Chapter 293: The Candidate for President of the United States
Ambassador Jones watched as the two men prepared to leave with the booklet. Suddenly recalling the instructions in the Crown Prince of France's letter, he quickly called out to them, saying gravely, “I trust you are already aware of the current situation. Protecting Poland and countering Russian ambitions must be our primary objectives. Therefore, I hope you can support the King—after all, he can rally more of the Polish people to resist Russia.
“Oh, and you must set aside your religious demands for the time being... I don’t mean to stop you from spreading Catholicism, but that should wait until after Poland’s crisis has been resolved.
“If the Bar Confederation can make significant contributions to repelling the Russian invasion, I believe the Polish people will come to favor Catholicism even more.”
The two men visibly flinched at the mention of the “Bar Confederation” and instinctively glanced around nervously.
Indeed, they were among the few remaining members of the Bar Confederation in Poland. Seven years ago, a group of patriotic Polish nobles had established the Confederation to preserve the country’s political and diplomatic independence and to resist Russian infiltration into Poland.
At first, the Confederation formed an army to expel Russian forces from various parts of Poland. During the Krywitz Uprising, they even expanded their influence into Lithuania and Ukraine [Note 1]. Additionally, they actively encouraged a war between the Ottoman Empire and Russia, indirectly contributing to the Fifth Russo-Turkish War.
However, as the Confederation grew, its policies began to diverge.
First, they declared opposition to the Polish king—after all, Stanisław II, once the lover of Catherine II of Russia, had been elected King of Poland [Note 2] with the support of Russian bribes to the Polish Parliament. The Confederation deeply resented this king, announcing their intent to depose him and even briefly kidnapping him.
Then, they became consumed by religious fervor, zealously promoting Catholicism in Poland while persecuting Protestant and Eastern Orthodox Christians.
Catherine II seized this as a pretext to ally with Prussia and Austria. Claiming to protect the Polish king and Eastern Orthodox Christians, they launched an invasion of Poland.
The Confederation was swiftly crushed by the overwhelming Russian forces. Yet, the armies of Russia, Prussia, and Austria did not stop; instead, they occupied the Polish territories they coveted.
This marked the beginning of the First Partition of Poland.
After the war, most leaders of the Bar Confederation, along with their families, were imprisoned in concentration camps in Lithuania or exiled to Siberia.
Although the Confederation had been defeated, Joseph knew that they remained Poland’s most resolute anti-Russian faction. Moreover, as long as they avoided religious extremism, they still held considerable support among the common people and the military.
They were the ideal group to promote Polish national consciousness.
If national consciousness could be cultivated, it would greatly enhance Poland’s internal cohesion and reduce the influence of pro-Russian collaborators. It was important to remember that Russia, Prussia, and Austria had managed to partition Poland so easily in part because Poland was divided internally: Poles, Lithuanians, Slavs, and Germans, speaking different languages and governed by independent policies, often undermined each other in the face of foreign invasion.
With Poland’s population and territory, if the nation could unite as one, it would be difficult for Russia, Prussia, and Austria to carve it up so swiftly.
And if, in the future, Poland’s situation became truly irreparable, the influence of the Bar Confederation could be leveraged to rally resistance forces among the Polish people, enabling them to engage in guerrilla warfare against Russia, Prussia, and Austria for years.
...
The following day.
At the Tin Roof Palace.
This was the residence of Prince Poniatowski, nephew of the King of Poland.
Jones was walking in the garden behind the house, accompanied by several Polish nobles, their conversation resembling a casual afternoon stroll.
“In reality, the major families are concerned that abolishing the liberum veto will restrict parliamentary power,” remarked an elderly nobleman, likely in his sixties, as he looked toward the American ambassador. “It would be best to pass a constitution based on the separation of powers first, addressing the issue of the liberum veto at the same time.”
The “liberum veto” he referred to was Poland’s infamous single-vote veto system, which allowed any parliamentarian to veto legislation, effectively paralyzing Poland’s ability to enact reforms or progress.
