Conference Concerning Colonialism: Victoria Earth.

[Madredia]

Conference Concerning Colonialism





This is a thread to ICly hold the Conference Concerning Colonialism, in which the Empire of Benin will discuss with the invited nations the pressing horrible issue of colonialism in Africa. The invitees are the ASU, Austria, Hispania, The Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the Tuareg, and the Boers.

[Boriem]

When Hans Saxe-Coburg was selected as delegate to go to the Colonial Conference of 1910 he wasn't sure how to feel. But, now as he had gone north from King James Land(Austrian Cameroon), he began to miss his Austrian manor even more.

The city of Eko was no where near as beautiful, or old as Vienna. Such was to be expected of a state which has survived over seven hundred years compared to an only recently industrializing African nation.

Hans went to Stuart University over in New Vienna, and after graduating he was chosen via election to be the Archgovernor of both Austrian East Africa and King James Land. Although Hans much preferred Austria, his repeated attempts to abdicate early were always met with resistance by locals who saw his as a "beacon of freedom" in the world of corrupt governments. His political stance is decidedly Liberal, although his stance is more of that of a centrist.

[Madredia]

OOC: Not to ruin your post, but IRL Benin City (Eko in the AWRP) has been around since 1100, some quotes:

A 17th century Dutch engraving from Olfert Dapper's Nauwkeurige Beschrijvinge der Afrikaansche Gewesten, published in Amsterdam in 1668 wrote:
The king's palace or court is a square, and is as large as the town of Haarlem and entirely surrounded by a special wall, like that which encircles the town. It is divided into many magnificent palaces, houses, and apartments of the courtiers, and comprises beautiful and long square galleries, about as large as the Exchange at Amsterdam, but one larger than another, resting on wooden pillars, from top to bottom covered with cast copper, on which are engraved the pictures of their war exploits and battles..."
—Olfert Dapper, Nauwkeurige Beschrijvinge der Afrikaansche Gewesten

The Portuguese actually compared Benin to the city of Lisbon, the Dutch to Antwerp, and they commented on how it was amazing and told of how beautiful it was when they got back to Europe, so if you could change the part about the city not being as beautiful that would be appreciated. Also, I wouldn't really say recently industrializing as we had our industrial revolution in the mid to late 1800s.

[Boriem]

OOC: Sorry about that. But he probably is a bit... I forgot the word...

[Madredia]

OOC: Oh yeah sure its all good. Its an understandable mistake. Or the rep you sent is a kind of snob. Lets wait before posting more so the other invitees can post their first pots

[Mendachuva]

Pretoria,
Boer-Zulu Union

Elmo TerBlanche stood next to his fellow ambassador, Manelesi, as the group of Zulus approached them for the ceremonial departure blessing. They pressed their dark thumbs to his high cheeks, leaving white streaks across his face. Then same happened to Manelesi.

The elders mumbled some words in Zulu before departing.

"Now get together for the picture, boys!" Shouted Prime Minister Smuts. The two suited men grabbed each other's hand and turned to smile over their shoulders. There was a blinding flash.

Soon they boarded the small government luxury ship after traveling across the country from the capital to the Cape of Good Hope. The blessings of the Zulu elders would bring the both of them great luck on their journey to Eko, where they would meet with several other representatives to talk of the Great Debate of the time: African colonialism. The two men, Boer and Zulu alike, would be face-to-face with some of the most powerful men in the world. This journey would prove to be one of the most influential, and most memorable times of this era, with the world watching, this conference would soon decide the future of millions.

[Ceannairceach]

Eko, Beninese Empire

Alexandros Papazoglakis, commonly called Alexandros the Athenian, was, like many members of the foreign ministry of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, a Knight in Obedience. This meant, to those unfamiliar with the ranking structure of the Knights Hospitaller, that he was of the second class, while Professed Knights were of the first, and Knights in Grace and Devotion or Magistral Grace not in obedience, along with the Donats, were of third class, with civilians being of an unspoken of fourth class.

To put it into context, Alexandros was not a friar, or at least did not hold the title of one, as those Professed Knights did. Rather, he was a man who made a promise to adhere to Christian values and morals, rather than taking a vow as the Professed did. Still, he was a member of the Knights of St. John, and thus held sway here and abroad, especially as their official representative to the Beninese Empire.

The Knights had established a small, modest embassy, formerly a small Catholic church, the lands having been bought from the Holy See. In order to adhere to the promise of chastity, poverty and obedience to the Knights and to the Pope, it was very modest and sparsely decorated and furnished, but still maintained some of the illustrious church feel to it.

