NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC- http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=7403253 (Applications, Discussion Thread)

Madrid:

The Prime Minister heaved a sigh of relief ... the radical revolution had been successfully crushed. However, there was an acute crisis. The monarch, Felipe VI had been assassinated along with his wife, and there were no children. A new monarch would have to be found.

The radical revolution had cost Spain dearly. The Columbians had managed to seize Puerto Rico in that time that Spain was weak and divided. Clearly, Spain would have to see that it was aligned with a strong nation. But who could the new monarch be? There were three primary choices as far as he could see.

1.) Maria Theresa of Habsburg, former Queen of Osterlich
Maria Theresa is known to be popular among the French and would help to gain French and British support, and a little more distantly, American and Japanese. A moderately liberal Catholic monarch, she may have a bit too much sympathy for the radicals. However, while she is grateful to France, she is also independently-minded when needed. And Habsburgs have ruled Spain in the past.

2.) Leopold of Sigmaringen-Hohenzollern
The Hohenzollerns are the ruling dynasty of Germany, and this may help secure an alliance with Germany, Italy and Russia. A conservative Catholic monarch, surely he would support the state's attempt to reassert its old principles? However, it is well known that Hohenzollerns are under the thumb of the Kaiser. Is it worth it?

3.) Hans of Denmark
This would not secure any strong alliance in particular, but it would avoid conflict. The safe, boring choice that neither advance nor harms Spain. Although Hans is a Protestant from a more liberal state ....

The Spanish Prime Minister sent telegraphs addressed to the three candidates and their backers. That is, to Paris, Berlin and Copenhagen. The next step in the race for Europe would begin.

OOC: um, cna i expect a spanish re-conquest anytime soon?

OOC> It's not terribly likely, Spain doesn't have the resources to do it herself. But the fate of Cuba is likely to hinge on the result of this succession.

Prime Minister Jean-Luc Milc dictated a letter to his secretary.Leopold Sigmaringen-Hohenzollern? No, we cannot have that damned Nordrreich on the throne, that one who caused the Franco-Nordrreich War.*

To: The Honorable Prime Minister of Spain
From: Jean-Luc Milc of Royer

I would first like to express our condolences at the injust loss of the good Felipe VI and his wife. They shall be sorely missed.

Nextly, I would like to reccomend that Maria-Theresa ascend to the Throne. She shall bring progress to Spain, without bringing these 'radical' ideals that have caused so much bloodshed. She is also a good and fair Catholic, the faith our two peoples so wisely share and follow. I feel the Spanish people would appreciate such a leader.

May I wish you luck recovering,
J.L. Milc

OOC: * Or if not him, his relative.

To: The Prime Minister of Spain
From: Leopold, Prince of Sigmaringen-Hohenzollern

I accept the candidacy for the Spanish throne. I hope that I can restore order, religion and prosperity to the people of Spain, who have been unjustly trampled for so long. While I am connected by blood to the German Kaiser, I am a Catholic who takes his faith seriously. I also will rule in Spain's best interests.

OOC: I have the spanish in Bold and the English Translation in Itallic. I have Spanish because Spain=Speaks Spanish and Columbia=Speaks Spanish.

Recipiente: El Gobierno Español.
Remitente: Emperador Torrijos III de Colombia.

To: The Spanish Government.
From: Emperor Torrijos III of Columbia.

Primer Ministro Querido,

Esperamos que Leopold de Sigmaringen-Hohenzollern se convierta en la regla de la vieja España. Creemos que serían los mejores porque eso haría que usted tiene un aliado de gran alcance y que lo hace para una España más fuerte.

Dear Prime Minister,

We hope that Leopold of Sigmaringen-Hohenzollern becomes the ruler of the old spain. We believe that would be best because that would Make you have a powerful ally and make for a stronger spain.

To: The Prime Minister of España
From: The Government of Whutehfeckia

Dear Sir,
We humbly suggest that Maria Theresa of Habsburg take the throne, as she seems to be aware of the people. She is also progressive in her ideals, which is needed in any country in the changing times. To appoint a conservative ruler would be to limit España's power and influence in the future, while a progressive would insure that Spain's economy and prestige remain strong.

