Chapter 1001: Desperate Times Call for Change
Grenville was stunned for a moment. He frowned, then nodded. "I would very much like to hear your suggestions."
William Pitt Junior had clearly pondered this for a long time. "The most pressing issue is improving our nation's fiscal situation," he began immediately.
"First, we must reduce expenditures.
"We are spending money across the globe, and now we are burdened with the weight of Portugal. Therefore, we must cut all unnecessary costs.
"For instance, the naval blockade of the French coast.
"Those battleships consume over a hundred thousand pounds in maintenance every month. Yet we all know that smuggling ships from Russia, Denmark, America, and even the Ottoman Empire are unloading massive amounts of cargo at the Port of Le Havre every day, or transshipping goods through Genoa into France.
"The blockade’s effectiveness is extremely limited, and it turns every nation trading with France against us—especially since the formation of that Maritime Convention Organization.
"Lift the blockade. Use the millions of pounds saved to increase the adoption of steam engines in textile mills or invest it into expanding sugar plantations in India."
Grenville pondered this and nodded. "I will bring this matter before Parliament."
"A modest tax hike is necessary.
"Yes, I know it will provoke protests.
"We can use the French method: enact a Labor Protection Act. Giving the workers a little sweetness will quench their fury.
"I sent men to investigate France. Properly regulating working hours can actually improve factory efficiency."
Grenville pulled out a notebook and began taking meticulous notes.
Pitt lowered his voice. "If the fiscal situation continues to deteriorate, I have a more radical solution."
"And what would that be?"
"Increase the issuance of paper money. I have discussed this with scholars; an increase of more than forty percent would be needed before it causes serious repercussions."
Indeed, in this late stage of agrarian society where paper currency had only circulated for thirty or forty years, economists had no real-world precedents to reference. Most theories were simply the result of impulsive decisions.
Historically, major powers like Britain and France would suffer many setbacks before gradually grasping the correct direction of financial policy—but that was still two centuries away.
Grenville shook his head flatly. "Have you forgotten the gold run in Paris? A massive issuance of paper money could very well lead us into the same predicament."
"That is easily solved," Pitt countered. "Suspend the exchange of paper money for gold. Use decrees to mandate that everyone must use paper currency."
-- ʀΑν=οbéЅThis was, of course, the advice his economists had given him.
Grenville frowned. "Is that... permissible?"
"We originally tied paper money to gold to make it more acceptable. Now, everyone is already using it. They won't even stop to consider if it corresponds to gold.
"Furthermore, anyone refusing the notes will be thrown into prison."
Although Grenville’s subconscious sensed something was amiss, he silently recorded the plan.
Pitt added, "In fact, we can copy the French experience in many areas.
"For instance, establishing an Industrial Development Fund to promote vital industries. Our steam engines used to lead France, but we fell behind due to underinvestment.
"The Industrial Development Fund can solve this.
"Then there is the administrative reform they are undertaking. My research suggests it will double our government's operational efficiency.
"Oh, and to complement that, a reform of how bureaucrats are selected. The French have begun to eliminate the purchase of offices. To become an official, one must study at a University of Public Administration.
"It is a stroke of genius! Those incompetent fools will no longer be able to hinder policy execution.
"We don't have a dedicated University of Public Administration yet, but we can utilize Oxford and Cambridge."
In truth, he was merely imitating the surface while missing the essence.
Joseph had established the university to control the entryway of the bureaucracy. The key lay in the entrance exams and holding the power over the grading.
Pitt, however, focused on the university curriculum, ensuring his efforts were destined to go astray...
The former Prime Minister continued outlining his reform visions.
"Then there is the police reform. Did you know that compared to the Paris Police, London's constables look like mere street thugs?
"The French Notary Investigation Bureau is also excellent. Their officials don't even dare to solicit bribes from shops in the street!
"Such simple and effective departments can be established in a short time. Why shouldn't we?
"Right, and then there is rail transport. A Frenchman traveling from one province to another by carriage costs only three to five pence.
"This has cut their goods transport costs by more than half..."
The two British Prime Ministers conversed until nightfall, their hearts racing with excitement, full of hope for the prosperity Britain would see after the reforms.
Three days later, Grenville convened his cabinet ministers to begin preparations for the reforms.
William Pitt Junior also reappeared at 10 Downing Street, serving as a special advisor to the Prime Minister.
...
The northeastern provinces of Austria.
The border of Olomouc.
A messenger galloped to Archduke Charles's command post. Without dismounting, he shouted toward the tent, "Marshal! The Prussian vanguard of nearly thirty thousand men has begun attacking the Liegnitz defense line!"
Archduke Charles hurried out of the tent without even putting on his coat. He looked at the rider and asked, "Where is Friedrich's main force now?"
He was referring to the Prussian Commander-in-Chief, the Prince of Hohenlohe.
The messenger replied hastily, "The enemy's main force began crossing the Oder River the day before yesterday. They should all be on the west bank by now."
A smile flickered in Archduke Charles's eyes.
The Oder River was a major waterway cutting through Silesia. Austrian-controlled Liegnitz was on the west bank, while the Prussian-controlled Silesian capital, Breslau, sat right on the east bank.
The fortress of Breslau was built along the river, capable of bombarding any Austrian troops attempting to cross at any time.
Archduke Charles turned to his adjutant. "Order the Argentau Corps to begin their advance.
"I need the entire army to reach Obere by tomorrow afternoon."
"Yes, Marshal!"
Prussia had massed ninety thousand troops to attack Liegnitz, while Austria had fewer than seventy thousand to meet them.
Furthermore, over seventy percent of the Prussian army were veterans of the Anti-French Coalition.
The bulk of Austria's elite had been lost in Italy; more than half of the soldiers under Archduke Charles's command were now raw recruits.
Thus, the Archduke knew very well that making a final stand at Liegnitz was practically suicide.
He left only thirteen thousand defenders at the Liegnitz line. Meanwhile, taking advantage of the Prussians' complete focus on Liegnitz, he led all his veterans in a fierce assault toward Obere, south of Breslau.
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