Due to this embassy, Alexandros was already in Benin when the telegraph inviting the Sovereign Military Order to the Colonial Conference arrived in Valletta. Some time after, the message was sent to the embassy to requesition the highest ranking ambassador for the duty of representing the Knights of St. John in the conference.

That man was Alexandros.

Now, he was seen walking in his ceremonial habit with the white Maltese cross stitched onto the front. His escorts, two Sicilian men in Maltese red garb of similar design, were flanking him, armed simply with rifles and a sword each. Their own outfits were meant to mimic those of the old knights, though was still easily comfortable in the tropical environment.

[Saragrossa]

Eko, Beninese Empire

Within the chambers of the Hispania Embassy, a telegraph was received from Princeps Alonso Borgia whom stated that autocrat and diplomatic envoy to Beninese Empire, Manuel Pelliegro be asked to speak on his behalf due to the precarious situation erupting in Ireland. The envoy was very well respected within the Beninese high society and government. He was a soft spoken by serious and polite/considerate man who built himself from humble beginnings. Like all political officers in Hispania, he served twenty years in the military, earning his citizenship and retired from the armed forces. His residence was the grand embassy dubbed " The White Hotel " since Hispania Republic had just renovated their embassy and took over the lease of one of the most famous but aged landmarks, the Preston hotel which was founded by Hispania missionaries whom first contacted the Beninese. It was an seemingly ancient hotel but the renovation brought much grandeur and luxury to the residence.

It was a small trip for the Hispanic as they arrived in style, in a parade of motor luxury vehicles with the ambassador surrounded by four legionnaires but they were lightly armed and just there for the symbolism. He came with a warm welcome and brought two bottles of the finest wine from Valencia and a small basket of exotic spanish fruit as a welcome gesture to his Benin Host. It was the traditional custom and it was one of the reasons why the Hispanic were respected, due their ability to accept and embrace the customs of their partners.

Pelliegro entered the conference hotel a day before hoping to have a private, one on one moment with Beninese leadership.

[Madredia]

Eko, Benin Empire

Benin "Minister" of Foreign Affairs Salvatore Ozuere stood outside the Great Hall of Thought, which is where all major philosophical conferences were held. This location had been particularly chosen, so that the conference would be seen as more of a peaceful event and not as threatening. Salvatore was of the Philosopher half of the High Council. and so would handle most of the diplomacy out front, while conferring with his Practical counterpart behind closed doors. The hall was prepped and ready to receive visitors. The glorious bronze and wooden carvings adorned the courtyard around a large fountain. All this in front of the large, columned, Great Hall. All he could think about was making sure he was firm, and spoke as an equal, to show that the Benin Empire was on a world level, a great nation, but at the same time not seem threatening. He was snapped out of his trance like state by the yell of a young Philosopher, his protoge Ore. "Sir, the Hispanian delegation approaches, and further behind the Hospitallers." Well, Salvatore thought, Better make a good impression He stepped forward from in between the 2 Legion of Benin squads that stood in perfect form to his left and right. "Good day," he greeted Manuel Pelligro, " And welcome. Thank you for the gifts, I'm sure the Oba will very much appreciate these." he said as he accepted the wine and fruits. "I trust the hotel is to your liking, it actually adjoins to the main hall. I trust you wish to convers so I we may as I escort you to your room. The conference will begin tomorrow after the arrival of all guests"

[Saragrossa]

Eko, Benin Empire

" Pleasure to meet you Salvatore Ozuere, " He extended his hand and embraced the man's welcome as the envoy was escorted graciously around the hotel. " The Hotel is splendid and I expected nothing less. You've always been so very gracious and kind to your guests. " The Hispanic man spoke kindly and he whispered in the other officials eye. " I was hoping to have private time, we have some matters of state to discuss amongst our nations. Just to solidify our unions and talk about certain matters regarding the future welfare our states in this bustling time of ours. " The Hispanic man smiled and recieved the escort as they made their way to his room. The Spaniard was well dressed and was older, he was in his early sixties but he stood tall and walked without an aid. He carried several documents within a secured Balenciaga Briefcase that was firmly handcuffed to his wrist.

[Madredia]

Eko, Benin Empire

Salvatore had always loved the graceful mannerisms of the Spaniards. The Benin Empire and Hispania had always been close, so Salvatore would be all ears to whatever the Spaniards had to say. Ore could handle the arrival of the new guests, and it would be great experience for him. "Ah, thank you for your kind words, Manuel." said Salvatore. "Now, what exactly would you like to discuss"

[Boriem]

Hans arrived by horse-drawn carriage. It was, after all, the best both King James Land and the Austrian East Africa Company could afford. Hans brought the only gift that he could afford using his state-paid salary. The gift was a platter. The platter was made out of a combination of steel and copper. On the platter was engravings of various events in Austrian history. Although the platter looked regal, if it was not the only one, it would have been equivalent to "20#", hopefully the Africans would not care about the quality.

