William III, King of the Netherlands,,

I would like to be the first to warn the world of Albert Edward's impending insanity. Victoria's defect is genetic, it seems, for Edward is proving himself every amount as mad as she. A man of clear body and mind would have been able to discern quite smply that no statement made by any body of the United States government has in any way contradicted any statement made by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. If Albert Edward, in his insane ravings, wishes to disprove this, I would invite him to attempt to do so. It would be surely be a breath of fresh air for the journalists of Europe to be able to discuss the antics of yet another mentally ill British head of state, rather than the looming continental war which Britain and her allies have forced onto Europe.

I will personally reiterate the statements made by the Foreign Office. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has made no diplomatic contact of any sort with the United States. No discussions of any kind have been underwent, and none are currently planned. If Mr. Lincoln would kindly inform Mr. Edwards of the reality of this situation and end the latest of these British-engineered world conflicts, it would surely be dearly appreciated by all those following the story abroad.

It is apparently clear that according to the United States that members of the 8th Coalition attempted to persuade the Union into attacking Canada. Mr. Lincoln's words were, and I quote,

" emissaries from the European Coalition had reached out to United States ambassadors with a proposal of a Canadian invasion."

This is abundantly clear; though the Netherlands has claimed that they made no such discussions with the Union, our spies and the Union themselves confirmed this in private talks. Even in the unlikely event that it was not the Netherlands who reached out to the Union and asked for the Union to invade Canada..Mr. Lincoln's own words point to the desires of the 8th Coalition regarding the North American Continent. We will not allow the Eighth Coalition, whether it be Prussia or Italy or Spain or Greece or the Netherlands to infringe upon our colonies by attempting to turn the Union's eyes North.

It is also apparently clear to the United Republic that the Netherlands, a small Nation about to undergo destruction, has resorted to insults as their only method of rebuttal. We will make no more response to such childish antics.

We ask that the Union clarify who exactly contacted them in regards to invading Canada.

-Albert Edward, British Prime Minister

I will repeat the words President Lincoln spoke the other day and say that a representative of the European Coalition did in fact approach the United States with the proposal to invade Canada. As to who, we feel it is not our place to reveal that information. If the British spies are worth their salt, they should be able to figure out who exactly was behind this plot. All that matters is that the proposal was made. Unless the British plan to declare double war on the nation behind the offer, we see no real advantage of knowing.

-- William Seward
Secretary of State

William III, King of the Netherlands,,

It is only an utterly insane man that would assume an alliance is a mutual surrender of sovereignty! Even in the unlikely event that Albert Edward has not been slanderously lying—or worse, insanely muttering—in every syllable that has come out of his mouth regarding this affair, and some member of the Eighth Coalition did indeed engage in talks with the United States, it would obviously not be in London's place to question them. After all, is it not the case that the British have just confessed to escalating the war in the same such manner, regarding Mexico?

The British Republic has already declared itself in a state of war with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Were that not already the case, I am confident that I would be receiving such a declaration this moment, signed in rage by Albert Edward, frustrated at having had his completely baseless suspicions torn asunder, and his public declaration of his efforts to escalate the war via Mexico's involvement reduced to a state of obvious inappropriateness. This is a European war, being fought for the national unity of various European peoples. It is in my place as the King of the Netherlands that I denounce any continued efforts by Britain or her allies to increase the scale of the war and bring the related hardships and violence of war throughout the entire world. What Britain has done in Mexico disturbs me, and ought disturb any peace-loving nation in the whole of the Latin American region as well.

To rebuke the faux logic expressed by the British Prime Minister: The Head of State of the Ottoman Empire is the Caliph of Islam. Albert's British Republic is allied with the Ottoman Empire. Under this idea that alliances are sovereign entities, where all of the elements of any one member transfer to all the others, would that then make Britain an Emirate, rather than a Republic? If that is the case, I would like to advise Mr. Edward to cease the process of changing his country's name on a yearly basis. First a kingdom, then a republic, then an emirate... I am sure that the poor people of Great Britain must be becoming entirely confused as to what to call their fine country, given the circumstances.

The following is a news article which was never allowed to be printed. These documents where top secret until leaked accidentally.

