Reichskamphen
06-01-2006, 18:57
The Establishment of a Dynasty and a Secure Succession
After great contemplation over the fact that in all of the History of the Empire there has not been a single peaceful succession of the throne to a blood relative...I have decided that in order to better preserve the Empire, I must take action to ensure that a secure and peaceful succession is made more possible.
As we all know, the Leipzig-Thompson House has been the Imperial Family of Greater Prussia since its foundation, but its only member to rule the Empire was the first Emperor, Viktor Leipig I. Years of uncontested rule and corruption have taken their toll on the venerable old Imperial family and made it quite apparant that it is nolonger qualified to rule. As many of you know, I have arrested several members of the Imperial family for participating in a conspiracy to assasinate me, and place their own pretender on the throne. The sentence for treason is death, but I have commuted their sentences to life in Prison or exhile. Resulting from the massive arrests, I have declared the dissolution of the Imperial Family and declared that the House of Bonaparte is now the Imperial Family of Greater Prussia. All noble families that have remained loyal to the crown have been allowed to keep their names, but they have, in essence, been adopted into the Bonaparte House and hence the new order. An invitation is also issued to all Noble Families of any nation of the Empire, if they are qualified, and wish to become a member of the Imperial Family, they should write me immediately for a review of their situation.
The successor to my throne is to be my brother Joseph. When I have a son, that successor shall be him. Should both Joseph and I perish simultaneously, the throne shall be passed to Joseph's son, Louis, who shall be overseen by a Regent until he is 18, the age where he may claim the full powers of his title.
With the political structure of the Empire firmly set, I have decided that now is the time to introduce sweeping domestic reforms.
Reforms in Education
Free Public Schools
It has been noted that in some corners of the Empire, small though they may be, children have not been recieving their proper education or cannot afford it. For this reason, I have created the Imperial Ministry of Education to manage the Imperial Funded, Free Public School Programme for the Children of these lands. As we respect the national sovreignty of every member, it is the option of each member to accept this new institution as he or she pleases whether it be to adopt the measure in full, or to simply have these schools in addition to the other schools already provided. I would however, strongly suggest that all members of the Empire allow the Ministry to begin opening schools in your nation. The Curriculum will be overseen by the Ministry, as well as myself and the religious advisors to the crown. Granted, these shall be secular schools...but these schools shall not become vehicles to attack God's Church at every turn. Should a nation adopt this measure completely, it would eliminate that nation's need to spend funds on Public schools as the Empire is already paying for it, though donations would always be appreciated.
Imperial Colleges and Scholarships
Currently there is an Imperial University System, but there are only three such Universities in the whole of the Empire, Two are in Reichskamphen and one in Allanea. It is to be the policy of the Empire to expand the university system to have atleast one Imperial University in each nation where citizens of the Empire shall pay half of the normal tuition, and those who are overly qualified, but cannot afford such education, will be allowed to apply for Imperial Scholarships which will fund the entirity of their education. The curriculum and courses of the University will be watched over in a similar manner to those of the Public School system, albeit with a great deal more freedom accorded to the Universities.
The Imperial Guard will also be starting an ROTC-type Programme where, should a person agree to serve in the Young Guard for three years, his education will be paid for in full.
Funding of Literary Classics Research
The University system shall also, under Imperial funding, translate the Classics of Latin and Greek into the vernacular and provide for a very reduced price to the general public. This shall also be done accordingly with many other majour works of literature as it is necessary that all citizens of the Empire be well versed in such matters.
Funding of the Arts
The Crown shall provide generous annual donations and grants to assist in the establishments of Symphonies, Opera Companies, Playhouses, and Art Galleries all over the Empire and shall also fund a Public television station which will give airtime to the fine arts and avoid the mindless drivel now prominent on Network Television.
The "Notability" and the Imperial Legion of Honour
The "Notability"
It has always been a policy of mine to make no issue of birth, whether high or low, and no matter what the colour of one's skin. I shall further implement it by creating a new Imperial Nobility, or "Notability" if you will. Even a shopkeeper, should he have the ability, will be allowed to ascend into the ranks of the nobility through either appointment, or by becoming a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. Such nobles, if they advance themselves well enough, may also avail themselves of the Imperial Act of Adoption welcoming them into the upper eschelons of the Nobility and making them a member of the Family. This is an Empire of Merit, not exclusively one of birth.
The Imperial Legion of Honour
The Legion of Honour shall be the Highest award that the crown can give to any civilian or Military person. Its reception will accord him with the title of Chevalier and the noble priveleges that accompany it. It shall be awarded for great achievement in any field and awarded solely by the Emperor himself.
Imperial Declaration of the Rights of Citizens of the Empire
The Crown hereby recognizes the need for freedom of speech, religion, and the press in the Empire of Greater Prussia. As we do respect national sovreignty, I cannot force any member to accept this particular part of the reform. But it is this part that I stress most heavily and expect and hope that you will accept.
All Citizens of the Empire shall be allowed free speach. Criticism of a Monarch or leader is not to be considered treason. Threats against the life of a Monarch or a leader are to be handled at the national discresion, however.
All Citizens of the Empire shall be allowed to practice the religion of their choosing and any state discourgament and interuption of any religious group shall be heavily looked down upon.
Each nation shall allow a Press, independant of the Government, and allow them freedom to publish and say what they will, with the obvious exception of information that would endanger the nation or the Empire.
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I ask all nations to adopt these reforms in full, and for the greater glory of the Empire. God Preserve the People.
