Chapter 116
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 116
Chapter Title: A Royal Rumor
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Who? Me?
Even after the meeting concluded, John Tyler, President of the United States, kept his eyes fixed on the spot Killian had just vacated.
He had initially planned to focus on the border issue, but he now realized the situation was so grave that such matters were trivial in comparison.
“Mr. Secretary, what is your assessment of Secretary Gore’s remarks?”
“...An inconvenient truth. I can think of no other way to put it.”
An inconvenient truth. That was the perfect description.
In fact, there was a reason why the voices from the South had been growing louder recently.
It was a law of nature that both animals and humans bark louder when they feel threatened.
If they believed the North’s words had no real impact, why would they care whether the abolition of slavery was discussed or not?
Just a decade or so ago, many states hadn’t paid much mind to the North’s prohibition of slavery.
The United States guaranteed maximum autonomy to each state, and from the South's perspective, it was just the sort of thing those northerners did.
But as the 19th century progressed and the winds of abolition began to blow, the situation changed dramatically when the British Empire officially outlawed the institution of slavery.
Emboldened Northern intellectuals argued that this was the global trend and the United States had no choice but to follow, a sentiment the South vehemently opposed.
Moreover, as Europe cracked down on the slave trade, the supply of slaves dwindled, and their prices naturally skyrocketed.
If this continued, it was obvious that the South’s development would inevitably lag behind the North’s.
As Killian had pointed out, if the British Empire knew this, there was no way the North was oblivious.
Ultimately, if things continued on this path, wouldn’t the power gap widen until the North could force its will upon the South?
The South, sensing this danger instinctively, was likely reacting more and more radically.
The problem was that Tyler, too, leaned toward the South and did not wish to see slavery abolished.
“What are your thoughts, Mr. Secretary? If this trend accelerates, do you truly believe the North might disregard the Union’s principle of autonomy and force the abolition of slavery?”
“Hmm... I don’t know. But if they were to take such a drastic step, the backlash from the South would be enormous. I don’t think it would be easy.”
Though he couldn’t say it aloud, many states would sooner declare their secession from the Union than be forced to give up their slaves.
Take South Carolina, for instance. The state’s very identity was built on the foundation of slavery.
Its history began with the masters of large plantations who owned slaves and settled the land.
“Still, judging by Secretary Gore’s words, it seems he has no intention of siding with the abolitionists in our country.”
“It would seem so. What you told him on the train, that they were merely trying to use him, appears to have been effective.”
“However, it is a fact, as the Secretary said, that the British Empire is cracking down ever more harshly on illegal slave ships off the coast of Africa. If this issue continues to fester, there is a risk that the North’s voice will grow louder.”
“It’s a headache. But a crisis can always be an opportunity. If we handle this wisely, our administration could be recorded in history as the heroes who prevented the dissolution of the United States.”
It might have been different before the invention of the cotton gin, but now that the cotton industry was reaping astronomical profits, abolishing slavery was unthinkable.
Even if slave ships couldn’t come from Africa, it was no great problem; they could now ‘produce’ slaves domestically within the United States.
Wasn’t his own home state of Virginia seeing immense profits from this slave breeding?
While the supply of slaves still couldn’t keep up with demand, causing prices to rise, this fact was conversely proof of slavery’s profitability.
Besides, if the slaves were emancipated, wouldn’t the assets of the plantation owners, a vast fortune in slaves, evaporate completely?
Who, then, would compensate for this loss? The United States Treasury? Why would they engage in such an unnecessary act?
Didn't the very people clamoring for abolition use cotton produced in the South?
The calls for abolition from the British Empire and other European nations were nothing more than self-righteous hypocrisy.
After all, they used goods made by slaves while pretending their own hands were clean.
Indeed, there was a strong sentiment in the South that viewed the North and European countries as hypocrites for this very reason.
“Your Excellency, how do you plan to resolve this issue? Do you have a good plan in mind...?”
“First, I need to speak with the Southern representatives. If this goes well... no, let’s leave it at that for now.”