Sincerely,
President John Dondermens

"Prime Minister

I aplogozie for the loss of your rulers, may justice come swiftly for those dishonorable to assisnate their majestrix. We know we are from two different hemespheres but we humbly request that her former Majesty Theresea of Habsurg replace your fallen rulers.

Sincenrly,
Yamagata Aritomo"

Aritomo leaned back, looking at the short note and shook his head. He wasn't much for being elequent, though he was urged by Minister Tenjou. He frowned faintly, he did not much care for her, nor did he like her shipping the princess to England. It was almost hersay though her education was doing well. He knew there was more to this, but he said nothing though he doubted the other Genro would tolerate the other woman for much longer...

To the Spanish Government
I humbly suggest that you place Leopold on your throne. This is because he is a devout Catholic and would help lead Spain into a new Golden Age.
Sincerly,
Pope Leo XIII

OOC: Leo was Italian

President Harrison and Secretary of State Chamberlain met in the Oval Office early one Saturday morning. It was peaceful, and the staff had been told to keep office seekers out of the White House that day as always on a weekend.

"Mr. President, the situation in Spain has once again reverted back to chaos. I don't believe they will be able to hold on to Cuba or the Philippines much longer." Chamberlain remarked. "The Colombians are looking very hard at Cuba, and the Germans are looking at the Philippines according to the ONI (ooc Office of Naval Intelligence)."

"Well, Congress won't allow us to outright take them from Spain, or declare war without a good cause." The President remarked.

"Well sir, I think I have a way to get them free of Spain and ensure they gain independence, and become allies of ours. Much like Hawaii."

"What do you have in mind?" The President asked, leaning forward.

"I have had discussions with Jose Perez, he is the leader of the Cuban Revoluionary Party and with Jose Rizal and Andre Bonifacio, they are Filipinos who are organizing the Filipino League and the Katipunan movements. They have agreed to allow the US to establish Naval bases at both places in exchange for help from us." Chamberlain paused. "There is some risk of war, but if we arm the rebels, and they stage a revolution, we might be able to brow beat the Spanish into recognizing their independence like they did with the rest of Latin America."

The President thought about that for a few moments. "Ok Lawrence, set it in motion."

President Harrison and Secretary of State Chamberlain met in the Oval Office early one Saturday morning. It was peaceful, and the staff had been told to keep office seekers out of the White House that day as always on a weekend.

"Mr. President, the situation in Spain has once again reverted back to chaos. I don't believe they will be able to hold on to Cuba or the Philippines much longer." Chamberlain remarked. "The Colombians are looking very hard at Cuba, and the Germans are looking at the Philippines according to the ONI (ooc Office of Naval Intelligence)."

"Well, Congress won't allow us to outright take them from Spain, or declare war without a good cause." The President remarked.

"Well sir, I think I have a way to get them free of Spain and ensure they gain independence, and become allies of ours. Much like Hawaii."

"What do you have in mind?" The President asked, leaning forward.

"I have had discussions with Jose Perez, he is the leader of the Cuban Revoluionary Party and with Jose Rizal and Andre Bonifacio, they are Filipinos who are organizing the Filipino League and the Katipunan movements. They have agreed to allow the US to establish Naval bases at both places in exchange for help from us." Chamberlain paused. "There is some risk of war, but if we arm the rebels, and they stage a revolution, we might be able to brow beat the Spanish into recognizing their independence like they did with the rest of Latin America."

The President thought about that for a few moments. "Ok Lawrence, set it in motion."

OOC: As long as you arent going to attack Puerto Rico or cendtral America, im coo' wit dat.

Of course, if decide to attack my home turf...

Teddy Roosevelt, the new Undersecretary of the Navy, having just got the job as a reward for his good service as Civil Service Commissioner and avid support in the campaign, waited impatiently while the clerk knocked on the door to the Oval Office. The General of the Army, General Nelson Miles, waited with him and watched with some amusement.

"Gentleman, the President will see you know." the Clerk announced.

They entered the Oval Office, where a Black steward was setting up coffee and pastries on a tray on a side table.

"Mr. President" they both said and Harrison waved to them to sit down. The President thanked the steward and then began to speak.

