I Became The Crown Prince Of The Mexican Empire - Chapter 147



Only Noblemtl

Episode 147

South and North (1)

November 30, 1846.

New York.

“Wow. A person’s face can change so much in just a year.”

“Well, I guess that can’t be helped. I was abandoned by my own party.”

These are the words of the Whig members.

President James K. Polk was a man in charge and full of authority a year ago, or even earlier this year, and he seemed to have a half-mad ambition, but his energy was enough to move America.

But the person who came up to the stage to read the apology now looked miserable. His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, his body was emaciated, and his expression was like that of someone who couldn’t die.

“The Mexicans demanded that, so the Democrats couldn’t do anything about it. Hey, why start a war?”

His fellow congressmen were obviously shocked to hear him say that, since he had clearly been in favor of the war, but they pretended not to notice, since they themselves had the same attitude.

The admission of responsibility and apology from the President, demanded by the Mexican Empire through the Treaty of Pittsburgh, took place in New York.

Washington, D.C., home to the President’s residence and the Capitol, was completely destroyed, and Philadelphia, the former political center, was also damaged by the prolonged fighting.

President James Polk opened his mouth with an expression that seemed to have put everything aside.

“Dear citizens of the Mexican Empire and the United States of America.”

The first words were a common opening, but the Mexican Empire came before the United States. It was an apology to them, and the Mexican diplomat was at the front, arms folded and legs crossed, listening.

“I stand before you today with a deep sense of responsibility and a heavy heart. As President of the United States and as an individual, I offer my sincere apology for the deep hurt and damage caused by the tragic clash between our two countries.

During my presidency, I made a serious mistake in relation to the border dispute between the United States and the Mexican Empire. When I had the opportunity to resolve the issue through peace and dialogue, I chose the path of escalating the conflict. This led our two countries down the disastrous path of war, with the loss of countless lives and the deep wounds and sorrows left among the peoples of both countries.

As President of the United States, I had a duty to act in the interests of our nation. However, in pursuing the interests of our nation, I neglected the common values ​​of peace and mutual respect. I now deeply recognize how much harm the policies I have taken have done not only to the United States of America but also to the Mexican Empire.

Today, I publicly acknowledge my wrongdoings and, above all, offer my sincere apologies to all those who have suffered because of me.

“To take responsibility for all the consequences of my actions, I have decided to step down from the presidency. I sincerely hope that this decision will be the first step toward restoring relations between our two countries and moving toward a brighter future.”

James Polk read his lengthy apology without even taking a sip of water.

After the reading, there was silence in the room, neither cheering nor booing, but only the diplomats of the Mexican Empire began to applaud as if they were satisfied.

Clap clap clap clap clap-

It was a shameful sight.

Yes, that’s right.

Although the Mexican Empire stated in the treaty that it would “acknowledge responsibility and apologize,” its actual demand was for an admission of responsibility and resignation in the form of an apology.

Abraham Lincoln, a young Illinois congressman who had been elected during the war, hung his head, too afraid to look at the humiliating sight with his own eyes.

But the humiliation did not end there. After President James Polk stepped down, Vice President and President of the United States Senate George Mifflin Dallas stepped up.

He began his presentation in silence.

“Dear citizens of the Mexican Empire and the United States of America,

Today, as President of the United States Senate, I stand at a historic moment. Today, we have passed a resolution apologizing to the Mexican Empire.

This resolution acknowledges the misunderstandings and hurt caused by past conflicts and unnecessary wars between the United States and the Mexican Empire, and expresses deep apologies for the suffering caused.

This resolution goes beyond a simple apology for the past, and seeks sustainable peace and mutual understanding between the two countries… (omitted)

The main points of the resolution are as follows:

First, the Congress of the United States deeply regrets the events that occurred during the Mexican-American War.

Second, we sincerely apologize for the suffering and loss suffered by the Mexican Empire and its people as a result of the actions of the United States.

Third, this resolution commits the United States to responsible behavior in international relations and lays the foundation for improving relations between the two countries in the future.

Fourth, the United States pledges to renew its relations with the Mexican Empire and to strengthen cooperation in the spirit of peace, friendship, and mutual respect.

“The historic step we have taken today demonstrates that our two countries are ready to move forward with common understanding and respect. I believe this resolution sends a message of peace and reconciliation to both our peoples and is a step toward promising a brighter and more cooperative future for our children and grandchildren.”

This time, only Mexican diplomats clapped, while Mexican reporters eagerly took notes.

They were sharing information with each other, saying things like, “What in the middle?” without any regard for the American congressmen.

It was truly a disgrace.

A humiliation not experienced in the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812.

But there was no time to burn with resentment against the Mexican Empire, the one who had inflicted the humiliation.

“Whew, it’s over now. Let’s go.”

“Well, the Southerners didn’t show up until the end. That was expected.”

“···I see.”

Many Democrats and some Whigs have not been present today. They have not been absent because this humiliating occasion is too much of a chore.

It was a real sign that the country was beginning to fall apart.

***

The fun victory party was short-lived.

There was too much to do to take a long rest.

The newly acquired northern and southern territories had to be well-organized, the Oregon Territory in the north and the Columbia in the south had to be dealt with, and the problems in the northern and southern parts of the United States had to continue to be attended to.

“The North-South problem is serious.”

“yes?”

Diego reacted to my monologue.

“No. Let’s first look at the issue of the newly acquired territory.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Government officials and police officers were dispatched to the South and North. Not long after they were dispatched, reports of numerous problems were already coming in.