When he first heard Killian’s words, he had felt a sense of crisis, but in a way, this could be a golden opportunity for the President himself.
What was his current problem? That he had been abandoned by his party, completely stripping him of his power to govern.
But what if he could heighten the South’s sense of crisis and unite them behind him?
The senators and representatives from the South would surely support him, transcending party lines.
He could then restore his presidential authority, and if things went well, perhaps even secure a second term.
‘Killian’s visit might actually be a boon for me. I thought he was a nuisance, but he turned out to be a lucky charm.’
Even if their ideologies were irreconcilable, the man was a subject of the British Empire, not the United States, so it posed no problem.
In fact, given his disposition to avoid unnecessary conflict, it would be even more advantageous to soothe and placate him, ensuring he didn't stir up any trouble.
If the British Empire and Canada remained quiet, the United States could focus all its attention on the issues of slavery and Mexico.
“Ah, with all the commotion, I forgot to ask about that. It was a rather absurd report, but I thought it best to confirm its authenticity.”
“While the fact has been verified, it is, in a way, a private matter of status. It would not have looked good for Your Excellency to ask. Secretary Gore will be meeting with the congressmen soon enough; the question will surely come up there.”
“If it’s true, that gives us one more reason to stay close to him. Please inform me of the results as soon as they are confirmed.”
For now, it was limited to small-scale private trade, but one day, the United States would have to cross the Pacific and trade formally with the nations of Asia.
Considering that inevitable future, it was undoubtedly wise to cultivate a friendship with Killian in advance.
This was even more true if the recent hot-off-the-press news was genuine.
A path to restoring the prestige of the President of the United States was once again becoming visible.
***
To be frank, life in the 19th century was, of course, full of more inconveniences and discomforts compared to the modern 21st century.
Even as a nobleman and one of the wealthiest men in the British Empire, I couldn’t overcome a 200-year technological gap.
Still, the experiences that came with status and power often brought a different kind of thrill than modern civilization could offer.
No matter how hard I might have tried in my past life, how could I have ever visited the White House and spoken with the President of the United States?
As I entered the U.S. Capitol Building now, receiving a tremendous welcome, I felt a similar sensation.
If you were to name the most famous parliament buildings in the world, which would come to mind? Most people would probably mention Westminster in Britain and the U.S. Capitol.
And I was now about to become someone who had given a speech in both.
This is truly overwhelming.
“Welcome! I am Henry Clay, a senator from the state of Kentucky.”
A giant of the Whig Party, a man whom even President Tyler had tried to recruit into his cabinet, was the first to greet me as I entered the Capitol.
Behind him, a considerable number of congressmen from both the Senate and the House were seated, and the sight gave me a strange feeling.
“I didn’t expect so many of you to be here. I suddenly feel quite nervous. It is an honor.”
“Hahaha, this is a friendly gathering, so please speak your mind freely.”
I never imagined the day would come when I’d be giving a speech to a gathering of American congressmen, but despite my jest, I wasn’t nervous at all.
Position makes the man, as they say. I suppose I’ve reached a point where my body naturally accepts standing in such places.
“Good day. To the dear and esteemed congressmen of the United States. I am Killian Gore, a member of the British House of Lords and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. It is my sincere hope that I, along with all of you gathered here, can work together so that the British Empire and the United States may continue to build an unwavering friendship.”
After a brief introduction, I dutifully oiled the atmosphere with lip service about how close our two nations could become and the mutual benefits we would reap.
“...To this end, there are many matters that require the cooperation of the esteemed members of the United States Congress. The development of the Great Lakes and mutual navigation rights through them are prime examples. British Canada and the United States of America are not adversaries. On the contrary, I am confident that through mutual cooperation, both our nations will enjoy even greater prosperity than we do now and will extend our influence beyond this New World to every corner of the globe.”
After that, I continued to pour on the flattery, speaking at length about the immense potential of the United States and how its establishment in this land of opportunity was surely an act of divine providence.
Of course, as Tyler had requested, I didn't say a single word about slavery or the crackdown on illegal slave ships.
