NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC You need to be accepted into this thread so please submit applications to the 1880 RP thread

IC
News story in the Galveston Daily News June 2, 1880
The Republic of Texas is pleased to announce the graduation of the first class of the newly founded military academy at Texas A & M University.

Since the War of Southern Independence in 1861, and the founding of the Republic of Texas after that war the people of Texas and Arkansas, as well as the 5 Civilized nations of Oklahoma, have not been able to send their young men to the US Military Academy at West Point or the US Naval Academy at Annapolis. "Our new Military Academy in College Station and our new Naval Academy at Galveston will remedy this defiency and provide us with well trained officers in the years to come," remarked General Sterling Price, commander of the forces of the Republic of Texas.

Baghdad Times June 7th 1880- English Edition

Republican Navy Commissions New Vessel

Yesterday, at Um Qasr Naval Shipyard on the Shatt Al Arab waterway, The Shamshir, a 2,900 ton single screwed rigged sloop was commisioned into The Persian Gulf Fleet. The vessel, which is the first warship to be built in the nation will be followed by four sisterships of the 'S' class to be named Sabre, Scimitar, Scythe and Sickle respectively. The hulls of these vessels, originally destined to be merchantmen fell into the hands of the Republic when the nation became independant from The Ottoman Empire, just three years ago. The proprietors of the then incomplete ships, an Anatolian based trading company after withdrawing from the country, attempted to make a settlement to sell the ships to the government of the Republic, however, the President ordered that the vessels simply be siezed, along with the shipyard they were being constructed in.

Given that a majority of the eleven vessels currently in the fleet are larger, former Royal Navy ironclads, which are both difficult and costly to operate regularly, the decision was taken to complete the siezed vessels as armed sloops. The ships are of wooden hulls and consequently of shallow draft making them ideal for Persian Gulf waters and combined with extensive rigging and steam powered screws, it makes these vessels capable of up to 17 knots, significantly faster than most warships. With an armament of twenty 9 inch guns and four 12 pounders, these ships carry enough firepower to hold their own in minor naval enagagements. The envisgaged role of these vessels will be, according to the Ministry of War, to patrol the Persian Gulf and neghbouring waters to ensure the safety and security of trade while maintaining an Elias military presence across the region.


http://www.civilwar.si.edu/navies_images/hartford_model.jpg

Galveston Daily News, July 3, 1880

The Army has announced that it has purchased the land and intends to build three large forts over the next few months. Fort Stand Watie, in Oklahoma near Talaquah, Fort Kirby Smith, in Arkansas near Russelville, and Fort Ben McCullough, in East Texas near Marshal, are being built to provide training and summer camp facilities for the Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas National Guards. They will also hold sizeable arsenals and will be the home of new ammunition and firearms arsenals.

Many of the old forts, built to fight the savage Plains Indians, are being shut down as the frontier has shifted to the west and they are no longer needed. Much of the regular army will remain at their current posts though, guarding the Rio Grande, the frontier, the coast or the borders with the USA and CSA.

The Army has also announced the purchase of large numbers of Winchester Rifles for the Cavalry to replace the older Sharps and Enfield carbines left over from the War of Southern Independence and the Comanche War.

This weapon, a popular weapon with civilians all over the West, and the Colt 45 revolver, both have brass cartridges and are superior to the older paper cartridges used in previous weapons.

Although both of these moves have been criticized as too expensive by many in the Congress, the President and House and Senate leaders persuaded the Congress to go along by pointing out that many soldiers where having to use rifles nearly as old as they were.

Excerpt From 'An Essay On The Future' by Georg von Hansa, Member of Parliament (Berlin, Ontario)

After ten years of work and tens of millions of dollars of expenditure, the Hanover Pacific Railway is near completion. What remains is to forge a path through the Rocky Mountains to connect the rail hub at Winnipeg with Vancouver. Thousands of labourers are currently working on the mighty railway. It is expected to be completed in the next few years.

This railway will allow the vast new nation to pull together, and accelerate the Liberal Party's plan to settle the Western Prairies with the peasants and landless folk of Europe. Already several thousand immigrants have settled in Manitoba, near the rapidly emerging city of Winnipeg. Thousands of pamphlets and posters are being distributed from County Kerry to the Ural Mountains, informing those who are suffering land loss and privation that a better alternative exists.

150 acres of land per family, either free or at minimal cost, depending on location and current ownership (if any). Naturalization for all immigrants who do not commit criminal offenses and remain on their available after ten years, and all immigrant children shall recieve full citizenship. Many plots near towns and cities for the acquisition of goods and services as well as temporary work.

It is hoped that the Great West of British Hannover shall soon become a noble bastion of agriculture, which shall sustain the engines of increasing industry. All of this, of course, would be impossible without the magnificent railway.

Galveston Daily News
A new fully refrigerated ship owned by JP Morgan arrived in Galveston today to take on freshly slaughtered beef for shipment to the hungry cities of the Yankee East Coast. Port Authority officials hope that this will just be the first of such ships, and that fresh beef will eventually rival wheat and cotton as major exports from Texas, replacing the long cattle drives or high priced rail surcharges required to send live cattle by train to Chicago.

The Standard Oil Company of Pennsylvania has sent a number of men to our city as well, indicating that they intend to look for oil. While a little oil has been found near Marshall, no significant finds have been made and it is the opinion of this newspaper that betting the future on oil in Texas is a fools dream.

(OOC... believe it or not, they actually thought that until Spindletop)

Konigsberg Conference- http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=367452

OOC: I've based my Army on information on Ottoman Army organisation and sizes (and modified it to suit my nation), my main source has been Encyclopedia Britannica from (circa 1875) but the information is somewhat confusing and, in places, contradicts itself. Therefore if anybody notices anything about the makeup of my forces which looks wrong, please mention it. Thanks.

IC

The Elias Land Forces, since independance from the Ottoman Empire has largely retained the force organisation system in place when the nation was a colony; however the armed forces have expanded considerably in light of possible instability as a result of the formation of The Republic. Equipment of the Elias Land Forces is nowadays increasingly moving towards modern British firearms and artillery although some units retain Turkish sourced weaponry. Tactical command of the Land Forces lies with the Mushir (Marshall) of the Army and Amid (Brigadier General) of the Republican Gaurd. The commanders of the two branches of the land forces answer to the Minister of War and ultimately the President. Consititutionally the role of the War Minister is to organise, equip and prepare the armed forces to meet military policy objectives setforth by the President, in effect stating that only The President, as nominal Commander-in-Chief, can order the military to war.

The Elias soldier is generally disciplined, faifthful, temperate and capable of undergoing great hardship and fatigue. The familiar terms on which the subordinate officers mix with the men would be considered subversive of discipline in any other army, but do not appear to be so in the Elias Army as serious military offences are very rare. When well commanded, the Elias soldier has shown himself capable of great personal devotion and even heroism with a zeal for national success and a furthering of a national identity.

Overall the Elias Land Forces are an increasingly efficient and proffessional force which recieves considerable funding, however problems still remain in tactics and deployability which will probably limit the force to within the Republic's borders for a few years to come, at least until the proposed force strcuture has been completely achieved.


Republican Guard

The Republican Guard is a new organisation separate from the Army in that its role is not to serve the nation but to serve the President and the provincial governors personally. Regiments of the Republican Guard provide security to the President, his cabinet, government buildings and also enforce internal security. Its troops are elite in training and tactics and are above all, loyal. The Regiments of the Republican Guard are always maintained at full-strength.

Total Strength: 8,198

SIPAHI (translated roughly as cavarlymen)

There are Four Sipahi elite cavalry Regiments (2 in Baghdad, 1 in Kuwait, 1 in Basra) each of four squadrons, strength of 31 officers, 610 men, 570 horses. All are armed with Martini-Henry carbines, all carry swords and revolvers.

SILAHARDERS (translated roughly as swordbearers)

There are seven Silaharder Infantry Regiments (3 in Baghdad, 2 in Basra, 2 in Kuwait) each of two Battalions; Each Battalion has 4 Companies, a strength of 17 officers and 400 men. The regiment therefore has a total strength of 34 officers and 800 men. The standard weapons are Martini-Henry rifles and carbines although all troops also carry sword and revolver.



Elias Army

In The Independent Republic of Elias, conscription requires that any citizen who cannot pay the ‘bedel’ (a tax exempting an individual from national service) serve twelve years in the armed forces consisting of Two Years in the Nizam (Standing Army), Four Years in the Ichjat (First Reserve) and a further Six years in the Redif (Second Reserve). On average between 30,000 and 40,000 men are drafted per year as they reach military age and this is but a small proportion of those eligible to be drafted. These are chosen based on location, fitness and wealth with poorer men likely to benefit from military service. This 30-40,000 figure has been calculated along with the length of required service in each branch of the army, so that there is always enough active military forces to achieve the peacetime strength and enough reserves to provide the wartime strength and attrition losses. The system of serving in the First reserves only after the standing army ensures that the reserves are already trained and experienced. This system gives the Elias Army in wartime, a highly disciplined, professional force.

The force organisation detailed is only partially in effect and is planned to be completed no later than the end of 1833.

Standing Army:

The Standing Army of the Republic is based on the Ottoman Sixth Army Group originally assigned to Baghdad, and it retains most of the original organisation although has been expanded considerably. Approximately 25% of the personnel in the peacetime standing army are volunteer professionals with the rest being conscripts. Consequently

Infantry 60,000 Peace; 119,952 War
Cavalry 12,000 Peace; 24,856 War
Artillery 11,000 Peace; 34,480 War
Engineers 3000 Peace; 4856 War

Total: 86,000 Peace; 184,144


INFANTRY

48 Infantry Regiments for a total war strength of 119,952 and an approximate peace strength of 60,000.

Each Infantry Regiment each has 3 Rifle Battalions; Each Battalion has 8 Companies, a war strength of 33 officers and 800 men and an approximate peace strength of half this number. The regiment therefore has a war strength of 99 officers and 2400 men. The standard weapon of the infantry is the Martini-Henry rifle gradually replacing the older Snider Rifle.

CAVALRY

26 Cavalry Regiments for a total war strength of 24,856 and an approximate peace strength of 12,000.

Cavalry Regiments are all light, each of six squadrons, war strength of 42 officers, 914 men, 856 horses. Four Centre Squadrons armed with lances, flank ones with Martini-Henry carbines, all carry swords and revolvers.

ARTILLERY

8 Field Artillery Regiments for total war strength of 21,576 and approximate peace strength of 7,000

6 Horse Artillery Regiments for total war strength of 6,912 and approximate peace strength of 2,000.

9 Garrison Artillery Regiments for total war strength of 5,992 and approximate peace strength of 2,000.

Field Artillery Regiments consists of 15 Batteries of 6 guns each for a total regiment of 42 officers, 2955 men, 2760 horses and 90 12-pounder rifled muzzle-loading guns.

Horse Artillery Regiments consist of 6 Batteries of 6 guns each for a a total regiment of 42 officers, 1110 men, 1,236 horses and 36 9-pounder rifled muzzle-loading guns. In the horse artillery ever man is either mounted or carried on the limber of ammunition wagons to enable them to keep pace with cavalry

Garrison Artillery Regiments consist of 4 Batteries of 4 guns each for a a total regiment of 34 officers, 624 men, and 12 40-pounder rifled breach-loading guns.

ENGINEERS

1 Regiment of Engineers divided into 40 Companies detached to other units as needed, for a total of 4,856 men and 422 horses.


First Reserves

The role of The Ichjat or First Reserves are as cadre forces to bring the standing army to full strength in times of war, and is made up of conscripts who have already served their time in the peacetime standing army. Its strength fluctuates between about 120,000 and 160,000 and it is determined that there is always enough men that can be called up from the Ichjat to complete the standing army if necessary, and at least 10% more than this number to act as attrition replacements. Members of the First Reserves are nearly always assigned to the same unit or type of unit in the standing army that they completed their two years of peacetime service in. This ensures that when the reserves are called up they are immediately familiar with the tactics, organisation and equipment of their unit.


Second Reserves

The Redif or Second Reserves numbers between 200,000 and 250,000 and has two roles depending on the nature of the war, the Republic is involved in. In the even that the homeland is attacked, it can be activated as a territorial defence force to supplement the standing army and in this case it forms into it own battalions and regiments, but cannot be deployed abroad. In the event of an expeditionary war where the Standing Army is fighting abroad, the Redif can be used purely as a pool for attrition replacements for the standing army. Alternatively the Second Reserves can be called up in a combination of these i.e half dedicated to forming an independent territorial defence force and half kept back for attrition replacements to the Standing Army. Conscripts must serve in The Redif after completing duty in the Standing Army and First Reserves. Unlike the First Reserves, volunteers can join the Redif without serving in the other forces prior; consequently in wartime its numbers could easily swell to over half a million.

Galveston Daily News story

The Navy reported today that the sloop of war "San Jacinto" will be sailing on a good will cruise to Europe next week, with a mixed crew of cadets from the Naval Academy on Pelican Island and its regular crew. It will also be carrying the Secretary of State, Sam Houston III, who will be joining our Ambassador in Nordrreich at an important conference.

The Lutheran Chronicle: (Nordrreich's top-selling Christian paper, with a circulation of 1.2 million per week)

In a bold, multi-front attack against the encroaching spectre of socialism, Kaiser Friedrich II has declared the Social Democratic Party as well as the Nordrreich Marxist Union to be illegal. All members have 30 days to disassociate or face fines of 50 thalers and jail terms of up to thirty days. Publishing socialist propaganda is punishable by a 600 thaler fine and up to one year in jail, and attempts to install a socialist Reichstag is punishable under the laws of treason.

However, the Kaiser acknowledges that the socialists have gained much of their support by twisting the real misfortunes of Nordrreich's workers. He has been moved by compassion and has dedicated himself to be their real benefactor. One of the world's first accident insurance, old age pension and medical insurance programmes shall be brought into being over the next two years. The expenses shall be met by a joint association of Nordrreich's employers and the government, with these costs met half and half.

It is hoped that this move shall convince Germans that the Kaiser intends to persue a benevolent, humane policy, one that is motivated by Christian kindness and not godless posturing. Friedrich II has stated that he desires employers to temper their liberal economics with the kindness of a merciful and loving father and that all Germans, as a people bonded by essentially familial connections, a brotherhood of blood, must treat each other kindly and humanely.

The Parisian
"Remembering Our Forefathers of the First Republic--Shining the Torch of Truth"

To-day, M. Pierresmonte and company left for Konigstadt as representatives of Royer. Others in the delegation include Marshal of the Army Jacques Le Blank, and M. Guy, Minister of the Republic's Finances.

The 'Konigstadt Conference'-as it has been referred to- is a meeting of global nations, including, of course, Nordrreich, British Hannover, Osterlich, the American-republic Texas, and the exotic republic of Elias.

M. Percy Long de Ferre, our turstworthy correspondent, shall keep us up-to-date on the proceedings by telegraph.

The Recent Elections in British Hannover have resulted, as expected, in a majority victory for Johann Ritter's Liberals, taking 162 out of 308 Seats in the House of Commons. Success among French-speaking Quebecers in rural ridings was the primary success that increased the Liberal total from a minority 130 to a majority 162. Ritter's success in producing fiscal surpluses and his personal popularity with German-speaking Hannoverans is also attributed to the party's newfound popularity. A surprise is in the increasing popularity of the left-of-centre CCF (Commonwealth Co-operative Federation), which captured 18 seats in Parliament.

