Chapter 732: The Principle of Population
The south bank of the River Thames.
It was 3 PM. Dockworkers called out to each other, put down their tools, and gathered in small groups in the sheltered area behind the warehouse, ready to enjoy their 20-minute tea break.
However, lately, tea had become an increasingly rare sight during their breaks.
Most of them were gnawing on black bread. The few workers who could afford tea, even if it barely had any sweetness, drew envious glances from those around them.
Just then, a man in a relatively neat black jacket approached the group and began speaking to the workers in low tones.
A moment later, he clapped Andy's father on the shoulder, glancing at the clear water in his cup. He sighed, "Scott, things haven't been easy lately, have they?"
Scott looked sideways, recognizing the man as a representative from the Dockworkers' Union, and nodded dejectedly.
The man in black glanced towards the foremen, lowering his voice. "Damn it, sugar's already so expensive, and these heartless bastards want to cut our wages even further!"
Scott nodded again, completely agreeing.
Scott's eyes widened instantly. He stammered, "I-I won't go... I'll be fired. If I lose my job, my whole family will starve..."
"What are you afraid of? Everyone will be there this time. Do you think they'd dare fire all of us? Who would load and unload the merchant ships?"
Scott still shook his head. "No, no, what if it escalates? We could end up in prison."
Nearby, a worker with patchy baldness overheard and leaned in. "Scott, we have to fight!"
"But..."
The bald man whispered in his ear, "The day before yesterday, I saw Anna on Bud Street."
Scott froze. He knew very well what Bud Street was, but he still deluded himself into asking, "What was she... doing there?"
"Well, ahem, you know, soliciting customers there."
Scott's face instantly turned ashen. He ran his fingers through his hair, letting out a low moan.
His daughter had given him some money a few days ago, claiming she'd earned it by mending clothes. He had actually believed her, never imagining it was like this.
A moment later, he abruptly stood up, his eyes red, and declared to the union man, "Alright, I'll go!"
St. James's Palace.
In the corridor, Sir Stuart embraced Pitt tightly, saying in a very gentle voice, "My dear, you are the best, and you will overcome everything."
Pitt gently patted his back and nodded. "I feel much more at ease now. Thank you for always giving me such steadfast support when I need it most."
"It's what I should do."
Sir Stuart released him, gesturing towards the end of the corridor. "His Majesty has been in excellent spirits lately. Go on."
The mere fact that George III was able to return to the palace from his recovery at Windsor Castle was proof enough that his condition was under control.
Of course, it wasn't due to Dr. Willis's treatment with venomous insects and beatings. Porphyria's nature was like this: it came and went, with periods of illness eventually alleviating on their own.
Pitt stepped through the door opened by an attendant and bowed to George III, who was seated, reading a book. "Your Majesty, it truly gladdens my heart to see you restored to health."
George III looked up, glancing at him. "I know you have many matters to attend to. Just speak your mind."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Pitt bowed again. "To be frank, the situation is rather tricky."
"Hm."
"The price of sugar continues to skyrocket, and we have to subsidize nearly a million Pound Sterling every month, yet we still can't alleviate the sugar shortage. Unemployment is growing more severe, with unrest everywhere. Trade, too, is far from satisfactory."
The King simply nodded. "What are your plans?"
Pitt took a deep breath. "We must launch our offensive sooner."
"Are you confident?"
"Yes, Your Majesty." The Prime Minister puffed out his chest, stating, "We will unite at least five major powers and conscript over 300,000 troops. With our navy, Marquis Wellesley believes the war will conclude within six months."
"Then do it. I will give you my full support."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Pitt said. "However, before we launch this major war, I need to stabilize the domestic situation."
"Please continue."
"First, taxation. We need to prepare ample funds for the war. For this, I will need your assistance in passing the bills through Parliament.", ʀaňöbéS
Pitt's Tory Party currently held fewer seats in Parliament than the opposition. Tax increases were always a contentious point in the British Parliament, and the Whig Party would likely reject his large-scale tax increase proposal.
Although the King of England ostensibly did not participate in politics, he still wielded considerable influence in Parliament.
George III nodded.
"Thank you for your trust." Pitt bowed again and continued, "Furthermore, I wish to temporarily suspend the Habeas Corpus Act, prohibit all assemblies and public speeches, and arrest the leaders of radical organizations. There is also a bill for a 'Combination Act' to prevent workers from striking without authorization and using violence."
The Habeas Corpus Act had only recently been passed by the British Parliament, so the resistance to suspending it would be considerable. The latter bill, in particular, would provoke strong opposition from members of the lower house, many of whom came from humbler backgrounds.
In peacetime, such measures would be unthinkable.
Yet George III merely nodded. "Very well, I understand."
He suddenly thought of something and asked Pitt, "Oh, do you know Reverend Malthus?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. He possesses profound expertise in the doctrines of social administration and human development."
George III waved the manuscript in his hand. "This is his new work, 'An Essay on the Principle of Population.' It contains some very interesting theories.
"He believes that humanity always over-reproduces. When there are too many people in the world, they must be divided into different strata—some are affluent, educated, and moral, while others are impoverished, unfortunate, ignorant, and immoral.
"Therefore, plagues, famine, and war are all necessary, as they curb excessive population and help human society return to a state of balance. As for those at the bottom, there is absolutely no need to improve their circumstances; letting them disappear is the most beneficial course."
"Perhaps you could have Reverend Malthus give some lectures in Parliament. This might help alleviate the pressure you're facing."
"Thank you for your suggestion, Your Majesty. I will certainly ask for his assistance."
Before Pitt could finish speaking, a tremendous clamor erupted from outside St. James's Palace. Faintly, he could hear shouts of "Lower sugar prices!" and "Raise wages!"
Pitt hurried to the window and saw thousands of people on the street below, holding effigies and banners, banging drums and gongs, surging towards 10 Downing Street.
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