NationStates Jolt Archive

Tomorrow would be August the first. Atsuko still thought in European and it aggravated her as she played with her younger brother. It was something people in her country were not used to seeing of her, the Iron Butterfly as they called her. She was strong, but not too strong in the eyes of the Chinese. The young woman smiled dryly to herself as she watched Toshihito play with the royal pets, a Siamese cat given to them by England. She was actually quite found of her half brother, he had a gentle nature though she knew his innocence was from his ill health. Shaking her head she cursed those who helped him with his illness by providing diseased beauties for him. While he was 16, he had been engaging with women since 14 as far as she knew, and she was rather sure she would be next. Not that Atusko would allow them, she had endeared herself too much to the people and pushed herself into the spot light to make her an easy dispatch. She had fought off illness almost all her childhood in Europe, and while the doctor’s had done a major help to save her life, her spirit was the true cause for her survival. She began to read the reports from the War Ministry and mused over the current events happening in the Korean Sea.

Three Japanese cruisers, the Yoshino, Naniwa, and Akitsushima, which had since the 23d been cruising in the Korean waters near Phung-do, had meet the Chinese cruiser Tsi-yuen and gunboat Kwang-yi and the Tsao-kiang, which was convoying a transport toward Asan with Chinese troops. They did not return the slatue from what Atsuko understood and the cruisers attacked. Kwang-yi was stranded south of Caroline Bay, where its powder-magazine exploded and the others captured.

On the very day when the naval victory near Phung-do Major General Oshima, started from the the captured Seoul on a march toward Asan, in order to carry out the commission of the Korean government to drive away the Chinese forces stationed there. From what she heard by telegram was that the General was doing a simply splendid job and would be engaging battle this evening. She hated the fact it wasn’t properly sanctioned and brooded on this when one of the servants came to her with a paper.

“Princess, the Diet wishes your approval of the following proclamation.”

Atsuko, barely 19 and a pleasant natural beauty to both eastern and western standards, read the proclamation and nodded solemnly. “I do except an outcry from Russia and Germany for such aggression, though we do not wish the Chinese Empire. Merely to influence Korea. The Diet has spoken about another draft and approved of it, yes?”

“Yes your highness.” The young servant said, bowing. Yoshi smiled at the young man giving him a wide grin as his older half sister shook her head. Her father wouldn’t approve, but he was too old to care enough to speak. Things would go her way.

“Good, please send telegrams to the Kasier and the Czar that their spoils will not be affected in this little war.” The Czar seemed like a decent man, but the Kasier was egoistical. She blamed this on his wife, for a European, he was quite charming though a bit tactless. It had been the opinion of the Princess of Hizashi Japan that his wife needed to step up to plate. European women, so weak, and to think I have to fight to make sure Japan’s women are just as strong as their men. Weak women break a society.

Again the servant nodded and left the Heir apparent and the power behind the throne to enjoy the afternoon in serenity. The next few months she wouldn't have this luxury again.

Orders
to Rear Admiral Belknap, USN commanding Asiatic Station

By direction of the President, take steps to protect American lives and property as it is apparent that hostilities between Japan and China are likely to continue. Maintain strict neutrality regarding the combatants but American ships and personnel continue to have the right to fire in self defense.

New York World Headline
Plucky Japanese take on Chinese Dragon!

story except
However, most experts believe the Japanese are brave but are bound to lose against the massive Chinese Empire.

(ooc... well, experts have a long history of being wrong and everyone was very surprised when the Japanese kicked China out of Korea and took Port Arthur historically)

Navy Reorganization Act 1895 FY
The US Navy is to be organized into two fleets, the Pacific Fleet based at Pearl Harbor Hawaii, and the Atlantic Fleet, based at New London CT. The Naval coaling station at Pearl Harbor is to be upgraded to a Naval Yard, with drydock facilities, repair facilities and all other necessary facilities.

In addition to the 2 fleets, the Asiatic Squadron and Caribbean Squadron are to be retained or formed, with their headquarters located at Guam for the Asiatic squadron and Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.

The Marine Corps is to be expanded to a strength of 12,000 men, and organized into 9 Regiments. Six of these regiments will consist of 2 battalions each (one battalion for deployment, one battalion for garrison) with the other three regiments as administrative headquarters for detachments assigned to the Pacific Fleet, Atlantic Fleet and Embassy duty.

Additional funds are also authorized for a good will visit by the Pacific Fleet to Japan, the Philippines, as well as Whutehfeckia, the Pacific Republic and British Hannover.

The Pacific Fleet for the 1895 FY will consist of 2 armored cruisers, 6 protected cruisers, 6 gunboats, and 12 torpedo boats plus appropriate auxiliary ships. The Asiatic Squadron will consist of 2 protected cruisers and 4 gunboats, with appropriate auxiliary ships, and the Caribbean Squadron will consist of 6 gunboats, 12 torpedo boats plus appropriate auxiliary ships.

The Atlantic Fleet will be the primary US Navy force, with 5 battleships, 3 armored cruisers, 12 protected cruisers, 16 gunboats, and 24 torpedo boats plus all other auxiliary ships. In addition, the Marine Corps Advanced Base Force of three regiments will be assigned to this fleet for the present.

The Rank of Vice Admiral (3 star rank) and the Rank of Admiral (4 star rank) is hereby approved by Congress. The position of Chief of Naval Operations is hereby established, with the rank of Admiral, and Alfred T. Mahan is hereby appointed to serve in that post for a 4 year term. The position of Commander in Chief Atlantic is established, with Vice Admiral Rank, and George Dewey is appointed to that position for a 4 year term.