Full Results:
162 Liberal Party- Johann Ritter (Berlin, Ontario)
87 Conservative- John A MacDonald (Kingston, Ontario)
41 Progressives- Wilbur Connors (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
18 CCF- JJ Woodsworth (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

The Parisian
Everyman a King--But None Wear The Crown

This afternoon, M. Gerard Duran read aloud to a crowd of citizens a telegram from the Prime Minister. The message expressed his wish to establish stability in the government, and a sense of peace in the land.

'Too long, bickering political parties and coalitions have been dividing our great land,' said M. Pierresmonte, by way of his associate. 'Sessions of Parliament have been reduced to petty arguments and harangues by various factional leaders. I say here and now, to those who will have it only their way, end it, for the sake of your countrymen, and of the Republic.'

Only three days before Parliamentary elections, it is in the opinion of this paper that M. Pierresmonte's statements will have a sizeable effect on the thoughts of the electorate.
~~~
The form of painting adopted by such famous figures as M. Renoir and Degas, known as "Impressionism" is still causing a stir amognst the more conservative elements in society.

The latest controversy has been caused by M. Monet, whose latest series of work feature the Rouen Cathedral during different periods of the day, and also haystacks.

Said the prominent M. Gellabert of the Rue de Bac, 'It is an outrage, firstly, that these men paint doorways and ponds in the stead of great historic events that should be honored and remembered. And now, this Monet puts the Rouen Cathedral in the same breath as hay!'

On the other side of the token, Monsieur the Mayor has expressed his liking of the works.

Houston Chronicle 1880
News reached Houston today of a big fight between the Comanche War Chief Santana and his warriors and our brave boys in the Cavalry. The Army reports the the 1st, 8th (Tejano) and 9th (Colored) Cavalry regiments under General John Hampton defeated and destroyed a large Comanche encampment with over 500 warriors. Nearly 2,000 of the savages were killed and the remainder have been driven into a reservation in western Oklahoma. The Tejano Captain Javier Sequin and the Negro Sergant Rutledge were also recommended for the Star of Texas medal for their bravery in the action.

Only 30 of our boys were killed in the fight as our boys got the drop on the savages in their canyon campsite. The Army reports rescuing 34 White women and children, plus several coloreds and Tejanos as well.

ooc
Not a nice war, from either side. Opinions expressed here are true to the period and do not reflect my own although the Comanches weren't a nice bunch either.

bump

The National Press

News has come this morning that King Pomare V has ceded sovereignty of Tahiti to Royer.

He stated that his land was already so much part of France, it would be wise to become a full part of the Republic, and have the people of Tahiti enjoy the rights of full French citizens.

Indeed, the Minister of Overseas Affairs, M. Pierre Delanot, announced that the Tahitians will become full citizens of France, with the same rights as one, including a right to a trial and to a vote, among many other rights.

Elections for representatives to the National Assembly are scheduled to be held by the start of next year.

Although King Pomare will abdicate his throne, M. Delanot said he will become the Officer of the Orders of the Legion of Honor for his service to both Tahiti and France, all the while keeping alive in his heart the spirit of the Republic and liberty. King Pomare shall also recieve the Agricultural Merit of France.

Tahiti has been a protectorate of the Republic since 1842.

Galveston Daily News 1880
The Army reports today that the last bands of the savage Comanches surrendered when Texas Cavalry intercepted a few miles short of the border with Kansas. With their surrender the long war with the Comanches, a war that dates back to 1830, not to mention Comanche raids against the Spanish and Mexicans before that, has finally ended.

The savages are being moved to a reservation in central Oklahoma and will be under strict observation.

In related news, the last herd of Buffalo except for a few dozen being raised at the King Ranch have been exterminated. This may have had something to do with the collapse of the Comanche, who depended on that animal as their chief source of food.

Famed African explorer Henry Morton Stanley has agreed to become a retainer in the service of Nordrreich. He shall be charged with the mission of exploring the great empty lands of the Congo river. For his services, he will be paid $250,000 marks as well as expenses of up to $50,000 marks per month. The Empire expects great things of Mr. Stanley.

While the Congo River basin is poorly explored, it is well known that abundant ivories and other materials fill the area, as well as millions of people. In the interests of preaching the Christian faith and opening a benighted hinterland to trade, Nordrreich has hereby staked a claim on the territories that Mr. Stanley explores. We expect our claim to be substantiated at the Konigstadt Conference.

Austin Statesman, editorial article 1880

The Army and Navy of the Republic are looking toward the future now. With the destruction of the last hostile tribes, the Army will finally be able to reorganize itself so that it can focus on the real mission. That mission is defending the republic from possibly hostile nations that share the continent with us. Although relations with the United States are polite, and with the Confederacy somewhat more so, both remember that Texas used to be part of their nations.

The Army is now looking at acquiring better artillery, and has missions in Europe looking at French, German and British guns, as well in the United States and the Confederacy. With Texas lacking a real steel industry, for now it looks like it will have to buy overseas.

Military observers from Texas watched the fighting in Europe a few years back and all remarked on how much the Europeans, particularly the Germans, efficiently used modern methods of organization to more efficiently make use of their manpower.

Manpower is a serious issue for Texas, and as our readers know, in the War of Southern Indendence nearly 90,000 Texans fought for the South and 2,000 Texans fought for the North, and that was nearly 85% of the adult men in Texas over 16 and under 50. In Arkansas, an even higher percentage of men went off to war, nearly 90% (65,000) and even the Civilized Tribes in Oklahoma put a high proportion of men in the field.

(ooc based on US National Archives totals, a shockingly high number, and a reason the South was scrapping the bottom of the barrel by 1865. Nearly a third of these men didn't come back from the war. Neither state had more than 600,000 people living in it according to the 1860 Census).

Now our population is much larger, but so is the North. If we were to have to fight them again, how we use our men will be the difference between victory and defeat.

Indeed the Army is right, it is time for reform.

Our Navy is in similiar shape. For too long it has been nothing more than a glorified coast guard content to guard the entrance of Galveston Bay and Corpus Christi Bay. The Navy needs ships that can keep us from being blockaded again, and present a serious enough threat that the Yankees or the Rebs would have to mass too many ships to deal with us, leaving them open to attack from Allies (OOC editorial is hoping the alliance with British Hannover and the British Empire works out).

The Navy must be brought up to date with more modern ships and the new Whitehead torpedo, which can be launched at a ship from a distance, must be included in the equation.

Our Navy must be reformed as well.

The money must be found somehow for this.

Editorial from Pete Travis, grandson of Colonel William B. Travis

BERLIN RECORDER:

June 24th, 1880

Nine years after unification, Nordrreich's army is the most powerful and feared in Europe and its industries are surging ahead enormously. We have much to be proud of as a people. The Fatherland has finally become a nation, and Germans now have their rightful place as one of Europe's most powerful peoples. Our weakness and division shall be replaced with a vision of unity and strength and justice.

But for our nation to become a global power like Britain, it requires a real navy. The Kaiserliche Navy is, bluntly, weak. Our ships are few and they are outdated. And it does not have to be this way. There is no reason that a nation of nearly fifty million people, with industry exceeded only by Britain should have a navy hardly more powerful than that of the tiny Republic of Texas. It is shameful.

Our new Kaiser, Friedrich II has expressed a desire to correct this state of affairs and we as Germans can only hope that he does more than wish it. Our government can afford to triple, even quadruple naval expenditures. And we should be willing to pay a little extra tax to help them do so. It is a matter of absolute importance!

Sincerely,
The Editor

Armed Forces of the Republic of Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Galveston Bay
1881

Army
Unit types
Infantry Division consists of 3 brigades of 3 regiments (battalion sized) each for 9,000 infantry plus 1 battalion of field artillery (3 batteries) plus 1 battery heavy field artillery
(total strength is 10,000 men with 18 pack howitzers (65 mm) and 4 howitzers (85 mm)

Cavalry Brigade consists of 3 regiments (battalion sized) for 2,400 cavalrymen plus 1 battery of pack howitzers

Corps consists of 2 – 3 infantry divisions plus 1 Cav brigade and 1 artillery brigade (heavy field artillery) or 4 Cav brigades

Coast Defense Brigade consists of 3 batteries seacoast artillery (8 inch or 10 inch guns), 3 batteries heavy field artillery (85 mm guns), 1 infantry regiment, 1 engineer company

Arms and uniform.
The standard rifle for the Texas Army is the British Henry Rifle, with the Cavalry using the fabled Winchester and the standard sidearm is the Colt .45 Revolver. Although the cavalry are issued swords, they are rarely seen outside the parade ground. The Texas Army wears a light gray uniform, while the Navy is in working outfits or dress Grays. Texas uses conventional US and CSA rank insignia and rank structure.

Regular Army
All units are authorized to be a full strength but generally run between 80 -90% strength except for the Tejano and Colored Units which have a waiting list of recruits (Texas only grants the right to vote to Blacks who have served in the military which also extends to their family members and descendents, the Tejano regiment has a traditional hatred of the Comanche that goes back nearly a century). The Army has 3 colored infantry regiments, 2 colored cavalry regiment, and 1 Tejano Cavalry Regiment.


Unit location
1st Infantry Division Fort Ben McCulloch, Marshall Texas,
1st Cavalry Brigade Fort Sill, Oklahoma
2nd Cavalry Brigade Fort Concho, Texas
1st Marine Battalion Galveston, Texas
9th Cavalry Regiment (Colored) Fort Richardson, Texas
1st Sharpshooter Regiment Fort Crockett, Galveston Texas
2nd Sharpshooter Regiment Little Rock Barracks, Little Rock, Arkansas
8th Cavalry Regiment (Tejano) Fort Griffin, Texas
10th Cavalry Regiment (Colored) Fort Clark, Texas
Scout Regiment (Native American)(independent companies)
Fort Sill and Fort Concho as needed

National Guard
All units are at full strength, as shortages are met by conscription at the county level. National Guard troops attend 1 drill a month plus a month long drill during July or August. (between farm seasons)

Region / Unit location
Galveston / Houston Military District (I Corps)
Corps Headquarters Harrisburg Barracks, Houston, Texas
1st Coast Defense Brigade Fort Crockett, Galveston
2nd Coast Defense Brigade Fort Travis, Bolivar
3rd Coast Defense Brigade Fort Bowie, West Galveston
2nd Infantry Division Harrisburg Barracks, Houston, Texas
4th Coast Defense Brigade Fort Johnson, Baytown Texas
5th Coast Defense Brigade Fort Ford, Anahuac Texas




Sabine River Military District (II Corps)
Corps Headquarters Dowling Barracks, Beaumont Texas
6th Coast Defense Brigade Fort Taylor, Sabine Pass
3rd Infantry Division Fort McCullough, Marshall Texas
4th Cavalry Brigade Fort McCullough, Marshall Texas

Red River Military District (III Corps)
Corps Headquarters Fort Worth Barracks, Fort Worth Texas
5th Cavalry Brigade Fort Richardson, Texas
6th Cavalry Brigade Fort Richardson, Texas
7th Cavalry Brigade (Cherokee/Chicksaw) Fort Towson, Oklahoma
8th Cavalry Brigade (Creek/Choctaw) Fort Watie, Oklahoma

Hill Country Military District (IV Corps)
Corps Headquarters Fort Concho, Texas
9th Cavalry Brigade Fort Concho, Texas
10th Cavalry Brigade Camp Mabry, Austin Federal District
11th Cavalry Brigade Fort Hood, Killeen Texas

Rio Grande Military District (V Corps)
Corps Headquarters Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio Texas
7th Coast Defense Brigade Fort Fannin, Corpus Christi pass, Texas
8th Coast Defense Brigade Fort Brown, Texas
12th Cavalry Brigade Fort Brown, Texas
4th Infantry Division Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio Texas
13th Cavalry Brigade Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio Texas

Ozark Military District (VI Corps)
Corps Headquarters Fort Smith Arkansas
5th Infantry Division Fort Smith Arkansas
6th Infantry Division Fayetteville Arkansas
7th Infantry Division Texarkana Texas
14th Cavalry Brigade Fort Smith, Arkansas

Arkansas River Military District (VII Corps)
Corps Headquarters Little Rock Barracks, Arkansas
8th Infantry Division Little Rock Barracks, Arkansas
15th Cavalry Brigade Little Rock Barracks, Arkansas
9th Infantry Division Fort Kirby Smith, Arkansas
9th Coast Defense Brigade Arkansas Post, Arkansas

The Texas Navy
The Navy is a bit outdated, but is all steam and has good artillery (although rate of fire is a bit on the slow side). Although no match for a modern fleet at sea, the monitors and tugs, supported by the minefields and forts, can hold the entrances to Galveston and Corpus Christi Bays while the Sloops are excellent commerce raiders. The Navy is an all volunteer force, has a naval base at Galveston but extensive repairs require travel to the CSA naval yard at New Orleans.

Sloop of War (Hartford/Kearsarge class) San Jacinto, Charles Hawkins, Edwin Moore

Monitors Austin, Wharton, San Antonio, Houston, Liberty, San Felipe
Armed Tugs Brutus, Zavala, Colorado River, Sabine River, Guadalupe River, Pecos River, Rio Grande, Brazos River

The Parisian
Speical Edition--Fresh Off of the Presses

Today marked a day of great importance and excitement all across our country, as citizens go off to the polling places to cast a ballot for the Deputy of their choosing. 61 seats are up for election on the 122-seat Assembly.

We at The Parisian managed to solicit the opinions of two citizens doing their civic duty, voting at a sqaure near the Place de La Concorde. We inquired of them both, "With respect to your privacy, would you tell whether or not the Prime Minister's remarks several days ago affected your vote?"

Said M. Guillaume, a co-owner of his family cheese shop, "No, my vote did not change because of him. But I do agree with him. On my way here, I was approached by people trying to persuade my vote, representing at least one dozen parties. This bickering needs to stop."

However, a M. Colombain offered a differing view. "I would never change my ideals so the Prime Minister and his friends can stay in power. If the Republic needs to be ustable, that is the price of liberty and progress! I am not ashamed to say I voted Socialist!"

The major contenders for the Paris-area Deputies are generally agreed to be of the Union for the Republic, the National French Party, the Progressive Party, and, perhaps, the new and upcoming French Worker's Party, founded this year by Jules Guesde and Paul Lafargue.(the son-in law of Karl Marx)

The results of the election are expected to be tabulated by tomorrow evening.

Also tomorrow, the results of the Senate election. The Senators were choosen by municipal councils.

Army Gazette 1880
Two new regiments are in the process of forming. The 49th Cavalry Regiment and 36th Infantry Regiment will be all volunteer units. Recruitment is limited however to those signing a 6 year enlistment (for enlisted men) and to officers and noncomissioned officers with at least 2 years of service, at least at first. New officers will be added from the Military Academy as they become available.

These two regiments will be available for service outside of the Republic.

bump

The Parisian
Freedom Above Tyranny--Truth Above Lies

While we know not yet the results from the rest of the country, the 4 new Deputies of the Paris area were announced today by Superintendent of the Elections M. Jacovitz. They are as follow;

M. Paul RESSE(Union for the Republic)
M. Charles LeMONT(Union for the Republic)
M. Louis DeTAN(National French Party)
M. Jean-Luc BERTAILMEILLE(French Worker's Party)

Upon being inaugurated outside of the Notre Dame, M. Resse made clear his intentions of instituting social reforms, similar to those made recently by Nordrreich, placing 'labor regulations' on industries, and increasing the budget of the army slightly. M. LeTan announced he would increase the budget of the army and the navy and do everything in his power to "protect France from those who would threaten it." M. Bertailmeille promised sweeping reforms to aid the destitute.

The following immigrants arrived in British Hannover, sorted by country of emigration:

1. British Isles- 139,523
2. Nordrreich- 77,259
3. Osterlich- 38,350
4. Russian Empire- 38,125
5. Italy- 29,963
6. Fennoscandia- 19,201
7. Romania- 17,396
8. Tellacar- 16,566
9. Hungary- 11,303
All Others- 41,529

Total- 429,215