For now, I had to pretend to be a faithful follower of His Excellency the President, whose usefulness was currently very high, to avoid any future complications.
But just because I didn’t bring it up didn’t mean they would keep their mouths shut.
Just as the applause following my speech died down, a familiar elderly gentleman rose from his seat.
Of course. There was no way good old Adams would miss an opportunity like this.
“Mr. Secretary, I was deeply moved by your passionate speech, which shows your profound consideration for the friendship between our two nations. However, are there not other issues we must address besides the ones you mentioned? For example, the matter of cracking down on slave ships.”
Before Adams could even finish his sentence, congressmen from the South shot to their feet, raising their voices.
“Congressman Adams! We have a distinguished guest from the British Empire here today. Would it not be better to refrain from such divisive remarks?”
“Indeed. Must we engage in this North-South conflict even here? What are you doing in front of our honored guest!”
“I am not trying to start a family feud, but to resolve a contentious issue. The British Empire is cracking down on African slave ships, and it has been months since they asked the United States to clarify its position.”
“The fact that the Secretary did not mention it means it is not an urgent matter. And must you create such an uncomfortable atmosphere at a gathering meant to promote friendship!”
They say the best spectator sport is watching a fight, and this domestic squabble was getting brutal.
Verbal sparring between opposing political parties is a common sight in any country’s legislature, but the atmosphere here was on a different level.
It was a good thing firearms were strictly forbidden in Congress; otherwise, I had the feeling someone might have pulled a trigger. The tension was that thick.
“The problem is that your intentions in bringing that up are all too obvious, Congressman Adams! Your remark is calculated, assuming that since the British Empire has abolished slavery, they will naturally side with the North.”
“You are reading too much into it. Or does it strike a nerve? In truth, you all agree that slavery is wrong, do you not? Is that not why even Senator Henry Clay, a southerner himself, agrees with the gradual relaxation of slavery?”
The old gentleman who had welcomed me first coughed as his name was mentioned and quickly added a word.
“As I have said many times, I am not advocating for immediate abolition. I would appreciate it if you would interpret my stance as a gradual relaxation.”
“Senator Clay! You say that, yet you yourself own over a hundred slaves.”
“That’s right! If you’re going to advocate for the abolition of slavery, you should free all your own slaves first!”
“That is why I am proposing a gradual relaxation! Coming on so extremely like this is tantamount to picking a fight. Everyone, please calm down. Are you not ashamed to air our family squabbles in front of an honored guest?”
Actually, I’m finding this highly entertaining. Can’t you just keep going at each other?
Just by watching like this, I could immediately tell which congressmen held the most animosity toward the other side, North and South.
And I could also see who was trying their best to remain neutral.
I could already spot three or four congressmen who would react instantly if I had James poke them just a little.
Adams may not have intended it, but his words were proving to be a great help.
“Our South is fundamentally composed of large plantation owners who command vast numbers of slaves. Our current influential figures are all descendants of those people. So, to demand that we abandon slavery is unreasonable.”
“There is some truth in what you say, but lineage is not so important. Take our guest, Secretary Killian Gore, for example. Is he not a case in point? Despite being born of the noblest blood, he has personally stated his support for the abolition of slavery.”
Do they consider someone of mixed Irish aristocratic blood to be of noble lineage here?
Still, being from the nobility, I might pass as a wannabe noble, but wouldn’t calling an Irish-Asian mix ‘noble’ be met with ridicule?
But contrary to my expectation, the Southern congressmen fell silent, not daring to utter a peep in response to Adams’s words.
Was it because I, the subject of the conversation, was standing right here? The U.S. congressmen were more considerate than I thought...
“Furthermore, I am told that in the East, there are still many nations that use slaves, much like the South. And the Secretary is said to be a man who has inherited the blood of a royal family from just such a nation. Yet, his negative view of slavery is proof that lineage has no bearing on ideology!”
“...?”
Royal blood? Who inherited what?
My brain, unable to process the information that had just entered my ears, refused to function.
Why the hell has that nonsense the Japanese shogunate spouted made its way all the way over here?