Chapter 196
Chapter 196: Recommendations
"So, you're looking for a moderately-sized railway company with relevant qualifications and experience," Prince Karl Anton summarized.
"Yes, Uncle Karl," Ernst confirmed.
"I'll keep an eye out for you. Now that Prussia has integrated the North German Federation, the railways in the region will likely undergo unification and transformation. Some companies might not survive the transition," Prince Karl Anton explained. "However, don't get your hopes up too high. Prussia highly values railway construction and might further nationalize the railways. The North's railway operations should be relatively stable and might not offer many opportunities. The prices may not be negotiable either."
"Thank you, Uncle Karl. When you gather the information, please send it to Hohenzollern Castle, and Tom will handle it," Ernst requested.
"Aren't you staying at home during this time?" Prince Karl Anton asked.
"Well, I've been busy. I opened a new company in Austria specializing in agricultural product processing. I planned to have two factories – one in Vienna and the other in Trieste. The Vienna factory is already built, but construction for the Trieste plant is just starting. I need to inspect the progress," Ernst explained.
"You've become quite a busy man!" Prince Karl Anton remarked with humor.
...
June 1869.
East Africa, Dar es Salaam.
Maximiliano I engaged in a conversation with Prince Constantine. Taking a sip of herbal tea, he asked, "Your Excellency, have you adjusted to life in East Africa?"
"It's alright, but it's certainly hotter than the weather in Germany. Does it stay like this all year round?" Prince Constantine inquired.
"The weather will be cooler during the rainy season. You've come at a good time, especially in July when Dar es Salaam is at its coolest. In the dry season, it can be quite challenging. Sometimes the temperature can reach over 40 degrees Celsius," Maximilian I explained.
"Over 40 degrees? That's like being in a hot bath!" Prince Constantine expressed his surprise.
"It's extreme weather, and it doesn't happen every year. East Africa's coastal region is hot, but inland areas are much cooler. There are plateaus, and sometimes you'd need to wear more layers. It's as temperate as European spring," Maximilian I informed.
Prince Constantine then questioned the choice of the East African government to remain on the coast instead of moving inland for a more temperate climate.
"Although inland regions offer a more pleasant climate, the infrastructure is underdeveloped. Unlike Dar es Salaam and the first town, facilities there are rudimentary, and supplies are limited. The coastal areas have the advantage of being well-connected to Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East, receiving products from all over the world," Maximilian I clarified.
He agreed with the potential advantages of relocating inland but pointed out that transportation would be a key issue. The proximity to Europe and the ease of communication with Europe made the coastal locations preferable for the East African government.
Prince Constantine concurred, acknowledging that he had brought a team of talented individuals from Hohenzollern to East Africa, including musicians who could improve the cultural scene. However, he admitted that Ernst, despite his Germanization efforts, wasn't particularly focused on culture and education.
Maximilian I brought up concerns about East Africa's security, which he deemed the most critical issue. He inquired about Prince Constantine's knowledge of the region.
Prince Constantine admitted he had limited knowledge and had started learning more after deciding to come to East Africa. He was also in a rush when he made the decision, so he hadn't gathered extensive information.
Maximilian I proceeded to explain the importance of the coastline in East Africa, highlighting the presence of five ports along the coast, with Dar es Salaam and Mombasa being the largest. These ports had significant potential and were strategically located on the route from Europe to the Far East. However, he stressed that East Africa lacked a navy to protect its extensive coastline, which posed a security risk.