My Italy

As the political and economic center of Spain and a transportation hub city, Madrid’s many statuses also determine its importance to Spain.

Therefore, Madrid people have always been very proud and satisfied with being able to live here.

However, compared with ordinary people, Prime Minister Castillo is much more melancholy. Spain is in troubled times right now.

In Asia, Spain's most important colony is the Philippines, but this colony is now quite noisy. The secret organization "Katipunan" (meaning "Supreme Association of Sons and Daughters of the Nation") has become increasingly restless in the Philippines. Manila has sent several telegrams reporting that the organization is collecting arms and has evil intentions. In addition, the Japanese were also found behind this organization (the Japanese have always had great ideas about the Philippines. In addition to being rich in products, it is also the key to the declining salt-and-pepper colony).

Manila's intention in sending this telegram is obvious, that is, the Philippines needs reinforcements.

But unfortunately, Manila is destined to be disappointed. Now Spain cannot send reinforcements. Because in Cuba, which is more important, a war of independence has broken out.

Since 1895, Cubans have broken out in riots in Santiago, Bayamo and other places, and they have intensified. These rioting rebels are led by the traitors Gomez Baez and Maceo Grajales. , escaped the army's encirclement and suppression, and fled all the way to Mantua at the western end of Cuba.

Prime Minister Castillo has sent 50,000 troops one after another, but these traitors have still not been captured. So in February of this year, he appointed Weiler, who was always known for his toughness, as the governor of Cuba, responsible for suppressing the rebels. (This Governor Weiler was the ruthless man who created the concentration camp system)

Weiler did quite well after serving as governor. He made significant progress by killing the rebel leader Maceo Grajales during the encirclement and suppression of the rebels in May. Now it is expected that this capable general can give sustained blows to the rebels and make outstanding contributions to extinguishing the rebellion in Cuba.

Prime Minister Castillo was very angry at the rebellious locals. Don't these people understand that they will not gain true independence if they leave the kingdom? Behind them, the well-intentioned support for the country will be the same after defeating the kingdom. Squeeze them.

Yes, as a qualified politician, how could Prime Minister Castillo not know the reasons for the continued turmoil in these two places. Although the looting in these two places is relatively ruthless, if there is no one behind the scenes, there will be no chaos at all. The current situation is very difficult for Spain, so we can only do our best.

Just as Prime Minister Castillo was secretly feeling sad, Foreign Secretary Bianca Gibbs and Navy Secretary Admiral Cervera walked in hurriedly.

"What's the matter, you two?"

Looking at the two people who came in, Prime Minister Castillo asked curiously.

"Prime Minister, what a happy event, a great happy event!"

Foreign Secretary Gibbs reported excitedly to the Prime Minister. "Italy is willing to sell us two new battleships, but requires us to pay the purchase price in wool and pyrite, as long as it is paid off within three years."

The words of the Foreign Secretary made Castillo, a man who has been in politics for decades, stunned for a moment, and then he immediately asked. "Didn't the Italians make any other demands?"

"That's not true. The goods we are required to pay must be 5% lower than the normal price, or the price of the battleship must be increased by 5%, and taxes must be used as collateral."

Gibbs' answer made Prime Minister Castillo look much relieved. It seems like there is still a conditional discount, so that’s good, that’s good!

As the saying goes, being courteous for nothing is either a traitor or a thief. Prime Minister Castillo was also afraid that there was something wrong with this suddenly enthusiastic Italian. Since he wanted to make more money, this matter would be much easier to handle.

But Prime Minister Castillo looked at the Navy Minister who was hesitant to speak, and then asked. "Admiral Cervera, are you here because of these two battleships?"

Faced with the Prime Minister's question, Admiral Cerveira immediately answered. "Yes, that's why I came here this time."

"is there a problem?"

"That's no problem, but considering that the Italians can pay in installments with goods, I would like to ask, can the Navy re-select warships?"

Admiral Cervera's words immediately made Prime Minister Castillo angry. "Your Excellency, Admiral, this is the Italian battleship that you highly recommended to me. Are you going to regret it now?"

It was obvious that the admiral's words made the prime minister angry.

Seeing that the Prime Minister had misunderstood him, Admiral Cerveira hurriedly explained. "Prime Minister, I have absolutely no intention of doing this. I mainly consider that since Italy is willing to let our country pay in installments with goods, I wonder if I can buy better warships from Italy to serve our country?"

Hearing this, Castillo's heart moved. "Say your reasons."

"Prime Minister, I previously recommended Italy's new battleship, mainly because this battleship is an improved version of its Turin class. The Turin class is an extremely outstanding battleship, whether in terms of firepower, protection or speed. Perfect balance, which was reflected in the previous arrival in the Battle of the Yellow Sea.

This is the reason why I requested to buy it before. It can at least allow our country's navy to resist threats from outside. Of course, this is only possible, because our potential enemies are also making progress. As far as I know, they have at least two 10,000-ton battleships under construction. There are two more ships that are ready to be built, and we must prepare for a rainy day. That’s why I think that the new Italian-style cruiser is a battleship that is completely suitable for us. "

"New armored cruiser?"

"Yes, armored cruiser."

Facing the Prime Minister's doubts, Admiral Cerveira spoke very seriously. "Why I say this new armored cruiser is suitable for us is that it has excellent speed and can reach a high speed of 23 knots. Moreover, the ship has strong firepower, with 8 254mm rapid-fire main guns, which can defeat other new battleships. All other warships were sunk in the sea. In addition to its firepower and speed, its armor was also not weak. The new 190-110 mm armor can cope with most naval battles. It can be said that this current Italian cruise ship is at least capable. Leading the trend in the next five years.”

At this point, he continued to speak. "As long as I have two of these ships, I can make those Yang guys with malicious intentions think twice before they act."

It can be seen that Admiral Cervera admires this patrol outfit very much. But with its performance here, it’s hard not to be eye-catching.

"I heard you say so much, so how much is the price of such a boat?"

Facing the Prime Minister's question, Admiral Cerveira answered seriously. "The Italians quoted 36 million lire."

"What!"

The Prime Minister was shocked when he heard the price. It was 5.6 million pesos higher than the price of the battleship. It was too high. (1 Lira ≈ 0.56 Peso)

"But this is suitable for our Spanish navy. I think the Italians should be willing to talk about it."

Facing the admiral's words, Prime Minister Castillo pondered, and the atmosphere was a little awkward for a while.

"How about I go talk first?"

At this time, the Foreign Secretary opened his mouth to smooth things over.

"That's okay, then let's talk to Xiang."

Prime Minister Castillo originally thought that the Italians would not sell this model, or that they would demand too much. Little did I know that Italians are very easy to talk to. It directly stated that the two ships built by the company would be given to Spain first, and the period of payment in goods could be relaxed to 5 years.

With such an easy-to-talk Italian, Prime Minister Castillo was a bit caught off guard. Therefore, in the expectant eyes of Admiral Cervera and other naval officers and soldiers, the Prime Minister could only grit his teeth and sign the purchase agreement.

According to Italy, the warship could be delivered to Spain in June 1897.