Novels online

Chapter 1407: Metternich's Reforms

Of course, the cost of a mile of urban railway wasn't actually hundreds of thousands of francs; these were exaggerated figures spread by the Bernese through word-of-mouth.

Moreover, the construction costs were primarily covered by Bern's 3 million franc "membership fee."

The French Ministry of Finance only allocated a little over 200,000 francs to the Upper German Province – mainly for renovating and developing those "Roman-era ruins" and the associated road reconstruction work, which consumed a significant portion of the funds.

Frenno continued, utterly envious, "I heard that next year or the year after, gas streetlights will be installed here. From then on, this city will no longer have cold nights.

"Perhaps even running water, who knows? French cities always seem to get these marvelous things."

These were, of course, nothing more than his baseless conjectures.

The city of Bern had a population of less than 30,000 and simply couldn't support the operating costs of luxurious facilities like gas streetlights. In fact, even in France, only seven or eight major cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux had gas streetlights, and running water was exclusive to Paris and Lyon.

The Basel legislator's carriage slowed considerably the closer it got to the Upper German Governor's Mansion.

Gosselin observed the crowded pedestrians and passing carriages on the street, as well as vendors everywhere, and couldn't help but wonder, "Is there some festival today?"

Although Bern had a slightly larger population than Basel, its city area was also larger. Based on his experience, it was impossible for so many people to be on the streets on a normal day.

His attendant inquired with a street vendor and only then learned that over the past few months, people from northern Swiss cities had been frantically flocking into Bern, and now even the suburbs were packed. Many of them were from Basel.

Indeed, ever since the Roman thermal bath ruins were restored, many French nobles had come here to travel – after all, this was an antiquity that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had mentioned multiple times in public.

These people often spent lavishly, quickly stimulating economic prosperity in the small city of only tens of thousands.

As the Roman theater also neared completion of its restoration, people from surrounding cities flocked to Bern to seek opportunities.

Gosselin immediately frowned deeply. "If this continues, Basel might not have many people left."

Frenno sighed, "I hope Paris accepts our request..."

The next afternoon, the two finally received their desired audience with Baron Baudry, the Governor of the Upper German Province.

...

Austria, Vienna.

Schönbrunn Palace, Grand Gallery Hall.

Metternich, standing tall and proud, was reporting on the situation in Switzerland to the Holy Roman Emperor.

"...A week ago, the five northern cantons signed a preliminary agreement in Zurich to form a confederation. Currently, they are discussing the composition of the parliament and details such as state taxation.

"If our country dispatches envoys to "coordinate," I believe the Swiss Confederation will officially emerge by the end of next month at the earliest."

Franz II nodded with satisfaction. "I must commend your excellent work. You have allowed the Empire's glory to shine once again upon the land of Alemannia. This is truly a remarkable achievement!"

The so-called "Alemannia" referred to the northern region of Switzerland, where, over a thousand years ago, it was the territory of the Alemanni tribe, a people who originated in southern Germany.

Franz II waved his hand generously. "I must bestow upon you a fitting reward."

It was true that Austria had suffered setbacks everywhere in recent years, so achieving a somewhat presentable diplomatic success now naturally put him in a good mood.

Metternich quickly bowed. "As a diplomat, it is my honor to do something meaningful for the Empire."

He quickly glanced at the Emperor. "But if Your Majesty truly wishes to reward me, then I hope you will withdraw your decree concerning the reform of the Imperial Council."

Franz II frowned. "Why do you care about this matter?"

Metternich's expression was like a knight standing ready for battle. "Your Majesty, the Empire must have its own dignity and order and must never be influenced by French policies!

"History will prove how foolish the actions of the French monarchy are.

"The monarch's authority must never be coveted by anyone, not even in form!

"Those people will not be grateful for your benevolence and generosity simply because they enter the Imperial Council. They will only become more greedy and use the influence they gain to seize more power.

"And the Empire, amidst their endless desires, will fall into turmoil!"

Franz II's expression also became serious. "Frankly, I have shared your concerns before. However, you should also know what kind of reaction there will be domestically after France forms the Chamber of Deputies. I must find a way to prevent those poisoned by the likes of Rousseau from causing trouble."

Metternich declared loudly, "Your Majesty, as long as you demonstrate your supreme majesty and instill unwavering confidence in your subjects, those malicious individuals will not be a cause for concern at all!"

"What do you mean?"

Metternich's tone grew subdued. "Your Majesty, everything in the Empire must operate according to the methods you permit.

"I believe, first and foremost, we must prohibit all attempts to imitate France.

"The number of Secret Police is clearly far from sufficient, otherwise, people wouldn't be secretly discussing the French Chamber of Deputies on the streets.

"Yes, the harmful ideas of Rousseau and Montesquieu should have been completely banned long ago, and this also requires the Secret Police to "regulate" those who spread such ideas.

"As for books written by Frenchmen, they must all be destroyed in our country, and no one is to mention them, or they can only correct their thoughts in prison!"

Franz II's eyes lit up. Metternich's words were exactly to his liking; he had always detested the liberal elements within the country, and a few years ago, because of these very individuals, he had been forced to flee ignominiously to Brno.

Seeing the Emperor's approving expression, Metternich immediately felt a surge of confidence.

"Then there are the school professors and newspaper editors, from whom most of these "toxic" liberal and human rights ideas "flow."

"Therefore, these problems must be solved at their source. For instance, special police should be dispatched to all universities and newspapers to constantly monitor the words and actions of these individuals.

"Also, courses should be added to schools to ensure every student understands that Your Majesty rules the Empire by divine right.

"As for newspapers and books, they must also undergo stricter censorship. Publications like 'The Vienna News' and 'The Illuminator' should not only be immediately banned, but their editors-in-chief should also be put on trial."

"And the most harmful things are private assemblies and individuals who give speeches all day long!

"We should grant the Secret Police greater authority to arrest suspicious individuals at any time. Once guilt is confirmed, they should be immediately subjected to severe punishment!"