Império do Brasil (Empire of Brazil)
Independência ou Morte!

I wishes that this 'pointless dumb war' wouldn't reach to the Americas as it ready has in Asia. America can decline to join the war, you don't need to remind him of the past. I hope that Mexico doesn't join the war as it's pointless and if they do join, their nation will be doomed.

As for the British, you forgot that they're in the civil war, right? I hope that you aren't serious about America invading Canada or Mexico, they would be too busy with the Civil War. Go and make threats to us already, I'm sick of reading them. Same goes for the Netherlands.

As I will say over and over until this war is over, Empire of Brazil wouldn't join the sides of the war in Europe. I hope that other nations, that aren't in Europe, do the same and not join sides.

~ Emperor Pedro II, King of Brazil.

Império do Brasil (Empire of Brazil)
Independência ou Morte!

I hoped that Mexico didn't join it's allies, but it has. I fear the war is making it's way to the Americas. So, because of the alliance between France and Britain, I request that Mexico is ban for the Pan-America Conference and any other Conference, that will happen in the Americas in the future. The reason for the ban is because he has an alliance with European countries; while the rest of us don't. And he is now in the pointless war in Europe.

You made your decision, Juarez, now I have made my.

~ Emperor Pedro II, King of Brazil.

Império do Brasil (Empire of Brazil)
Independência ou Morte!

Sorry about the mistake, that my writer made, he is getting old after all. He didn't mean all the European countries, only Britain and France, Mexico's allies. Sorry once more about the mistake.

~ Emperor Pedro II, King of Brazil.

Grenadine Confederation
Statement by Juan Antonio Pardo, Foreign Minister

"Today we refer to the matter of an European war brought to the Americas, one of the few ever since we have been taken our own, separated paths. And to the requests made by the Empire of Brazil, we must say we refuse to ban the Mexican republic from the Pan-American Conference in Panamá. Allow me to state why.

We have to take into account Mexico's hand has been forced by intervention and if they were to refuse Britain's demands, they would also fall into a position where, after the war, Britain and France could have found reasons to excercise their right, given that Mexico was bound by treaty and debt to repay their obligations in some way. To have shoved away the state of Mexico from participating in regional diplomacy and alienating them from the conference would be ignoring their mere existence and turning away from a nation in need. Of course, this could be stopped by not allowing foreign intervention into the Americas by any European power -or, the Monroe Doctrine- and this principle actually being enforced by American nations. But this is a matter for another time.

Another point to take into account is the strategic situation the Netherlands is suffering; although Mexico has entered war against a nation vastly superior, in military power to the Mexican forces, they are tied up and surrounded within the European continent. The ports that are found in the Caribbean sea and the Mexican routes towards these ports would be unreachable by a significant Dutch force, let alone from other nations. Besides, given the state of the Guyanas under British control, any naval combat between the Mexicans and the Dutch would be restrained to the Western Caribbean, the point of access for Mexico's navy; the Mexicans can easily resupply in the British and French colonies without affecting commercial relations between Brazil and any other European nations, if, and only if, Netherlands is still blockaded.

A final point to take into account, is an alliance between American and European states something to be rejected? We have to consider that each of the actors in international relations is sovereign and can decide over their fate and the ties the establish with each other. We can't force the Mexicans to break an alliance previously established by law, and if they wish to follow it, they might. The world is not contained within a square nor can nations stay restrained to satisfy their needs, besides, European dominions in the Americas force us to establish relations with them, whether we like it or not. Banning Mexico from any Conferences in the Americas on the grounds of an alliance with an European nation would be a violation of their sovereignty and independence, an ideal which all of us hold dear. They had the choice not to follow the treaty and they prefered conflict, through their own will. It'd also hold back cooperation within the American nations; many small nations reliant on trade or seeking self-determination while not breaking relationships with their ruler -the Dominican Republic is a sad example- would have to make a choice: the Americans or the Europeans. And many nations aren't able to choose between these parties without crippling themselves.