"Gentleman, I may have need for the Army and Navy soon. I have ordered the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Navy to take on all of your regular duties so that you can concentrate on what I want you to do. Theodore, you are to prepare the Navy for possible war in the Pacific and Caribbean against the Spanish, and maybe even the Germans and Colombians. Hopefully it doesn't come to that, but it is a possibility. I intend to see Cuba and the Philippines free of Spanish rule as independent nations allied with the United States.

Spain will not be able to hold on to either much longer, and Secretary Chamberlain has set plans in motion so that the locals there who want independence can set the wheels in motion to start rebellions in both.

General, the Army might be needed there, and I approve your reorganization plan. I don't know if I can get congress to give you all the men you need, but at least get the divisions organized, even if they are at half strength or less. IF we go to war, I will call for volunteers, and this time, unlike the War (ooc Civil War), volunteers will serve the US as a whole, not the states and they will be assigned to your divisions.

Any questions Gentleman?"

Miles nodded in satisfaction. "No Sir, that seems clear enough. Will we be able to get all of the equipment we need?"

"Yes General, I have made a deal in Congress, and orders are already going out and it will be in this appropriations bill."

Satisfied, the General sat back.

"Theodore, I know you have something to say." the President noticed how hard Roosevelt was trying to be patient and defer to the older General. He was a young man, incredibably gifted, but patience wasn't his strong suit.

"We aren't going to take them for our own sir? Do you think they are really ready for independence. I mean look how bad a job some of those Latin American countries have done with their independence."

"Theodore, you know Congress will never approve of us annexing them. Besides, they all speak Spanish, how do you think we are going to make them integrate into our system?" Harrison replied, having anticipated the question. He knew Roosevelt was an avid supporter of Mahan and his book. But political realities wouldn't even allow the US to annex Hawaii, so clearly adding 2 more colonies were out of the question.

Roosevelt realized to pursue the point wasn't going to help. The President had made up his mind and in truth, he knew the President was right. Maybe later though things would change. He was ready to get started on his project so he decided to let the matter rest. This could be a splendid little war, ideal to show the world that the US Navy and the United States were to be respected on the world stage.

In the Columbian Capital of Bogota:

In the Aristocratic district of the city there was much hustle and bustle. It was noon, so all the rich ladies would send out their servants to go buy the daily produce. Fresh melons, mangos, apples, and baisically any type of produce you could think of was there. In the background lay the intricatly designed government offices, the most majestic of all was the Emperors palace. Towering 20 stories high, and covering thousands of square meters, the Palace was one of the largest buildings in Latin America. It was guarded by the famed Cangrejo Brigade, which had defeated a large rebel army almost 5x larger in the Short-lived Venezuelan Revolution. The Palace was a scene of power, yet tranquil, atmosphere. Inside the Emperors Office, however, a heated and anything but tranquil meeting was going on.

"This is the PERFECT time to strike! With Spain weak, we can take Cuba with EASE!" proclaimed an admiral whose face was beet red. Inside the Emperors office 30 of the Empires best military leaders were sitting around a table, debating possible courses of action.
"No!" cried a senior army general. "It's too far inside of the U.S./British Hannover Sphere of influence! Hell, even the CONFEDERATES are too close!"
"But we took Puerto Rico!" said a lesser Admiral.
"Yes, but that was because it was ALREADY IN A REBELLION!" responded the general."
The entire room suddenly erupted in arguements between baisically every commander.
"Alright, ALRIGHT! Thats ENOUGH!" Shouted the Emperor at the top of his lungs. The Generals stopped immediatly(sp?). The young Emperor, while not having much time in office, was un-characteristically wise for his age. "Alright, one at a time tell me what you think would be best." he suggested, and the generals began giving him their thoughts.

From: Prime Minister Gladstone
To: The Government of Spain

We support the accession of Maria Theresa to the throne of Spain. It is our belief that she will help to heal the wounds that have been caused by the disturbances of Spain. If Maria Theresa accedes to the throne, we will guarantee the territorial integrity of Spain and her colonies unless the Spaniards themselves are willing to sell or give those colonies to another power.

President Stephen James Hogg, Republic of Texas
To the Spanish Government

Our nation urges you to throw of the outdated monarchy and write a constitution and become a Republic. The nations of North America would all applaud you, as would your French neighbors. Enough of monarchy, hasn't it gone on long enough?

ooc
Well what else would you expect an American country to say.... :)

President Stephen James Hogg, Republic of Texas
To the Spanish Government

Our nation urges you to throw of the outdated monarchy and write a constitution and become a Republic. The nations of North America would all applaud you, as would your French neighbors. Enough of monarchy, hasn't it gone on long enough?

ooc
Well what else would you expect an American country to say.... :)

OOC: Two can play at that game!

