Chapter 165: Recruitment Advertisement
On October 3, 1868, the "Stuttgart Evening News" published a job advertisement that caught the attention of many skilled workers in the Wurttemberg area. The advertisement urgently called for construction workers with specific requirements: skilled workers, familiarity with various German-style buildings, and a minimum of five years of work experience. The advertisement offered an enticing package: the opportunity for family members to accompany the worker, overseas employment, benefits such as allocated housing, free education for children, an eight-hour workday, and a monthly salary of 3 Taylor and 5 Groschen.
In an era where labor conditions were often harsh and job opportunities scarce, this advertisement was incredibly tempting for workers like Fisher who had faced unemployment and hardship. Fisher, in his thirties, had been left jobless due to his age, as employers preferred younger workers. He came from a family of construction workers, with his father having served in the Kingdom of Wurttemberg's army during the war against Napoleon. Despite the challenges, Fisher had inherited his father's trade and small house.
Fisher's situation worsened during the Prussian-Austro-Prussian War, which ended quickly without any significant fighting in the southwest of Germany. As a result, Fisher was retired from the army without receiving his military salary, making him jobless and facing a bleak future.
Fisher discussed the possibility of immigrating to East Africa with his wife, Anna, who expressed concerns about the unknown and the risks associated with such a move. The couple weighed the options and decided that, given their difficult circumstances, it might be worth taking a chance on the opportunity offered by the Hexingen Consortium in East Africa.
They understood the challenges of finding work in Europe, where job conditions in some factories were unfavorable and unreliable. Fisher's friend had shared stories of harsh working conditions, long hours, and wage defaults in these factories. Despite these challenges, they believed they could endure for the sake of their family. However, with four family members to support, they needed a more stable solution.
Fisher assured his wife that they would not face a dire fate in East Africa, as many others had already chosen to immigrate there. He had seen groups of farmers and immigrants heading to East Africa near the Stuttgart station, suggesting that a significant number of Germans had already made the journey.
In the end, Anna agreed, understanding that they needed to take a chance to secure a better future for their family. Fisher was moved by his wife's support and promised to make their lives better in East Africa if the opportunity proved promising.
By December, the Fisher family had arrived in the East African colony with the guidance and support of the Hexingen Consortium. They traveled on a boat specifically provided for family immigrants, ensuring a smoother and safer journey. Their destination was Dar es Salaam, where Fisher's work had been arranged.
Ernst, the architect of the East African colony, had meticulously planned every aspect of its development, leaving no room for error. He understood the importance of ensuring the success of the colony, including welcoming family immigrants like Fisher and providing them with the best possible conditions for a fresh start.
For the colony to thrive in the future, Ernst recognized the need to address various issues, such as indigenous relations. Additionally, he was determined to remove all evidence of the colonial era's darker aspects, ensuring that East Africa would not have to contend with disputes related to its history. This included the destruction of remains from indigenous civilizations, a step he believed necessary for the colony's healthy development.