As he entered the building(which was, unsurprisingly much better than both the derelict forts which acted as the "palaces" of King James Land and the Austrian East Africa Company) he was greeted by seeing some of the Knights Hospitaller. Hans himself was a Catholic, as most of the people in the colonies were. Unfortunately for Hans, he had been called to give a lecture on political science after the conference. He just hoped that when he returned to KJL he could just relax...

[Mishmahig]

Eko, Benin Empire
Anglo-Scanian Union Embassy

The man stood contemplatively, staring out the window at the bustling streets below. Richly appointed merchants hurried to and from business meetings, scholars carried armfuls of books, and dozens of children capered in the street. The sounds and scents of the city seeped in, and the man sighed deeply as he inhaled the exotic flavors. Turning slightly, he addressed his aide, who was standing in front of his desk, waiting for him.

"Such a wonderfully vibrant city, wouldn't you say, John?"

At this, the aide visibly started, recovering from his temporary reverie. "Yes sir, if you say so. Sir, if you don't mind, we really must get to the Great Hall, or we'll be late for the meeting--and that would send entirely the wrong message to our hosts."

"Yes, yes," the ambassador said, waving a hand idly. "The gifts are ready? We have all our papers and assorted orders? Excellent." Grabbing the briefcase that stood by his desk, he hurried to the door, handing the briefcase to the aide as he exited. Pausing for a minute as he emerged onto the crowded street, he peered in the direction of the Great Hall, and set off. Walking briskly for a few minutes, with his aide hurrying after him, he tilted his head slightly and addressed the man behind him.

"No doubt you're wondering why we're not taking the motorcar, or the carriage, John. The reasoning is quite simple---the Hispanians will no doubt show up in all their finery, as will the other nations, all of them seeking to impress our hosts with their riches and plumes," he said, snorting in slight contempt. "Meanwhile, we arrive in suitably appropriate clothes, in a suitably humble manner, bearing an appropriate gift. Compared to us, the other nations will appear like peacocks--flashy, and full of guile."

He slowed as they entered the courtyard before the Great Hall. Seeing the Hispanian ambassador deep in a discussion with the Benin Minister, he subtly altered his course, heading for the younger Philosopher standing in the courtyard. Looking into his eyes, the ambassador grasped his hand firmly, shaking it for a moment or two before releasing it.

"Well met, well met. I am Ambassador Suresh, former governor of the colony of Ceylon, representative of the Anglo-Scanian Union at this Colonization Conference, and if you'll excuse me, a humble scholar," he said, smiling warmly. "It's always a pleasure to meet someone who devotes their lives to the pursuit of such knowledge and skill."

The aide opened the briefcase slightly and extracted two books, handing them to the ambassador. "Allow me to contribute, as humbly as I can, to the great store of knowledge your libraries already hold. Truly, they are the envy of the world, and I hope these books---a treatise on the flora and fauna of Anglo-Scania, and another treatise on political theory, the latest from the Anglo-Scanian publishing industry--prove to be a worthy addition."

Clapping the man lightly on the back, he beamed and looked up at the imposing structure before him. "Now then," he said, his tone becoming more business-like, "how shall we go about this Colonization Conference? The telegram I received was most informative, but there are always more questions to be asked and discussed, as you and I well know."

[Madredia]

Ore was impressed by the man that now stood before him with an imposing figure. The Hospitaller guests were inside discussing with the Austrian gentleman, and now this towering man from the ASU had come forward and greeted him. He made sure to shake the man's hand firmly. The man reached into his briefcase and handed Ore some literature which he was fascinated by. As a Philosopher, he would look forward to adding these to the library, and spending hours of study with them. "thank you for the gifts sir, to answer your question, the Conference will be starting tomorrow morning, and hopefully the last guests, the French, and the Tuareg will have arrived by then. I would be happy to answer any questions about the conference."

[Mendachuva]

Eko,
Benin Empire

The two men had gotten strange looks all over the city. Men and women stopped to look at the hulking Zulu man nearly arm-in-arm with the scrawny, Boer ambassador. They made their way to the great palace they were told to meet at.

"I have never seen such a magnificent place..." Manelesi said in awe, looking to the top of the palace.
"Wait till you see the inside, my friend." Elmo replied. They both spoke in English, the language taught in the schools of the Union, though Manelesi's was far more broken and thick with Zulu accent, while you could hear the distinct South African-Dutch taint in Elmo's voice, which the both of them had acquired over time.

