Starting My Treasure Hunting In England

The United States of America was a republic from the beginning. There were no officially recognized aristocrats, let alone an emperor, but this does not mean that there are no such self-proclaimed people in this country.

You know, there are a lot of guys who claim to be gods in this land, and there are definitely a lot of guys who claim to be kings and emperors.

But most of these guys are just like modern people who give themselves a popular online name to play with themselves. Although no one cares about it, they will not be remembered by the public.

But there is one exception among so many people, and that is Norton I, who is recognized by the public as the only emperor of the United States.

"Norton I" was originally named Joshua Abraham Norton and was born in England. In 1849, Norton, who was in his 30s, came to the United States to do business with $40,000, but soon declared bankruptcy.

Out of dissatisfaction with the overall environment in the United States, on September 17, 1859, he published an edict through a San Francisco newspaper declaring himself emperor of the United States.

"Norton I" was carefully dressed up to show his imperial magnificence. He wore a beaver skin "crown" with feathers, a blue uniform with gold-plated epaulettes, and a sword on his waist. To “patrol” the streets of San Francisco.

The citizens of San Francisco happily accepted the "Emperor" and some curtsied to him in the streets. He often monitors the construction of municipal facilities, supervises the work of the police, and often speaks as a guest at various celebrations.

From the perspective of future generations, Norton I did have a vision that transcended the times. He criticized various types of corruption and fraud, criticized unreasonable taxation, and "protected" people's rights to enjoy fair taxation and basic services.

He advocated fair treatment and ethnic equality: he advocated giving women the right to vote; allowing African-American residents to take trams and enter schools; and asked the court to allow Chinese-Americans to testify in court. Declaring that "the emperor's eyes will be on everyone who insults Chinese residents." and publicly stated that "any Indian spies and organizations that deceive Indians should be severely punished."

He also advocated "separation of church and state" and "religious equality" and called for the abolition of laws that discriminated against Germans and Jews.

The most important thing is that he doesn't just do it with words. Although he is not a real emperor and does not have any power, he still practices every initiative he makes.

In the 1860s and 1870s, there were anti-Chinese riots in San Francisco. In order to quell the riots, he recited the Bible and prayed repeatedly among the rioters and Chinese, and eventually the rioters dispersed in shame.

In addition, he also publicly opposed slavery before the Civil War, demanded the liberation of black slaves and organized a series of marches. These acts of kindness made him respected by people.

Because of this series of actions, people began to really pay attention to him, instead of simply treating him as a madman or a clown.

In 1867, "Norton I" was arrested by the police, which aroused the anger of San Francisco people. Under the pressure of public opinion, the police had to release "Norton I".

And as everyone recognizes him, he also enjoys certain privileges in San Francisco. For example, he can eat for free at the best restaurants in San Francisco, and these restaurants are also proud to be able to hang the "Designated Restaurants by the Emperor of the United States" sign.

The theater in San Francisco reserved three front-row seats for him, and the rent of the apartment where he lived was paid for by the Freemasons.

When he needed to pay, he issued "royal" notes, ranging in value from 50 cents to $5. These bills are generally accepted by stores and banks in San Francisco.

"Norton I" issued many decrees, the most important of which was ordering the US military to dissolve Congress. However, "Norton I" had no influence over the army.

He wanted to establish an international organization similar to the United Nations so that people from different countries and different faiths could sit together to discuss issues. As a result, after the end of World War I, this idea really began to be realized step by step;

He also asked the U.S. government to build a suspension bridge connecting Oakland and San Francisco. This was implemented in the 1930s, and one of the most famous bridges in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge, was built where he planned it.

If you visit this bridge today, you will see a sign like this hanging on one of its bridges: "Travellers, please stop and thank Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico (reigned from 1859 to 1880), He had the foresight to envision and order the construction of a bridge over San Francisco Bay."

Judging from these historical facts, he is essentially more of an idealist with justice in mind, but the gap between his dreams and his power is really too far, but this cannot conceal his humanity. ’s shining point.

After all, hard work is indeed important in this world, but some people also need to have their own dreams, because many times, it is dreams that guide the direction of human progress.

On the evening of January 8, 1880, Joshua Norton, the first and last emperor of the United States, collapsed at California Street and Dupont Street on his way to give a speech at the Academy of Sciences.

He fainted and was immediately noticed by a citizen who called the police, who then, according to one newspaper, "quickly drove a carriage to take him to the city hospital." However, Norton "died" before the carriage arrived. .

Some of the larger-circulation San Francisco newspapers published obituaries about "Norton I" in sad tones. His entire estate at the time of his death consisted of only a few dollars.

According to historical records, he received a lot of money after declaring himself emperor of the United States, but in the end he donated it all to those who were in greater need, leaving little money for himself. Because of his good deeds over the past twenty years, the funeral of "Norton I" was solemn and grand. 30,000 people spontaneously lined up on both sides of the street to see him off. The procession was 3 kilometers long.

On June 30, 1934, the City of San Francisco moved his remains to Woodland Mausoleum. A new marble tombstone, not too shabby, was erected, addressed to Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico.

On January 7, 1980, San Francisco held a ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of their only emperor. In 2018, the 200th anniversary of Norton's birth, a ceremony was held again.

There has been a lot of controversy about this slightly famous figure in American history. Some people think he is a clown and a madman, but others think he is a good man with high morals.

The famous American writer Mark Twain had close contact with Norton I when he was a reporter in San Francisco, and he also had his own views on this man.

According to his observations, Norton I was not as crazy as people thought. Apart from proclaiming himself emperor, his words and deeds were normal and he did not suffer from hallucinations common among schizophrenia patients.

"He is not a madman, he is a "good emperor" who loves his people. It's a pity that he is not a real emperor." After listening to Liang En's explanation of this man, Joan sighed and said.

"Yes, at least what he did shows that he does think about everyone, and he is recognized by everyone." Liang En said with a smile.

"After all, among the many kings and emperors throughout the ages, few are still remembered a hundred years after their death, so from this point of view, he is already a qualified emperor."