Chapter 598: The Song of Poland · Part Three
"The pump can only handle depths of up to 60 meters in actual use," explained the geologist. "And even then, the flow rate might only be as wide as a finger."
Joseph felt a twinge of disappointment but wasn't ready to give up just yet.
"What is the power output of the pump you're describing?" he asked.
"26 horsepower, Your Highness. To my knowledge, that's the maximum output current steam engines can achieve. Paris University's forging experiments use a machine of the same capacity," the geologist replied.
Suddenly, a glimmer of hope flashed in Joseph's mind, and he leaned forward slightly.
"What if we had a 52-horsepower steam engine? Do you think it could pump out the water in these shafts?"
The old scholar hesitated, then took up his pen to make calculations. After a moment, he looked up.
"The water seepage here is substantial, but with a machine of that power, it could probably pump out 15 to 18 cubic meters per hour from that depth. In fact, even 40 horsepower would suffice."
Joseph's eyes lit up as he turned to the survey data.
"So, with six or seven pumps, we could completely drain the water?"
"Yes, Your Highness," the geologist confirmed. "However, I must caution you—such powerful steam engines do not yet exist."
Joseph smiled.
"No, Mr. Primen, they already do."
He was delighted to realize that the LJ52, the latest model from the United Steam Engine Company, had found its perfect application in Poland's silver mines.
Mining operations required pumps to run continuously for extended periods, which would not only solve Poland's flooding problem but also reveal any hidden flaws in the new steam engines.
It was a win-win!
Preparing for a Breakthrough
After the geologist left, Joseph resumed reading Sieyès' report.
"The Polish military needs to expand by at least 60,000 soldiers. Recruitment and training will likely take a year, or perhaps just six months if we accelerate."
Joseph considered bringing Polish soldiers to the Lyon Military Technical School for training but quickly dismissed the idea.
Not only was Lyon's capacity insufficient for such large numbers, but this move would also blatantly signal France's determination to defend Poland, inviting diplomatic repercussions and isolating France on the international stage.
"Is there a way to train troops efficiently without spending a fortune?"
Inspired by his recent success with the silver mine problem, Joseph quickly thought of a solution.
"There's one place that might work… and Leopold II will surely be delighted."
A smile spread across his face as he continued reading.
Key Developments in Poland
The report revealed that King Stanisław II had agreed to travel to Saint Petersburg, while Prince Poniatowski had been appointed Hetman (Supreme Commander) and Second Royal Minister (equivalent to Prime Minister).
The title of Hetman made Poniatowski the top military authority, while his ministerial role elevated him to Poland's second-most powerful figure.
Joseph nodded in approval. Stanisław II's humility was admirable; recognizing his limitations, he willingly delegated power to his capable nephew.
Turning to his steward, Joseph instructed:
"Please inform Mr. Verien to prepare for a trip to Poland."
Verien, Joseph's personal makeup artist, had been underutilized due to the prince's distaste for extravagant French fashion. Now, his skills in disguise would finally come in handy.
Poland's Progress
The rest of Sieyès' report highlighted the practical measures Poland had implemented over the past two years:
Establishing the Federal Military Committee under the Sejm (Polish Parliament).Successfully persuading Russian forces to withdraw from Polish territory.Conducting Poland's first-ever national census.Creating a new intelligence agency, the Committee for Liberty and Security, based on remnants of the Bar Confederation.Gradually reforming the political system by following Joseph's advice to avoid prematurely enacting the May 3rd Constitution.
Poland had done all it could within its limited resources.
Testing the LJ52 in the Tarnowskie Góry Silver Mine
Two weeks later, at the Tarnowskie Góry silver mine in Kraków, Poland's Royal Minister Malachowski stood amidst a group of officials, mine shareholders, and technicians. All eyes were fixed on eight massive, cylindrical machines.
As workers fed coal into the furnaces, thick black smoke poured from the chimneys, and the machines began to hum and tremble.
Suddenly, water gushed from the copper pipes, flowing into pre-dug drainage ditches and rushing down the mountainside.
A cheer erupted from the crowd.
"Praise God! It's working!"
"Unbelievable—80 meters deep, and it's pumping like this!"
"Look at that flow rate! By sunrise, the tunnels should be dry."
"We can finally dig deeper!"
Malachowski turned to Sanders, the lead engineer from the United Steam Engine Company, and extended his congratulations.
"This is a monumental achievement, Mr. Sanders. Your team has worked wonders!"
Sanders smiled humbly.
"The credit belongs to all of us, and to the power of the LJ52."
At Joseph's direction, Sanders had transported the company's entire stock of eight LJ52 engines to Poland. After days of intense installation work, the machines' incredible power had drained the century-old floodwaters from the mines.
A Profitable Partnership
Accepting a glass of wine from a servant, Malachowski raised it toward Sanders.
"To Paris Mining Development Company!"
Sanders and the gathered officials echoed the toast.
The newly formed Paris Mining Development Company had purchased the LJ52 engines for 500,000 francs and invested an additional 1 million francs in the silver mine, securing a 40% stake in its operations.
With an expected annual output of 2 million francs, the company was projected to recoup its investment in just two years—a highly lucrative deal.
For the Polish government, the partnership was equally beneficial:
Increased output: The new equipment promised to triple the mine's production, significantly bolstering state finances.Immediate funding: The upfront 1 million francs injection helped Poland address urgent budgetary needs.Stronger ties with France: The deal reinforced the budding alliance between the two nations.
As the pumps continued their steady work, draining water from the depths, Malachowski invited the mining executives and engineers to a celebratory banquet later that evening.
"Gentlemen," he said warmly, "the feast awaits us. Afterward, we shall discuss our next phase of cooperation."
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