Chapter 12 : Speeche and the Australian Constitution

May 8, 1900, Sydney.

Today marks Queen Victoria's final day in Australia. Tomorrow morning, the fleet will set sail once more toward its true destination, Whakaari Island in New Zealand.

Over the past few days, Queen Victoria's complexion had improved significantly, thanks to the company of Arthur and Princess Beatrice. However, it was evident to the naked eye that after the heavy blow she had endured, the Queen's health was not as robust as before. She now even needed assistance to walk.

As the day of the fleet's departure drew nearer, Arthur grew increasingly reluctant and distressed.

Since ascending to the throne at a young age, Queen Victoria had been bound to a throne that appeared free but was anything but. She had witnessed the passing of many of her closest relatives and missed them deeply until her own death.

After fulfilling her wish on the island, the driving forces that had kept Queen Victoria going may have vanished. Perhaps the next time we see her, she will be confined to a hospital bed.

Though Arthur wished to stay by Queen Victoria's side, Her Majesty was determined to leave, and he had no choice but to relent.

In the square at the center of Sydney Street.

This square was originally a place used by the old colonial government to station troops. After the city expanded several times, it became a public square.

Now, the square has another glorious mission: to host Arthur's Coronation Speech.

A principality like Australia is different from an independent country. The establishment of a monarchy is typically calculated based on the moment of the monarch's coronation.

Arthur was crowned on January 10, 1900, meaning the Principality of Australia was established on that date. Therefore, all Arthur had prepared was a coronation speech.

Since the colonies had already begun the process of reforming into states a week prior, upon hearing the news that Arthur was about to deliver his coronation speech in Sydney, not only the people of New South Wales but also residents from nearby South Australia, Victoria, and Queensland spontaneously flocked to Sydney.

As the morning sun shone upon the land, the birds in the trees sang as if urging time to move forward.

The three chimes of the clock tower announced the arrival of eight o'clock. The crowd in the square began to stir. Everyone's gaze was fixed on the raised platform at the center of the square, eagerly awaiting, as if anticipating something.

Shortly after, Arthur arrived at the platform, escorted by a team of guards. Behind him were several members of the interim cabinet, each also serving as interim governors.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen!" Arthur stepped forward and greeted everyone with a slight smile.

Fortunately, the loudspeaker had already been invented by then; otherwise, it would have been difficult for everyone in the square to hear Arthur's voice.

After hearing Arthur's greeting, the square suddenly fell silent. Everyone listened intently to the first public speech of their future ruler.

"I know most of you do not yet know me, so allow me to briefly introduce myself. I am Arthur Connaught, Duke of Australia. You need not worry about where I come from or my origins. Because from this moment on, we all share a common identity: the great and noble Australians," Arthur said with a smile.

"Long live His Royal Highness! Long live Australia!"

Arthur's speech was clearly well-received by the majority. After hundreds of years of division, nearly every Australian dreamed of living in a unified and prosperous Australia.

Now, with Arthur's arrival, the goal of unification has been achieved, and all Australians eagerly await to see if this new monarch can lead the country toward prosperity.

"I believe everyone has heard of the constitution enacted a week ago. What we need most now is to break the autonomy and isolation maintained by the states during the colonial period. No matter which state we come from, we are all great Australians and should live freely and without hindrance anywhere in the country. The states can trade freely; we can sell products to any state in Australia and buy what we need in any state without worrying about any state's policies."

The Labor Party, Australia's only political party, was created to safeguard the interests of workers and promote free trade in Australia.

What Arthur said implied that his policies aligned with the goals of the Labor Party, and he was indirectly trying to win over its members.

As the sole political party in Australia, the Labor Party is still too immature compared to the major parties in the United Kingdom, but it is already a giant in the Australian political landscape.

The Labor Party is sure to secure a significant number of seats in future House of Commons elections. Although Arthur is not concerned about the Labor Party's power struggle, it is better to have this force on his side.

"Australia is a land of treasures. We have many cocoa plantations, as well as rich minerals and resources. When this land was still a colony, both immigrants and Australians faced relatively high taxes and exploitation. As the Duke of Australia, I do not want this to continue. That is why I have decided to reduce taxes for all Australians and allow everyone to live a prosperous life first." Arthur continued to inspire the people, and his words were equally enticing.

Under the previous colonial tax system, one-third of Australians' annual income was taken as taxes and deposited into colonial accounts, which were then sent to Britain.

But if we analyze the tax revenue after Arthur's tax reduction, Australians only need to pay one-seventh of their annual income, a reduction of more than half.

As you know, annual tax revenue in Australia amounts to over two million pounds. We would be grateful if tax revenue could exceed one million pounds after the reduction.

Is it because Arthur has too much money to spend and his mind is spinning? Actually, no.

First, a substantial tax reduction could quickly win the hearts and minds of Australians, which would be beneficial for Arthur to establish a stable monarchy and a series of reform plans in Australia.

Second, Australia later became known as a country sitting on a mining cart, able to earn significant foreign exchange income each year simply by selling its rich mineral resources.

Under such circumstances, the taxes paid by Australians are just a drop in the ocean, so it is better to take the initiative to reduce them and win everyone's favor.

For all the common people, government tax cuts are definitely something to celebrate.

Moreover, this tax reduction is not just a small amount—it is more than half.