IC:

From: Emperor Torrijos III
To: The Spanish Government.

I, the grand Emperor Torrijos III, urge you to upgrade from a Monarchy to an Empire! For too long have these "Democratic" Rebels tried to unsurp the true rulers of this planet by birthright! Become an Empire, and the Continent of Europe shal cower before the majestic might of Spain! You could also ally with us, because an alliance between the two Spanish-speaking Empires would be UNSTOPPABLE!

To: Everybody Concerned
From: The Government of Spain

The Cortes has met to discuss this proposition, and with the Prime Minister's approval, we have chosen Maria Theresa of Habsburg for the position of Queen of Spain. We have no interest in becoming either an official empire nor a republic. We hope that all parties concerned will peacefully accept the selection of Maria Theresa as our monarch.

Official note to the Spanish Government from the United States Government

The United States views with grave concern the continued rebellion in Cuba and the uncivilized and harsh measures taken by your troops to suppress that rebellion. Therefore, the United States urges Spain to grant independence to Cuba forthwith.

The United States government is rapidly getting to the point where the pressure from the People of the United States will force it to act even though the Government of the United States understands the difficult position this places Spain in.

Therefore, the United States is willing to provide compensation in the amount of $100 Million to Spain to assist it in pulling its forces out of Cuba.

ooc
unspoken but because it is ignored is the general acknowledgement that the US is willing to let the Spanish hold on the Philippines.

official note
The President of the United States Benjamin Harrison wishes to congradulate the people of Spain and their new Queen of their decision. May she have a long and peaceful rule and may relations between the United States and Spain remain cordial and peaceful as well.

To: the Spanish Government
From: Emperor Torrijos III

Dear Spain,

We strongly urge you to keep control of Cuba. If you were to loose Cuba then you would loose all dignity. The once glorious Spain shall be lost. We are offering our services to help put down rebellion, icluding, but not limited to, sending weapons, aid, troops, blockading cities, burning cites, attacking rebels, hanging leaders, and covert warfare to eliminate the Rebel leaders.

Please take this proposition into account.

OOC: While it may seem like im trying to get the U.S, Pissed off(which i actually am), im not going to engage in open war against them(at least not yet :D)

To: Everybody Concerned
From: The Government of Spain

The Cortes has met to discuss this proposition, and with the Prime Minister's approval, we have chosen Maria Theresa of Habsburg for the position of Queen of Spain. We have no interest in becoming either an official empire nor a republic. We hope that all parties concerned will peacefully accept the selection of Maria Theresa as our monarch.

To: Queen Theresa
From: Emperor Torrijos III

While you werent the candidate we were hoping for, we believe that we can still create a Spanish-speaking alliance between our two nations to secure our combined might in the western hemisphere.

OOC> This is a secret communication to the Americans.

To: The Government of the United States of America
From: Maria Theresa, soon to be Queen of Spain

I have been in communication with the Spanish government, and I have no desire to hang onto Cuba violently. The compensation is acceptable ... if you wish to set up Cuba as an independent state under your protection, that is commendable of you. If you wish to set up a virtual colony ... I'm not aware of what exactly has happened there, but my interests are in Spain herself, not in some rebellious island in the Caribbean. It's overextending Spain and helping in the crippling of her finances.

As for my plans for Spain herself ... I do not intend to be an absolute or neo-absolute monarch. I believe the Cortes is capable of governing the nation more or less by itself. My plan is to, within five years, hold elections by the basis of universal manhood suffrage for the Cortes and to make them accountable for most government functions. I shall merely act as an advisor in my spheres of competency.

To: The Government of Spain and Queen Maria Theresa
From: Prime Minister Jean-Luc Milc

On behalf of the French people and Government, I whole-heartedley congratulate the ascension of Maria Theresa to the throne. I wish a new era of peace and liberty upon Spain and her people.

I also wish this is the dawn of a new Franco-Spanish friendship.