This represents the highest immigration in the history of British Hannover. It is thought possible that immigration may reach a peak in the middle of this decade at around half a million before possibly falling off as prosperity increases in Western Europe. However, the opening of the Prairies is thought to be likely to bring hundreds of thousands of Eastern Europeans in particular.

Approximately one-third of immigrants eventually return to their places of origin, so just under three hundred thousand are likely to stay in our country. This is the second-highest level of immigration in the world, exceeded only by the United States of America. Although the greatest number of immigrants come from culturally familiar British and German lineages, a significant number of others are entering our nation.

From: Congressman Ante Borisvalik
To: Minister Phillip Eulenberg

It has been recently discovered in the foothills of the mountain of Zabljak that a hermit has discovered a gold vein two weeks ago. The name of the said hermit is irrelative though the fact that it is a reliable vein is not. The government is aware of this fact and the said hermit is not making any claim, the fool is no different than the sheep that populate this country. However the civilians have no knowledge of this gold resource and the government is discussing what to do with this ‘problem’. More information will be sent when possible.

Country Size: The county is about as big as two West Virginias and Kentucky. (Tellacar is pretty much in the area of the former Yugoslavia, the Balkans.)

Terrian: Tellacar is known for being of two extremes, hot Mediterranean summers and cold winters while those who live in higher elevation have short cool summers and long severe winters. Along the coast of Tellacar the weather is mild and rainy until you go south when it becomes warm and dry. There are flat plains along the Hungarian boarder where more of the crops are grown and in Southeastern Tellacar there are other fertile planes, lime stone ranges and basins to the east. The center of the county mostly has ancient mountains. The population mostly lives on the coast or at the flat lands.

Resources: coal, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, clay, salt, sand, forests, oil, gold, silver, pyrite, limestone, marble, salt

arable land: 27%
permanent crops: 3%
other: .70%

Capital: Sarajevo

Galveston Daily News
The news of a war breaking out in East Africa and Arabia, and the news of the signing of an accord between Texas and the British Empire tied for top story today.

In other news, the paper reported the forming of two regiments of troops for possible service with the British Empire in their newest war.

Galveston Daily News 1880
Secretary of State Sam Houston III visited Richmond today to discuss things with CSA President James Longstreet, hero of Chickamauga and Knoxville. Among the items of discussion were improving telegraph communications between our two nations, an important point as the news of his visit took two days to reach Galveston because of problems in Lousiana.

The British House of Commons is vigourously debating a bill brought by Liberal MP Stephen Blackpool and Conservative MP Robert Peel. The bill calls for the introduction of conscription, like all other European nations and a raising of the standing army to a minimum 500,000 (from around 350,000) and a 25% increase in the standing navy over four years.

The recent incident in which Aden was seized by a mixed army of pirates and Lighting Starian troops is pointed to as an inciting cause for this. Stephen Blackpool described it as 'a horrific act' and blamed the Government for 'making sure that we had just enough heroic Britons to sacrifice their lives valiantly and not to maintain the fortress'. Prime Minister Gladstone is not in favor of the bill, but may be forced to introduce a softened version by public opinion.

British Hannover:

The House of Commons in British Hannover has voted in favor of spending millions on updating and enlarging the navy, as well as increasing the army to 100,000 over the next ten years. Increasing tax revenues due to increasing prosperity and industrial development should shoulder most of the financial burden, however, there will be a modest increase in the graduated income tax and moderate increases on luxury taxes.

Field Marshal Helmuth Graf von Moltke, the mastermind of Nordrreich's victory in the Franco-Nordrreich War has announced his retirement today. Having been a general since 1853, it is unfortunate but hardly surprising that he has chosen to do so. The great general shall be remembered for his meticulous staffwork, allowing Nordrreich to field an army twice as large as France's. He will also be remembered for his tactical genius at Koniggratz, which forever broke the formerly strong Osterlich Empire.

A brief article found in Sarajevo Times a week after the conference.

European Leaders At Trough

The supposed conference to discuss civilly has not transpired. With a heavy heart, Speaker Nadia Zhurova (age 29) returned to announce to the council what had gone on. While the Congress expressed sympathy to the British in an official telegram about the attack on Aden, only minutes later were telegrams to all European nations attending the conference a denouncement for treating Africa as uncivilized and using tragedy to advance it’s corrupted capitalistic goals. It has been rumored that Speaker Zhurova event sent a telegram asking the difference between piracy on sea to piracy on land.

The Domestic Minister has announced a plan to build a complete railroad network linking all major cities in the empire. The system is expected to be completed by 1895 including the completion of several bridges. The minister did not annouce the expected budget, but our independent consultant has estimated it to be over 20 million rubles.

Found in Yokohama Mainichi Shimbun , One Month Before The Konigstadt Conference

Yesterday the En'you Oikaze set sailed out of Tokyo Bay to the European county of Nordrreich to be guests at the Konigstadt Conference. Decreed by his Holy Majesty, Emperor Meiji, a diplomatic delegation including the Genro of Forgien Relations Tenjou Sezume has been sent to speak on behalf of Hizashi and his Holy Majesty. Despite the standstill on talks with Itagaki Taisuke, the Central government has proceeded to allow Hizashi to take it’s first international meeting with Western leaders. What is hoped to be in discussion is a new establishment on trade agreements with Nordrriech, England, and other various countries.

Captain Fletcher Pratt, commander of the brand new protected cruiser "Portland" and on his way to assume command of the American East Indies squadron, read over his instructions the local consul in Gibraltar had rushed to him. His orders were being changed. His ship, and his attendent collier and Dispatch Ship "Cadillac" just been ordered to Suez, there to join up with the Royal Navy as it steamed south to go pirate hunting.

"Hot damn, maybe we will get some prize money!" he thought to himself with a grin. He had made a small fortune when he commanded a fast gunboat on blockade duty of Charleston during the war, and he missed it.

"Get steam up gentleman, and make ready to sail. We have a new job."

(based on the ABC class cruisers built originally in 1883 but sped up a little for this timeline due to different circumstances)

The National Press

The official Parliamentary election results have been released, showing a slight victory for the Union for the Republic. Of the 61 seats;

Union for the Republic- 23
French National Party- 21
French Worker’s Party- 10
Progressive Party- 3
Union for the Third Republic- 2
Independent- 2 (Messirs. Louis De Mesizamir and Charles Michanou)

This puts the composition of the National Assembly as follows;

Union for the Republic- 41
French National Party- 39
French Worker’s Party- 11
Union for the Third Republic- 7
Progressive Party- 3
Independents- 3 (Including M. Marc Sultipice)

This election is a major victory for the Progressives, who had no seats in the Assembly. This year also marks the largest victory yet for the UTR. The Union for the Third Republic holds the belief France should forcibly take back lands Nordrreich took during the War, like some French Nationalists, but for other issues, take usually the side of the left-ist UR.
~
The 2nd, 3rd and 4th Army Corps have recently been alerted, for reasons which Paris has to yet tell. However, many observers are connecting this with reports of insurrection in Osterlich by German nationalists. The Government has not officially confirmed these stories, either.
~
The Department of the Navy has announced the commission of three new warships, armed with Whitehead-torpedoes. The three vessels are part of the Lafayette class of torpedo-boats, which measure 15 m. (50 ft.) in length. The triumvirate of ships, to be Christened the Georges Washington Moiter, the Oscar Thomas Gilbert Motier, and the Provence, are of an agile sort, and can sink a battleship if used in sufficient numbers. They are currently stationed in Toulon.

Note: Black Squares mans Active, Light Grey means Reserve, in the attached map.

Nordrreich Peacetime Army:
Total Strength: About 600,000

Active Army Corps: 200,000
Western: 120,000 men
Alsace-Lorraine: 3 Army Corps, 60,000 men
Rhineland: 2 Army Corps, 40,000 men
Westphalia: 1 Army Corps, 20,000 men

Eastern: 80,000 men
Brandenburg: 2 Army Corps, 40,000 men
East Prussia: 1 Army Corps, 20,000 men
Silesia: 1 Army Corps, 20,000 men

Reserve Army Corps: 300,000
Alsace-Lorraine: 1 Reserve Corps, 20,000 men
Baden: 1 Resere Corps, 20,000 men
Bavaria: 2 Reserve Corps, 40,000 men
East Prussia: 1 Reserve Corps, 20,000 men
Hannover: 1 Reserve Corps: 20,000 men
Hessen: 1 Reserve Corps, 20,000 men
Holstein-Schleswig: 1 Reserve Corps, 20,000 men
Posen: 1 Reserve Corps, 20,000 men
Rhineland: 1 Reserve Corps, 20,000 men
Saxony: 1 Reserve Corps, 20,000 men
Silesia: 1 Reserve Corps, 20,000 men
Westphalia: 1 Reserve Corps, 20,000 men
Wurttemburg: 1 Reserve Corps, 20,000 men

Garrison Forces: 100,000
Alsace-Lorraine Carrisons: 50,000
Konigstadt Garrison: 20,000
All Others: 30,000

Headline, Galveston Daily News 1880
Texas signs a treaty with the British.

Reports from the conference in Konigstadt, Nordrriech reached Texas today and the news is that Great Britain and British Hannover have signed a treaty that will do much to safeguard Texas should the Yankees or Rebs decide to infringe on our independence. Although it still has to be ratified by the Senate, approval is expected to be easy.

New York Times 1880 Editorial
"The United States is a trading nation, and now that the frontier and the last of the Indians are finally being tamed, our country can focus on what is really important. Building further prosperity for all through free trade throughout the world. But that trade requires protection, and the Navy must be strengthened. It is also important to ensure that the Navy has the bases it needs to operate far from home. That is why Hawaii and Samoa are important to us, and why further efforts should be made to buy some of the islands that Spain has in the Pacific like the Marinias (ooc Guam, Saipan and the rest) for use as coaling stations. Our country already has claimed islands like Wake and Midway, but we need a chain of stations across the Pacific to support our navy so it can protect our trade in the Pacific."

excerpts from an editorial by Captain Mahan, US Navy

New York Times

"The US Navy has offered bids for a new class of warship armed with the new Whitehead torpedo. The first ship of the class will be named the "Cushing" and a large number will eventually be needed. Although the Navy has several modern cruisers either in commission or under construction, most of the fleet consists of ships hurriedly constructed during the Civil War, or in the years before and many are relics, unfit for fighting at sea. The Navy is also working on plans for a battleship, and is looking at the navies in Europe for insperation."

Konigstadt Telegraph:

The Kaiser has announced a state of general mobilization. Citizens who are selected in the draft are to report immediately to their designated Landwehr station for mobilization orders. Any drafted soldier that does not comply with this order will be punished under Article 3-A of the Nordrreich Legal Code. The Kaiser has stated that he hopes that war can be avoided, but that Nordrreich must prepare itself fully for a conflict.

The draft system is projected to be capable of adding a million men to our armed forces within two weeks. This will give Nordrreich an enormous advantage if armed hostilities do commence. However, it is noted that the draftees will most likely be kept as a reserve force for the professional army, unless the war escalates.

All Nordrreich industries are to remain in standard operation until further notified. We would like to emphasize the essentially peaceful intentions of the Nordrreicher Kaiser and his hope that our brave men shall not have to spill their blood for the Reich.

bump

New York Times op ed piece
"The purchase of a number of islands from Spain and Denmark gives the US Navy permanent anchorages in the Pacific and Caribbean. This will do much to safeguard our trade. The new Navy budget, which calls for the construction of 3 cruisers a year for the next 5 years, plus plans for battleships and torpedo boats, and expansion of the Marine Corps so that it can defend its new anchorages will once again but the US Navy in the first rank of naval powers after 2 decades of neglect. Only the British have more interests world wide than our nation, and it is right and proper that the US Navy have the fleet it needs to defend those interests."
Alfred T. Mahan, Captian, US Navy

OOC> I think it took about a decade for Germany to go from nearly nothing to second or third-largest fleet in the world. I'd appreciate some help with the technicalities of this.

The Kaiser has announced plans to extend Nordrreich's fleet from a mere eighteen ironclads to a status befitting Nordrreich's power. Since the Nordrreich navy is starting from essentially scratch, it will be capable of building all new and advanced naval vessels. Much of the groundwork for naval expansion has been laid already with the Fleetyards at Kiel. Within a few years, Nordrreich should be able to build its navy at a rate rivalling that of any of the other Great Powers.

In the meantime, Nordrreich has expressed interest in purchasing cruisers from the United States.

ooc
Yep, the US and German Navies essentially grew at about the same pace until 1900, then the Germans accelerated, then both the US and Germans accelerated after the Dreadnought showed up... the US and German Navy were about the same size (slight edge in dreadnoughts to the Germans and the US built no battlecruisers) by 1915. But the RN had a sizeable lead throughout. You would probably want to build your own ships fairly quickly too, the Germans built good ships, better fighting ships than the British but less range. The US ships were slower than either but had British range and comfort and German toughness (protection vs range vs speed vs comfort vs gunpower.... a tough equation, you can usually have 3 or 4 out of the 5)

IC
The State Department announced today that the US has purchased the Marshal Islands from Spain, completing the acquisition of island groups in the Pacific. While of little economic benefit, they do offer a chain of anchorages for the Navy, and have some value for nitrates and coconuts.

In other news, the US Ambassador to the Konigstadt Conference, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, hero of Gettysburg and the Wilderness, has negotiated an agreement with British Hannover to limit fortifications and military forces along our shared border and the plan to cohost with the British Hannoverians an international Worlds Fair at Niagra Falls in 1887. This will affair will also celebrate the 100th Birthday of our Constitution.

OOC> Okay, I'm going to start growing at about the same rate as the US for awhile, and then the navy will really start mushrooming a bit later.

The Kaiser has announced that the Kiel Shipyards are to turn out at least three of the finest capital ships a year, and along with other shipyards to create a number of other vessels. It is the goal of the Nordrreich Kaisermarine to eventually gain the expertise and infrastructure needed to take plans for naval expansion even further. These vessels will bring glory and prestige to Nordrreich and also help to secure Nordrreich's developing African and Pacific colonies.

OOC: if you are RPing Galveston in 1880, I say you have about 21 years before the shit hits the fan. Can anyone say HURRICANE!!!

OOC: if you are RPing Galveston in 1880, I say you have about 21 years before the shit hits the fan. Can anyone say HURRICANE!!!

Republic of Texas actually, and yes, 6000 -8000 dead .... worst natural disaster in American History.

Austin American Statesman 1880
An official from the State Department refused to comment today on the lack of communication lately with Sangro de Christo, or the rumors that a civil war or some kind of massive indian uprising was going on.

Another of our reporters found similar lack of cooperation with the Army when he asked them about rumors that the National Guard might be called up for duty along the Rio Grande and Pecos River, and that other National Guard units might be sent to the Panhandle.

The Russian Government would like to announce it will be accepting bids from various foreign firms for the rearmament of the russian army. Bids will be accepted for: small arms, artillery, and machine guns; emphasis is to be placed on realiability and simplicity. Offers for production rights will also be accepted.

Alfred Krupp, producer of possibly the world's finest artillery pieces, is highly interested in expanding his operations into Russia, perhaps even building a factory there, in Minsk or Warsaw, perhaps. Krupp-made artillery pieces played a critical role in the victory of Nordrreich forces in the Franco-Nordrreich War.