Rear Admiral George Belknap is appointed commander Pacific Fleet, and Commodore Bob Evans is appointed commander Caribbean squadron and Commodore Winfield Schley is appointed commander Asiatic squadron.

The US Navy is also hereby authorized to dispose of unneeded warships to friendly neighbors such as the Republic of Texas, the Pacific Republic, Brazil, Whutehfeckia and Cuba.

The British officially declare neutrality in this conflict, as we regard it an internal affair of East Asia. We ask that other European powers view the conflict between Japan and China in the same light. Of course, this is conditional upon the Japanese respecting existing spheres of influence and treaty ports in China, including the Russian dominance of Northern Manchuria.

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The Commonwealth of Australia condemns the attack by the Japanese government against China. Oriental barbarism is a threat to the imperial interest of the Great Powers, of which Australia sustains the British presence in the Southern Hemisphere between the Pacific and Indian Ocean and all lands north. The Australian parliament petitions the British government to enforce sanctions against the Japanese expansionism. The Australian government prohibits all trading with Japan by Australian businesses and citizens.

OOC> You need to apply to post in this thread. Here's the link.
http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=7449141&posted=1#post7449141post7449141

Playing Australia is fine ... but you'll probably need to clear a bit of air with me, as I am the British Empire. Among other things, the British are allied with the Japanese at this time. So ... feel free to post an application on the application thread.

September 17th, 1894

Military HQ Moves as Japanese Take Ping-yang

According to telegrams and sources, the Imperial Army attacked the city of Ping-yang two days ago. Despite strong defenses a rear attack from the forces and early that evening, the Chinese hoisted a white flag. While the army slipped from the city to the city of Wiju, there are suggesting that almost 1/4 of their army has been killed or injured while His Majesty's forces only had a fraction of it's troops die honorably in battle or wounded to fight again.

As if to encourage the troops, the Throne of Heaven has temporarily moved his throne from Tokyo to Hiroshima to attend his duties as as the Miltiary Headquarters are moved from the coastline. Her Majesty, Princces Yori, spoke about the importance of the said battle and the symbolism of the heaven's approving her father's decisions. She highly praised our forces and spoke of our power in the navy. However, one notices she speaks highly of the Koreans we are to help 'free', and one wonders what sort of mentality that is for a princess...

The Russian Empire condemns Japan's agressive expansionism, and hopes that the conflict stays well clear of russian borders.

My dear friend,

It’s frustrating to read the telegrams from other countries. And how strange and ironic it is I am writing to a dear friend of one of the countries I must tip-toe around, yes? All my life, my aunt Sezume has spoken about people seeing the Asiatic people as less than equal. I must confess my people see the things the same way with Anglos though I do not believe I have the same superiority when it comes to the issue of race.

But it is infuriating to hear these Europeans speak so badly about my beloved country for doing the same things they do. I know it truly is spoken out of fear that Japan might become some sort of potetinal world power, they do not want any more fingers in the pie that are already are. I know if it was not for the people under my father’s rule, I know we would become nothing more than a colony. I’m tried of hearing of ‘the White Man’s Burden’ to civilize ‘swarthy’ folk, I wish this pretention was dropped in favor that all that’s wanted is power.

I also regret to inform you this might be the next letter for quite some time, seeing now that my nation might accidentally step on your father’s toes though I wish not to do so with Norrdriech, and you know that, don’t you Whil? I want to take Yoshi on a trip of Europe once this deal with the Koreans is done with. The Shinto might not like it, but I do want him to see more of the world. Send my regards to your mother, though I may not agree with her on all views, she is a good woman.

Until then,
Your dear friend,
Atsuko

General Katsura’s First and Second Army Corps Merge Triumphantly!

After Lieutenant General Katsura towards the northern frontier of Korea and daftly avoiding Russia’s claims on the land and took Ta-tung-kau and Ta-ku-shan in succession on November the 5th. Rumors from the front taste that Katsura plans to coordinate with the navy to converge at Wei-hai-Wei early next year.

Crushing Chinese Defeat!
Leaving Yung-cheng on the 26th, the Japanese army marched along two routes, expecting to converge at Wei-hai-Wei early in February. The town of Wei-hai-Wei was deserted by the Chinese, and was occupied by the on February 2.

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Control of the Gulf of Pechil and the Pescadore and Formosa Islands.
The Japanese fleet attacked the forts of Jih and Liu-kung Islands on January 30, 1895 with inruptions until the steady attack began on the 7th of February. The Ching-yuen was sunk on the 9th, Jih Island fell with the eastern forts of Liu-kung Island were silenced. Toward the end of March a column of Japanese troops seized the Pescadores Islands near Formosa and then Formosa herself.

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.

Office of the Kaiser:

The Kaiser wishes to act as a neutral peacemaker in the conflict between Japan and China. The issue of China is a sensitive one worldwide and we must ensure that everyone's interests are adequately represented.

Meanwhile ...

Three German armoured cruisers, the Sachsen, the Posen and the Ostpreussen along with smaller escort ships and a contigent of German troops prepared to move out of Manila Bay to seize the port of Tsingtao from China. The Kaiser wanted a piece of China and to guarantee his ally, Russia's interests in the Orient as well.

The Japanese were a potential threat to German interests in the Pacific. Friedrich II wanted to ensure that they did not get too powerful. Besides, it wasn't quite right that a small island off in the Orient would possess Great Power ambitions anyway. It smacked of hubris.

New York Times editorial
The swift Japanese victory over the Chinese has made military observers sit up and take notice. Clearly the Japanese have modernized their army and navy and are a force to be reckoned with in East Asia. They might even be a useful counterweight, along with our Navy and the British, in keeping an eye on the Germans and Russians, who are also increasing their navy and army forces in Asia and the Pacific.