However, there is a risk. If the Europeans establish combat in the American continent and get involved nations that stray from war, what are we to do? We are not involved in any matters regarding their lands and we have no reasons to be, not yet. For that reason, we have to ask for the British, French and Mexican forces, along with forces involved in this war, to limit their operations on the Western Hempishpere in order to avoid compromising trade. We are neutral in this matter and we don't wish to be involved in it, don't bring us into the fighting ring."

The United Republic is appalled at the actions and words of Brazil in their Rhetoric against Mexico. They have made a statement of such belligerence not just against Mexico, but against any European Nation. I quote,

"The reason for the ban is because he has an alliance with European countries; while the rest of us don't."

Of course then they back-track. Stating that it is Mexico's Alliance with Britain and France that matters. Nations of Europe and the rest of the world, I ask you if we will let this blatant challenge stand? This action sets precedent that will call for all American nations to avoid diplomacy with the other Nations of the World for fear of not being allowed diplomacy between fellow American Nations.

We decry Emperor Pedro's Statements as one of arrogance and hate. To the Nations of America, we would humbly request that you boycott Brazil's conference unless they allow Mexico the right to enter. Brazil believes that they can deny the Nations of America the right to alliance with European Nations. Brazil believes that such things are foolhardy. We would ask the Nations of America think about what is best for their own Nations and whether affiliating with one who has drawn the Ire of Europe is worth the cost.

To the Grenadine Confederation we thank you for your wise words and understanding of the situation being faced. We will gladly agree to doing our utmost to limit the conflict in the Americas as best as we are able. The Americas are a land of beauty and grace. We have no desire to see that land defaced and spoiled.Thank you once again for your wise words.

In summary, we ask the Nations of America to boycott the conference so long as Mexico is not allowed entrance. We ask that you will follow the Grenadine Confederation's example of wisdom.

-Palmertson, Foreign Minister of the United Republic

Império do Brasil (Empire of Brazil)
Independência ou Morte!

There is the threats for the British and they are laughable. The British demands America to do their dirty work, as if they were their puppets, Of course America is a free country and they will refuse to follow the orders for the British. The 'blatant challenge' is laughable as well, we didn't declare war on you nor your allies. We just requested that it's ban for the Pan-America Conference, not go to war with them. You are just looking for a reason to attack us and break the Monroe Doctrine, once more. To the Nations of Europe and the rest of the world, don't you see that the king is like his mother. They have gone mad with power and willing to do anything to make such that they still have more power.

To the Nations in the Americas, don't listen to the master that can control of our faith as a country. Be free to make your own decisions! Mexico is not coming because the Conference is only for South America nations. And by the request of all of the nations in the Americas to boycott the Conference, I think that the British are hostile to us. To the Grenadine Confederation, we are sad that you didn't ban Mexico, but you gave good reasons to not do it. Edward is just like his mother, a insane person, that is looking for power to get full.

~ Emperor Pedro II, King of Brazil.

Grenadine Confederation
Statement by Juan Antonio Pardo, Foreign Minister

"In regards to the statements by the British state and their position about the Rio Conference, we need to remind them this is a Conference held by Southern American nations only, as Brazil has already declared. They have no need to intervene within these matters, for they belong only to the Southern region and are in no way related to the involvement of Mexico in the war; we are grateful for the understanding of both parties about the conservation of Mexico as a member of the Panamá Conference, although it hasn't formally taken place. We, however, urge Britain to restrain themselves in their statements against the Brazilian state. We also request that the rest of the American nations leave the Rio Conference among its members, for matters of a broader sense can be discussed in other forums."

Events of the World: 1864

Europe
Disappointed by the poor response by the public to the war and conscription, Albert Edward authorised the army to conduct reforms and to attempt to modernise the military.
(-£480, +1 army sublevel)

After the failure to build ships the previous year, the navy ordered shipyards to start spitting out vessels or face consequences. Grudgingly, a few new ironclads were built, but not nearly the amount the navy was hoping for.
(-£4,000, +2 ironclads, +2 ironclads in 1 turn)

The British navy, now that Italy's navy had been severely destroyed, moved to blockade the peninsula. It was mostly successful, but the huge length of the Italian coastline meant that a few smugglers managed to slip through occasionally. British vessels also moved against Russia's Far East to blockade there, but again, it was only partially successful. Finally, British ships in the Baltic began bombarding Dutch, Prussian, and Northern German ports and towns. Fierce defence by coastal batteries kept the raiders from doing too much damage.
(Italy partially blockaded, Russia even more blockaded, small decrease in income to Netherlands, Prussia)