Austin American Statesman 1880
The Minister of State from Mexico arrived in Austin today after traveling from Vera Cruz to Galveston and then by rail to Austin. The Minister of State and President Roberts will be having a series of meetings to discuss affairs of mutual interest.

The Russian Empire will accept Mr. Krupp's offer if he will agree to train russian citizens for technical positions in his factory.

Yokohama Mainichi Shimbun
(1889)

‘After nearly a decade of squabbling, the Constitution yester day was promulgated in Tokyo today. The document has granted supreme power to the Emperor to control the new Parliament and Cabinet members as he deems is practical. The citizens have been granted the freedom of religion of speech and association… former members of the Liberal party complain bitterly about the reformation of the damiyo..."

(1888)
“A celebration was held in Tokyo Bay today after the completion of the 20th navel ship of the latest models in naval warfare last week… “

Austin American Statesman, 1890
The last Apache bands still causing trouble in New Mexico have been destroyed today by troops from Texas and California along the Texas / California border (ooc Arizona / New Mexico border). With that, the last of the murdering savages have been crushed. New Mexicans were overjoyed in the state capital of Santa Fe this afternoon when the news reached town.

Galveston Daily News 1890
The last of the old monitors has been retired today and the last of the 12 torpedo boats purchased from France reached Galveston today. With that, the defenses of Galveston Bay are now second to none.

Austin American Statesman, 1890
The State Department issued a stern warning to the government of Colombia today. The note, delivered to the Ambassador to Colombia, warned that Texas would view an attack on Mexico by Colombia as a direct threat and that Texas would help defend Mexico. When asked about the rest of Central America, the spokesman for the State Department, Frank Dobie, stated that the rest of Central America was a Yankee and British problem.

New York World, January 25, 1890
Nellie Bly goes around the world in 72 days, beating Jules Vernes story by a week!

Cheyenne Post Dispatch
Wyoming gets statehood!

New York Times Book Review 1890
"Captain Mahan's new book, The Influence of Sea Power Upon History 1660 -1783 is a tour de force of a book, and is bound to influence naval thinkers down through the ages. A must read for all of those in public office as well."

New York Times 1890
The first American battleship, the USS Maine, was commissioned today at the Brooklyn Naval Yard. After completing its initial workup, it will steam to the Caribbean to conduct trials and exercises with the South Atlantic Squadron. Its sister ship, the USS New Hampshire, is expected to be commissioned later on this year.

New York World (headline)
Tension in Europe after the death of the King of Spain. Is war on the horizon again?

ooc
remember, this is the decade of Yellow Journalism, so even the possibility of a war scare is going to be played up big to sell more papers

excerpts from the Army and Navy Appropriations Bill, 1890 (USA)
The Army to be concentrated at 7 primary bases and to be organized into divisions.

Fort Drum, NY 1st Infantry Division, 6th Infantry Division, 42nd Infantry Division (NY NG), 27th Infantry Division (NH/VE NG)

Fort Devens, MA 2nd Infantry Division, 7th Infantry Division, 31st Infantry Division (MA/ME NG), I Corps

Fort Dix, NJ 3rd Infantry Division, 8th Infantry Division, 28th Infantry Division (PA NG), II Corps

Fort Detrick MD 4th Infantry Division, 9th Infantry Division, 29th Infantry Division (MD/DE NG),

Fort Wood, MO 5th Infantry Division, 10th Infantry Division, 38th Infantry Division (IN NG), 43rd Infantry Division (OH NG), III Corps

Fort Riley KS 1st Cavalry Division, 35th Infantry Division (KS/MO NG), 34th Infantry Division (MN NG), IV Corps

Fort Leavonworth KS 2nd Cavalry Division, 41st Infantry Division (IL NG),

Pacific Division 1 battalion each from 31st Inf Reg, 24th Inf Reg (colored), 25th Infantry Reg (colored), 3 battalions Coast Artillery Corps

Caribbean Division 1 battalion each from 24th Inf Reg (colored), 25th Inf Reg (colored), 3 battalions Coast Artillery Corps

Navy / Marine corps (excerpts)
Marine Corps to establish the Advanced Base Force consisting of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Marine Regiments. The Marines currently in the Virgin Islands to be formed into the 6th Marine Regiment, and Marines in the Pacific organized into the 4th Marine Regiment. The 7th, 8th and 9th Marine Regiments to be formed as administrative headquarters for Marines assigned to the Atlantic squadrons, Pacific squadron and Asiatic squadron.

In addition, 4 more Philadelphia class (1st class Protected cruisers) are authorized to be completed by 1896.

ooc
these army divisions are all severely understrength, running at about 3,000 - 4,000 men each but provide a cadre to absorb recruits if war breaks out. All US forces in the Pacific are being brought up to full strength immediately however.

New York World 1890 (headline)
Spanish troops massacre Cuban rebels, commit unspeakable acts against women!

ooc
William Randolph Hearst wants a war to sell newspapers (truth is indeed stranger than fiction)

The Berlin Recorder:

Prince Leopold of Sigmaringen-Hohenzollern is a candidate for the Spanish crown. Of course, the Kaiser and the government of Germany fully support his candidacy. If elected, this would solidify the power of Germany in Europe and possibly allow Germany access to Spanish colonies in Cuba and the Philippines.

The Parisian
Rise the Flag of Freedom High--Do Not Fear To Ascend to the Barricades

Miss Maria Theresa, former Queen and aristocrat of Osterlich, is a candidate for the recently vacated throne of Spain. The Government has given Miss Theresa their full support and backing for the Crown.

Despite the outdated monarchy which Spain clings to, the Board of this Paper endorse Miss Theresa for the position as well. She is a worldly-woman with republican ideals, and can do much for the Spanish people. Not only this, she would bring closer together the Spainards and us.

The other two candidates for the throne are Prince Hans of Denmark; a Protestant, he is a moderate choice, as he becoming King of Spain would upset no balance in power; And also, Leopold of Sigmaringen-Hohenzollern; a stubborn, mule-like man who attempted to take the Spanish Crown right before the Franco-Nordrreich War.

OOC: Writing biased pieces is fun. :)

Congressional Record 1890
President Harrison: "The European powers will not be allowed to trade colonies in this hemisphere like horses at the county fair. The Monroe Doctrine states that European nations will not be allowed to reacquire or reconquer colonies in the Americas. That means that Cuba or any other colony under the control of Spain will not be allowed to be transferred to say, for example, the Germans. No matter who the King of Spain is. Already, the people of Cuba are fighting for the freedom, a freedom we Americans paid in blood ourselves. Like the other Spanish Colonies, they want the freedom to choose their own path. Are we as a nation going to let them stumble through the night alone, with only the dim light of freedom in the distance to guide them. NO, I say we bring the light closer, and if need be, perhaps the United States should bring the light to THEM!"

Excerpts from the New Hannover Daily Press: ((Finest Photo-graphers In Her Majesty's Realms))

Front Page:

The former monarch of Osterlich, Maria Theresa of Habsburg is to be crowned the Queen of Spain at a gala ceremony in Madrid in five days. Delegates from British Hannover are to attend the ceremony and wish the new Queen a happy and successful reign.

Editorial:

What will Maria Theresa have to inherit? A weakened empire that is a crippled shadow of what it once was under her ancestor, Charles V? Two major colonies that are coveted by more powerful nations? What will Maria Theresa do to improve Spain's situation in the world stage.

Firstly, the editor believes that Spain (and Portugal for that matter) are unable to maintain their colonial empires and ought to simply sell their possessions to whomever is willing to buy, or to gain political advantage of some sort. Maria Theresa could use the capital this raised to help finance industrial development in Spain itself.

New York World 1891
The Cuban people gained their independence today as the flag of Spain was hauled down and the new flag of the Republic of Cuba was raised. In attendence was the American Ambassador John Hay at the capital of Havanna.

Washington Post 1891
The US Navy has acquired a 99 year lease for a naval base at Guantanemo Bay in Cuba. This harbor is far superior to the anchorages available in the Virgin Islands and will give the US Navy a safe base in the Caribbean.

bump

El Paso Times
Army troops from the Republic of Texas and the Republic of Mexico held joint maneuvers at Fort Bliss today, a first. An army spokesman said that the manuevers went about as well as could be expected.

The Konigstadt Herald:

For a country that did not exist until nineteen years ago, Germany has done amazingly well. The German Empire possesses the most powerful army in human history, is the economic pivot of an entire continent and is the centre of a rapidly growing colonial empire. With the Kaiser's purchase of the Philippines from Spain and the ongoing annexation of Mozambique, Germany is increasingly becoming a nation to watch.

Our navy, once pitifully small, is now building up at an unprecedented rate. The German fleet is projected to increase to about one hundred vessels by the turn of the century, of designs equal to or superior to any in the world. By just after 1900, the German navy will surpass the United States to be the world's second largest naval power. At the same time, Germany will overtake Britain in all major industrial categories and retain its hold on Continental military power.

If the nineteenth century belonged to Britain, then surely the twentieth century belongs to Germany.

New York Times 1891
The US Navy has laid down the first of a series of new cruisers today. The new ship, which is expected to take three years to build, will be the new Lexington class Armored Cruiser, with much more armor than previous cruisers, 8 8 inch guns, 12 5 inch guns, torpedo tubes and will be as fast as the current Philadelphia class cruisers. This new cruiser, along with the new battleships under construction will ensure the US Navy remains far ahead of the rather bellicose Colombians, and a force to be reckoned with even by the British Navy.

Washington Post 1891
The new defense authorization for this year raises the active strength of the Army to 100,000 men in the Regulars, and the National Guard is being increased in size to 200,000 men and will be placed under the jurisdiction of the Army for the first time, with the State Governors only having jurisdiction over their state troops during peacetime. The much needed reform to a system that worked inadequately during the Civil War is based on the British model of territorial battalions and regiments.

Defencies in National Guard weapons are expected to be met in the budget as well, as many of the National Guard regiments are still equipped with the rifles their fathers used in the Civil War and also have the old style uniforms as well.

The National Press

The Secretary of the Navy has announced that four new vessels will be added to the Marine Nationale.

The armored cruisers will be part of the new Brest line of ships. The Secretary said they will be stronger than torpedo and gunboats and faster than battleships. "The French Navy recognizes the growing need for a superior navy in today's world." said the Secretary.

The ships are expected to be finished by 1898, and will be stationed in their namesake port.

OOC> If this is a bit high, please tell me. But Germany does possess enormous industrial potential ... especially with Bohemia being added to it.

The Kaiser has ordered that the shipbuilding facilities at Pola on the Adriatic Coast be brought to full capacity, being capable of turning out 4 light cruisers, 2 armoured cruisers and 1 battleship each year. The fleetyards at Kiel are also being upgraded, capable of turning out two battleships, four armoured cruisers and eight light cruisers each year.

It has also been rumoured that a top secret naval operation is being constructed near Danzig. It is said that there is extensive research into creating a submarine fleet going on there. However, this is unverifiable.

OOC> If this is a bit high, please tell me. But Germany does possess enormous industrial potential ... especially with Bohemia being added to it.

The Kaiser has ordered that the shipbuilding facilities at Pola on the Adriatic Coast be brought to full capacity, being capable of turning out 4 light cruisers, 2 armoured cruisers and 1 battleship each year. The fleetyards at Kiel are also being upgraded, capable of turning out two battleships, four armoured cruisers and eight light cruisers each year.

It has also been rumoured that a top secret naval operation is being constructed near Danzig. It is said that there is extensive research into creating a submarine fleet going on there. However, this is unverifiable.

I would guess the following timeline as reasonable...

2 years to build the shipyard space needed to have several large docks (construction)

battleship takes 2 years if rushed, 3 if not rushed
cruisers take about 18 months if rushed, double that time if not rushed

light cruisers don't show up until Dreadnoughts do (the concept shows up at the same time, and turbines are needed.. 1897 first turbine (British), same with destroyers....

you are talking about 2nd class protected cruises (2 8 inch, 4 6 inch roughly, about 3500 tons in size, 18 -20 kts speed)

we need a good naval war to show the problems the predreadnoughts have with their mixed gun types, and turbines

by 1895 I can see the German yards reaching your target, and by 1897 the Pola yard getting there (less to start with)

OOC> Okay. The Kiel shipyards are already pretty big by this time ... the Germans already have two battleships in operation. But yeah, the Pola ones are fairly small still. And the Danzig submarine pen is in its infancy. But okay, battleships take two years if rushed, cruisers about a year and a half. If it's sort of rushed ... two and a half and about two years?

OOC> Okay. The Kiel shipyards are already pretty big by this time ... the Germans already have two battleships in operation. But yeah, the Pola ones are fairly small still. And the Danzig submarine pen is in its infancy. But okay, battleships take two years if rushed, cruisers about a year and a half. If it's sort of rushed ... two and a half and about two years?

sounds about right... I would suggest using actual German and Austrian building to add ships to the fleet (which is bound to be available)... just substitute predreadnoughts for dreadnoughts... this should give the Germans about 20 BBs in 10 years, Austrians should have about 3 in 10 years.... same for the Italians..... French could build about 6 BBs, British could build 32... but will have to concentrate their fleet within 10 years to maintain local supremacy over the Germans... good thing the Brits are allied with Japan and the Americans are relatively friendly

New York World
The US annexed the Hawaiian Islands today after a revolution overthrew the incomptent queen and the new government requested US annexation. The Navy Department has also announced today the construction of a Naval Yard at Pearl Harbor.

New York World
US engineers are examining closely the practicality of building a canal that would connect the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean in either Colombian controlled Panama or the independent nation of Nicaruaga. The biggest problems cited so far are the severe Malaria and Yellow Fever problems found in Panama, and to a lesser extend in Nicaruaga, and the extremely rugged terrain on the Pacific side of Nicaruaga with Panama having less rugged terrain. Not mentioned is the problem of convincing either of these Latin American governments who are hardly models of democracy and frequently commit heinous atrocities against their own people that a US controlled Canal is desirable. \

ooc
the New York World is a yellow journalism type paper

London Telegraph:
Front Page:
SPECTRE OF GERMAN NAVAL EXPANSION TO THREATEN BRITAIN!
KAISER INTENDS TO CREATE HUGE BATTLEFLEET!

Page 2 Excerpt:
The conflict with Germany over the fate of Southeast Africa has been resolved. Germany will take control of Mozambique and Britain will take the Malawiland and Rhodesia (Zimbabwe).

Page 3 Excerpt:
British investors are going to Spain to create a new rail infrastructure, which will hopefully help Spain to modernize and create a new market for British exports and sources of raw materials for our industry.

Page 4 Excerpt:
The government of Britain wishes to sign a formal treaty of alliance with France, pledging the powers to come to the others aid lest the other be attacked.

To: The Government of Great Britain

We share your interest in such an agreement. We propose it be a simple Mutual-Defense Pact, in which should one nation be attacked, the other aid in money, supplies, or an assualt upon the agressor.

---
The National Press
France Gains Western Sahara, Ceuta, Rio Mina

The Queendom of Spain has recently sold to the Republic the territories of Western Sahara, Rio Mina, and the city of Ceuta for the sum of 160 million Francs.
These lands will add to the extensive extensive protectorates and departments of France in Africa. Ceuta, on the tip of Northern Morocco, is of particular importance, equal to that of Gibraltar. The Domestic Minister said the situation will be evaluated to determined how far they will be integrated into the Republic. He also said this marks the start of a new era of liberty and properity of the aforementioned lands.