“Of course there is a lack of administrative power, indigenous tribes still remain, there are many murderers and gangs, so public security is a mess, and there are many people who claim the land as theirs without any basis, so ownership is unclear···.”

“In a word, it’s a lawless zone.”

“Yes. It is right for the police department to be in charge of security issues, but for the new territories, we will cooperate with the military to clear them out as quickly as possible. As for the policy toward the indigenous tribes, we will continue to do our best to persuade them and make them subjects of the Mexican Empire.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The territory gained in the north alone exceeded 2 million square kilometers. In the south, 75,000 square kilometers were also gained, which was not easy for even our Mexican Empire to digest.

“I tried to accept as many existing Americans as possible, both for administrative power and manpower reasons, but the issue of land ownership… It would be difficult to guarantee property rights in these cases. In the Mexican Empire, the principle is that any land without clear ownership is owned by the government. If you can’t accept this, I have no choice but to personally bring them to the United States.”

“Yes, I will do so, Your Majesty.”

The Treaty of Pittsburgh did promise to protect the civil and property rights of existing American citizens, but how could they know and protect them if there was no basis for it? If they did not want to follow the laws of the Mexican Empire, then we can only assume that they wanted to live in the United States.

“But if you push too hard, no one will stay. Explain to the citizens newly incorporated into the Mexican Empire about ‘pioneer migration’, ‘urban migration’, and other administrative, technical, and business migration, and help them receive the benefits.”

“Yes, but I think this too could be a problem due to lack of administrative power.”

The lack of administrative power was a problem that was closely linked to the Mexican Empire’s chronic shortage of manpower.

“There is a way to alleviate that to some extent.”

***

The winds of change were blowing in Kansas, now a territory of the Mexican Empire.

“No, where is this case? This is our family land! This is the land that my grandfather personally developed!”

“Well, except for the land that has a legal basis, the government has no choice but to take it back.”

“What is the legal basis? Everyone lives like that! Isn’t that right?”

It was as the man said. Territories that were not official states of the United States were almost like lawless zones. It was common for several people to draw a line on their own land or build ladders to live. Unless it was a relatively large town, there was no sheriff, and people had to organize their own vigilante groups to fight crimes such as theft.

“That’s right! This entire village was developed by us! What right do you have to take that away from us?”

The villagers were outraged by the sudden arrival of Mexican imperial officials.

“That is the law of the Mexican Empire. If you don’t want to obey it, we will send you to the United States.”

“Wh, what nonsense are you talking about!”

I wanted to punch this Mexican in the face, but I couldn’t. The so-called ‘police’, who looked no different from regular cavalry, stood behind the Mexican official with solemn expressions.

They didn’t point their guns, but they held them in their hands as if they were ready to shoot if necessary.

Gulp-

The townspeople also came out with weapons, but it was pointless to fight back. But they couldn’t just do nothing and have everything taken away.

There was a tense atmosphere between the two groups.

In the midst of this tension, the Mexican Empire official spoke again.

“In our Mexican Empire, there is a system called ‘Pioneer Settlement.’ In any case, since it is certain that you have pioneered the land of this village, we will grant each household 640,000 square meters, or 160 acres of land. This is the final offer of the Mexican Empire government. What do you think?”

“Well, one hundred and sixty acres…”

Groan groan-

The townspeople began to talk at the suggestion of the Mexican Empire official.

“Can you give me a moment to discuss this?”

“Of course.”

It didn’t take long.

“I think it would be good to get even 160 acres.”

“···I think so too. Otherwise, they’ll kick me out to the US with my bare body. 160 acres isn’t a small amount.”

When two influential men in the village said so, most of the residents agreed. Many houses used more than 160 acres, but they did not use hundreds of acres.

In these remote settlements, no one ran a large farm. Almost all were small-scale farmers, farming with simple tools and no special machinery.

“Yeah, yeah. They say they send civil servants and police officers too. They say the circuit judge stops by sometimes.”

Although this was a basic necessity in the Mexican Empire, it was a great benefit compared to the complete neglect by the United States government.

As the villagers gathered their opinions, the village chief said:

“Very well. I will give each household 160 acres as you have said. But you will definitely recognize their ownership of the land, right?”

“Of course. I will issue you a document, so keep it safe.”

The distribution of land was entirely determined by the Mexican Empire’s bureaucracy, because that was the law. Land was distributed equally to every household, including the village chief.

The official who had completed the land distribution spoke to the village chief.

“If you want to continue to be the village chief, learn Spanish quickly.”

“Are you speaking Spanish?”

“Yes. I can speak English, but the civil servants who will be appointed in the future are likely to not speak English. The same goes for the police and the judges. In the future, there will be new immigrants or immigrants in this town, and wouldn’t it be difficult if some of them can speak both English and Spanish?”

“Hmm, definitely···.”

The Mexican Empire was pursuing a strong policy of assimilation, and even minor positions such as village chieftainship were reserved for those who could speak Spanish. However, it was also ineffective to completely overturn existing relationships, so advice was given to the village chieftain first.

“Besides, if you know Spanish and simple arithmetic, you can become a civil servant like me. If you get older and find it difficult to farm, you can lease the land you have now and become a civil servant.”

“···I should teach my son too.”

“great.”

The official hinted to the townspeople about the dire administrative shortages the Mexican Empire was experiencing. He was following instructions from above to fill as many administrative positions as possible locally.

The power of the Mexican Empire’s officials that the townspeople witnessed was so great that many began to study Spanish or acquire books to teach it to their children.

The Rios Express departed each new town with a load of books to help learn Spanish.

So the Mexican Empire began to stabilize its new territory, but there were still many unresolved issues.