Chapter 109
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 109
Chapter Title: The Wave of a New Era
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As the light of dawn painted the London sky in beautiful hues, the city buzzed with anticipation for the traditional Opening of Parliament.
Inside the House of Lords chamber, all the peers had already taken their seats, and the cabinet ministers were gathered in their designated places, waiting for the hour to arrive.
“Is it not time yet?”
Wellesley, who would officially begin his duties as Prime Minister today, could be seen nervously tapping the floor, his breath coming in short gasps.
“Why are you suddenly so tense?”
“I know… I can’t believe my heart is pounding over something like this.”
“It’s not like you have much to do, Prime Minister. Just relax and watch.”
“…That’s true. In fact, attending this opening ceremony is my entire schedule for today. Once Her Majesty finishes her speech, I just have to say a few words in support, and my role is over. Speaking of which, don’t you have more to do afterward?”
“That’s right. I have a guest to welcome…”
Just as I was about to say more, the clock struck eleven, and a stir went through the chamber.
Soon, the doors to the House of Lords opened, and the gentleman of the black rod, known as the Black Rod, entered, signaling the start of the ceremony.
Following him, members of the House of Commons filed into the House of Lords, lining up at the far end of the chamber.
Ordinarily, members of the Commons and the Lords cannot enter each other’s chambers, but the day of the Opening of Parliament is an exception.
However, as the monarch could not enter the House of Commons except to announce its dissolution, the members of the Commons had no choice but to come to the House of Lords in this manner.
Of course, there were no seats for them in the Lords, so they had to stand at the back and observe until the ceremony was over.
“Her Majesty the Queen!”
As all the members stood, it was time for the protagonist of the event to make her appearance.
The Queen, embodying the authority and tradition passed down through generations, entered the room with a dignified and calm demeanor, and the somewhat bustling chamber instantly fell silent.
She ascended the throne and, with a confident and powerful voice, broke the silence that had settled over the chamber.
“My Lords and Members of the House of Commons. We are gathered here today at a time when the glorious British Empire stands tall as a beacon of progress and civilization. As your sovereign, I thank Divine Providence for the honor of guiding this kingdom through the currents of history. Today, we face several momentous challenges.
First, the affairs of Europe remain one of our utmost concerns. By the grace and wisdom of Almighty God, my government has diligently pursued diplomatic efforts to preserve peace and stability on a continent where the echoes of revolution still resound.
My government has also paid close attention to our brethren across the Atlantic.”
The Queen’s speech is usually drafted by Parliament, but it was known that this one heavily reflected her own will.
This was because the Queen’s popularity was immense throughout the British Empire, and both intellectuals and citizens wished to hear her voice, vibrant and true.
“We hold the welfare of our people as our highest priority. The laments of the poor and destitute cannot be heard if we merely sit in comfort, surrounded by high walls. Therefore, my new Prime Minister, Sir Charles Wellesley, and the esteemed members of his government are entrusted with the sacred duty to forge a new path of social reform. Among these, education shall be the cornerstone upon which the strength of our Empire is built. Every child born under the flag of this nation must be provided with the means to rise through knowledge and virtue.
My heart swells with pride whenever I behold the marvels of the steam engine and the web of iron and steel railways that now crisscross our lands. These innovations and advancements will be the bedrock that sustains our Empire. We must continue to harness such innovations.
I am well aware of the responsibilities that God has bestowed upon me and my government. Therefore, I pledge here once again that our reign henceforth shall be guided by the principles of justice, compassion, and resolution.
My Lords and Members of the House of Commons, I urge you to carry out your duties with unwavering dedication. We must continue to navigate the turbulent seas of an ever-changing reality. United, we shall ensure that the sun never sets on the British Empire.
May God’s blessing be with us all.”
As the Queen’s speech echoed through the hallowed hall, everyone bowed their heads with resolute expressions.
It was an occasion that demanded formality and solemnity to the very end, so no one uttered a word or applauded.
The Queen rose from her throne as majestically as she had entered and departed, and the peers in the House of Lords rose in unison.
Next, the Prime Minister and his ministers, followed by the members of the House of Commons, returned in an orderly fashion to their own chamber, and not a soul spoke a word until everyone was seated.
Finally, after confirming that even the members of the opposition had taken their seats, the Speaker of the House of Commons spoke with a heavy voice.
“Following Her Majesty the Queen’s speech, the Prime Minister will now address the House on behalf of Parliament.”
“Yes. Honorable members, as you have all just heard, Her Majesty has clearly outlined several objectives that we must prioritize going forward. We possess the world's most advanced technology, but we must not become complacent and must continue to invest in scientific progress. To do so, education is paramount. We must cultivate outstanding talent through education and create a virtuous cycle where that talent contributes to the nation.
Next, we must ensure the safety of our people. Our government is currently promoting a large-scale immigration policy for Canada, and we are dedicating our full efforts to ensure that the citizens of the British Empire can settle there safely. To this end, I propose a bill to appoint the Foreign Secretary, Killian Gore, as the director-general of the Canada policy.”
Since the Tory Party currently held a majority in the House of Commons and also dominated the House of Lords, any bill proposed by the Prime Minister was guaranteed to pass.
As expected, the moment Wellesley finished speaking, the Tory members erupted in thunderous applause.
“I support it!”
“I believe it would be most efficient for the Secretary who first proposed the immigration policy to have full authority in directing it!”
In such a situation, the opposition was little more than a scarecrow, making it difficult for them to make their presence known.