~
French citizens are once again travelling to Spain, following the ascension of Maria Theresa to the Throne. The Minister of Foreign Affairs cites the feeling of security under the new Queen, who is, in most aspects, is considered a moderate liberal.

French travellers to Spain include tourists seeking relaxation, and men of commerce and business, seeking to invest in and speculate in the growing economy of Spain.
~
An Editorial-Opinions expressed in this piece are not that of the National Press, but of the author.

The united Empire of the Germanies is a threat to the peace of Europe and that of France herself.

As I write this, the Nordrreichs and their brethern are securing their empire in Africa, as they march on Mozambique; they are also constructing a massive war armada of modern battle-ships and cruisers, for what other purpose then to lauch a war?

But, alas, those who barely remember or were not even alive during the War, do not fully appreciate the danger Germany poses. I would wager the recent actions of Germany do not even make news in this paper.

I say this to my countrymen, and to my Government; Do not give into Germany, do not appease her; they will grew only more grand in their demands and imperialistic conquests.

Fmr. Sgt. Guy Bonhomme,
Veteran of the Franco-Nordrreich War

Washington Post
The Republic of Texas and the United States of America signed an agreement today where Texas will allow US companies to explore for oil in their nation.

With production falling in Pennsylavania, and growing demand for oil and the new fuel gasoline, the US needs to find a new source. The agreement is expected to benefit both the US and Texas, as the previous main export for Texas was cotton, and the cotton industry not only in Texas but also the Confederacy suffered heavy losses the last few years because of boll weavel infestation.

Hamburg Tribune:

The German Empire expands continually! We are solidifying our hold on the Philippines and German East Africa and our colonies elsewhere are becoming increasingly important. Rubber is becoming increasingly important to the world colony and the German Congo is overflowing in that commodity, as well as burgeoning copper mines and a small, but prospering diamond industry.

Already, the exotic products of Africa and the Pacific are becoming more and more commonplace on German markets. In exchange for this goods, we are giving the gift of civilization and Christianity. It is said that hundreds of thousands of benighted heathens have been converted to the true faith already and millions more will follow.

Railroads are being constructed in remote corners of the world to further connect the colonies to the mother country. It will not be long before the goods of the German colonies become well-known throughout the world just as 'made in Germany' is a proud badge of the highest quality for manufactures.

The German government is also in favor of completing the Berlin-to-Baghdad railroad project, which will tie us to the exotic Middle East and allow Germany a huge trading advantage over other nations in that region along with our allies, Russia.

Beloved Leader Dies ~ 1892
After leading Japan in foreign relations for 15 years, Lady Sezume Tenjou died only two weeks after the return of Princess Yori from her educational tour of Europe who may assume will use her divine heritage to reassume her late adoptive aunt’s role in foreign politics with Europe. Lady Tenjou was the first diplomat to Europe in behalf of Japan…

Japan Army Raises to 500,000, 1893
Princess Yori’s words about the expansion of Japan have seemed to gain the attention of Hirobumi Ito. An advocate of expansion while in Europe, Princess Yori has been appealing to Korean officials to allow Japan to help modernize the country in order to conduct trade to benefit both countries and to defend itself against China…

Konigstadt- The Kaiser has signed a military bill, expanding the peacetime army of the German Empire to one million men from the current level of 750,000. Given the rapid rate of population growth and industrial prowess of the Reich, this goal should be reached by 1895. In addition, German military planners are making plans for various mobilization plans, entailing the addition of one, two or five million men to the peacetime army in a crisis.

To the Chinese Emperor, his subjects, and the loyal subjects of Hizashi Japan
From the Throne of Heaven and his viceroy, Princess Yori

(From the real Proclamation of War of the first Sino-Japanese War)

" We, by the grace of Heaven, Emperor of Japan, seated on a throne occupied by the same dynasty from time immemorial, do hereby make proclamation to all our loyal and brave subjects, as follows:

" We hereby declare war against China. We command each and all of our competent authorities, in obedience to our wish, to carry on hostilities by sea and land against China, and to make effort to attain the national aim. We command them, each according to his power, to use all the means at their disposal, consistently with the Law of Nations.

" During the more than twenty years of our reign, our constant aim has been to seek the progress of civilization by a peaceful government; and being sensible of the evils of being involved in complications with foreign states, we have instructed our ministers always to labor for the promotion of friendly relations with the treaty powers. The relations with those powers have fortunately yearly increased in good will and friendship. We never expected such a persistent want of amity and of good faith as has been manifested by China in her conduct toward us in connection with the Korean affair... We rely upon the loyalty and valor of our faithful subjects, and hope permanently to restore peace and to complete the glory of our empire."




Excerpts from the telegram to the Kaiser Friedrich II and to Prime Minister Sergetov:

“While we do not have the mostly friendly agreement, this war we are about to proclaim is based on simply China’s policy with the nation of Korea. We merely wish to help the reformist bring their country into the modern world, though China wishes to keep the country a tribune state. We are an honorable people, we will not ask our allies to help us in this matter, and we wish for you to do the same likewise for China….”

----

Sino Japanese War - http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=7436654&postcount=1

Washington Post 1894
The new armored cruiser Lexington was launched today with great fanfare at the Boston Naval Yard. Once she is completed, the US Navy will have 4 battleships, 5 Armored Cruisers (including 4 older battleships that have been reclassified), 12 1st class Protected Cruisers, 8 2nd class Protected cruisers and 20 Gunboats of various types plus other vessels. The total strength of the Navy is expected to reach 150 ships of all types by late next year, and the last of the old Civil War ships has recently been retired, the venerable Hartford, Admiral Farraguts flagship at New Orleans during the Civil War.

The Navy has recently offered the sale of 4 older monitors suitable for coastal defense to Texas, a deal which is expected to quickly be approved by Congress.

Wall Street Journal
Standard Oil has recently entered into talks with British Petroleum and Royal Dutch for joint exploration of oil in various parts of the world. Among the areas being examined are the Dutch East Indies, Persia, and some Dutch islands in the Caribbean.

Galveston Daily News news story
Texas Navy gets 4 coast defense monitors from the US

The 4 Yankee monitors are going to be a much needed boost to the Texas Navy. They are shallow draft, which makes them ideal for our coasts, and heavily armored and well armed. They will provide a powerful squadron to defend Galveston and can also be moved to support Corpus Christi or Sabine Pass. The four ships each have 2 10 inch guns, several lighter guns, and heavy armor and are of iron construction. Although not the most modern ships available, they are within our Republics budget.

Washington Post
US Pacific Fleet to make goodwill visit to Japan (headline)

The newly created Pacific Fleet will make a goodwill visit to Japan this year after making stops at Whutehfeckia, Australia, the Philippines, and finally Japan before returning to Pearl Harbor, its new base in Hawaii. After that it will visit British Hannover, the Pacific Republic and conduct exercises near Easter Island with Whutehfeckia.

The fleet, which until now has been called the Pacific squadron with only a few gunboats and torpedo boats, is being expanded with the Armored Cruisers New York and Connecticutt, and the protected cruisers Brooklyn, Denver, Chicago, Portland, Detroit, and Albany. For the visit to Japan, it will be joined by the Asiatic Squadron with the protected cruisers St. Louis and Louisville, and the gunboats Tinian, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, and Majuro. The new fleet commander, Rear Admiral George Belknap will be aboard his flagship along with State Department officials for much of the visit.

bump

Dispatch from Pacific Fleet
The fleet has reached Whutefehkian waters and is coaling. All ships in good repair after passege through the Straits of Magellen, and only 2 men lost at sea to report. Next stop is Sydney after coaling at Pago Pago.

New York Times book review
the book "The Coming War with Colombia" is of course fiction, but it tells a compelling story and is worth reading. The author, a former army officer, preaches the importance of a strong army and navy, and believes ferverently that the Colombians are a threat to all of Latin Ameria and Americas position there. He also warns Texas and the Pacific Republic to beware and even includes our cousins in the Confederacy in that warning. Time will tell if he is right."

(ooc Tom Clancy like books go back to the late 19th Century)

New Hannover Trumpet:

About three thousand ladies went before the buildings of Parliament to demand Women's Suffrage. There was no violence involved and the matrons dispersed after about three hours. The Suffragette movement, also growing in Britain and the United States, represents a danger to traditional and time-honoured family values.

New Hannover Star:

Thousands of the nation's most respectable ladies gathered today to request the government grant them the right to vote. Many of the men of Parliament are opposed to such a notion but they are mistaken. It is the opinion of this newspaper that the moral guardians of society have a right to submit their say in its governance. Suffrage should be extended to men and women.

Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi announced to his people the upcoming visitation of the United States of America. There will be an arrangement of the Ambassadors to meet most of the Royal family, perhaps even the Emperor Meiji himself. After the inspiring events of the Sino-Japanese War, the public looks forward to this.

Boston Globe
Pacific Fleet visits Australia (headline)

(story)
The US Pacific Fleet, with 8 cruisers and 3 other vessels reached the Australian port of Sydney today. The fleet, in a show the flag mission that will take it around the Pacific, is expected to receive a warm reception from the Australians, and will take part in exercises with the British Pacific squadron as well.

Trieste Journal~ 1894
Headline~ New type of Ship launched
Story~ Today the Delfino the first of many Delfino Class Ships was launched.

Trieste Journal~ 1894
Headline~ Disaster aboard Delfino
Story~ Today the Delfino sank during test runs in the Agean sea

Proclomation from Pope Leo XIII:
'I have had a vision sent from the Lord. It foretells that the Delfino will return to us before the year is out'

Konigstadt Telegraph:

Bismarck Passes On ... Nation In Mourning

Kiel, 1895:

Two new battleships, the Bismarck and the Moltke were launched from the Kiel shipyards today. These vessels were named after two German heroes who passed away recently.

Pola, 1895:

The first battleship from the Pola shipyards, the Blucher was launched yesterday. This officially marks the emergence of the Pola Fleetyards as a major naval facility, second in Germany only to the Kiel Fleetyards.

Washington Post (story headline on page 19)
US sets up Naval War College

(story)
The US Navy has created a college for applied studies on the art of war at sea at its new Naval War College.

Almost a Year after it suposedly was sunk the Delfino has returned to Trieste

Republic of Texas IC post

Galveston Daily News
Calls for the construction of a large sea wall met with overwhelming opposition today in city council. "No Gulf Hurricane could ever generate waves big enough to seriously threaten our city" reported the local chief of the Weather Bureau, the new agency responsible for keeping tabs on the wether. "The water is simply too shallow off shore, and everyone knows the really serious hurricanes always hit Florida anyway, and thats Dixie's problem, not ours."

This paper stands behind that statement. Everyone knows the destruction of Indianola was a freak accident, something very unlikely to ever happen again. Besides, only a few hundred people died in that storm, and everyone else rode out the storm ok. Why spend the money?

Washington Post
The US Navy's visit to Japan was a complete success reported Rear Admiral Sampson by wire to the State Department. The Japanese were very good hosts, and relations between the US and Japan have never been better. The plucky Japanese, victorious over the Chinese were facing serious pressure from the Germans and Russians, and for a while it looked like war again in the Pacific. Luckily, our fleet visit seems to have defused that tension, but Japan has had to relinquish much of what it gained.

Something the Japanese are not likely to view kindly in the long run. The Russians appear to want to carve out a large chunk of China, which will threaten American trade there also. The Germans too are trying to get into the act, and made some kind of deal with Chinese as well.

Someday they may both come to regret their high handed action.

New York World (editorial)
"Colombians commit more atrocities in Honduras!"

Our sources tell us that the Colombians are waging a ruthless war of conquest against the people of that nation and they may be moving on neighboring countries next. When is the US government going to do something about these people. They are worse than the Huns, they kill women and children, rape nuns and commit unspeakable acts on a daily basis. This editor calls on the government to stop these barbarians and send our military in to bring order and prosperity to the helpless people of Central America.

(ooc, more yellow journalism and atrocities, made up or real, sell papers)

bump

New York Times
International Worlds Fair to open at Niagara Falls tomorrow. This fair, hosted by both the US and British Hannoveran governments, will solidify the treaty of friendship between our two great nations and will have exhibits from all over the world as well as our neighbors Texas, the Pacific Republic and the Confederacy.

Among the more interesting exhibits expected are horseless carriages from Nordreich, along with its inventor, Mr. Daimler and Mr. Benz.

Secret document Republic of Texas Army
To the commander of Fort Sam Houston
From the War Department

A group of 100 Miskito Indians from Honduras will be reaching your post today, along with several officers of the 8th Cavalry Regiment (Tejano). They are to be trained in the use of modern weapons, leadership skills, tactics, and logistics, for a period of several months before returning to their country.

This information is secret and is not to be leaked. In addition, the Cherokee 1st Cavalry Regiment (NG) will have a detachment at your command as well to provide cover to explain the presence of Indians on post.

secret orders to US Atlantic Fleet, Caribbean Squadron, and Commandant of Marine Corps

Situation in Honduras is unacceptable to the United States. Prepare to take steps to provide protection of North American and European lives and property in Colombian territory if the situation detoriates further. Also prepare for the activation of War Plan Gold if directed by the President.

Signed,

Theodore Roosevelt,
Assistant Secretary of the Navy

Konigstadt Tribune:

The Kaiser, Friedrich II will be embarking personally on a large-scale goodwill tour with six of the capital ships of the High Seas Fleet as escort. The ships shall stop off at St. Petersburg first, than it shall go to Amsterdam and London before sailing to New York then it shall go back into the Mediterranean, visiting Rome and Constantinople, taking a brief pilgrimage to Jerusalem before returning to Kiel.

Vessels:
H.M.S Deutschland
H.M.S Kaiser Friedrich
H.M.S Bismarck
H.M.S Preussen
H.M.S Moltke
H.M.S Koniggratz

Austin American Statesman

President of Mexico dead at age 65 (headline)
(story)
President Diaz, President for Life and essentially the Dictator of Mexico died suddenly of a stroke today in Mexico City. A State Department spokesman commented that the succession is likely to be divisive, which with the growing threat of Colombian moves from the south could not have come at a worst time for Mexico.

Galveston Bay IC post

Galveston Daily News
The Texas Navy has sent the sloops San Jacinto, Edward Hawkins and Edwin Moore to the Colombian ports of Colon, Limon and Trujillo to begin evacuating Texans caught up in the strife that is spreading throughout Central America and to protect Texas property.

ooc
these are really old ships, 40 years or more now, with Civil War era machinery, full rigged ships with steam engines, and light armanment, a few 1 pdr and 3 pdr guns, plus a couple of machine guns. They have no armor either and are relics, but they are all Texas has in the way of ocean going cruisers, and they carry some marines and can evacuate civilians.

