Japanese-German-American War, Russo-Japanese War that Russia is now winning, Spanish-American War that lasted a lot longer) the Conservatives, in my view, would have stayed in power, delaying the Liberal dominance that happened around this time originally.

[Marokai Backbeat]

Events of 1906: Peace in the Pacific

Through December, January, and February, Russian and Japanese forces skirmish throughout Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula, as well as the constant battles along the shores of Russian-occupied Manchuria and Sakhalin. Though Russian troops on land have momentum and are more powerful, each side is financially exhausted, and the navies of each nation are ill-prepared for much more conflict.

Populists attempt to bring forward resolutions throughout the winter declaring their support for a ceasefire, but each attempt is blocked by Democratic leaders in Congress, preferring to wait until President Pattison makes his own decisions about where to proceed.

On February 19th, 1906, President Pattison decides to intervene. Sending a team of diplomats to both Japan and Russia, heavily guarded by the 1st Pacific Fleet. Pattison sends the following written message:

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Senate Majority Leader Newton Blanchard (D-LA) and House Majority Leader Rice Pierce (D-TN), encouraged by President Pattison's announcement of diplomatic engagement and reacting to Populist pressure, call a special session of congress and introduce the nonbinding Peace Resolutions on February 21st, in an effort to declare official support for a peace treaty between the Empires of Russia and Japan. It passes in the Senate 87-3, and in the House of Representatives 375-8 (with three representatives absent.)

Nicholas responds by asserting "Japanese aggression started this war, unless they are willing to negotiate first, we will continue to defend ourselves from their attacks." Japan does not initially respond. Pattison promises to continue efforts to spark a peace treaty, and calls upon Prime Minister Brodrick of the UK and Prime Minister Raymond Poincaré of France to pressure Russia and Japan to come to the table.

On March 6th, the first major battle of 1906 in the Russo-Japanese War took place on the waters surrounding Sakhalin. Japan, recognizing the resource potential and strategic location of the Island of Sakhalin, realized the need to re-take and secure the Island. The pressure on Japanese leaders to obtain new resources and obtain financial stability was great, and Russian Admirals knew and took advantage of this.

Leaking reports of great oil fields and unusually high number of catches from the fishing ports in late February, as well as intentionally leaking reports of supposed weak Russian defenses, Admiral Oskar Stark of the Russian Combined Baltic and Pacific Fleets stood ready to attack the oncoming and increasingly desperate Japanese. Commanding the Imperial Japanese Navy 3rd Pacific Fleet as well as remnants of the 1st and 2nd Pacific Fleets, Japanese Admiral Heihachiro Togo advanced on the Russian port of Korsakov (as well as sending a small force to attack Makarov) and engaged outlying Russian ships.

Immediately, Admiral Togo realized he was deceived, and withdrew ships from Makarov to bolster his weakened forces. After defeating Russian scout ships in the outlying areas of Korsakov, Togo readied for another attack, refusing to retreat. Though Japanese leaders seldom admitted it, and certainly not to the United States, reports of starvation and disease in Japan were true, and there was an economic crisis the size of which had never been seen in recent Japanese history. The search for extra resources and sources of revenue were extreme, and were only worsening since the passage of the Allen-Taft Act in 1905.

Admiral Stark waited for the Japanese advance, and on the night of March 6th, combat between the two forces began. Attempting to use the night and poor vision to their advantage, Admiral Togo ordered ships to use their best judgment to target the Russian ships and the port of Korsakov and attack with their long range artillery. Though some Russian buildings were randomly targeted and damaged, the Japanese effort was largely unsuccessful, and Admiral Stark simply ordered his ships to spread out and replicate the Japanese strategy until vision improved.

As morning came, Russian ships approached the weakened and demoralized Japanese forces, and attacked with surprising efficiency. Due to the Baltic Fleet's improved training over the course of the war, the Russians were well prepared for battle, and damaged countless Japanese ships, and sinking several. Though the port had been damaged by blind-fire from the Japanese, Admiral Togo's force was defeated, and by mid-morning, they had retreated, crippled once again.

