Chapter 166: Marat's Demise
Chapter 166: Marat's Demise
Jefferson's efficiency was remarkable.
The very next morning, he submitted a proposal to the American Federal Congress regarding a joint effort with France to eliminate the Barbary Pirates.
The matter of purchasing two frigates was also appended, though it was merely mentioned in passing, as if he didn't expect Congress to approve it.
Two days later, at the French Embassy in America.
Victor Dupont, the French Ambassador to America—the eldest son of the French Chamber of Commerce president, in fact—walked briskly into an office on the embassy's second floor and tipped his hat to the Special Envoy, who was reading by the window:
"Archbishop Talleyrand, I just heard news from the American Congress..."
He took a couple of sips from the cup of water a servant had brought, then continued, "Currently, most American congressmen support allocating funds to combat the pirates, but they want to reduce the amount to 150,000 dollars. As for purchasing warships, they seem to lack enthusiasm. The final vote will likely be next week."
"Thank you for the update, Mr. Dupont," Talleyrand said, closing his book with an air of nonchalance. He thought, 'Just as the Crown Prince predicted, it won't be easy to extract money from these impoverished and stingy Americans. It seems I'll have to seek out that "American Founding Father" congressman. What was his name again?'
"Hamilton." He found the name and looked up at Dupont. "Would you be able to arrange a meeting for me with Mr. Alexander Hamilton?"
"Of course, Archbishop Talleyrand."
That afternoon, in a private villa in Philadelphia, Talleyrand met the leader of the "Founding Fathers" faction, Hamilton, as the Crown Prince had intended.
Indeed, America had gained independence in 1783, and five years had passed, yet the nation had still not been formally established. The so-called Federal Congress was merely a symbolic leader; specific matters were decided independently by the thirteen state legislatures, essentially a state of anarchy.
The congressmen of the thirteen states were divided into two factions: the "Founding Fathers" and the "Status Quo" advocates. Although America had already drafted a Constitution the previous year, setting the general direction for nation-building, the latter group was still actively obstructing the process.
After brief pleasantries, Talleyrand suddenly sighed and said gravely, "Mr. Hamilton, truthfully, I feel truly sorry for America."
"Oh? Why do you say that?"
"The people of the thirteen states paid a tremendous price and finally won their great independence, yet America remains a scattered mess, without even a government to lead the nation."
Hamilton paused, then nodded in profound agreement. "You are absolutely right!" he declared. "Those congressmen only care about their immediate interests, yet they slander those who wish to establish America, accusing them of pursuing 'centralization' and 'dictatorship'! Look, the Federal Congress currently doesn't even have the power to collect a single tax."
Talleyrand concurred, "Thirteen loose and weak states possess no deterrent power, which is why even the pirates of the Mediterranean dare to prey on you. If things continue this way, it won't be long before the Native Americans, the Canadians, and even the Caribbean pirates start making designs on you."
Hamilton clenched his fist tightly. "And those fellows in the Federal Congress are always preaching about 'the dangers of centralization'... I think they're simply afraid of their own power in the state legislatures being diminished. If not for Shays' Rebellion frightening them, America would still be a confederacy even now! Look at the world: all powerful nations have strong governments. Ideally, they also have strong leaders, like..."
The words "His Majesty the King of France" were on the tip of his tongue, but he found himself unable to utter such a clumsy lie. He paused briefly, then rephrased: "...like Britain, France, and Austria. If America had a king right now, it wouldn't be long before we could escape our current state of poverty and backwardness!"
Talleyrand spread his hands. "Regrettably, at present, the American Federal Congress still needs to enhance its appeal before it can give rise to your government."
He watched the indignant Hamilton, a smile flashing in his eyes. "Only when faced with a powerful enemy can internal unity be forged. Speaking of which, there is currently an opportunity to strengthen the Federal Congress's prestige, but sadly, your congressmen seem quite indifferent to it."
"Oh? What are you referring to?"
"Purchasing warships to fight the Barbary Pirates alongside the French Navy!"
