I Became A Hidden Powerhouse Of The British Empire [EN]: Chapter 105

Civil War (3)

It was a given, but in 1840, large-scale press conferences as we know them today simply didn’t exist.

It wasn’t that politicians had no way to communicate with the press, of course.

Politicians typically held speeches and public meetings, which reporters attended to ask questions or take notes.

Or, politicians often directly issued statements or leaked information to newspapers.

They also used personal contacts or relied on Hansard [the official record of parliamentary debates] to inform articles.

But that was the extent of it.

The popularization of large-scale press conferences, so familiar to modern audiences, didn’t arrive until the end of the 19th century.

So, the reporters were wide-eyed, utterly astonished by this media-friendly performance, a first for them all.

Even reporters from the *Morning Chronicle*, *Daily News*, and *Spectator*, typically sympathetic to the Whig Party, regarded me favorably.

It was amusing that no one dared to step forward first, so novel was the experience.

Reporters not bombarding me with questions? A rare sight indeed.

“First, I want to thank you all for attending. Many of you are likely wondering why we organized this event. Mr. Wellesley and I have been constantly considering how to effectively communicate our party’s position. Politics is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and news organizations are growing larger, but how long should we cling to outdated methods? I felt strongly that it was simply too inefficient.”

As soon as I finished, the reporters nodded in unison, as if on cue.

Though often criticized and even compared to hyenas, even in this era, many reporters still possessed a strong sense of duty.

Those who sought to expose social injustices and critique politicians to improve the world felt a keen sense of frustration with the current system.

Newspapers were forced to rely on selective tidbits offered by politicians.

However, if a politician made an official inquiry to numerous media outlets in a public setting like this, reporters could ask questions they couldn’t broach in private.

People naturally become bolder and more courageous in a group.

“So, Mr. Wellesley and I, as politicians, have devised a way to better convey our message to you. This way, our authentic voices can better reach the citizens. From now on, we will regularly create opportunities for genuine communication.”

“Wonderful!”

“Assemblyman Wellesley and Minister Killian Gore are true politicians who care about citizens and the press!”

“Will the Conservative Party continue to communicate with reporters in groups like this in the future? Is this…”

“You can call it a press conference.”

“Press conference! I like that name. Hahaha!”

Of course, reporters had been called together for inquiries before.

However, this was the first time it had been officially institutionalized. As long as this was seen as a distinguishing feature of the new Conservative Party, the media would have no choice but to view us favorably, at least for now.

As soon as the pro-Whig reporters returned, they would write articles arguing that the Whig Party should hold similar meetings to counter the Conservative Party.

“Now that I’ve explained our reasons for creating this opportunity, let’s get to the main point. The events in Parliament today have spread throughout London, and most citizens are wondering what happened. The reporters probably can’t grasp the full picture from Hansard alone, so we want to present the objective facts.”

“Is it confirmed that the Prime Minister was impeached?”

“Yes. The Whig Party proposed it, and Mr. Wellesley and a majority of Conservative Party members agreed. This wasn’t merely an internal party conflict, but a national decision based on our judgment that there was a serious problem with the government.”

“Is there a serious problem with Prime Minister Robert Peel’s cabinet? Minister Killian Gore, you were a minister in that cabinet, weren’t you?”

A reporter from the *Spectator* asked cautiously.

It was a pointed question about whether I was betraying my own past, but I had anticipated it.

“To answer that, I need to explain how I became a minister in the first place. I wasn’t appointed because the Prime Minister trusted me completely. In fact, he likely hoped I would fail.”

This shocking revelation, never before revealed, visibly surprised the reporters.

They couldn’t imagine such a story coming from the youngest minister in history, a national hero.

It was a perfect opening for the world’s first official press conference.

“The Prime Minister sent me to Qing China [referring to China under the Qing dynasty] because diplomatic relations surrounding opium were deadlocked. Had I gone without a plan, I would have been forced to start an unjustified war, leaving a shameful mark on the British Empire. The Prime Minister didn’t want that stain on himself, so he made me a scapegoat. He appointed someone of Asian descent, familiar with Asian culture, to create a plausible excuse.”

“But you solved the problem incredibly well and brought enormous benefits to the British Empire. I heard the Prime Minister valued you greatly afterward…”

“That’s not true. Senior members of the Conservative Party seemed to resent my youth and success. They tried to send me to Hong Kong as a special envoy to Asia, arguing that since I had worked extensively in Asia, I should remain there. It almost happened. Here’s the documentation detailing the situation.”

As documents detailing the situation were placed on the table, the reporters scribbled furiously, exclaiming in surprise.

A national hero, returning with great achievements, nearly demoted by the old guard of the party.

Even a rough sketch paints a compelling picture, doesn’t it?

“Then why was the plan to send you to Asia abandoned?”