On March 21st, unwilling to get directly involved in another Pacific conflict, President Pattison once again pressure the Prime Ministers of Britain and France to pressure Japan. Pattison promises France increased trade and any humanitarian assistance they may need in the near future if Prime Minister Poincaré agrees to temporarily cease trade with Japan as Britain and the United States has done. Poincaré promises to take it under consideration and in the mean-time issues an official statement in support a ceasefire and negotiations for a peace treaty.

On April 24th, after a month of heavy skirmishing throughout the Sea of Japan, Admiral Heihachiro Togo of the Imperial Japanese Navy is killed in a Russian attack outside the port of Sapporo, Japan. Emperor Meiji is stunned at his death. Russian forces are emboldened, but the financial situation for both opposing sides worsens with each passing day.

Japanese General Oyama Iwao, chosen to replace General Oku after his death in the Battle of Mukden in 1905, attempts several advances in Manchuria but is repelled nearly every time. By May 13th, the Imperial Japanese Army is completely purged from Russian occupied Manchuria.

[Marokai Backbeat]

1906 Continuation

Populists attempt to place to focus on domestic issues once again, where they hold a clear edge over the Democratic Party and possess an off and on alliance with the Republican Party. To this end, Senate Minority Leader James Kyle (P-KS) introduces the Railway Safety & Liability Act on May 20th, which would "Immediately award compensation to railroad employees injured on the job and provide the avenue for lawsuits against such companies which are proven to be negligent." The Act has widespread Populist and Republican support but Democrats remain skeptical to say the least.

"Immediately?" Senator Anselm McLaurin (D-MS) responds, "This enables an employee to line his pockets with money obtained fraudulently! All an employee would have to do is fake an injury and claim the railroad companies facilitated such an accident." Populists scoff at such a claim, with Minority Leader Kyle saying "This is once again an effort by the Democratic Party to side with the entrenched interests and against the working men of this country. Such a situation would almost certainly not happen in large amounts and would be investigated vigorously."

Despite Democratic Party leaders being mostly opposed to the legislation, viewing it to be an eroding of business rights and wholly unnecessary, there are some Democrats in swing or moderate states that are receptive to the legislation. Republicans are very supportive, and the Railway Safety & Liability Act reaches a vote on May 31st, 1906, and the Act passes 51-39 and moves to the House of Representatives the following day. A similar debate ensues, and House Minority Leader John Lind (P-MN) rallies in support of the Act immediately. Democrats attempt to bring Republicans to their side to swing the vote in their favor, but largely fail, and the Act passes once again on June 6th by a vote of 228-140. President Pattison reluctantly signs the Act into law, realizing that failure to do so would hurt the Democratic Party in the upcoming Congressional elections.

Diplomatic efforts against Japan reach a success on June 11th, 1906, when Prime Minister of France Raymond Poincaré publicly supports an embargo against Japan. The parliament swiftly passed the embargo, with the promise from the United States that trade with France will be encouraged by temporary lifting of restrictions such as tariffs and transportation laws, and promises of temporary humanitarian aid when needed.

Japanese Prime Minister Katsura Tarō is horrified at the approval of the embargo, and scrambles to secure more trading partners. However, none can be found. With the United States, Britain, and France refusing to trade, their war with Russia and the battles taking places throughout the waters of the Pacific and Sea of Japan, no other major economic powers are willing to trade with the Empire of Japan, and securing new sources of revenue in Sakhalin failed miserably. Poverty, disease, starvation, all reach record levels in Japan.

On June 16th, Russian General Alexei Kuropatkin launches several attacks across the Korean-Manchuria borders simultaneously, doing severe damage to unsuspecting Japanese troops and demoralized resource bases. Native Korean villages begin to take up arms in support of the Russian army in return for food and clothing. Russian forces seize the towns of Chasong and Pyoktong. Several Japanese occupied towns in the Northeastern corner of the Northern half of the Korean Peninsula are either overtaken by the Russian army's advances or disrupted by Korean uprisings.

President Pattison on June 21st, for the third time (officially), reaches out to Prime Minister Tarō and Tsar Nicholas II in an effort to broker a ceasefire and mediate a peace treaty between the two Empires. Left no choice, Prime Minister Tarō buckles to the pressure and further worsening economic conditions agrees to push for a ceasefire and to negotiate a peace treaty. Pattison is very pleased with the results from both sides of the fight, and shortly thereafter Nicholas II orders an immediate ceasefire and halt to the Russian Army's advances into the Korean Peninsula.