Seeing Hamilton's puzzled expression, Talleyrand immediately added, "The warships you purchase would belong to the Federal Congress. Imagine this: after the pirates are eliminated, which headline in American newspapers do you think would better boost the American people's confidence in the Federal Congress—'The French helped us deal with the pirates,' or 'Our warships sailed to the Mediterranean to suppress the pirates'?"
Hamilton's eyes lit up at these words. 'Exactly! A victory abroad is absolutely the best way to strengthen national cohesion, even if the opponent is merely pirates. Those foolish and shortsighted congressmen have actually been trying to reject the proposal to purchase warships these past two days! No! The warships absolutely must be bought. This is an excellent opportunity to help establish the American government. It would be best to buy several more, so American warships could even sink a pirate ship.'
The thought of purchasing ships, however, suddenly deflated him. "Archbishop Talleyrand, to be frank, the Federal Congress truly cannot allocate tens of thousands of dollars for two frigates. When merchant ships are seized by pirates, the states pool money to ransom their crews, but they are unwilling to pay a single extra penny to the Federal Congress during peacetime."
"Well..." Talleyrand feigned a moment of contemplation. "Perhaps I could help you find a solution."
"Oh? Are you saying you can provide a loan?"
"Not exactly." Talleyrand leaned back in his chair. "I could try to persuade the French government to accept payment for the warships in cotton. However, you understand that regarding the funding for combating pirates, if this isn't handled well, it won't be easy for me to advocate on your behalf."
Upon hearing that he could acquire warships without spending money, Hamilton immediately said without hesitation, "Please rest assured, I will contact all the 'Federalists' to ensure the proposal passes as quickly as possible."
"That would be ideal."
Talleyrand continued, adopting a mysterious expression, "What if I could help America secure lower tariffs on cotton imports? Would that interest you?"
"Of course!" Hamilton nodded instantly. Cotton was a crucial American export, and expanding exports to France would generate significant revenue.
Talleyrand smiled. "However, this matter isn't very simple, you see. I would have to expend considerable effort in navigating various connections and favors..."
"We certainly wouldn't want to inconvenience you. What sort of 'fee' would be required?"
"Hmm, probably around 4,000 dollars," Talleyrand replied, a brilliant smile on his face.
In reality, both paying for the ships with cotton and increasing American cotton imports were Joseph's established policies—to promote the development of the textile industry, a sufficient supply of raw materials was essential. Yet, these now served as cards in Talleyrand's hand.
Hamilton, however, readily agreed. "Consider it done according to your terms, Archbishop Talleyrand. I will immediately apply for special appropriations."
With Hamilton and the "Federalists"—Joseph's "Founding Fathers" faction—actively campaigning, all proposals concerning the fight against pirates were passed three days later.
Furthermore, due to the persistence of Hamilton and his allies, the Federal Congress ultimately decided to exchange cotton for three frigates.
After Talleyrand signed a series of agreements with Jefferson and collected his 4,000-dollar commission, he boarded a ship bound for Russia, thoroughly content.
The ship's hold also contained 15,000 Charleville Model 1763 Flintlock Muskets.
The Americans were quite prompt in providing these weapons. After all, they had disbanded tens of thousands of militiamen following their independence, leaving large quantities of firearms idle in warehouses. Using them to repay France's favor was hardly an issue.
Lorraine Province, France.
The city of Toul.
"Hah, so this is what they call exile?" Marat sneered, gazing with distaste at the boundless estate before him, with its small, castle-like off-white villa. "If only all the poor in France could be exiled like this."
He disliked dealing with bureaucrats more than anything, yet for the sake of the French people, he resolutely stepped forward and pulled the brass bell on the estate's main gate.
Before long, from within the off-white villa, a noble gentleman in his fifties with impeccably maintained skin smiled and gestured to Marat. "The weather is cold; please have some hot cocoa to warm yourself. Oh, I've been away from Paris for so long that I haven't even heard of this Office of Fair Investigation. Please forgive my ignorance. May I ask what brings you all this way to see me?"
Marat glanced at the cup before him but didn't touch it. He preferred the pure, invigorating bitterness of coffee, which stimulated the mind, over cloying cocoa.
"Viscount Calonne, can you provide me with any information regarding Mr. Jacques Necker's corruption?"
