Chapter 587: Merger! Who agrees and who opposes (3rd update, please subscribe)
The La Plata River... no, the Xin'an River was in turmoil, and an unprecedented storm swept across the Xin'an River basin on June 13, 1872.
On June 13, a Brazilian soldier disappeared in Uruguay. Subsequently, Brazilian Foreign Minister Jose Parajos accused the Uruguayan government of covering up the missing soldier and demanded that Uruguay immediately find the missing soldier.
Faced with the accusations of the Brazilian government, Uruguayan President Lourenço Batlle y Grau immediately sent people to Rio de Janeiro to explain. However, before Lourenço's people arrived in Rio, the Brazilian army attacked the Uruguayan military camp under the pretext of the disappearances and quickly occupied Montevideo. Many senior government officials, including President Lourenço, died in the battle.
Two days later, on June 15, the Uruguayan Congress passed a resolution to join Brazil as a province. Everything came so suddenly that before other countries could even figure out what was happening here, the Eastern Republic of Uruguay disappeared from the world.
Although the incorporation of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay into the Brazilian Empire attracted the attention of diplomats from European countries, the sensation it caused in Europe was far less than that caused to its neighbor Paraguay.
This shock even directly evolved into a fierce battle in the capital of Asuncion - the former allies, the Brazilian army and the Uruguayan army fought fiercely outside the city. The result of the battle was naturally the defeat of the Uruguayan army.
After the battle, the Brazilian army once again proved with their actions that they were worthy of the name of the Beast Legion - they drove hundreds of wounded soldiers and prisoners into the barracks, locked the door, poured kerosene on it and set it on fire. Then they used bayonets to stab the gaps in the door and the openings in the windows to prevent the people inside from rushing out. The fire burned for a whole day and night.
The brutality of the Brazilians shocked Asuncion, and the painful memories of the war survivors were awakened again. People were all worried about the fate of Paraguay.
Although the Brazilian army still occupies Asuncion, the Paraguayan government still exists, but it has changed from a "three-man government" to a president. Although the president is "elected" by the parliament, he is just a facade for the occupying forces.
Although he is just a figurehead, he is still the president of a country after all. Now, for Salvador Jovellanos, an unprecedented choice is placed before him.
"Mr. President, the moment to decide Paraguay's fate has arrived. We have no other choice. Either we join Brazil like Uruguay did, join the country of those butchers, and be ruled by tyrants and butchers from now on. Or, we seek the protection of the Ming Dynasty and the Ming Empire!"
Standing in front of the ruling party, Cirillo Antonio Rivarola, a former member of the ruling trio the last time he was in power, put forward his proposal directly. The demise of Uruguay shocked everyone. Even though he had cooperated with the Brazilians before, Cirillo did not dare to face the future of Paraguay being annexed by Brazil.
"Wouldn't that result also mean the demise of Paraguay?"
Salvador asked helplessly.
"We fought this war for so many years, so many people died, and this is the result?"
"This is the result! When Lopez started the war, he should have thought of this result. Now we have to be responsible for ourselves and the people here. Salvador, my friend, maybe this is our last chance to take the initiative to make demands. When the people in the "annexation club" make demands, what will we be?"
Nothing matters. For the powerful and wealthy, what they care about is always only their own wealth and glory!
Of course, not everyone is like this. Carlos Loizaga, the speaker of the National Assembly, was very excited. He looked at the congressmen present. Eleven of the 27 congressmen were of Ming descent. Today's agenda was submitted by them, and there was only one core - a request for a referendum on whether to join the Ming Empire.
"Referendum, in the name of the people! Vote, in the name of freedom, gentlemen, there is only one choice before us now - to join the Ming Empire!"
Standing on the podium, Wang Dongwei shouted excitedly. He moved to Paraguay two years ago, opened a sawmill here, and made a fortune from it. He was "elected" as a member of Congress last year. Of course, he is also a founding member of the "Merger Club" and a well-known merger advocate.
His speech won a round of excited applause, but some people remained silent - at least 10 congressmen were silent, and they all had complicated expressions and even looked a little painful.
But why didn't anyone stand up?
Finally, it was Carlos Loizaga's turn. Sitting on the podium, he looked at the congressmen in front of him, thought for a moment, and then spoke.
"Gentlemen, in 1864, it was here that we swore to defend Paraguay at all costs. In 1869, it was also here that we maintained Paraguay's existence at all costs. Yes, compared to Brazil, the Ming Empire is civilized and generous. In the past, they have given us too much help. Paraguay will remember all this, but Paraguay will always be an independent country. Gentlemen, what are we working for? Is it to send Paraguay to the gallows with our own hands?"
Even as the Speaker, even though he had too many dissatisfactions in his heart, this was all Carlos could do. He even saw the disdainful expressions of those Ming American congressmen. Turning his gaze towards them, Carlos thought for a moment and spoke in not-so-fluent Chinese.
"Gentlemen, you may have been from the Ming Dynasty, but now that you have come to Paraguay, you should be loyal to this country instead of continuing to be loyal to your emperor!"
"Being loyal to His Majesty the Emperor is the duty and responsibility of every Ming citizen. This duty and responsibility will not change just because we are there!"
Wang Dongwei raised his chin proudly, then he stared at Carlos and said.
"Well, whether you agree or not, today's resolution will definitely be passed. Gentlemen, let's vote. Gentlemen who support a referendum please raise your hands. I support it!"
When Wang Dongwei raised his hand, he turned his gaze to Jose Diaz de Bedoza and asked.
"Mr. Debedosa, do you support it?"
Facing Wang Dongwei's question, Jose was stunned.
"Support? Support? Do you mean support for joining the Ming Empire? Of course I know."
The deputy speaker's defection caused an uproar among the congressmen who still had feelings for Paraguay.
"Becoming part of the Ming Dynasty is a matter for the future."
Wang Dongwei asked with a smile.
“I asked you whether you support a referendum.”
"Of course, of course I support you!"
Jose raised his hand, and when he did, other Mingo congressmen also raised their hands.
12 votes to 15 votes?
Of course not. Wang Dongwei then turned his gaze to several other Paraguayan congressmen. They hesitated for a moment, and then they looked at each other and their colleagues on the left and right.
These one or two seconds may seem like a very long time to them. After a moment's hesitation, they also raised their hands.
In the next few seconds, everyone raised their hands.
Everyone agreed.
No, not everyone.
Carlos Loizaga did not raise his hand, he said after the vote.
"Please raise your hands if you object."
And then he raised his arm. He looked at his colleagues, and just kept his arm raised.
At this moment, Wang Dongwei's expression became a little solemn, and he nodded silently.
Regardless, Carlos Loizaga is a very respectable man. And certainly a very brave man.
In a vote whose outcome was certain, he followed his heart.
But what’s the point of this?
But it was just like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. It could not change the overall situation at all.
But it was the only dissenting vote!
I have set up a book club: 335260551. Everyone is welcome to join and discuss and deduce the plot together.
(End of this chapter)
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