On July 17th, 1906, Finland becomes one of the first nations to grant the right to vote to all women. Populist leaders applaud the decision and Senate Minority Leader James Kyle remarks "It is a shame that the United States of America has not done the same. The Populist Party believes as I do that all women deserve the right to vote. I hope to have my children live to see the day a woman can hold the office of the Presidency." Populist candidates running for Congress begin to pledge to support a Constitutional Amendment to give women nation-wide the right to vote. Several Populist strongholds had already done so on their on and two more (North Dakota and Oregon) had done so by the end of July, 1906.

August 13th, 1906, marks the arrival of Japanese and Russian diplomats in Seattle, Washington to discuss the protocols of a potential peace treaty. President Pattison travels there to attend and mediate when necessary. Negotiations officially begin on August 20th.

On August 24th, House Minority Leader Lind (P-MN) introduces the Safe Food & Chemicals Act which would outlaw any "harmful or poisonous substances" in food or drugs and the sale of any such products. Though some Democrats criticize the Act for being "too vague" and "purely subjective," the Act garners large amounts of Populist and Republican support, as well as significant Democratic support. It passes the House of Representatives by a vote of 311-75. As the Act goes onto the Senate on September 3rd, Democratic Senators express more worry than their House counterparts. Though receptive, they show concern for vague language and worry the courts may rule on the act very broadly. Populists assure them that no such thing will happen, and point to Coca-Cola as evidence of a product that contains "harmful and poisonous" ingredients. The Safe Food & Chemicals Act passes easily in the Senate, 67-23. President Pattison signs the veto-proof legislation.

After going poorly for the first two weeks of negotiation, peace treaty proceedings begin to take an upturn shortly after the initial controversies, and by October 1st, 1906, through intensive negotiations and deals between the Russian and Japanese governments, a peace treaty is agreed upon. Russia agrees to completely withdraw from the Korean Peninsula and recognize Korea as part of the Japanese sphere of influence, as the Japanese agree to do the same with Russian-controlled Manchuria. Japan also agrees to issue a formal written apology from the Emperor himself for initiating the War, and in return Tsar Nicholas II will agree to allow limited supervised use of certain regions of Sakhalin Island for resource collection and Japanese fisheries. Japan is reluctant to agree to the treaty, but on October 4th, both teams of envoys sign the Treaty of Seattle.

On October 15th, Representative John Watkins (D-LA) introduces the Watkins Act which would repeal the Allen-Taft Act in 1905, to allow trade with Japan again following the end of the Russo-Japanese War and no longer penalized American businesses for doing business with Japanese interests. Despite some minor Populist opposition, the Watkins Act of 1906 easily passes both Houses of Congress, in the House; 316-70 and the Senate; 74-15. (One Senator is absent from the vote.)

1906 Congressional Elections

Throughout September, October, and into early November, the Populist Party makes the case that the Democratic Party has ignored or opposed "progressive reforms" to domestic concerns, namely the economy, which has showed signs of slowing. The Democratic Party asserts that the Populist embargo on Japan has hurt the economy, and that President Pattison has once again "masterfully" handled international affairs.

Republicans concentrate on holding their great advances made in 1904, and run on their recent efforts in the Great Lakes Region to improve working conditions for all workers, institute "reasonable compromise measures" and play themselves as "the third way to go" when people show dissatisfaction with the current two parties. On election night, the Democrats show surprising strength, managing to play of Pattison's handle of international relations and make slight gains in the Senate and the House. Populists also manage to wrestle some seats from the Republican Party.

Democrats and Populists split the recently opened seats of Oklahoma, with the edge given to the Populist Party capturing three out of the five House seats, and capturing one of the Senate seats.

Senate: 92 Members

Democrats - 41 (+3)
Populists - 35 (-)
Republicans - 16 (-1)

House: 391 Members

Democrats -  174 (+10)
Populists - 156 (+5)
Republicans -  61 (-10)

[TommyC1776]

good TL.