The Governments of Britain and British Hannover are sending a fleet of twenty vessels to evacuate citizens of Britain or British Hannover from Columbia and Central America. Most of the ships will be relatively small cruisers, although one battleship, the HMS Victoria will be included in the fleet. Any interference by the government of Columbia in the evacuation of British and British Hannoveran civilians from their ports will be considered an act of war.

Peace and New Lands
After a dishonorable attack on the viceroy of China, Li Hung Chang, the nation’s has begun the process for a treaty with China. It is certain that at the least China will agree to cede Formosa and the Pescadores.

New York Times
The US Army reinforces its garrison in Hawaii.

The Army is sending additional troops to Hawaii, as the President, Secretary of War and Secretary of the Navy expressed concern over unsettled affairs in East Asia.

telegram sent from Republic of Texas Ambassador to Mexico to the President of the Republic of Texas

Fighting has broken out in Mexico City between rival factions. There are several factions, although the exact identities have not yet been determined. All have the support of elements of the Mexican Army which at this point can be assumed to have broken up, at least in the area around the capital.

Reports from the consuls in Veracruz, Tampico and Acapulco report fighting in those areas as well, and the consuls in Torreon, Monterrey, and Chihuahua report that the governors of those states have assumed control of Federal troops in their area and may join in the fighting.

So far no reports of incidents against North American citizens except for the destruction of a Mormon settlement near Hermosillo.

I have witnessed a mob attack and burn down the Colombian Embassy and the lynching of the Colombian Ambassador and many of his staff. The exact responsibility of that event has not been determined.

Ambassador Sam Mavarick Jr
Republic of Texas

San Antonio Sun (headline)
FIGHTING ALONG THE BORDER, NUEVO LAREDO IN FLAMES!

Reports have reached this paper that observers on the Texas side of the border have heard sounds of considerable fighting in Nuevo Laredo, and that a good portion of that city is in flames. Texas officials have closed the border.


Austin American Statesman
MOBILIZATION ORDERED!

All reservists have been notified to report to their units and the Republic of Texas has declared a national emergency and ordered the Army to prepare to defend the Mexican border as fighting as broken out all across Mexico, including the border areas. The concern is that Texas cannot afford a long mobilization without putting a serious strain on the budget.

Telegram to Republic of Texas government from Texas Ambassador to Mexico

The following factions have been identified:

Socialists (possibly following the teachings of Marx) -- found mainly in the cities, they are responsible for the sacking of the Colombian embassy. They have few regular troops with them, but seem to be well armed. They have seized control of Tampico and Vera Cruz, and the naval ratings have mutinied and taken over the Mexican fleet (such as it is) in those ports.

Monarchists -- seem to have the most of the officer corps and priests behind them, under the leaders ship of Juan Carlos Beltran and they are strongest in the Puebla area with a partial hold of the capital and are contesting the cities.

Liberals-- have few troops with them but the middle classes seem behind them, a political party only at this point.

Conservatives -- hold overs from the Diaz Administration, they control Chinhuahua, Torreon, and Monterrey, and have part of the army with them.

various Indian groups in the south, strength and committment unknown

Sonorans -- led by Governor Martinez in Hermosillo, have declared their loyalty to the nation of Mexico and whatever government that takes power, effectively neutral and they have control of the local federal garrisons there.

Mayans - led by Javier Guiterrez, they control Yucatan and parts of Tehuantepec, aas well as the port of Campeche. A cross between the Socialists and the Indians, but they are seperatists and the local garrisons have either sided with them or been destroyed.

ooc
this report was forwarded to the Yankees, Confederates, Californians, and Brits and British Hannoverians

a copy of this report was intercepted by the Colombian consul in Austin and forwarded home to his country.

London Star:

(Front Page)
ANARCHIST TERRORISTS ON THE RISE ON THE CONTINENT!

(Story Excerpt)
The anarchist movement proclaims that the state is inherently oppressive and must be overthrown with violence. Already, anarchists have caused much mischief in Continental cities. It is thought that they are allied with radical labour unions.

The Konigstadt Telegraph:

September 19th, 1899

Yesterday, in the midst of a public speech, our beloved Kaiser, Friedrich II was murdered by an anarchist terrorist, who is currently in police custody. The identity of the terrorist is as yet unknown. This is a black day for the Empire. It is most likely that the Kaiser's eldest son, Prince Wilhelm, aged twenty-five will formally become our new Emperor.

This vile anarchist disease has been tolerated for too long. Our newspapers has always stood for liberal democratic ideals and has not always agreed with every position Friedrich took ... but we are Germans. If any nation is found to be abetting or aiding anarchists in any way, we will have our vengeance.

I apologize if this piece is not up to our usual standards. My tears threaten to obliterate my pen. God help us all. And may He have mercy upon this anarchists, because we will not.

Wilhelm Brandt, Editor

official note to the German Ambassador in Washington
The United States of America wishes to express its official condolences to the German Empire and its sincere regrets over the untimely death of the Kaiser.

IC post for Texas
an official note similar to this is also delivered to the German Minister in Austin

secret report on the Mexican Civil War
Fighting is now widespread, but at this point, the states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, Taumalipas, Durango, and Sinaloa are relatively peaceful, and the combined Conservative/ Sonoran faction led by Governor Martinez has 10,000 regular troops (of indifferent quality but loyal) and seems popular. Governor Martinez has been approached about Texas loaning him the 8th Cavalry Regiment (Tejano) and has eagerly accepted as long as it fights under the Mexican banner. Most of the regiment has agreed, and therefore the 1st Tejano Regiment has been formed with officers and men from the 8th and is being assembled at Laredo.

In addition, the 2nd and 3rd Tejano Regiments are being formed with volunteers, and arms and ammunition are being made available from our stocks. All training is being conducted at Fort Bliss to avoid scrutiny.

Fighting in Tampico and Veracruz, as well as Mexico City and San Luis Potosi between Socialist and Monarchist forces is described as heavy. However, North Americans and Europeans have not yet been affected. Situation is deterioting quickly, and USA and CSA help is needed to evacuate those who wish to leave.

signed,
James Montgomery, Special Assistant to the President of the Republic of Texas

OOC> The Brits and Brit Hannoverans have just over twenty ships in the region right now, due to the Colombian crisis.

The armoured cruisers H.M.S. New Hannover, the H.M.S. Marlborough and the H.M.S. Gladiator are being sent to Veracruz to facilitate the evacuation of European and American civilians from Mexico's main port. The vessels are under orders not to attack, but if fired upon, are ordered to defend themselves.

background stuff
In central Mexico, the Socialists now field an army of nearly 200,000. Most are untrained peasants, but all have rifles, and they now significantly outnumber the better trained and equipped Monarchists, as well as the Conservatives who now band together under General Huerta. The Socialists control the east coast between Tampico and Vera Cruz (inclusive) plus have allied with the Indians who control the country side in the Yucatan and most of the cities (including the capital Merida and the port of Campeche), while unrest in Tehuantepec continues as well.

The Huerta faction now controls San Luis Potosi, Puebla, Leon, and the Pacific port of Acapulco.

Mexico City is a battleground, with factions fighting for control and is divided between the factions.

IC
letter from Captain Ramon Sequin, 1st Tejano Cavalry

"We fought at Durango today. The Monarchists had slaughtered thousands when they took it back from the Socialists, and were mostly drunk when we showed up. We kicked them out, and killed a bunch of the murdering bastards, but the people didn't seem to care much. They just want peace, and to eat. Madre Dios, what a mess."

Konigstadt Recorder:

Are the socialists to take over yet another nation in the world? This madness must end immediately. I call upon the new Kaiser, Wilhelm II, to immediately declare solidarity with Mexican monarchists and conservatives against the red plague. It is essential that we, as one of the world's strongest capitalist nations to stop this disease now!

New York Times
US declares quarantine of Mexico.

Invoking the Monroe Doctrine, the Secretary of State Joshua Chamberlain announced that a Presidential order has gone into effect that in effect places a US blockade over Mexican ports and only those ships rescueing nationals and merchant ships will be allowed in Mexican ports, and that all merchant ships will be inspected for war materials. Ships with war materials will be turned back. The British, British Hannoverians and Texans are likely to provide assistance with this blockade and similar action by the Confederates is likely as well.

"Mexico didn't interfere in our Civil War, and the President and I agree that we damned sure aren't going to let anybody interfere with theirs. We regret the tragedy that is playing out there, but hope that the moderate voices in the northern Mexican States under Governor Martinez will eventually bring all sides to the table for a peaceful resolution of the conflict."

Austin American Statesman
Martinez elected President of Mexico

Governor Martinez, of Sonora, was elected President by representatives from the 5 northern Mexican states. The Texas State Department has declared that it recognizes him as the legal President and has shifted the Ambassador from Mexico City to Monterrey, his temporary capital.

USA IC post
news headline, New York World
"War!"

"Last night, the cowardly Colombians blew up the USS Maine in Colon harbor with a mine, killing most of the crew. However, our brave sailors and marines took the town and destroyed the fort responsible for this atrocity, with the help of our friends from Texas. The President is giving a speach today, and a declaration of war is expected."

Texas IC post
News Headline
"War Declared"

"Last night, the Colombians attacked Yankee warships at Colon in Panama, and also attacked our ship, the San Jacinto. Our ship fought well and helped take the port but was sunk in the process. Over 30 Texans died in the fighting but many more Colombians were killed. The President and Congress met early this morning and declared that as of last night, a state of war exists between the Republic of Texas and the Empire of Colombia."

OOC> Just to get something clear ... protected cruisers are a step behind armoured cruisers?

New Hannover Recorder:
WAR!!!!

Prime Minister Heinrich Stade has declared that a state of war exists between the Dominion of British Hannover and the Colombian Empire. The British Hannoveran Atlantic and Pacific Fleets are being detached and sent to engage Colombian forces.

London Star:
WAR!

Prime Minister Robert Peel has declared that a state of war exists between the United Kingdom and its imperial territories and the Colombian Empire. The South Atlantic and South Pacific Squadrons are being sent to join the Expeditionary Fleet.

Amsterdam Free Press:
WAR!

The Government of the Netherlands has declared war upon the Colombian Empire in tandem with our British allies. The Dutch Colonial Fleet is being sent to the Caribbean to assist in the fight against the wanton aggression of Colombia.

New York Times
War Update
Army troops arrived in Colon today to reinforce the Marines already there. The War Department also announced that the National Guard has been called up and volunteers are flocking to recruiting stations everywhere. One item of interest is the flood of southerners crossing into Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri who want to join up to too.

Galveston Daily News
Trains have been arriving all week from all over the Republic bringing infantry from Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas into the city, where they are quickly loaded into transport ships hired from all over the Gulf Coast. The fleet is expected to sail soon, and will ultimately end up in Panama it appears.

(ooc wartime censorship isn't around yet for most newspapers)

Boston Globe
Troops and volunteers are flooding into Fort Devens, just like they are all across the country. Many of the National Guardsmen are being sent straight to the severely understrength Regular regiments, and the National Guard outfits are filling up with new volunteers. A large fleet of transports is also assembling, not just in Boston, but at Philadelphia, New York, and Portland, and the Army announced a massive increase in orders for everything from uniforms to catridge belts, from rifles to boots.

Washington Post
US Marines land in Puerto Rico

The Navy reports that the 1st Marine Brigade was landed today at the Puerto Rican town of Mayaguez. With them also was a brigade of Cuban troops there to provide assistance. The US State Department confirmed today that the US has no interest in annexing Puerto Rico and is there to liberate those people just like Cuba was liberated. No reports yet on Colombian reistance.

Berlin: (renamed from Konigstadt)

The German Empire henceforth declares that a state of war exists between the German Empire and the republic of Tellacar. Any foreign interference on Tellacar's behalf will be regarded as an act of war.

New York World Headlines
US Wins big battle near Panama! (lead headline)

The US Navy won a major battle with the Colombians today and captured or destroyed an entire fleet, sweeping the seas of the enemy and partially avenging the Maine.

(secondary headline)
Germany declares war on Socialist Tellacar


ooc
US news media has a tendency (which has gotten better but not much) to consider US wars to be more important than wars between foreign nations, no matter which is more important to the long term.

New England Journal of Medicine
Doctors Ronald Ross (British) and Walter Reed (American) honored for discoveries concerning Malaria and Yellow Fever.

(excerpt) Both men discovered that mosquitos were the principal agent of transmission for those dreaded diseases and along with other discoveries such as the effectiveness of using quinine, some progress has been made in reducing the death toll these two diseases take each year all over the world. This is particularly important for both the British Empire and the United States, as both have sizeable territories in the tropics and both have men at war in those areas at the time of this writing.

bump

Sorry everyone that I had to leave for a few weeks, unless its a problem I would to like to return to this RP. Therefore a summary of what I've been missed and links to key threads that are new, would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry everyone that I had to leave for a few weeks, unless its a problem I would to like to return to this RP. Therefore a summary of what I've been missed and links to key threads that are new, would be greatly appreciated.

glad you are back and bump

New York Times
A severe hurricane reportedly ravaged Cuba today, including the capital of Havanna. Hundreds are reportedly dead and the hurricane is reportedly heading into the Gulf of Mexico.

Berlin Telegraph:

German and allied Italian forces have invaded the socialist nation of Tellacar, using total land forces exceeding 200,000 as well as over three dozen warships, including six full battleships. This overwhelming show of force is expected to overrun Tellacar in days. It is said that after the war is over, the Germans wish to liberate the Serbian and Bosnian peoples who are native to the region from the shackles of the socialist and anarchist immigrants. Perhaps the establishment of an actual national homeland will end the danger of Serbian nationalism to our ally Hungary.

In Galveston, the skies began to take on a ominious gray color, and the seas offshore began to become increasingly rough. At Fort Crockett, the troops of the Texas 4th Infantry Division (Arkansas National Guard) began to have a tough time keeping their tents from blowing away as the wind began to blow to gale force.

Mr Kline, chief of the Texas Weather Service, blithely told his brother that it couldn't be a hurricane. Clearly the shallow Texas coast would keep any major storm from directly affecting the city. Too bad the troops at the Fort were going to get pretty wet though.

By tonight, it would rain a bit, but then blow over by morning. Nothing to worry about.

Although the fact that the causeway to the mainland was now unusable might be of some concern.

By evening, the waves were past the dunes and well into the streets of the city, while high tides were already flooding the island from the bay side. Already, the ships of the Texas Navy were having to move further up the bay, taking with them as many navy personnel from the base (and their families) as could be loaded aboard.

