Chapter 599: The Song of Poland · Part Four
As part of the follow-up agreement between Poland and the Paris Mining Development Company, Poland committed to ensuring a sufficient workforce for the mines and purchasing 20 LJ52 steam engines, along with associated maintenance and repair services.
According to geologist Mr. Pecce, less than 10% of the Tarnowskie Góry silver mine had been developed—an assessment that aligned with Joseph's own estimation. With more shafts set to be excavated, the demand for water pumps would rise rapidly, making the advance order essential.
In return, the mining company would provide technical support for surveying, water pumping, and mine safety.
The day after the agreement was signed, over 500 miners arrived at Tarnowskie Góry from the Kraków area, eager to find work. These men, whose families had relied on the mine for generations, were excited by the news of expanded operations and hopeful for higher wages.
Their mining skills were well-honed—children as young as ten could dig 4–5 meters per day, and adults performed even more impressive feats. Soon, the entire Tarnowskie Góry area was bustling with activity.
Warsaw Royal Castle
In a private chamber of the Warsaw Royal Castle, King Stanisław II sat in a chair while Verien, a French makeup artist, busily applied cosmetics to his face.
Prince Poniatowski, observing the scene from the side, couldn't help but worry. Seeing Verien's thick powder and bright cherry-red lips, the prince found it hard to imagine how his uncle would appear when the transformation was complete. Feeling awkward, he turned away and continued his report:
"Count Malachowski has sent word that a new shaft at Tarnowskie Góry has been successfully excavated. The vein is exceptionally rich, and he estimates this year's silver production could reach 8.4 million złoty."
Stanisław II gasped audibly at the figure, causing Verien to accidentally draw a diagonal streak of makeup near his mouth.
His astonishment was justified. Poland's entire annual fiscal revenue last year had been 20 million złoty. This single mine could now generate more than one-third of the national income!
"8.4 million złoty roughly equals 13 million francs," Poniatowski continued. "Production at Tarnowskie Góry has increased sixfold in just over a month!"
If southern mountain veins were successfully developed, next year's output might surpass 10 million złoty—equivalent to 15 million francs. For the Paris Mining Development Company, which held a 40% stake in the mine, this meant a windfall of 6 million francs annually.
Joseph had estimated that, despite the era's limited mining technology, Tarnowskie Góry could achieve an annual output of 20 million francs in the near future.
"Thanks to the silver mine's revenue, we can double the size of our army," Poniatowski added.
"Excellent. You're the Hetman, so I'll leave the expansion to you," replied Stanisław II.
The prince nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. Regarding training, Mr. Sieyès has proposed a unique suggestion."
"Let's hear it."
"He suggests that we assist Austria in suppressing the Slavonia rebellion. Although this will result in some casualties, real combat experience will help our soldiers mature quickly. Moreover, Emperor Leopold II might provide us with supplies, saving us some military expenses."
The Slavonia Rebellion
Slavonia, a province in southern Austria, was home to a large Serbian population. Serbia, to the south, had long claimed the region as its own, and its government in Belgrade actively funded and incited rebellion there.
The rebellion had worsened recently as Austria became preoccupied with the Silesian War, leaving Slavonia nearly ungovernable.
The Hungarian nobility, uninterested in clashing with the fierce Serbs, focused their ambitions eastward on Wallachia. As long as the Serbs didn't cross the Danube, the Hungarians largely ignored the uprising.
Vienna was forced to rely on the Hungarians for military assistance, often offering substantial incentives. A Polish offer to deploy troops in Slavonia would undoubtedly please Leopold II, regardless of the campaign's outcome.
More importantly, Joseph saw this as an opportunity to strengthen Polish-Austrian relations. Should the Second Partition of Poland (historically known as the Second Partition) occur, Poland might find itself facing one less enemy.
Preparations for Action
"Then you and Count Kołłątaj should visit Vienna," said Stanisław II.
"Yes, Your Majesty," replied Poniatowski.
By the time Stanisław II's face was adorned with the latest French cosmetics and his wig properly adjusted, Verien's masterpiece was complete. The Polish king would soon depart for St. Petersburg, where his "former lover," Empress Catherine the Great, awaited.
Looking at his reflection, the king sighed deeply before turning to his nephew.
"Once you've secured Leopold II's agreement, return to Warsaw as soon as possible. The Sejm's vote at the year's end is the real priority."
Poland had long been preparing for its first-ever constitution. Though delayed six months beyond the historic May 3rd Constitution, this version avoided controversial reforms like the abolition of serfdom and noble privileges, aiming for broader acceptance among the nobility.
Stanisław II rose, preparing to leave for the palace gates, where a carriage awaited to take him on his mission to win precious time for Poland.
Polish Troops in Slavonia
On November 2, 1791, General Kosciuszko led 13,000 troops from the Third Polish Army Corps into Slavonia.
The force, composed of both seasoned soldiers and fresh recruits, would battle Serbian rebels in Austria's name while relying on Vienna for logistical support.
Three months later, General Zajaczkowski would lead Lithuania's forces to relieve them, ensuring successive rotations of Polish troops gained combat experience.
The King's Mission in Russia
Meanwhile, Stanisław II arrived in St. Petersburg and delivered an obsequious speech before the Russian aristocracy in Catherine the Great's court. Lavishly praising the empress, he filled his remarks with flattery, showcasing unwavering loyalty to her.
In his closing remarks, he even mentioned key Polish nobles—Potocki, Branicki, and Goszczyński—sending their regards to Catherine and swearing eternal allegiance.
These men had historically formed the Targowica Confederation, infamous for betraying Poland. However, thanks to Sieyès' intelligence, Stanisław II now had foreknowledge of their treachery, preventing them from undermining Poland this time.
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