The French also attempted to turn public opinion against the Prussians. With a large Prussian army camped out in Alsace-Lorrain, many were willing to believe, and a wave of nationalism swept through France.
(-£82, +10% public support)

Among the Belgian refugees that fled into France was a man called Joseph Montigny, who brought with him the designs for a revolutionary new weapon, the Montigny mitrailleuse, a crank-operated machine-gun. French military experts seized on the designs, and prototypes were soon being tested.
(-£410, +8% equipment)


Testing the new weapon

Hoping to demonstrate their new vessel to their allies across the channel, the Plongeur submarine was sent to Britain for studying. Unfortunately, it sank during the journey. British naval officials were not impressed.

Now that they had more time, French officers began to improve the training of their new recruits.
(-£510, +1 army sublevel)

The Prussian army decided that the current cannons were of poor quality compared to the French equivalents, and ordered the production of better quality cannons. Training immediately went ahead with the new weapons.
(-£490, +1 army sublevel)

Recruits continued to pour in, forming lines going around the blocks at recruitment offices, and the Prussian High Command eagerly went ahead with training them.
(+300,000 conscripts)

Prussian chemists managed to improve the quality of their gunpowder, making it burn more uniformly.
(-£300, +6% equipment)

Austria was made up of dozens of different ethnic groups, many of whom chafed under Hapsburg rule. A rousing speech by the Kaiser, however, convinced many to follow him, and any thoughts of rebelling against the Empire were effectively silenced.
(-£78, +5% public support)

By copying tactics from their allies and enemies alike, the Austrian army managed to improve the coordination and quality of their armed forces.
(-£580, +1 army sublevel)

Old military technology was gradually phased out with new designs in the Austrian army.
(-£310, +5% equipment)

In Sweden, the new constitution was finally drawn up, uniting the Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway with Denmark.

The quality of Sweden’s factories was modernised and improved.
(-£520, +1 industry sublevel)

With war raging in Europe, the neutral haven of Sweden led to a flood of refugees. The Swedish government opened its borders to the refugees.
(-£120, +10,000 population)

The Dutch navy decided that instead of building new ships, the better plan would be to convert the current wooden sail-powered vessels into armoured steam-driven ships.
(-£620, -1 ship-of-the-line, -3 sail frigates, +1 ironclad, +3 screw frigates)


Dutch ironclad – a former ship-of-the-line

Propaganda was released portraying the war as a Dutch nationalist struggle. There was some success in converting those against the war.
(-£110, +5% public support)

Factories in the Netherlands were directed to the production of new and better equipment for the Dutch army.
(-£300, +5% equipment)

The Russian army was reformed, with corrupt and nepotistic officers rooted out and replaced with those who had more merit for the job.
(-£490, +1 army sublevel)

The Russian army also attempted to produce newer models of artillery. However, a fatal design flaw went unnoticed until after production had begun, and it would be a while before the factories could fix the error.
(-£100)

A massive conscription plan went underway in Russia, with thousands of new recruits being given a uniform and a weapon and sent to the front line.
(+450,000 conscripts)

Domnitor Alexandru Ioan Cuza, leader of the Romanian people, made a rousing speech to improve Romanian unity and nationalism in this dangerous time.
(-£90, +5% public support)

Romanian shipyards began producing new vessels, although the low industry level struggled somewhat with the order.
(-£2,450, +1 screw frigate, +3 sail frigates)

Military drills were conducted by Romania to try and prepare for a Russian invasion.
(-£500, +1 army sublevel)

The Italian army began rapid conscription to prepare for the war. The recent victory in Veneto helped recruitment, however it was still fewer men than hoped.
(+120,000 conscripts)

The output of farms and mines in Italy were increased, all for the war effort.
(-£400, +1 resource sublevel)

Italian officers pored over reports of the strategy that led to victory in Veneto, and drills were conducted to test the new methods.
(-£490, +1 army sublevel)

