Chapter 371: Business
Cultural relics serve as vessels of culture, and culture is a precious commodity in emerging countries like East Africa, not to mention nations with short histories, such as the United States and even Russia.
Russia, though not lacking in historical depth, has faced a tumultuous past. It has grappled with its history, often overshadowed by the Mongol Empire and the Golden Horde, becoming a target of ridicule by the Western world. Its position in Europe has been tenuous, leading to historical nihilism. Each era, from Tsarist Russia to the Soviet Union, has denied the previous one, leaving Russia in a perpetual identity crisis, oscillating between Europe and Asia. The entire Slavic nation shares this struggle, but if they can find cultural self-confidence, they possess the potential to change the world.
The Kingdom of East Africa and Russia share a commonality in the presence of both yellow and white races. Nearly half of East Africa's citizens have roots in the Far East. Ernst acknowledges this history and believes that it is essential to consolidate the East African Kingdom's rule by promoting complete Germanization. Recognizing that the world's focal point resides in Europe, East Africa's alignment with Europe can enhance its participation in international affairs as a German nation. Germany, as a cultural concept, need not be confined to Europe, just as the United States, located in the Americas, remains an English-speaking country.
Ernst envisions the East African Kingdom as a nation formed through the fusion of German and Chinese influences. Consequently, the East African Kingdom has a legitimate claim to inherit the legacies of both cultures. This is why Ernst intends to preserve his private collection in East Africa, considering it a valuable cultural asset of the kingdom. The presence of Chinese blood in East Africa's descendants, akin to the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia, serves as a reminder of their shared heritage with Yan and Huang.
Ernst has another motive behind these actions – to enrich Germany's own history and culture. Germany's identity primarily stems from the glorious history of the Holy Roman Empire in Europe and its cultural identity shaped by Napoleon the Great. However, compared to the Far Eastern civilization, Germany's history was relatively barren before it defeated Rome. East Africa, in its heyday, can bridge this historical gap by blending the Far Eastern civilization with German history. In doing so, East Africans can claim a heritage spanning five thousand years, embracing the histories of both civilizations.
Ernst's conviction rests on the belief that the history of their ancestors is the history of their own nation, and East Africa stands as the natural heir to two distinct yet complementary civilizations. For Ernst, this mission bears no burden on his conscience.
While Ernst lingered in the Port of Trieste, Director of Immigration Thomas had already reached Haiti, embarking on his mission.
The route from Europe to North America boasted an abundance of ships, eliminating concerns about a shortage of available flights. A group of white passengers disembarked in Port-au-Prince, attracting minimal attention. Port-au-Prince, the capital of the Republic of Haiti, served as the political, economic, and cultural nucleus of the nation, as well as its largest port city.
In 1843, an earthquake had ravaged Cap Haitien, the former capital of Haiti, and a subsequent fire had devastated Port-au-Prince. The city had undergone renovations since then, yet it failed to recapture its former glory.
The current President of Haiti, Nissage Sage, had complicated matters by supporting France during the Franco-Prussian War. This decision had strained relations with Germany, which had demanded a £3,000 compensation and dispatched two warships to Port-au-Prince as a show of force. Haiti reluctantly complied with Germany's demands. Haiti had witnessed two presidencies in just three years before Nissage Sage, with Fabre Gevlar being a notable exception. Gevlar's rule was characterized by practical reforms, a period many considered the nation's best. However, towards the end of his tenure, he resorted to familiar patterns, amending the constitution, increasing his own salary, acquiring personal luxuries, and funneling funding into the military and hospitals.
Sylvian Sarnav, Gevlar's successor in 1867, had forced him out of office. Sarnav's presidency was marked by a series of ill-advised decisions, including the suppression of opposition, constitutional amendments to consolidate power, and his declaration as president for life, which ultimately led to his downfall.
Haiti's history had been marred by instability, and Nissage Sage's presidency was no exception. Director Thomas, however, regarded this chaos as an opportunity rather than a hindrance. After extensive inquiries, he located the Chelos family in Port-au-Prince, a family of local prominence with a mixed heritage of black and white ancestry. Thomas believed that collaborating with such an influential family was prudent, given the ever-present risk of presidential turnovers in Haiti.
The Chelos family, hailing from a high-caste background, differed from the typical rulers. Their patriarch, Old Chelos, had been a distinguished figure who had made significant contributions to the country's foundation. Unlike other leaders, Old Chelos displayed more interest in accumulating wealth than wielding political power. As a result, the Chelos family had weathered countless presidencies and emperors. Old Chelos had passed away in 1863, and his eldest son, Chelos Jr., now managed the family's affairs.
At the Chelos family's estate, Chelos Jr. received Thomas cordially.
"Hello, Patriarch Chelos! I heard of your family's reputation when I first arrived in Guibao Land. They say the Chelos family is a name synonymous with trust in Port-au-Prince."
Chelos Jr. inquired, "And who might you be?"
"I am a businessman from France," Thomas replied, "You may call me Medina."
Thomas's ability to converse in multiple languages, a testament to his proficiency, was one of the reasons he held the position of Director of the East African Immigration Agency.
Upon hearing the mention of France, Chelos Jr. grew cautious. Although he found Thomas's French accent slightly unusual, he didn't show it. Instead, he responded, "Ah, France. My great-grandmother was French, and I've studied in France, so I'm quite familiar with the language. But tell me, Mr. Medina, where in France are you from, and why have you sought out the Chelos family?"
Thomas explained, "I come from northeastern France, near Belgium, which explains the Dutch accent you've noticed."
Chelos Jr. nodded in understanding, "I see. So, Mr. Medina, what brings you to our family?"
Thomas came straight to the point, "Slavery."
Chelos Jr. cleared his throat, surprised by Thomas's straightforwardness, but he quickly regained his composure, "I'm afraid that's not acceptable, Mr. Medina. The international community has abolished the slave trade. If Haiti were to participate in such activities, it could lead to severe consequences."
He even suspected this might be a trap set by the French, a bait to catch violators of the anti-slavery laws.
Thomas assured him, "Mr. Chelos, please don't worry. I am merely a slave trader, driven by the pursuit of profit. If the Chelos family can provide my fleet with some conveniences