His Imperial Highness,
Napoleon IV
Emperor of Greater Prussia
After great contemplation over the fact that in all of the History of the Empire there has not been a single peaceful succession of the throne to a blood relative...I have decided that in order to better preserve the Empire, I must take action to ensure that a secure and peaceful succession is made more possible.
As we all know, the Leipzig-Thompson House has been the Imperial Family of Greater Prussia since its foundation, but its only member to rule the Empire was the first Emperor, Viktor Leipig I. Years of uncontested rule and corruption have taken their toll on the venerable old Imperial family and made it quite apparant that it is nolonger qualified to rule. As many of you know, I have arrested several members of the Imperial family for participating in a conspiracy to assasinate me, and place their own pretender on the throne. The sentence for treason is death, but I have commuted their sentences to life in Prison or exhile. Resulting from the massive arrests, I have declared the dissolution of the Imperial Family and declared that the House of Bonaparte is now the Imperial Family of Greater Prussia. All noble families that have remained loyal to the crown have been allowed to keep their names, but they have, in essence, been adopted into the Bonaparte House and hence the new order. An invitation is also issued to all Noble Families of any nation of the Empire, if they are qualified, and wish to become a member of the Imperial Family, they should write me immediately for a review of their situation.
The successor to my throne is to be my brother Joseph. When I have a son, that successor shall be him. Should both Joseph and I perish simultaneously, the throne shall be passed to Joseph's son, Louis, who shall be overseen by a Regent until he is 18, the age where he may claim the full powers of his title.
With the political structure of the Empire firmly set, I have decided that now is the time to introduce sweeping domestic reforms.
Reforms in Education
Free Public Schools
It has been noted that in some corners of the Empire, small though they may be, children have not been recieving their proper education or cannot afford it. For this reason, I have created the Imperial Ministry of Education to manage the Imperial Funded, Free Public School Programme for the Children of these lands. As we respect the national sovreignty of every member, it is the option of each member to accept this new institution as he or she pleases whether it be to adopt the measure in full, or to simply have these schools in addition to the other schools already provided. I would however, strongly suggest that all members of the Empire allow the Ministry to begin opening schools in your nation. The Curriculum will be overseen by the Ministry, as well as myself and the religious advisors to the crown. Granted, these shall be secular schools...but these schools shall not become vehicles to attack God's Church at every turn. Should a nation adopt this measure completely, it would eliminate that nation's need to spend funds on Public schools as the Empire is already paying for it, though donations would always be appreciated.
Imperial Colleges and Scholarships
Currently there is an Imperial University System, but there are only three such Universities in the whole of the Empire, Two are in Reichskamphen and one in Allanea. It is to be the policy of the Empire to expand the university system to have atleast one Imperial University in each nation where citizens of the Empire shall pay half of the normal tuition, and those who are overly qualified, but cannot afford such education, will be allowed to apply for Imperial Scholarships which will fund the entirity of their education. The curriculum and courses of the University will be watched over in a similar manner to those of the Public School system, albeit with a great deal more freedom accorded to the Universities.
The Imperial Guard will also be starting an ROTC-type Programme where, should a person agree to serve in the Young Guard for three years, his education will be paid for in full.
Funding of Literary Classics Research
The University system shall also, under Imperial funding, translate the Classics of Latin and Greek into the vernacular and provide for a very reduced price to the general public. This shall also be done accordingly with many other majour works of literature as it is necessary that all citizens of the Empire be well versed in such matters.
Funding of the Arts
The Crown shall provide generous annual donations and grants to assist in the establishments of Symphonies, Opera Companies, Playhouses, and Art Galleries all over the Empire and shall also fund a Public television station which will give airtime to the fine arts and avoid the mindless drivel now prominent on Network Television.
The "Notability" and the Imperial Legion of Honour
The "Notability"
It has always been a policy of mine to make no issue of birth, whether high or low, and no matter what the colour of one's skin. I shall further implement it by creating a new Imperial Nobility, or "Notability" if you will. Even a shopkeeper, should he have the ability, will be allowed to ascend into the ranks of the nobility through either appointment, or by becoming a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour. Such nobles, if they advance themselves well enough, may also avail themselves of the Imperial Act of Adoption welcoming them into the upper eschelons of the Nobility and making them a member of the Family. This is an Empire of Merit, not exclusively one of birth.
The Imperial Legion of Honour
The Legion of Honour shall be the Highest award that the crown can give to any civilian or Military person. Its reception will accord him with the title of Chevalier and the noble priveleges that accompany it. It shall be awarded for great achievement in any field and awarded solely by the Emperor himself.
Imperial Declaration of the Rights of Citizens of the Empire
The Crown hereby recognizes the need for freedom of speech, religion, and the press in the Empire of Greater Prussia. As we do respect national sovreignty, I cannot force any member to accept this particular part of the reform. But it is this part that I stress most heavily and expect and hope that you will accept.
All Citizens of the Empire shall be allowed free speach. Criticism of a Monarch or leader is not to be considered treason. Threats against the life of a Monarch or a leader are to be handled at the national discresion, however.
All Citizens of the Empire shall be allowed to practice the religion of their choosing and any state discourgament and interuption of any religious group shall be heavily looked down upon.
Each nation shall allow a Press, independant of the Government, and allow them freedom to publish and say what they will, with the obvious exception of information that would endanger the nation or the Empire.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I ask all nations to adopt these reforms in full, and for the greater glory of the Empire. God Preserve the People.
His Imperial Highness,
Napoleon IV
Emperor of Greater Prussia