Chapter 55
Chapter 55: To East Africa
On December 22, 1866
In the town of Dopoci, Hungary, Jarnosen, a Hungarian who had learned to speak German, found himself facing a difficult situation. An unfortunate accident at work had cost him his left arm and depleted his savings. Unemployed and with limited prospects, he struggled to make ends meet.
However, Jarnosen's fortune took a turn when he learned about the Austrian Meled Company, which was recruiting workers. The company had unique requirements, including proficiency in German and at least one dialect spoken in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Jarnosen, possessing these skills, applied for a position and was accepted.
His job was to recruit people from Hungary to work in the newly organized East African colony. The Meled Company, although seemingly small, had significant backing from the Hechingen Consortium in Austria and was responsible for immigration efforts in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Jarnosen, being a newcomer, soon realized that the company's approach to recruiting was quite unconventional. They needed to create an enticing image of East Africa to persuade potential immigrants. The reality of East Africa was largely unknown to the uneducated recruits, so they had to rely on their employees to paint a vivid picture.
In Jarnosen's sales pitch, East Africa was portrayed as a land of fertile soil, abundant rivers, endless prairies, and perpetual spring-like seasons. The job offer included food, housing, and timely wages, with the added benefit of welcoming entire families and providing free education for children. It was an idyllic image meant to lure in prospective immigrants.
Back in his hometown, Jarnosen began promoting the opportunity to his fellow villagers. They were skeptical, questioning the authenticity of these promises. Jarnosen assured them that the company was genuine and highlighted the differences between urban and rural life.
He pointed out the harsh realities of city life, where unskilled laborers faced tough competition and challenging working conditions. In contrast, East Africa offered vast lands and the familiarity of farming. The prospect of a better life appealed to the villagers, and Jarnosen's personal experience served as a compelling testimony.
The villagers, despite initial doubts, started to believe in Jarnosen's words. His missing arm was a testament to the hardships of city life, making them more inclined to trust his sincerity. They saw this opportunity as a way to escape the struggles of rural life and agreed to join him on the journey to East Africa.
With a group of villagers in tow, Jarnosen traveled to the port of Trieste, where they were received by an Austrian soldier tasked with overseeing the immigrants. His role was to reassure them, emphasizing that the Meled Company was legitimate and backed by German nobles with connections to the royal family. They were encouraged to believe in the government's support and were reminded not to cause trouble during the journey.
The immigrants, with mixed feelings of hope and uncertainty, boarded the ship to East Africa. While the promises sounded enticing, the truth of what awaited them in the distant colony remained unknown. Nonetheless, they trusted that the Austrian government wouldn't deceive them, and the opportunity for a better life beckoned.
And so, these hopeful immigrants set sail for East Africa.
(End of Chapter 55)