“Because it was discovered that a significant number of senior Conservative Party members were involved with opium merchants. The Prime Minister feared this would damage his approval ratings, so he changed his plan and supported my famine relief efforts instead of sending me to Asia.”

“Oh, my God, how could that be…”

“As that work neared completion, they grew impatient again. If things continued, my influence, along with that of Assemblyman Wellesley, who is currently very popular, would become too great. So, they attacked Assemblyman Wellesley under the guise of the Canadian Immigration Act.”

After explaining the situation, Wellesley, who had been silent, took over.

“I respect the achievements of senior politicians and always show courtesy. I pride myself on treating the party elders with sincerity. But respect must be reciprocal. Relationships shouldn’t be one-sided. If a junior respects a senior, the senior must treat the junior with tolerance and consideration. Sadly, our party seems to have forgotten even such basic etiquette.”

“So, you were in conflict with the Prime Minister?”

“I can tolerate attacks against myself. But Minister Gore is my political partner, whom I’ve supported since he was a child. He’s a talent who will grow into a great leader, supporting not only the Conservative Party but also the British Empire. Is it reasonable to discriminate against and crush such a person simply because he’s young and from Ireland?”

If I told this story, it would be seen as the complaint of an Irishman, but Wellesley is the second son of the Duke of Wellington [a highly respected and influential figure], no less.

Even a quiet statement from someone whose future is guaranteed within the English power elite becomes a powerful act of self-reflection, not a mere complaint.

“The British Empire is the greatest country in the world. Who are we? We are a politically advanced nation that established parliamentary order before anyone else. Who are we? We are a country of natural human rights that abolished the slave trade and slavery before any other. What this country needs is ability. I will do my best to create an era where talented people can fully exercise their abilities!”

“Does that mean anyone can be hired as long as they have the ability?”

“Of course, I don’t value ability alone. Ability is important, but so are patriotism and a love for the country! An unwavering belief in upholding the values inherited from our ancestors! If a person has the ability to back it up, I will welcome them with open arms. I’m not just saying that. The minister next to me is from Ireland. And my close friend, Assemblyman Disraeli, is of Jewish descent. So what? No one has contributed more to the British Empire or thinks more about its future than they do.”

The reporters’ eyes sparkled as they scribbled furiously, not wanting to miss a single word.

Wellesley deliberately paused to allow them to catch up before continuing passionately.

“I agreed to the Prime Minister’s impeachment not simply because he attacked me. If that were the only reason, I would have submitted the motion long ago. It was because the Prime Minister’s values and policies were straying too far from the foundation of the British Empire, which should be oriented toward a new era. Someone had to correct this and restore the spirit of the Conservative Party!”

“So, are you planning to completely separate from Prime Minister Robert Peel’s side in the upcoming new election?”

“It’s unfortunate, but it has become inevitable. They are trying to crush the new sprouts growing in the party! They are using the immigration law, which affects millions, as a tool for political strife! How can we continue to entrust the party to those who cannot reflect on their mistakes and cry betrayal? I, Charles Wellesley, will restore the true value of the Conservative Party through this election!”

“Oh…”

The fire has been lit.

Through the *Morning Post*, acquired in advance through James, we’ll continue to publish articles that criticize Robert Peel and the senior party members relentlessly.

Even if they try to dismiss this as propaganda, the initiative in public opinion has already shifted to our side since we struck first with a large-scale press conference.

We’re also planning to provide the reporters with evidence that will send the Prime Minister and the corrupt senior members of the party to hell, so nothing the Prime Minister says will be believed.

I heard that as soon as the vote ended, they decided to fight with public opinion, which is only to my benefit.

If they want to fight with propaganda and fabrication, we’ll show them a taste of the 21st-century political scene.

Perhaps the capsaicin [the chemical compound that gives chili peppers their spiciness] concentration will be so high they won’t recover?

Wellesley, watching the reporters leave with satisfied expressions, remarked in a low voice, “Now that the first step is complete, can we begin the next stage?”

“Let’s do it. They’ll realize within a day or two that they can’t win with public opinion and change direction.”

“Fortunately, my father has decided to help. There will be no problem with the House of Lords [the upper house of the UK Parliament].”

“What father wouldn’t help his son become Prime Minister? Then I’ll go to the palace with peace of mind. I have an appointment to meet with His Majesty [referring to the King or Queen of the United Kingdom].”

If public opinion fails, they’ll try to suppress us with authority and power. But what can they do?

If they come to their senses, the House of Lords and the royal family will be on our side.

Can they still hold their heads high after turning all the classes of the British Empire into enemies? Let’s wait with anticipation.

Struggling to the end without acknowledging the trend will only lead to a deeper fall.

I hate to admit it, but from this moment on, the Conservative Party is virtually ours.