"There will be nothing quite like this conference, you know, Manelesi?"
"Of course not. How do you think they will expect us to act at this conference? Will they expect us to hold against the colonization, or embrace it?"
"I don't think they will expect a thing we have to say. I think they are confident we will reject their colonial advances, and they can only hope that we accept them. We bring to the table something unique, Manelesi, you know that." They entered the palace gates, and into the courtyard, making their way to the main hall.
"Right, right. Perhaps we are alienating ourselves from the other African nations?"
"That does not matter, my friend. In the survival of the fittest, only the strong will survive. Negotiating with the Europeans can only bring greater strength to our nation, and theirs. We will be equal to them, and be able to hold our own in the great changing world. How does that proverb go? When two elephants fight, something happens. We need to be an elephant, Manelesi!"
"The proverb goes, 'When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.' We may very well end up as the grass, Elmo, and it could be our fault for creating the elephants..." Manelesi held in his hands the ceremonial beaded necklace; a gift to the host.

[Madredia]

Ore noticed to his left as he spoke to Ambassador Suresh from the ASU, a large African man standing next to a man who appeared European. Ah, these must be the Boer and Zulu representatives He graciously accepted the necklace the Zulu man offered. "This is quite beautiful," he said. "I am talking with ambassador Suresh from the ASU, why don't you men join us, or I can have someone show you to your rooms," " The Conference will begin tomorrow morning"

[Madredia]

OOC: We will actually either sim to the next day when everyone is ready, or when the Tuareg arrive

[Mishmahig]

OOC: We will actually either sim to the next day when everyone is ready, or when the Tuareg arrive

OOC: I believe Danbershan (the Tuareg guy) said that he would post when he got home in a few days. In the interests of moving this RP along, I suggest that we do a time-skip to tomorrow morning sometime in the next few hours/day. Just my two cents, though.

[Madredia]

OOC: Yeah I agree, in the next few hours maybe. I just don't want to start the conference when no one is online, or else it'll only be two people discussing. But sure, in the next few hours

[Saragrossa]

OOC: Let's roll?

[Syleru]

OOC: Sorry I haven't posted, family stuff, I'll get a post up tomorrow.

[Madredia]

OOC: Tomorrow, Monday, the 6th, we'll fast forward to the meeting. I'll do it when a few more people are online.

[Madredia]

OOC: Alright im jumping it forward now.

[Madredia]

Salvatore had not been able to sleep due to the anticipaton of what this morning was to bring. His Practical counterpart had made it perfectly clear that if things didnt go well at this conference, the Empire could be at war within the next two months. Salvatore put on his traditional wear and made his way down from the hotel room to the Conference hall. "Jesus give me strength" he prayed. The guests would soon be walking into the Conference hall.

[Ceannairceach]

Alexandros Papazoglakis had spent most of the evening in prayer and meditation, only sleeping some few hours before he rose at dawn to make the necessary preparations for his most anticipated appearance in the Conference Concerning Colonialism, or as it was known in the halls of the Maltese government, the Conference of African Powers.

Though Alexandros' government had no African holdings, they were likely invited, along with the other nations who held no interest in the African continent, as observers and shows of faith towards European politics. If the Beninese could gain friends amongst the nations of Europe who do not intend on colonizing the continent, then their Empire could use them to posture for a halt of current attempts, perhaps even a decolonization effort concerning the smaller or least profitable colonies.

Alexandros was dressed modestly, as was befitting a man who made a promise of poverty when he took up the Maltese Cross. He wore a blackish-brown habit emblazoned with the Cross of the Knights in Obedience, a Maltese cross with some more intricate designs upon it. He wore around his neck a simple wooden cross with a died-black twine necklace, and on his feet black boots for easy walking. He had nothing to offer the Beninese in terms of gifts; His monastic promise gave little in terms of pay, and was out of faith rather than out of a desire for worldly gain, and thus hoped that they would understand, as his reports told him that many Beninese within the Benin Empire were Catholic.

Flanked once more by his Knightly guard, he entered the conference hall humbly, his head low, leaving his escort at the door with a simple bow. His guard was unarmed this time, merely there to ensure his safe conduct to the conference chamber rather than to ward off unsavory men or assault. Once safe inside, they left the room, heading Lord knows where.

Greeting Salvatore Ozuere with a similar bow to that he had offered his escort, the Knight of St. John introduced himself kindly, saying, "Greetings, Mr. Ozuere. I am, as ever, Alexandros Papazoglakis, or as friends call me should they find my Greek name too difficult to pronounce, Alexandros the Athenian, ambassador to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, the Knights of St. John. We spoke so shortly before that I felt it proper to introduce myself formally here." He offered another short bow. "May I ask what the agenda of discussion shall be for the conference?"