Calonne clearly faltered for a moment, then resumed sipping his hot cocoa with an indifferent air. "I'm not quite sure what you mean, but Mr. Necker is, to my knowledge, an upright man..."
"You don't need to conceal anything." Marat produced a stack of papers and placed them beside the teacup tray. "These are copies of documents from his time as Superintendent. Many of these loans appear irregular. Especially his first loan after taking office; the interest rate was clearly exorbitant, and the bank handling it had a specific connection to him. And this one, and this one..."
Calonne glanced at the documents and shook his head. "I've been away from politics for too long; I can't quite make sense of these things anymore. If you believe there's a problem here, then by all means, continue your investigation. Why come to tell me about it?"
As he spoke, he looked towards the servant standing by the door, a man with rugged features and a certain Germanic quality. "Fred, is something the matter?"
"Oh, Mr. Marvin asked me what you'd like for dinner."
Calonne waved his hand. "The usual will be fine."
"Yes, master."
Once the servant had closed the door and left, Marat turned back to Calonne. "Although I suspect these loans show signs of corruption, it's difficult to find concrete evidence, you understand. After all, these events happened over a decade ago. Take this five-million-Livre loan, for instance; while the interest is very high, he could find numerous excuses to justify it. If you know anything and tell me, I could have this corrupt official immediately sent to prison!"
"You?" Calonne scrutinized him again, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Ah, I recall now. You are that well-known journalist who frequently criticizes government policies."
"Yes, that's correct."
"Then you should know Mr. Necker's character. And also, I truly know nothing."
Marat's assistant, Evans, grew somewhat agitated. "I know you have a disagreement with Necker, so why won't you help us bring him to justice?" he demanded loudly.
Calonne calmly shook his head. "You must have heard some rumors. In actuality, Mr. Necker and I have an amicable relationship."
Half an hour later, having received no useful information, Marat picked up his hat, preparing to take his leave.
Calonne gestured towards the cocoa on the table. "Gentlemen, this is excellent cocoa. Don't let it go to waste."
Marat picked up the cup and, almost defiantly, drained it in one gulp. He found the taste quite different from what he expected—rich, sweet, and clearly containing a good deal of sugar.
He certainly couldn't afford such sugary drinks regularly.
"Thank you for your hospitality." He nodded, then left Calonne's villa with his assistant.
On the rural path, Evans looked back at the off-white building and said, discouraged, "It seems we came for nothing."
Marat frowned and shook his head. "Valls's information shouldn't be wrong. But why wouldn't Calonne tell us anything?"
"These shameless bureaucrats are all in cahoots. He must have taken a bribe from Necker and is trying to protect him!"
"But Valls said their conflict runs deep... Perhaps Calonne simply doesn't trust us. We'll come back tomorrow."
...
Dusk.
Beside the orchard on Calonne's estate, Fred, the servant who resembled a Germanic man, stood beside a horse-drawn cart laden with coal. He murmured, "That man even produced documents from Mr. Necker's loans back then, claiming there were issues. Something about a five-million-Livre loan with a very high interest rate."
"Marat?" the "coal carrier" on the cart mused. "That name sounds familiar. Is he from the newly established Office of Fair Investigation?" The Lorraine region was rich in coal, and people used coal for heating. However, it was difficult for coal mines to transport coal everywhere, giving rise to the profession of coal carriers, who could be seen everywhere.
Fred nodded immediately. "Yes, Calonne also mentioned that department."
The "coal carrier" narrowed his eyes. "Have they traced something back to Mr. Necker? What did Calonne tell them?"
"I was sent away, so I didn't hear what came after. But they talked for over half an hour."
The "coal carrier's" eyes immediately glinted coldly. "Which means those two likely learned something... Where are they now?"
"Ferry followed them to the Old Vance Inn."
The "coal carrier" waved his hand. "Alright, you can go back."
"Yes, Mr. Erich."
Once Erich drove his coal cart back to a dilapidated dwelling in Toul's city center, he said in a low voice to two burly men napping on a bed, "Everyone up, there's work to be done."
The two men, who moments before had been sleeping like logs, instantly sprang up, quickly pulled on their boots, and retrieved short swords, pistols, and other items from cracks beside the bed, tucking them into their clothes in a few swift motions.
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