“Yes, I am quite familiar with this kind of political gridlock,” Jones said in Polish with a nod. “It’s a common source of frustration in the American Congress as well.
“At times like these, we need a leader of immense political stature to unify divergent opinions.”
Prince Poniatowski sighed helplessly. “His Majesty the King... well, you know, he is always so accommodating...”
Jones turned to him and said, “Perhaps you could represent His Majesty in rallying the parliamentarians.”
An elderly nobleman nearby immediately shook his head. “The Potocki family would never heed the words of His Highness, and neither would the arrogant Czartoryski family.”
This man, clearly a senior member of the Poniatowski family, belonged to the same lineage as the King of Poland, yet theirs was far from the largest family in Poland.
At present, Poland’s political affairs were essentially dominated by fewer than ten aristocratic families. Any parliamentary resolution had to go through them.
Jones recalled the Crown Prince of France’s letter and spoke solemnly. “Poland is teetering on the brink of disaster. This is the time to consider less gentlemanly methods. Prince, as the one responsible for military recruitment and training, you must make full use of this position.
“As for the Potocki family, perhaps they have engaged in some disgraceful activities. If other families learn of these, they would certainly be eager to divide up their power.”
The high-ranking members of the Poniatowski family exchanged startled glances. The elder lowered his voice and said, “This could lead to significant upheaval!”
“Therefore, it is essential for His Highness to deploy the military at the right moment to stabilize the situation. If the Potocki family is dealt with, the Czartoryski family is sure to become more cooperative.”
Prince Poniatowski frowned. “Perhaps we don’t need to go to such extremes. The conditions proposed by the Potocki family are negotiable.”
Jones sighed inwardly. As the Crown Prince of France’s mouthpiece, there was only so much he could do. “The decision is yours, Your Highness, but I assure you that evidence of the Potocki family’s treason will be in your hands within three months.”
In truth, Jones had no evidence against the Potocki family, but the French had assured him it would appear.
Joseph understood that while Polish politics were notoriously sluggish, they had ultimately managed to pass a constitution three years later: the May 3rd Constitution.
This constitution abolished the liberum veto, eliminated the election of the king in favor of hereditary succession, and established a Polish government based on the separation of powers, paving the way for national development.
However, the May 3rd Constitution’s restrictions on aristocratic privileges angered certain families, especially the Potocki family. They conspired with Russian Prince Potemkin to form the Targowica Confederation, calling for Russian intervention.
Soon after, the armies of the Targowica Confederation joined forces with the Russian military to defeat the Polish government forces. Simultaneously, Prussia and Austria, adhering to a secret agreement with Russia, invaded Poland from the west.
The Second Partition of Poland began.
The Potocki family had long-standing ties with the Russians; if one wished to find evidence of collusion, it would certainly surface.
Of course, Joseph had also prepared for the possibility of no evidence being found. In that case, they would simply “create” some. Once the Potocki family was toppled, confessions would naturally follow.
With the Russo-Swedish War raging intensely, Russia was currently unable to intervene in Polish affairs.
If the May 3rd Constitution could be successfully implemented for a few years, Poland’s national strength would see substantial growth. Without the Potocki family acting as collaborators, Russia would lose its justification for intervention, making a partition of Poland far more challenging.
If Prussia and Austria—especially Austria—perceived that invading Poland would severely deplete their own strength, they would likely reconsider joining the conflict.
Both Prussia and Austria harbored ambitions of unifying Germany. Without the shared interest of partitioning Poland, they would undoubtedly turn their focus toward warring over dominance in Germany.
Such a scenario would significantly reduce the strategic pressure on France, granting the nation several more years of precious development time.
Prince Poniatowski hesitated for a moment before bowing slightly to Jones. “Thank you for your assistance to Poland, Your Excellency. I will seriously consider your suggestions.
“Oh, the banquet is about to begin. Let us head inside.”
...
United States
New York
“The ballots have been tallied!” A middle-aged man in a black waistcoat burst into the room, excitement radiating from his face. Under the eager gaze of the assembled crowd, he paused dramatically for two seconds before bowing to George Washington. “Congratulations, Mr. President!”
