The Sun Never Sets In Spain

The conversation between Alfonso and Campos continued into the night.

The Governor originally planned to give a public speech tomorrow, announcing that he would no longer recognize the Primm Free Government, and was dissuaded by Alfonso.

A speech is necessary, but it is not appropriate to provoke a free government on the face.

Now is not the time to tear the face, the army is not yet ready for war.

The number of government troops is 140,000, and the Carlos faction is more than 80,000. It is not in Catalonia that 36,000 people can touch porcelain.

If the other party makes up his mind, he might get caught up in a wave.

Moreover, Alfonso has an idea that the liberal government is mixed with liberal monarchists and republicans, and the monarchists currently occupy the majority.

If Alfonso shows signs of being able to lead Spain’s progress, there is hope for the peaceful integration of government forces.

But if hostilities begin now, the chances of turning fighting into jade will be very small in the future.

...

Since the passage of the monarchy constitution in 1837, Spain has become a multi-party dual monarchy.

Under this type of government, private parties are allowed to form political parties.

So, the next day, a heavy news came out, and a political party called the "Progressive Party" passed the review quickly.

Catalan Governor Campos was the party leader, and important figures such as Minister of Finance Enrique, Minister of Agriculture Fidel, Minister of Trade and Industry Julio and other important figures joined the party.

The Progressive Party has different party platforms for different periods of time, and is as flexible as the American political parties.

The current party platform is being drafted, but the slogan has been shouted out: "Build a united, united, and prosperous Spain without vengeance, famine and war."

One stone stirred up a thousand waves.

The news that Alfonso met Campos and visited the barracks in Catalonia has spread.

Paired with inexplicable political parties and unabashed propaganda slogans.

Everyone knows that the situation in Spain is about to become more chaotic.

On January 11, 1869, Governor Campos’ speech in Barcelona’s central square added fire to this heavy news.

"...In view of the increasingly turbulent situation at home and abroad, in order to better safeguard the lives and property safety of the people in the Autonomous Region of Catalonia, simplify administrative procedures and strengthen the autonomous region's ability to resist risks.

With immediate effect, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Finance will delink from the Spanish central government, and Catalonia will decide on its own tariffs, income taxes, and production standards..."

In the square, even the most ignorant civilians could smell the smoke of gunpowder in the air when they heard these words.

Large cities such as Barcelona and Madrid are all connected by telegram.

Within an hour, several important forces in Spain learned of the news.

Prince Carlos immediately condemned this move as an act of treason.

But until the next day, the central government still did not make any response. It just sent a letter to the autonomous region government, requesting the withdrawal of the staff members who were assigned to the central government.

It is a tacit understanding of Catalonia's de facto independence.

The two sides also tacitly stopped the money exchanges between each other.

Originally, the autonomous region was only prepared to pay a few thousand pounds to the central government as taxes for the whole year of 1868. Now these few thousand pounds are gone.

And until last month, the central government's funding of the long-nonexistent Pyrenees 3rd Infantry Division has now stopped.

Although there are not many at first-but it is a question of attitude.

...

On the evening of the 12th, several members of the Progressive Party gathered together, laughing and talking.

In the past two days, they have been decoupling their own departments in a tense mood.

Not only was the task arduous, but also was always worried that the free government and the Carlos faction reached an agreement and sent troops to destroy them.

Fortunately, such a thing did not happen.

Now that their efforts have paid off, they no longer have to look at Prim's face and act.

The goal that Catalonia has failed to achieve for generations has become a reality in their hands-even if it is only a short-term independence.

Army General Garcia was also invited to participate in the banquet. Due to the restrictions of the separation of military and government policies, he and Alfonso were the only non-party members present.

"His Royal Highness, I wish you an early king of all Spain!" Garcia finished speaking, taking the wine glass and drank it.

He is the happiest today. Before he reorganized the infantry division. Although the central government didn't take him seriously, it often checked him on armaments and military expenditures.

Now that he is decoupled, the autonomous region government will be responsible for all military expenditures in the future, and he can finally feel more at ease.

Enrique said sourly next to him: "You feel comfortable, but the government's finances may be in deficit this year."

Ten years ago, the Minister of Finance was the most supportive of independence, but with the gradual reduction of taxes paid by the autonomous region, even lower than the subsidy provided by the central government, the situation was reversed.

Garcia can only smile, even the general does not want to mess with money.

Alfonso saw it in his eyes, clashed a cup with Enrique, and smiled: "Don't make it difficult for General Garcia, how can I let Catalonia pay and work, just enjoy it?

In this way, I currently have 300,000 pounds in cash, which can be transferred to the Autonomous Region's account. In addition, this year I will continue to allocate 200,000 pounds, all of which are free.

Her Majesty also has some money there. I can’t help the money, but I can promise that if the Catalan government needs it, the Bourbon royal family can provide at least £1.5 million in interest-free loans. "

As soon as he said this, Enrique couldn't say a word no more. He drank a large glass of wine on the spot, and said with bright eyes:

"Enough is enough, all the plans you put forward can be implemented, and there is no need to issue public debts to expand the army... Your Royal Highness is really the best king and the most generous noble in Europe! Decoupling, good decoupling!"

Seeing Enrique instantly turned into a **** supporter, Alfonso smiled. In this era, there are few things that the pound can't handle...

No longer caring about Enrique who was in joy, he stood up and walked a few seats to find the Minister of Agriculture who was talking about things with Campos.

Alfonso took the initiative to clink a cup with him: "Minister Fidel, I finally have a chance to talk to you."

The Minister of Agriculture did not have much contact with Campos before. This is because the land is basically in the hands of noble landlords. He, the Minister of Agriculture, has limited rights and can manage quite limited, and he belongs to a person who is not considered seriously.

But Alfonso specifically mentioned him. He was flattered and very witty to join the Progressive Party as the first group of members.

Fidel did not dare to sit by himself. His Highness stood, and quickly stood up a little nervously: "Your Highness, I respect you with this cup."

After the two toasted each other respectfully.

Fidel remembered the news he had recently heard, and said, "His Royal Highness, is it about food production?"

After receiving Alfonso’s affirmative reply, he said: “I think you may want to summon me recently, so I compiled an explanatory document, just outside the banquet hall.

If you allow me, I will bring it in, or wait until the end of the game to talk about it. "