At Fort Crockett, massive breakers were smashing into the walls of the fort, but at least here the packed soldiers, now crowded inside the walls of the fort as their tents were long gone, had protection. The city further east had no such protection except for the walls of their homes. Already, the waves had smashed down the railway trestle that paralleled the beach and it was now a gaint battering ram.

By now the city was completely isolated, as the last telegraph wires connecting it to the mainland were cut. A massive wall of water was coming, the storm surge, nearly 20 feet high. Already the Gulf of Mexico covered most of the island now, and now the final blow was about to strike.

At 1 AM, the wall of water covered the entire island, and waves smashed the debris of destroyed homes and the railroad trestle into house after house, spilling the occupants into the water or as they waded to safety, high winds swept debris on them, sometimes smashing someone down or decapitating them in the darkness.

By morning, the light of dawn showed a hell on earth. Half of the homes and buildings destroyed, nearly all the rest damaged, and the entire island covered by a couple of feet of water.

Gradually, by noon, the winds died, and the sky cleared.

It would take weeks to find the 8,000 corpses, and many would never be identified or were swept out to sea, gone forever. The jewel of the Texas Gulf Coast was now wreckage.

Upon hearing of the horrific tragedy of Galveston, the Parliament of British Hannover has immediately voted to send $15 million in relief to the Republic of Texas. In addition, the armouered cruiser Halifax which was in the area due to the Colombian War has been detached along with smaller British and British Hannoveran vessels to aid with the rescue effort. More money and material assistence may be forthcoming.

New York World
Massive Hurricane in Texas, Thousands killed.

Note from the US State Department
"The United States wishes to offer its heartfelt condolances to the survivors of all of those lost, and hospital ships, trains full of relief supplies and financial assistance are available to the extent requested."

Texas IC post

Austin American Statesman
Unification Act on the ballot, passage expected.

The treaty between the United States and the Republic is on the ballot in all four states today and is expected to pass. This act will bring an end to the Republic of Texas for the second time but once again unite the states of Arkansas, Texas and for the first time bring the states of Oklahoma and New Mexico into the Union.

New York Times
Unification Treaty passes in Texas and Congress.

Today, the Texans passed the unification treaty in an overwhelming vote. With that, 4 states join the union, partially restoring the United States to the land that the Founding Fathers dreamed of. It is hoped that one day the Pacific Republic will join the union again as well, once again making our land stretch from sea to sea.

ooc
this adds about 10 million people to the US, and 4 states, plus huge oil reserves while Texas gets US help to build the Houston ship channel (needed to replace battered Galveston) and a seawall in Galveston, plus improvements in Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico that the Republic of Texas couldn't afford. Back then oil was really, really cheap, so the oil revenue just wasn't covering the needs.

Kaiser Wilhelm II, to the President of the United States:

The German Empire officially congratulates the United States of America on its peaceful acquisition of the Republic of Texas and again states its intention to maintain friendly and mutually beneficial links between the German and American peoples, as indeed, so many of your people are of German extraction.

Washington Post
Allied forces land at Panama City.

After a fierce two week bombardment, Marines landed today under heavy gunfire support from the Pacific Fleet near Panama City. The followup waves of soldiers then took the city after a fierce battle. This victory is expected to break the back of Colombian resistance in Panama. Losses were heavy, but not as heavy as expected.

In other theaters, Puerto Rico was declared secure today, and our troops secured the Mosquito Islands, Swan Island, Isla de Provencia and Isla de San Andreas in the Caribbean. All were essentially undefended but are useful as advanced bases for the blockade.

The Navy also reported conducting a bombarbment today of defensive works near the city of Cartagena Colombia.

Naval Institute Proceedings
The US Navy has placed an order for the first in a 9 ship torpedo boat destroyer class. The first ship, the Bainbridge, is to be laid down next week at the Philadelphia naval yard and will be a 420 ton ship, with 2 3 inch guns and 5 6 pdr guns, plus 2 torpedo tubes, and capable of 29 knots with a crew of 70. These new ships will have oil powered boilers, instead of coal fired, which is expected to a be a great savings in efficiency.

Navy Institute Proceedings
The US Navy has decided to halt battleship construction at this time and to concentrate on building destroyers, tenders and oilers for now. Development of new and improved guns however will continue, and a pair of improved Lexington class Armored Cruisers will also be laid down.

New England Journal of Medicine
The high rate of illness in our troops in the Caribbean has brought about increased funding for medical research, especially in tropical medicine. Already the discovery that quinine is a powerful preventative for malaria has done much to decrease the death rate. Mosquito control measures around Colon and in Puerto Rico have been a big help as well, as will measures to reduce mosquitos around Panama City after it is secured.

Washington Post
Advancing columns from the Caribbean and Pacific linked up today in Panama, securing the raiload connecting the two bodies of water and solidifying control over that area. In the month since the landing at Panama City, fighting has been fierce but the Colombians have apparently run out of ammunition and are now collapsing. Many surrendered, and many more were run down in the jungles by American and Elias troops led by Panamanian guides.

An Open Letter To The World, From The German Government:

The German High Command has announced that the occupation of Tellacar is complete. There was little armed resistance and very few casualties were suffered in the invasion. The Chief of the General Staff, Erich von Manstein, along with our monarch, Kaiser Wilhelm II, have laid out plans for the division of the Tellacarian state along more realistic national outlines.

Out of Tellacar, small independent Serbian, Croatian and Bosnian states are to be created. The General Staff and this publication consider this occupation to be more of a liberation than anything. It is well known that the socialists have subverted and manipulated, nay, exploited the mostly innocent South Slavic peasants of this region.

Germany and Russia shall be appointed the international protectors of the newly independent states of Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia. It is hoped that the international community will recognize the validity of their national existence. After all, would you like an elitist class of political subversives to occupy your national heartland? So before you condemn German 'aggression', remember that this is not a victory over a legitimate nation-state but over a pernicious ideal.

This is a victory against Socialism, the ghastly spectre of Europe.

Baghdad Bulletin- English Addition

Today, The President of our great nation has declared victory and praised the valour and zeal of The Elias Army soldiers who fought side by side with their American comrades, and who have now prevailed against enemy forces in Panama, Central America. Whilst a true figure for the number of casualties is not yet available, The Ministry of War accepts that fataility figures have been high, predominantly on account of the local climate and the tropical ailments that accompanies it. In commemoration of their sacrafice, The President has ordered that all flags and ensigns fly at half-staff for one day, and asked all citizens to pray for the souls of those who have been lost, whetehr they be Elias soldiers or those of The United States.

In The Balkans, the german Reich has announced that a surreptious and avaricious Balkan regime has been ousted from power in what has been a relaively bloodless military campaign. By the formation of three new nations, the southern Slavic peoples will be afforded with the right to self-determination, the latest deomonstration of German altruism.

OOC> Elias, do you remember that old Berlin-to-Basra railroad scheme? Do you think it would have worked out? The Germans were really into that thought.

OOC> Elias, do you remember that old Berlin-to-Basra railroad scheme? Do you think it would have worked out? The Germans were really into that thought.

yes, but I doubt would have been finished until now...why not an opening ceremony? Commemoration of friendhip between our nations- mutual benefit- linking West to east etc etc.

OOC> Sounds good.

Berlin Telegraph:

The official opening ceremony of the Berlin-to-Basra railroad will happen in a week's time in the United Elias port city of Basra. The Kaiser, Wilhelm II will be in attendence, allegedly making the trip on a zeppelin, one of the world's first. The German battleship H.M.S Kaiser Wilhelm II will be present to fire the official salute to commorate this glorious day in the history of the Orient.

The railway is expected to greatly assist German efforts to acquire new markets in the Orient and the young republic of Elias a chance to sell its cotton to the enormous and growing markets of the German industrial machine. Truly the occaision will be a glorious show of the increasing unity of East and West.

bump

New York Times
US Forces announce the liberation of Costa Rica.

US forces secured the capital of Costa Rica today, assisted by local insurgents. With the liberation of San Jose, and the capture earlier of the ports of Puntarenas and Puerto Limon, the entire country is now secured except for some jungle areas. US Army spokesman discounted the importance of those areas saying that the local Indians would take care of any Colombians remaining there who were foolish enough not to come in and surrender.

With the liberation of Panama and Costa Rica, the Colombians are on the verge of being totally driven out of Central America. The British are expected to move into Belize soon, and local forces are already securing much of Nicarauga and Honduras with the help of small US Army forces.

New York Times
The US Navy has begun development of a new all big gun battleship. It is expected that this new class, which won't see service until 1904, will replace all current American battleships and be the world class in battleship design. This new class, the first to be called the Michigan, will have 8 12 inch guns in 4 centerline turrets, plus a large number of 3 inch and 6 pdr guns to deal with torpedo boats. It will also have substantial compartmentalization and much heavier armor than previous US ships.

ooc
in the real world, the British and Americans both reached the same decision at the same time, its just that the British made it a higher priority and got the Dreadnought in commission before the Americans got the Michigan into commission (by about a year).

An attack force of 5,000 British marines attacked Belize today along with 2,000 members of the British Hannover corps. They were assisted by the fire of the battleship Duke of Wellington along with a number of smaller vessels. It is expected that the fairly small Columbian garrision will fall rapidly.

In other news, diplomatic negotiations to create a self-government Union of South Africa with the Boer countries of Transvaal and Orange Free State began this week. It is unknown how successful this diplomatic initiative of the British Empire will be.

Finally, the British have announced the intention to build a warship significantly more powerful than any other in the world. The Royal Navy office is giving none of the secrets of the warship away, but it seems to be similar in design to the proposed American all-big gun warship.

Washington Post
The Federal government today announced the establishment of the Center for Disease Control and the United States Health Service. Both will be based in St. Louis, Missouri. The two new government agencies will have the responsibility of dealing with preventable diseases, such as Cholera, Malaria, Yellow Fever and Smallpox.

ooc
just think, a century ago you could die if you drank a lot of city drinking water at the wrong time, or catch Malaria and Yellow Fever in Florida or Texas.

bump

Army Times
The Army has completed its reorganization after digesting the lessons of the Caribbean War. The new position of Chief of Staff of the US Army has been created, along with a number of staff positions giving the US Army a general staff organization similiar to the German Army. In addition, a number of new weapons are in the process of being developed, including a new light artillery piece, a new rifle, a new pistol and a new machine gun. Trucks are being seriously examined as well, as the few vehicles taken to Panama have been invaluable in spite of the lack of roads in the interior.

The main organization effort has been to ensure that a corps of three infantry and one cavalry division is available for action at all times. The Caribbean War might have been won much sooner if the Army had not been forced to spend several weeks mobilizing additional divisions. With the new alliance with the British and their Dominions, the ability to the US Army to respond quickly is more important than ever before.

Naval Institute Proceedings
The US Navy is in need of a heavy gun cruiser to patrol the vast stretches of the Pacific. Ideally this ship will have heavy guns, a long range, and greater speed enabling it to catch any cruiser and outrun any battleship. The British are rumored to working on something similar as well. This ship, to be designated a Battle Cruiser, will be a step up from the relatively slow Armored Cruisers. Discussions are still ongoing on whether it will be oil or coal burning.

New York Times
Teddy Roosevelt wins Presidency.

Today Teddy Roosevelt won an overwhelming victory in the Presidential election, winning every state except Ohio. He is the youngest man ever elected to the Presidency, and won because of his war record in Panama and his progressive platform of reform.

New York Times
Wright Brothers sell airplane to Army.

The Army bought several Wright Flyers today, and the famed brothers have been hired to begin teaching flying to a few brave young officers.

The government of British Hannover is interested in purchasing half a dozen Wright Flyers for testing purposes. We believe that this new technology may be highly useful for reconaissance purposes.

Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier

ooc
The Wright Brothers demonstrated their aircraft all over Europe, inspiring a large number of European designers ....

IC
Dayton Press
The Wright Brothers are going to Europe on a Grand Tour soon to show off their new flying machine. Among the stops with be British Hannover as well.

Washington Post
US Army gets a new rifle

The US Army has completed replacing its older Krag Jorgenson rifles with the new 1903 Springfield Riflle. This rifle is widely considered one of the best if not the best rifle in the world. Production continues, with rifles now reaching the Marines and National Guard and all are expected to have it by the end of the summer of 1905.

A new machine gun is also being examined. This machinegun, built by Browning, is watercooled and 30 caliber, with a respectable rate of fire and is much lighter than previous machine guns. The Army has already begun forming machine gun companies for each of its battalions and regiments to be equipped with this new machine gun.

The Army is also experimenting with trucks, now being built by Studabaker, Cadillac and Ford. Trucks have been found to be far superior to horse drawn wagons in moving supplies and men, even close to were fighting takes place. The only drawback is their continued problems with unreliability, although this will hopefully change soon.

secret IC stuff

from the Office of the President
To the Secretary of War, Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Staff of the Army and Chief of Naval Operations

Begin immediate contigency plans for a war with Germany as an ally to Great Britain and British Hannover, and cobelligerent with France and possibly CSA.

In US interest to seize German possessions including the Solomons, German Samoa, the Gilbert Islands, and the Caroline Islands. It is also in the US interest to assist in the seizure or to seize German West Africa.

It is of vital US interest to sweep German warships from the Pacific early in the war so begin immediate preparations to shift Battle Squadron 1 from New York to Hawaii, along with needed escorts.

Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States

Washington Post
US Navy to expand

The US Navy announced today an ambitious building plan to add 10 battleships, 20 cruisers and 40 destroyers to the fleet by 1912, with the first ships to start reaching the fleet in 1906. This is in addition to the 2 battleships of an experimental all big gun type now under construction as well as the 20 destroyers under construction or about to be laid down. Also mentioned in the Navy Bill were funds for a number of airships of either the Blimp or Zepplin type, money for aircraft experimentation, and money for more submarines as well as an expansion of the Marine Corps to 30,000 men.

ooc
Teddy Roosevelt really liked the Navy

OOC> I guess this is the arms race part, lol. I'm not sure about the US's industrial infrastructure at the time, but Germany has essentially all of Austria-Hungary's potentially useful areas, except better developed. And a more militaristic mindset, so I'm guessing they can build at a slightly faster rate than the US.

Berlin Telegraph