Regards,
J.L. Milc

OOC: I take it Theresa isnt the type to accept Columbian Military aid in putting down the rebellion. Because i offered twice and i gots no response.

Why do they wanna ally with the U.S. instead of their Spanish-speaking brethren?

OOC: I take it Theresa isnt the type to accept Columbian Military aid in putting down the rebellion. Because i offered twice and i gots no response.

Why do they wanna ally with the U.S. instead of their Spanish-speaking brethren?

ooc
she is a liberal (from earlier threads including the Osterlich one), and at this point, Cuba is costing more than its worth. She still has the Phillipines, a good chunk of Morocco and she got a bunch of money she can use to deal with problems in Spain... and gets to keep the antiquated Spanish navy in one piece.....

of course now Teddy Roosevelt doesn't get to charge up San Juan Hill.... oh well, can't win them all

IC
The Republic of Texas sends an official congratulations to the Kingdom of Spain in its peaceful transfer of power.

ooc
she is a liberal (from earlier threads including the Osterlich one), and at this point, Cuba is costing more than its worth. She still has the Phillipines, a good chunk of Morocco and she got a bunch of money she can use to deal with problems in Spain... and gets to keep the antiquated Spanish navy in one piece.....

of course now Teddy Roosevelt doesn't get to charge up San Juan Hill.... oh well, can't win them all

IC
The Republic of Texas sends an official congratulations to the Kingdom of Spain in its peaceful transfer of power.

OOC: Dont worry, im sure there'll be a U.S-Columbia Conflict before the decade is through :D

OOC> Secret communication to the French

To: The Government and People of France
From: Maria Theresa, soon to be Queen of Spain

Again, I must extend my deepest gratitude towards your nation and people for giving me such hospitality and kindness in my hour of need. I have done well in your country and, as a sign of gratitude, have seen it fit to donate twenty million francs towards the construction of a hospital for the poor of Paris. I also wish to give my estate near Paris for conversion into a park for all to enjoy.

I would like to ask France for a formal treaty of alliance with Spain, and I shall see to it that I advise the Cortes to persue excellent relations with her powerful brother country. France has done much for me and I trust that she will be gracious enough to extend the same helping hand to Spain whom has suffered badly in the last century.

As a small token and due to the need for Spain to consolidate herself in her home territories, I wish to sell you the city of Ceuta, the territory of the Western Sahara and the Rio Muni. They are small territories, but will contribute towards the consolidation of North Africa under the Tricolour.

OOC> Secret communications to Great Britain

To: Crown Prince Edward (Bertie)
From: Maria Theresa, soon to be Queen of Spain

Hello, darling. I miss you awfully on the railway from Lyon to Madrid, but it is all for a good cause. I'm afraid I won't be able to see you again, Bertie ... I'm a Queen now and that means responsibility. Spain's Empire is unsustainable ... if we are to progress, we are going to have to just do the best we can with what we have. Spain's problem is not a paucity of resources, but the misplaced notion that it is still a Great Power, this was true enough in 1590, but not today.

What Spain needs is liberalization and freedom within the bounds of its national character. I shan't be able to do anything about the Church, the Spaniards take their faith very seriously indeed. But I have no intention or desire to rule as, say, the Kaiser does in Germany. I believe people deserve better than that, although it must be said ... I do sort of envy him. It must be nice to be able to dominate a continent. But that is not my destiny. I would rather measure my success by bringing happiness and prosperity than colonial empires ... I believe the one has to go before the other can be realized.

Speaking of the Kaiser ... I will have to mollify him somehow. One does not anger someone as powerful as him without a plan in mind. And I have no desire to trigger a war. I would do anything to prevent that massacre. The machine gun might be handy for colonial problems ... but it is a weapon of mass murder. No glorious charges against them.

But I am getting too depressed ... I will miss you, Bertie. Although I'm sure I will see you again, perhaps when you are the King. You'll make a good King, I'm sure. The English deserve some fun after Victoria. Great woman that she is, I can hardly bear her presence. It makes me very conscious of myself ... she's worse than the Pope that way.

But I must stop this letter before the ink is marred by years. So I will think of kissing you before I seal it. I am sorry, Bertie. But God has chosen me for active duty once again and only a fool deserts His summons.