Better quality equipment was purchased by the Italian military.
(-£310, +5% equipment)

In the Ottoman Empire, blueprints of the new breach loading Tabatière rifles gained from France were submitted to factories and weapons manufacturers. Production began, but many factories were slow to catch on how they work.
(-£300, +5% equipment in 1 turn)

A brutal reform of the tax system was launched, intending to crack down on corruption within the Ottoman bureaucracy.
(-£300, increased income)

Making use of French and British experts, the Ottoman army was drilled and pushed to new levels of efficiency.
(-£500, +1 army sublevel)

Greece, surrounded by the Ottoman Empire, decided on the construction of forts on the border, with regulars stationed there.
(-£450, increased defences on the Greek-Ottoman border)

The government seized control of farms and mines, claiming they were needed for the war effort. To their surprise, most were okay with the move, as Greek nationalism and anti-Turkish feelings were strong.
(-£360, +1 resource sublevel)

A propaganda campaign was launched to drum up support for the war.
(-£77, +5% public support)

Spain attempted to outfit their current vessels with better technology and better equipment.
(-£470, +1 navy sublevel)

Exploitation of Spain’s colonial resources was increased, as Spain itself had few natural resources.
(-£420, +2 resource sublevels)

Factories were built all over Spain in an attempt to increase industrial output.
(-£530, +1 industry sublevel)

The Americas
In the USA, the house and senate passed the 13th amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery in the United States. While some claimed it was an act of desperation, with pressure being piled on the CSA, this didn’t seem the case.
(+35 prestige)


First reading of the Emancipation Proclamation
Admiral Farragut, leading a fleet of one ironclad, six ships-of-the-line, ten screw frigates, and twelve sail frigates attempted to sail into Charleston harbour to bombard the Confederate capitol. However, Farragut underestimated the Confederate defences. Waiting until the Union ships had sailed deep into the harbour, Confederate batteries on the shore and on Fort Sumter opened fire, ambushing the Union fleet, forcing them to retreat under heavy fire.
(-1 ship-of-the-line, -3 screw frigates, -3 sail frigates to the USA)

Virginia, although occupied by the Union, still had a largely pro-confederate population. However, this was not the case in the western part of the state, and Lincoln allowed West Virginia to split from the rest of Virginia and become a separate state.

In the Confederacy, President Davis embarked on an ambitious plan to raise more recruits. He freed any slaves and their immediate families if they agreed to three years military service. Thousands rose to the opportunity, however some slave-owners demanded reparations, and there were many soldiers who did not like the idea of serving alongside black troops.
(-£120, +100,000 conscripts, -5% public support)

Hefty rewards were offered to any privateer who could sink or even capture a Union vessel. Many attempted this, but for the most part, the Union ships were victorious. However, a few managed to sink Union vessels, and one daring privateer even managed to capture one, returning to the Confederacy to claim his reward.
(-£100, +1 sail frigate to the CSA, -3 sail frigates to the USA)

The Confederacy, on top of allowing slaves to join, also widened the age-range for conscription. Many new recruits were now conscripted, but short of the amount the government hoped for.
(+72,000 conscripts, CSA now at their maximum level of conscripts)

A joint project between the Colombia government and the Church boosted the education of those living in the countryside.
(-£150, +5% education rate)

Incentives were offered to anyone who invested in Colombian factories. Many took the offer, as the war in Europe was hurting industrial output.
(-£470, +1 industry sublevel)

Better roads were built connecting ports with more inland regions, with the hopes that it would boost economic growth and commerce in the region.
(-£500, +1 infrastructure sublevel)

As it was election year in Colombia, a propaganda campaign launched by the Conservative candidate Bartolomé Calvo. It was successful, and the population stayed conservative.
(-£90, +5% public support, new leader)


Colombia’s new President

In Brazil, the government launched a massive agricultural campaign to increase the output of farms.
(-£310, +1 resource sublevel)

Transports were once again sent to North America to pick up refugees. As always, the ships were full.
(-£400, +7,000 population)

Trade flowed between Brazil and Sweden, trading Brazilian produce for Swedish technology, increasing the income of both nations.
(increased income to Brazil, Sweden)