German Reichsmarine to expand, Army Air Service established

The German High Command has established a desire to radically expand the German navy, adding 14 battleships, 28 cruisers and 50 destroyers to the Reichsmarine by 1913, in addition to ships currently under construction. In addition, the submarine fleet will be expanded further.

The Army Air Service plans to experiment with designs like the Wright Flyer, but it intends to focus largely on the construction of a large fleet of Zeppelins. The next generation of Zeppelins will be be armed in addition to serving as a reconaissance platform. They might also be used to hunt down enemy submarines.

ooc
I am using the actual US building plan.... amazingly enough....

The British have 20 Dreadnoughts by 1914, the Germans 12, the US have 8 (including 2 launched that year) and the French, Russians and Japanese each have 3 -4 , plus 8 British BC, 5 German BC (plus 1 they gave to the Turks), so I figure the US will trade some of their dreadnoughts for battlecruisers and use them the right way (to hunt down cruisers, their job).

By Jutland, the British have close to 30 Dreadnoughts, including several that would stick around until the end of World War 2, while the Germans got up to 15, plus the BCs for each side, and the Americans had reached and passed the Germans by the end of World War 1.... delays for the US had more to do with will than capability.

IC
The US Navy announced today the completion of a major naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, complete with drydocks and shops. The US Navy is also in negotiation with British Hannover and the Pacific Republic to use their drydock space on the West Coast and is in talks with the Japanese about coordinating activities in case of war in the Pacific.

New York Times
Navy to build new cruiser

The first of a new class of cruiser has been laid down today. The new ship, which will be called the USS Ranger when completed, will be a new type of cruiser displacing over 15,000 tons, with 8 12 inch guns and a speed of 25 knots when completed. This is the first of a class of 4 ships, with the Ranger expected to enter service in 1907.

bump

Honolulu Times
Pacific Fleet gets bigger

Today 4 battleships reached the fleet, expanding it in size considerably and in firepower. Growing tensions between Russia and Japan were cited as the reason for the reinforcement.

1905:

The HMS Dreadnought was launched today in a huge public ceremony. It is expected that this revolutionary new vessel will become the world standard for naval combat. Already, several more are in the process of construction.

New York Times
President annoyed by British first

Roosevelt was reportedly furious that the British got the first big gun battleship into commission before the Michigan finished fitting out. He has ordered the construction of both of the new US battleships, as well as the battle cruisers and other cruisers and destroyers sped up and a massive increase to the Navy budget has been pushed through Congress.

In other news, some of the US troops stationed in Central America are returning home, roughly half of the US strength there. A number of local regiments have been raised and trained and will take over security duties there.

bump

Roosevelt shakes things up...

US military reorganization February 1905

US Navy
Major bases (capable of substantial repair or building)
Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Fall River, Massachusetts; Brooklyn, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Other bases (can repair some damage and refueling)
San Juan, Puerto Rico; Guantanemo Bay, Cuba; Colon, Panama; Pago Pago, American Samao; Panama City, Panama; plus access to facilities in Japan, Whutefeckia, Pacific Republic, British Hannover and British Empire. Refueling bases only at Guam, Kwajalein, Shanghai.

Ships
Michigan class Battleship (Dreadnought type)(1906)
18,000 tons, 20 knots, crew 1000, 8 x inch, 20 x 3 inch, 12 machine guns

Ranger class Battle Cruiser (Dreadnought type)(1906)
18,000 tons, 28 knots, crew 1000, 8 x 12 inch, 16 x 3 inch, 12 machine guns

Indiana class battleship (1895 -1896)
11,000 tons, 15 knots, 500 crew, 4 x 13 inch, 8 x8 inch, 4 x 6 inch, 10 x 3 inch, 6 machine guns

New Hampshire class coast defense battleship (1886)
7,000 tons, 17 knots, 350 crew, 4 x 10 inch, 6 x 6 inch, 7 x 3 inch, 8 machine guns, 4 torpedo tubes

Lake Erie class Armored Cruiser (1903 – current)
9700 tons, 22 knots, 675 crew, 8 x 8 inch, 12 x 5 inch, 12 x 3 pdr, 12 machine guns, 6 torpedo tubes

Lexington class Armored Cruiser (1895 – 99)
9300 tons, 20 knots, 500 crew, 8 x 8 inch, 12 x 5 inch, 12 x 3 pdr, 12 machine guns, 5 torpedo tubes

Chester class Protected Cruiser (1902 – current)
3800 tons, 28 knots, 360 crew, 6 x 5 inch, 10 machine guns, 4 torpedo tubes

Philadelphia class Protected Cruiser (1884 – 1892)
6,000 tons, 20 knots, 450 crew, 4 x 8 inch, 10 x 5 inch, 4 x 6 pdr, 6 machine guns, 6 torpedo tubes

Brooklyn class Protected Cruiser (1878 – 1883, modernized 1900)
3500 tons, 20 knots, 8 x 6 inch, 4 x 3 inch, 10 machine guns, 4 torpedo tubes

Nantucket class Gunboat (1878 – 1886, modernized 1902)
1800 tons, 20 knots, 180 crew, 4 x 5 inch, 10 machine guns,

Petrel class Gunboat (1883 – 1895, modernized 1903)
1000 tons, 20 knots, 150 crew, 4 x 5 inch, 8 machine guns

Bainbridge class Destroyer (1900 – 1902)
500 tons, 28 knots, 75 crew, 2 x 3 inch, 2 x torpedo tubes

Terry class Destroyer (1903 – current)
900 tons, 30 knots, 100 crew, 5 x 3 inch, 2 machine guns, 6 torpedo tubes

A class Torpedo Boat
150 tons, 25 knots, 25 crew, 6 machine guns, 2 torpedo tubes

(the Ranger, Chester, and Terry classes have steam turbines, and all three plus the Michigan and Bainbridge classes are oil burning instead of coal burning)

Deployment February 1905
Pacific Fleet
China Squadron (based at Shanghai) 2 Indiana class battleships, 4 Lexington class Armored cruisers, 6 Petrel class gunboats, 8 Bainbridge class destroyers

West Pacific Station (Guam) 4 Chester class protected cruisers, 2 Nantucket class gunboats

South Pacific Station (American Samoa) 2 Chester class protected cruisers, 4 Nantucket class gunboats

Central Pacific Station (Kwajalein) 3 Petrel class gunboats

Battleforce (Pearl Harbor) 2 Indiana class battleships, 2 Lake Erie class armored cruisers, 2 Lexington class armored cruisers, 8 Philadelphia class protected cruisers, 8 Terry class Destroyers, 10 A class torpedo boats

Caribbean Fleet
East Pacific Squadron (Panama City) 4 Brooklyn class protected cruisers, 2 Nantucket class gunboats, 3 Petrel class gunboats

Caribbean Squadron (Colon) 1 New Hampshire class coast defense battleship, 5 Nantucket class gunboats, 6 Petrel class gunboats, 10 A class torpedo boats.

Atlantic Fleet
Refitting / Modernization / Overhaul (various yards) 1 Indiana class battleship, 2 Philadelphia class protected cruisers, 2 Brooklyn class protected cruisers

Trials/Final commissioning work (various yards) 1 Lake Erie class armored cruiser, 2 Chester class protected cruisers, 4 Terry class destroyers

Atlantic Squadron (Brooklyn) 2 Chester class protected cruisers, 2 Philadelphia class protected cruisers, 2 Brooklyn class protected cruisers, 16 Bainbridge class destroyers, 12 A class torpedo boats

Under construction (date of expected commissioning)
1 Terry class destroyer a month 1905 and 1906, 1 Lake Erie class Armored cruiser (November 1905), 4 Chester class protected cruisers (February, March, May, August 1905), 2 Michigan class Battleships (dreadnoughts)(November and December 1906), 2 Ranger class battle cruisers (November and December 1906), 4 Michigan class Battleships (1907), 2 Ranger class battle cruisers (1907)

ooc did further research and corrected some mistakes

US Marine Corps
Shanghai 4th Marine Regiment (2500 men)
Pearl Harbor 2nd, 3rd, 8th Marine Regiments (8,000 men)
Brooklyn 5th, 6th Marine Regiments (5000 men)
Washington DC 1st Marine Regiment (2500 men)
Boston 7th Marine Regiment (2500 men)
Shipboard detachments and Embassy Guards (4500 men)

Strengths indicated are authorized strengths, currently all 4 regiments in the US are at roughly half strength, and the regiments in Hawaii are at 75% strength.

US Army
Garrisons
Shanghai
2 infantry regiments (5000 men)

Marshal Islands
2 coast defense artillery battalions (2000 men)

Marianas Islands
3 coast defense artillery battalions (3000 men)

American Samoa
1 coast defense artillery battalion, 1 infantry regiment (3500 men)

Hawaii
6 coast defense artillery battalions, 1 Infantry division (32,000 men)

Central America (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras)
3 infantry regiments (6000 men) plus 9 colonial infantry regiments (36,000 locals)

Panama
4 coast defense artillery regiment, 1 Infantry division (20,000 men) plus 6 colonial coast defense artillery battalions (6000 locals)

Puerto Rico
1 infantry regiment (2500 men), 3 colonial coast defense artillery battalions, 1 colonial infantry regiment (7000 locals)

Strategic Reserve
9 infantry divisions, 2 Cavalry divisions, 3 infantry regiments, 9 cavalry regiments, 1 mountain infantry regiment, 3 Corps headquarters, (300,000 men authorized strength although currently at 70% actual strength)

National Guard
4 Coast Artillery divisions (NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, Galveston), 12 infantry divisions, 3 infantry regiments, 3 cavalry regiments, 6 Corps Headquarters, (400,000 men authorized strength, currently at 80% strength)

*full applause* Masterful. I wish I had a bit more time to devote to this, but I'm in the crush of exam season.

Sacramento Bee
Major Earthquake, thousands dead!

A major earthquake rocked the San Francisco area yesterday, as well as our town. Thousands are feared dead, and much of San Francisco is burning.

ooc
the 1906 quake a little early

bump

New York Times
Panama Canal nearing completion

In spite of huge obstactles, horrible tropical diseases, and a rushed schedule, the Panama Canal is nearing completion. The President plans to visit soon too see how things are going.

bump

Telegram to the British Government From President Roosevelt

I suggest that a meeting take place between our governments, as well as the Japanese, British Hannoverian, Australian, and South African governments on matters of mutual military and naval interest. I would like to host this meeting at the US Naval War College and Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

bump

Secret IC (although leaked accidently on purpose to British Hannover and Japan)

For the eyes of the President only,

The Russians have substantially increased their military forces in Siberia and Manchuria and indications from sources in Moscow are that the Russians intend to annex Manchuria and Korea. Japan will not sit still for this and this will certainly mean war. In addition, US guarantees to China and agreements with Britian and other nations concerning China after the Boxer Rebellion were that no nation annex any part of China outside of enclave areas for trading purposes along the coast, and even then for set periods of lease.

The Russians intend to violate this agreement.

Balance of Forces 1905 Pacific Ocean and Asia (Threat forces)

Russia
Pacific Fleet (based at Port Arthur)
1st class battleships Retvizan, Tsarevich, Borodino, Imperator Alexandr III, Knyaz Suvorov, (increase in 4 battleships since last year)
2nd class battleships Peresvyet, Petropavlovsk, Pobyeda, Poltava, Sevastopol
Protected cruisers Askold, Bogatyr, Boyarin, Diana, Novik, Pallada, , Varyag
22 destroyers, 10 torpedo boats

Korea
4 gunboats

Vladivostock
Armored Cruisers Bayan, Rossiya, Rurik Gromoboi,
12 torpedo boats, 5 gunboats

Garrisons
Port Arthur – 40,000 men (increased in size)
Korea – 10,000 men (new development)
Manchuria – 20,000 men
Army of Observation (Mukden Manchuria) – 40,000 men (increased in size)
Maritime Siberia – 5,000
Vladivostok – 40,000 men (increased in size)

TransSiberian railroad can bring in 40,000 troops a month

Other Russian Naval Forces
Baltic Fleet with 4 3rd class Battleships, 20 destroyers (substantial reduction)
Black Sea Fleet with 4 1st class Battleships, 3 2nd class battleships, 10 destroyers (increased in size)
Mediterranean squadron with 4 Armored Cruisers, 9 colliers and supply ships (new development)

Army
Ukraine area – 300,000 troops (sharp increase)
Central Asia – 200,000 troops (sharp increase)
Caucasus Region – 200,000 troops (sharp increase)
Elsewhere – 500,000 troops (sharp decrease)

German Empire in the Pacific
German China Fleet: 1 1st class battleship, 2 armoured cruisers, 5 gunboats, 6 torpedo boats (Tsingtao)
German Pacific Fleet: 2 1st class battleships, 4 armoured cruisers, 7 protected cruisers, 11 gunboats, 12 torpedo boats (Manila Bay)
German Colonial Fleet: About 10 assorted smaller vessels in Africa, about 15 in the Pacific.

Garrisons
The Pacific: 2 battalions altogether scattered among German New Guinea, The Solomons, The Carolines, and The Gilberts

Philippines: 1 coastal defence brigade, 2 infantry divisions, 1 cavalry brigade, 7 colonial brigades
Tsingtao: 1 coastal defence brigade, 1 regular brigade

As you can see, this is a major increase in Russian forces from last year.

The Japanese have at this time:
8 1st class battleships, 4 Armored cruisers, 26 protected cruisers, 23 destroyers, 4 gunboats, 20 torpedo boats and a field army strength of 270,000 men (15 divisions plus headquarters units)

In short, the Russian fleet is now a serious threat to the Japanese fleet and combined with German forces has an edge.

Sacramento Bee
Unification Ballot Initiative talks underway

Republic leaders and increasingly, many citizens are concerned about the growing Russian menance to the Pacific and Alaska in particular. With our navy essentially a joke, and thousands of miles of coast to defend, increasingly the Republic is finding that going it alone isn't going to work.

The corruption scandels that brought down the railroad men and their influence in the government, along with the passing of the ballot initiative, have finally broken the stranglehold that the moneyed elites had in keeping California and the other states of the Pacific Republic outside of the United States. With the return of Texas and Arkansas to the United States a few years back. plus the addition of New Mexico and Arizona, it no longer makes sense for California and our sister states to remain outside the Union.

Vote yes on Proposition 1A!

Editorial prior to the special January 1905 election that resulted in the passage of initiative that brought California, Oregon, Washington, plus Idaho, Montana, Arizona and Alaska territories back into the union and once again part of the United States

ooc
adds about 10 million more people to the US, leaving only the Old South (Lousiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Florida) and the Mormon Republic (Utah) outside of the Union.

bump

Russia IC
Admiral Markaroff arrived in Port Arthur and took command of the Pacific Fleet. He was pleased at the size of his new command, but less pleased about the level of training and the defenses of the port.

"Gentlemen" he announced to his assembled staff, "it is time for some changes. We are too lax here, and although you might think the Japanese are a bunch of little monkeys with shiny toys, they have a lot of those toys and they might just learn how to use them. I want more gunnery practice, and I want minefields improved and strengthened guarding the entrances to this harbor. I expect the fleet to be ready for sea within two days, it is time for a fleet exercise to see the condition of this force. Remember, if war comes, we might not just have to fight the Japanese. There are the Americans and British as well, and I guarantee you THEY know how to fight."

ooc
Markaroff was an uncommonly gifted commander in the Russo Japanese War (historic one) killed when his ship hit a mine. Otherwise, he might just have prevented Russian defeat in that war before his unlucky death.

Russian IC
In Turkmenistan, tens of thousands of workers, mostly political prisoners from Poland and the Russian cities, worked long grueling hours building a railroad. They died by the hundreds each week of disease and privation, but they worked. Otherwise they weren't fed, and as bad as the food was, it was enough to keep them alive and healthy enough to work.

For a time.

Report from an agent from Shell Oil to British and American authorities in London.

Russian IC
note to the German government

The Russian Empire wishes to coordinate war plans with your government. In addition, in order to improve the chances of victory, the Russian government seeks to upgrade its army with better artillery and a larger number of motor vehicles, specifically the vehicles built by Mr Daimler and Mr. Benz.

IC: I'll get the further information for the German military's dispositions, but the total strength is just over a million, about half of which is facing France. About 100,000 men are in Tellacar. When exams are done, I'll get some info about Hungary (which is a medium-sized German virtual satellite).

The German government agrees that coordinating plans is essential. Perhaps a secret conference is in order in a friendly nation, perhaps in Budapest? The Hungarians are reliably compliant. We fully intend to ship a significant portion of our artillery to you, as most of our military needs are currently met. Motor vehicles can also be arranged for, as well as at least one zeppelin for testing purposes.

In exchange, we will require large shipments of oil and various industrial minerals. We are in the process of constructing our own dreadnought ships, in order to counter the British threat.

Erich von Manstein,
Chief of the General Staff

Russian IC Post

"A meeting between our two governments would be most constructive and Budapest is an excellent location for it. In addition, oil and other materials, particularly wheat, are readily available and a trade between our two nations would serve both of us well."