Nevertheless, it was customary for the leader of the opposition to speak after the Prime Minister, so Lord Palmerston, who had taken the reins of the opposition after Viscount Melbourne’s resignation, cautiously rose from his seat.
“First, we on this side fully concur with the values Her Majesty has presented. However, I wish to ask a few questions regarding the bill proposed by the Prime Minister. We agree with the assertion that Foreign Secretary Killian Gore should be the head of the Canada immigration policy. We can understand creating a new position with the authority to intervene in Canada's administration for that purpose. But is it not excessive to delegate all authority concerning foreign affairs as well? Is it simply because he is the Foreign Secretary?”
“That is not the case. Had there been no other country below Canada, I would have shared your sentiment, Lord Palmerston. But unfortunately, Canada shares a border with another neighbor, does it not? Diplomatic friction could arise during the large-scale settlement process, and if we must coordinate with the home country every time, there will inevitably be delays.”
“Then…”
Watching the debate between the Prime Minister and Palmerston, I checked the time and discreetly left my seat.
It was a long-standing tradition in British politics for Parliament to debate the government’s direction at its opening, and such discussions could sometimes last for days.
Since the Tory Party had reached a unanimous decision, it was a foregone conclusion that I would hold real power in Canada for the next five years. It was time for me to attend to my own business.
I had expected things to remain quiet until I crossed the ocean, but given the times, it seemed they couldn't help but be concerned about the British Empire's movements.
As he was a guest who had crossed the Atlantic, his reception must be impeccable, but I wondered if he would be able to return with a satisfactory answer.
Of course, I didn't feel the slightest obligation to worry about him.
***
The United States would only rise to become the world’s bully after the World Wars.
In truth, America’s national power was already formidable before then, but neither the world nor the Americans themselves realized just how powerful they were.
That was even more true now, in 1841.
Although the British Empire was overwhelmingly stronger in terms of objective national power and scale at this time, the United States was by no means a nation to be ignored when considering potential.
But there was no need to be tense.
Because the America of this moment was a nation that didn't even know itself how strong it could become.
So I just had to play along, feigning ignorance on the surface.
“Welcome to the British Empire. Did you have any trouble on your journey here?”
“I had no trouble at all, thanks to your grand welcome. I heard today was the Opening of Parliament, so I didn't expect you to greet me in person, Mr. Secretary.”
“When a former President makes a personal visit, it is only natural that I come out myself. A formal dinner in your honor is scheduled two days from now, so I hope you will enjoy your stay to the fullest.”
“Thank you for extending such courtesies. I have, in fact, heard a great deal about you, Mr. Secretary. They say that despite your youth, you are unbelievably capable and have accomplished much.”
He hadn't just heard; he'd hastily researched me, no doubt.
Either way, it was better for me if he knew who I was, as it would make our conversation easier.
“I have also heard a great deal about you, Congressman. I had hoped to meet you if I ever had the chance to visit the United States, so your coming here feels like an act of fate.”
“You wanted to meet me? Why is that?”
“Because, Congressman, you are currently the most ardent supporter of slave emancipation in the United States. As someone who is also deeply interested in emancipation, I have long wished to meet you and exchange views.”
John Quincy Adams.
He was a former President of the United States, but unusually, he became a vigorous advocate for the abolition of slavery after his term, making his post-presidential reputation even greater than his presidential one.
He was one of the candidates I had planned to meet upon crossing to the New World, so for him to come to me like this—what could it be if not divine guidance?
“You are interested in the abolition of slavery, Mr. Secretary?”
“Of course. As you know, the British Empire was the first nation in the world to abolish the slave trade and slavery itself. I take great pride in that. Was it not your intention, Congressman, to observe the British Empire, which achieved this feat a step ahead, to further the cause of abolition?”
“Ah… well, that was indeed part of my purpose.”
“If that is the case, you can count on me. I will make time, even if I have to force it, to provide you with useful information during your stay. And there is an investor in the New World who is working harder than anyone for the abolition of slavery. Would you be amenable to an introduction?”
“There is such a person?”
Adams, having found an unexpected ally, couldn't hide his interest as he asked.
Perfect. He took the bait completely.
“Of course. His name is James, an entrepreneur who runs a locomotive and coal mining company in the New World, and he has a tremendous passion for the rights of black people. He's a friend who is firmly convinced that he was sent to this earth by God for the very purpose of liberating them. Hahaha.”
“To harbor such sentiments while doing business in the United States could not have been easy… If that is true, he must be a remarkable man.”
“He should be arriving in London on business in about a week. You should meet him then.”
“If it is merely to meet and talk… Very well. I must admit my interest is piqued.”
“I am certain you and he will find common ground immediately. Hahaha!”
Having transformed James into a human rights activist in a single moment, I continued to passionately decry the barbarity of slavery, completely captivating Adams.
As a result, he was so enthralled by my words that he couldn't even bring up the Irish immigration policy, which must have been his original purpose, and could only nod along.
It was only natural for them to be interested in what we were doing, but for now, they needed to have their attention directed elsewhere.
After all, a wildfire was about to ignite in their own backyard, so they wouldn't have time to look elsewhere.
James, the human rights warrior armed with 21st-century sensibilities, was about to take America by storm.
At this rate, I wonder if I’ll end up in the biographies of great figures of both the British Empire and the United States.
Father of Human Rights, King James! Indeed, this is also the work of LeB—ah, no. Let’s not go there.
In any case, a superior who thinks so deeply about his subordinate's future. That's the kind of man I am.