Chapter 13 : Elections to the House Of Commons

In the bustling square, a few birds tentatively perched on the branches, preparing to search for insects among the leaves, when they were startled by the cheers of the crowd beneath the tree, leaving behind a feather that slowly drifted down, a testament to their fleeting presence.

On the platform, Arthur gazed at the cheering crowd with great satisfaction. It seemed that his tax-cut plan had successfully won the hearts of the people. If the Australians' desire for unification had made them eagerly anticipate Arthur's governance, the tax cuts had now made them celebrate his arrival.

In that case, Arthur didn't mind adding fuel to the fire. He gestured for the crowd to quiet down, as there was more important news yet to be announced.

Indeed, upon seeing Arthur's gesture, the once noisy square fell silent in an instant, as if the previous clamor had never existed.

Arthur was very pleased with the result and said with a smile, "At the same time, I have another very important announcement to make. Although we are a monarchy, I am also very happy to grant my people their due rights. I declare that the House of Lords and the House of Commons are now officially established. The election for the House of Commons will be held every two years from May 10th to 17th. The results will be counted from May 18th to 24th. The elected members of the House of Commons will officially assume their positions after the announcement on May 25th. Now, every Australian can proudly declare that they can freely fight for their rights!"

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

As Arthur's announcements continued, the Australians present grew increasingly satisfied with him. They were all glad that the British had stopped them at the Federal Council. Otherwise, if the former colonial rulers had continued to govern Australia, it would have been difficult to say whether they could have reduced taxes, let alone granted rights to the Australians.

"My fellow citizens, all adult Australians can participate in the election of the House of Commons, and every adult Australian has one vote. During the election, I will send guards to inspect the polling stations to ensure there is no fraud in our House of Commons election. The House of Commons has the power to make and amend ordinary laws and to elect cabinet members. It is one of the most important departments in Australia. Now, as the Duke of Australia, I declare that this right will be granted to all my people. Let all Australians participate and witness together as Australia rises in this beautiful world. Long live Australia!" Arthur grew more and more excited, even shouting at the end.

However, no one noticed Arthur's slightly inappropriate behavior at that moment. They were all immersed in joy and excitement, cheering along with Arthur.

Amid cheers and applause, Arthur concluded his coronation speech perfectly.

If Arthur had been mysterious and full of expectations in the hearts of Australians before, now his status had surpassed that of Queen Victoria, who had ruled them for decades, and he had become a very benevolent and excellent monarch.

If Arthur could continue to maintain his reputation and popularity among the Australian people, no one would be able to underestimate his position in Australia.

May 9, 1900, Sydney Port

After staying in Australia for more than ten days, Queen Victoria finally had to continue her journey to Whakaari Island.

Looking at the boy who was now taller than her, Queen Victoria was moved for a moment and said with a smile, "Arthur, your speech is very good. I believe that under your leadership, Australia will become the most dazzling pearl of Oceania."

"Grandmother, you must take care of yourself. Arthur is looking forward to attending the celebration of your 70th anniversary on the throne!" Arthur did not respond to Queen Victoria's compliments but instead told her with a reluctant look on his face.

"Hahaha, good boy, grandmother knows. Your mother and two sisters still need your care in Australia. I have asked people to invite the best teachers from the United Kingdom to teach you and them. I hope that when we meet again next time, my Arthur will have grown and become an excellent ruler, and grandmother will be proud of you." Queen Victoria gently kissed Arthur's forehead and then left with Princess Beatrice and the fleet without looking back.

If Queen Victoria had not betrayed her innermost feelings by slightly shaking her shoulders, perhaps this farewell would have been less sad.

After bidding farewell to Queen Victoria, Arthur had to receive the precious wealth she had left him.

A total of two thousand British Royal Guards and their families, a population of nearly eight thousand, plus two British chefs, two maids, six servants, and a private tailor.

In addition to these, there were 237 million pounds and industrial equipment worth 50 million, as well as two military factories in Britain, a steel plant, and a shipyard. Important equipment and technical workers were transferred here by Arthur.

To be honest, Arthur was very lucky to be born into the British Royal Family and to be the only son of Duke Arthur, Queen Victoria's favorite child.

Even if the fiefdom were moved to Australia, a country without industry or infrastructure, he could still have more than 200 million pounds in initial capital, industrial equipment worth 50 million pounds, and multiple factories.

Not to mention how enormous the 200 million pounds in funds were, even if it were just the 50 million pounds in industrial equipment and these factories, they would be enough to allow Australia's industry to expand rapidly and close the gap with Western countries.

More importantly, Australia has a wealth of mineral resources, including coal, iron, aluminum, oil, natural gas, gold, silver, and other minerals, and the reserves of each mineral are very rich, enough to turn Australia into a powerful industrial country.

Australia also has very rich natural uranium mines. You must know that uranium-235 extracted from uranium mines is one of the main materials for making atomic bombs. Even in later generations, there are only 5 million tons of natural uranium mines available for exploitation in the world, and Australia has 610,000 tons, which is more than one-ninth of the total.

With such rich mineral resources, a huge initial capital, a large amount of industrial equipment, and the support of the most powerful industrial country, the British Empire, Arthur was completely confident that he could raise Australia's industrial level to the second place in Europe in a short period of time, or even challenge the first place in Europe.

Moreover, Australia now has a unique geographical environment. It has no competitors in Oceania. The two potential rivals, an island country and the United States, will not pose a threat to Australia in the short term due to various reasons and restrictions.