Cheers erupted among the dozen or so people in the room, all crowding around Washington to offer their congratulations.
Washington’s already ruddy complexion flushed a deeper shade of red. He took a deep breath and turned to the messenger. “Mr. Thomas, can you tell me the exact vote count?”
“You received 50 votes—an overwhelming majority!”
Relief washed over Washington. Securing 50 out of the 69 electoral votes was undeniably a decisive victory.
He silently gave thanks. Without the support of the Crown Prince of France, it was likely that Alexander Hamilton—despite Washington’s own prominence—would be the one celebrating victory today.
Even with French backing, Hamilton still garnered 33 votes! [Note 3]
Joseph had previously bolstered Hamilton’s reputation by linking him to the suppression of Mediterranean pirates and their subsequent trials in the United States. For a time, Hamilton’s popularity eclipsed even Washington’s, the commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
After all, people’s memories are short. The war for independence had ended years ago, but the spectacle of pirates being executed just months earlier was still fresh in everyone’s minds.
However, Joseph quickly realized that Hamilton was an aggressive hawk, deeply invested in establishing a standing army. At the time, the United States had only militias and no professional soldiers.
If Hamilton were to become President, he would likely push for a standing army, accelerating the United States’ westward expansion through the slaughter of Native Americans and annexation of North American territories.
A United States confined to thirteen states was manageable. A United States dominating half the Americas would become Europe’s nightmare.
Joseph was determined to prevent this.
He dispatched agents to the United States to support Washington, whose moderate policies aligned better with France’s interests. At the very least, under Washington’s leadership, the U.S. would continue relying on militias to get by.
The strategy was simple: provide Washington with campaign funds and establish a newspaper, The American News, which sold at an exceptionally low price. Thanks to cheap French wood-pulp paper and advanced printing technology, the newspaper cost 60% less than its American competitors while still yielding a 10% profit.
Additionally, The American News secured exclusive U.S. publication rights for novels like Shattering the Heavens, The Master of Sisters, and Ladies, Please Stop. Within a short time, the paper dominated the American market.
Day after day, it published articles recalling the Revolutionary War, highlighting Washington’s significant contributions while attributing the success against Barbary pirates to Congress. Many congressmen praised The American News for its objectivity and fairness.
Meanwhile, Washington, guided by his French campaign team, traveled across the United States delivering speeches and participating in various public engagements. His approval ratings quickly surpassed Hamilton’s.
Naturally, Washington reciprocated the support. The ambassador he sent to Poland, Jones, was one of his most trusted confidants, and Jones had been working tirelessly on behalf of Poland.
While Washington celebrated his presidential victory, a meeting was taking place in the manager’s office at The American News headquarters.
Following the Crown Prince’s instructions, it was decided that The American News, being a relatively orthodox publication, couldn’t reach every American. Another paper, focused on entertainment, would be launched to attract readers from the lower classes.
The plan was ambitious: during the next congressional elections, the newspaper’s network would “sponsor” at least ten candidates. The task ahead was daunting.
...
In a carriage traveling through Baden, Talleyrand glanced at the Crown Prince, who was smiling, and cautiously asked, “Your Highness, have you received good news?”
Joseph slid a report from Nancy, delivered just before leaving the French border, across to Talleyrand. “Take a look. These are last month’s sales figures from the United Steam Engine Company.
“Our high-pressure steam engines have now entered the British market, with more orders coming in steadily.”
The Foreign Minister, evidently not fully grasping the significance of steam engines, chuckled politely. “Oh, a unit selling for 11,000 livres? That’s quite a lucrative business.”
“Indeed, perhaps the most lucrative of all,” Joseph said with a faint smile.
Watt’s low-pressure steam engines, after all, sold for 480 pounds—or 12,000 livres—yet offered only 60% of the power of their French counterparts.
If not for the fact that most of the United Steam Engine Company’s production was allocated for domestic use in France, Watt’s company might have already gone out of business.