Argentinean ports were upgraded and expanded, to facilitate an increase in trade. It was an ambitious plan, and an expensive one, but it soon brought results.
(-£720, +1 infrastructure sublevel, +1 resource sublevel)

The region of Patagonia was slowly brought under Argentine control, as settlers began to move south, protected by soldiers. Most natives of the region decided to join the Republic, but there was some sporadic fighting.
(-£200, Argentinean territory increased)

The government built schools in all urban areas, and implemented a policy to make primary education free and compulsory in Argentina.
(-£230, +7% education rate)

Foreign investors were encouraged to build factories in Argentina. Some took up the offer, but progress was slow.
(-£510, +1 industry sublevel in 1 turn)

Asia
The Great Qing furthered their education reforms, hoping to develop a modern and standardised system across the entirety of the Middle Kingdom.
(-£240, +6% education rate)

Roads and railways were built quickly and efficiently, connecting the outer regions of Mongolia and Xinjiang with more populous regions.
(-£490, +1 infrastructure sublevel)

Attempts were made to improve the quality of the military’s arsenals and shipyards, however bureaucratic errors meant little results.
(No effect)

The size of the Japanese navy was increased, with 3 new sail frigates and 2 new screw frigates joining the fleet. However, the cost was high.
(-£3,100, +2 screw frigates, +3 sail frigates)


Japanese naval vessel in Tokyo harbour

Naval war games were held in order to ensure the new vessels were integrated successfully into the Japanese fleet. These were expensive, but ultimately the new ships performed well.
(-£500, +1 naval sublevel)

The army was also reformed, with attempts made to review and change the military doctrine to reflect modern times.
(-£520, +1 army sublevel)

Countries of the World: 1864

For the duration of a painful decade, the people of Japan have been tolerating the shame of being treated as "lesser" in the face of the Western advance. The black ships of centuries before should have served as a warning. A warning that the world was changing and that the people of Japan would have to either change with it or be overwhelmed by the wave known as progress. Yet, the shogunate foolishly implemented Sakoku, and tried to isolate the nation from the world. Thus, as the world continued to progress into the future. We ignorantly remained in the past. It should not be surprising that eventually other would take advantage of that. The Treaty of Constantinople is the product of Dai Nippon's mistakes.

However, the willingness that the members of the treaty to assign these so called "spheres of influence" is an oversight that I will not forgive. To the members of the world who disagree and fight against the treaty for the assignment of such an unsubtle attempt at establishing regional hegemonies, I applaud you. Unfortunately, the Tsar of Russia did not take upon the mantle as an opponent of the treaty until much later after the drafting of the treaty. By doing so, the Empire of Russia has acted in complicity since it was one of the few active drafters of the treaty. The Empire of Russia could have rejected the implementation of the spheres of influence, informed other related parties, or even outright reject the treaty. Still, it sickens me that the Empire of Russia allowed the create of the sphere of influence over Asia, presumably for personal gain. The Empire of Russia could have been a leader in the international community for the progress of the continent of Asia, but it appears that the Tsar would prefer to be the Tsar of Asia. Therefore, in accordance with the articles of the Eternal Vigil, the Empire of Japan hereby declares war on the Empire of Russia.

The Empire of the Great Qing
An Edict of the Qing Imperial Government

By the Grace of Heaven, His Imperial Highness Prince Gong of the First Rank issues the following edict extraordinary on the behalf of The Present Emperor Above.

It is a regretful circumstance that the Russian Empire should have penned their signature to the disdainful Treaty of Constantinople, but altogether it is one that is admittedly not surprising. One merely has to look at the history of the Russian Empire's dealings with our own civilisation, let alone their encounters with the other peoples of the Orient, to see that this is merely the result of their unchecked ambition in dominating all within reach.

Since the days of the establishment of the Great Qing have we been in contact with the settlers of Russia journeying afar, but it can not be said these encounters were the most pleasant. Repeatedly did disturbances arise due to the impropriety of the Russians, as they flagrantly trespassed into the ancient homelands of our people in an attempt to settle their own homes there. They brought with them the latest weaponry as they attempted this disgraceful act of thievery, and it was only due to the successful victories won by the reigning Emperor Shengzu that such infringements came to an end. Although it was hoped by the Emperor that peaceful relations could now flourish between our peoples, this was not to last.