Love and tears,
Maria Theresa of Habsburg

OOC> Secret communications to Great Britain

To: Crown Prince Edward (Bertie)
From: Maria Theresa, soon to be Queen of Spain

Hello, darling. I miss you awfully on the railway from Lyon to Madrid, but it is all for a good cause. I'm afraid I won't be able to see you again, Bertie ... I'm a Queen now and that means responsibility. Spain's Empire is unsustainable ... if we are to progress, we are going to have to just do the best we can with what we have. Spain's problem is not a paucity of resources, but the misplaced notion that it is still a Great Power, this was true enough in 1590, but not today.

What Spain needs is liberalization and freedom within the bounds of its national character. I shan't be able to do anything about the Church, the Spaniards take their faith very seriously indeed. But I have no intention or desire to rule as, say, the Kaiser does in Germany. I believe people deserve better than that, although it must be said ... I do sort of envy him. It must be nice to be able to dominate a continent. But that is not my destiny. I would rather measure my success by bringing happiness and prosperity than colonial empires ... I believe the one has to go before the other can be realized.

Speaking of the Kaiser ... I will have to mollify him somehow. One does not anger someone as powerful as him without a plan in mind. And I have no desire to trigger a war. I would do anything to prevent that massacre. The machine gun might be handy for colonial problems ... but it is a weapon of mass murder. No glorious charges against them.

But I am getting too depressed ... I will miss you, Bertie. Although I'm sure I will see you again, perhaps when you are the King. You'll make a good King, I'm sure. The English deserve some fun after Victoria. Great woman that she is, I can hardly bear her presence. It makes me very conscious of myself ... she's worse than the Pope that way.

But I must stop this letter before the ink is marred by years. So I will think of kissing you before I seal it. I am sorry, Bertie. But God has chosen me for active duty once again and only a fool deserts His summons.

Love and tears,
Maria Theresa of Habsburg


OOC: I sense an abolition of the monarchy coming on...

To: Maria Theresa, soon to be Queen of Spain
From: The People and Government of France, care of J.L. Milc

Where shall I start?

Firstly, I would like to give many thanks for your generous donations to the city of Paris. I believe my pastor knows a LaSallian man who could take care the needs of the hospital.

I would also like to establish a formal state of alliance between Spain and France. I can confidently say those in Parliament would as well. I forsee a future in which the Spanish and French people live freely and peaceably together.

Speaking but for myself, I think France would like to accept this fine deal. This is but an initial figure, made by myself; For the city of Ceuta, the territories of Western Sahara and Rio Muni, 500 million Francs.

OOC: I must say, I have no idea of prices and economies of the era, so please, correct this figure as you see.

OOC> It's probably a bit too much ... the US got 100 million for leaving Cuba, I'd probably say no more than 150 million francs for possession of Spain's African territory. That's based on relative comparison, of course. And of course, this is a secret communication

To: Kaiser Friedrich II
From: Maria Theresa, soon to be Queen of Spain

I know that this was hardly the result you had wished for and expected, but I would like to say I hold no bitterness towards you. I would like to conclude a friendly understanding between our nations. You have done well by the people of Osterlich and I recognize that fact.

I would also like to make a business proposition. It shall be rather expensive, but if anyone can pay the price, I am sure that you can. For 350 million thalers, with 100 upfront and the 250 rest paid out over ten years at 25 million thalers a year, I would be willing to cede to you the Philippines. Please send me a telegram soon with your response.

Sincerely,
Maria Theresa of Habsburg

To: Maria Theresa, Queen of Spain
From: Kaiser Friedrich II of Germany

I accept the fact of your accession to the throne and will accept your offer of the Philippines for the stated price. And do not far, I do not plan to take this kingdom from you.

Truly,
By The Grace of God, His Imperial Majesty Friedrich II, Kaiser of Germany

[[OOC: Thank you. I hope you don't mind if I cheat, then...]]

To: Maria Theresa, soon to be Queen of Spain
From: Marcus D'Annice, Minister of Foreign Affairs

After formally convening with Parliament, we will gladly purchase Ceuta, the Western Sahara, and Rio Muni, for the sum of 160 million Francs. I hope you find this price fair, and inform us if not.

To: The Government and People of France
From: Maria Theresa, Queen of Spain

Your price is fair and I accept the offer.

Sincerely,
Maria Theresa, Queen of Spain

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