Indeed, it was during a time of great distress to the Qing Dynasty that the Russians saw fit to begin their old tricks and encroach upon the very same land in which they had coveted before. As our brave soldiers were battling with a rebellious heathen in the south, the Russian military entrenched upon the banks of the Amur. We were faced with no choice but to settle this matter at ransom. Although the Great Qing attempted to have simple negotiations based on politeness and respect as is the common courtesy, it would seem that Russia had a different idea of what construed good diplomatic protocol. The firing of artillery and cannon were common throughout the entire duration of our discussions, in a deliberate attempt to strike fear into the hearts of the innocent. Our diplomats could not fight swords with pens, and were compelled to sign away the land in order to save the lives of the many Chinese who to this day reside there in an atmosphere of terror.

Only a few years onwards from those days was the revelations of the Treaty of Constantinople discovered. Although the world was promised peace at the unveiling of this treaty, the signatories had chosen to blindly mislead us. The Great Qing, as much as we favoured a conciliatory stance with the powers of the Occident, was in shock and disgust at the secret 'sphere of influences' that had been revealed. It was at the behest of the Tsar that the Orient - a land of countless civilisations, ideals and philosophies - was designated as nothing more but yet another region of the Russian Empire. Evidently, the banks of the Amur had not been enough to satisfy the desires of this man.

Time and time again have the Russians proven their untrustworthiness and shown a longing in subduing the Orient for themselves, whether it may be the homeland of our people, the islands of Japan, the nomads of Central Asia or the Muslims of the Caucasus. The declaration of their sphere is nothing less than the Orient shall become nothing less than the personal realm of the Tsar if his ambition is not stopped. The eyes of the Tsar may look upon the entire continent hungrily, but the Great Qing can not idly stand by any further and allow the relentless greed of the Russians to continue terrorising the east.

The Great Qing shall therefore loyally stand by our allies in the Eternal Vigil in championing the sacred sovereignty of the Orient. We hereby declare a state of war between the ever eternal Celestial Empire and the barbarous Tsar of Russia.

[x] Juan Antonio Pardo, Colombian Foreign Minister and representative of the Grenadine Confederation on the Rio Conference
[X] Bartolome Mitre, President of the Argentine Republic and representative of the Argentine Confederation on the Rio Conference
[x]Brazilian Foreign Minister and representative of the Empire of Brazil on the Rio Conference

Confederate States of America

Excerpts from an Address to the Nation,

I'm afraid... I'm afraid I don't have much to say here. We are in a dark hour, indeed. I do believe that we must have all lost someone in this bloody war by now. But if we stop now, their life shall be for naught. We have come to far to give up our way of life. We must fight on.

Last night I was... I was looking over battle plans and strategies and my son came into the room. Jefferson Junior asked me to if I wanted my dinner brought to me - I hadn't eaten with my family that night - and I asked him to bring it to me. When he did, he asked me why I agreed to draft slaves as soldiers. I understand that many of you are not thrilled by the idea of us arming the animalistic negro to help us fight our war (in fact, many of you might very well seem frightened), but it seems to be a necessity. It shall stop for this year. We must see how things go. But I pray every night that God gives them strength to fight just as I pray that he gives strength to our other soldiers.

The decision to draft slaves as soldiers, I know, shall not mark me well in history. However, I have repeatedly tried to get foreign powers to help our cause of liberty - as it has been a long and horrible war so far - and every time I am met with the same response "We shall not support a nation that upholds slavery." I tell them I have no power in ending that and that it is an issue of the separate states of this Confederacy, but they do not listen. I did such a thing as a gesture of good faith to these foreign powers, so that they might reconsider helping the side of liberty.

I must also say, that if we are on God's side - and I do believe we are - then I must therefore believe God will come to the aide of any nation that helps us in our cause of liberty.

Thank you all for your hard sacrifice. Truly, God shall pay you back for it all in good time.

God Bless You, God Bless Our Boys in Gray, and May God Bless the Confederate States of America.

- Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America (on January 28, 1865)