Chapter 8: I'm Here, Australia!
April 2, 1900. After a brief three-day rest, the fleet set out once more, this time heading toward Arthur's final destination—Australia.
Speaking of Australia, up until now the name referred only to a regional concept. In reality, Australia was composed of six colonies: Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania.
Although these six colonies were all located on the same continent and shared a common culture, historical issues with British colonial policy and administration had led to Australia being divided into separate colonies, each governing itself without interfering with the others.
Starting in modern times, the Australian colonies began facing a number of common issues, including tariffs, transportation, postal systems, defense, and the limitation of Asian immigration. These challenges forced the six colonies to consider convening colonial conferences to develop a unified set of standards.
In November 1880, the Melbourne Colonial Conference agreed to establish a Federal Council, and New South Wales—the largest and most developed colony—drafted the Federal Council Bill. This marked the beginning signs of unification.
In 1883, the Federal Council was established, and within a year, the colonies began lobbying the British government to support the Federal Council legislation.
In 1891, Australia's first political party, the Labor Party, was formed. The growth of the labor union movement broke long-standing barriers between colonies, and the calls for free trade and unification between them grew louder.
In 1893, the Federal Council convened a Federation League Representatives Conference in Corowa, encouraging all colonies to take steps in preparation for the formation of a federation.
By 1898, the Australian Federal Council had even begun preparing for a public referendum on the question of federation. However, due to the different systems and regulations among the colonies, progress was slow.
It wasn't until Queen Victoria recently announced that Australia would become Arthur's new domain and that the six colonies would be unified into a single Duchy of Australia, that the push for federation slowed and expectations for a unified duchy began to rise.
April 27. After more than half a month of sailing, the fleet arrived in Sydney, the capital of New South Wales.
New South Wales was Britain's earliest colony in Australia and currently the most populous and economically developed.
In the process of Australian federation, New South Wales held the greatest influence and was responsible for drafting the Federal Council Bill.
Given Australia's political landscape, gaining control of New South Wales essentially meant gaining control of the entire region.
At Sydney's port, crowds had already gathered to welcome the arrivals. At the front stood the premiers and officials of each colony, lined up densely in a lively formation.
Beside the crowd, a group of soldiers stood at attention. They belonged to their respective colonial military forces and reported directly to the Ministry of Defence and Queen Victoria.
As the fleet slowly docked, the crowd burst into thunderous cheers. With ceremonial music playing, Arthur helped Queen Victoria ashore and stepped onto Australian soil.
"Long live Her Majesty the Queen! Long live His Grace the Duke!"
The onlookers instinctively cheered, warmly welcoming the arrival of the two rulers.
Unlike her appearances at the Suez Canal and in India, Queen Victoria did not step forward but instead signaled with her eyes for Arthur to proceed.
Arthur understood immediately, stepped forward lightly, glanced at the excited crowd, and stood before the six premiers.
"Your Grace, welcome home!" the six premiers said in unison.
Arthur paused for a moment and then suddenly understood.
Australia was now his only domain, and his home from now on would be here.
Barring special circumstances, there would be no reason to return to Britain.
"You must be the premiers of the various colonies, correct? How has Australia been lately?" Arthur asked with a smile.
"Yes, Your Grace. Please allow me to introduce the premiers of each colony," the leading man said with a flattering smile.
Arthur nodded. "Go ahead."
"Your Grace, I am Evan H. Parkes, Premier of New South Wales," the man began. "These are Walter Black, Premier of Victoria; Andrew King Porter, Premier of Queensland; Richard Norbert Chapman, Premier of Tasmania; Pierre Silvio Berlusconi, Premier of Western Australia; and Thomas Czech, Premier of South Australia.
Upon hearing of your arrival, they immediately rushed from their respective regions to greet you and Her Majesty."
Arthur looked curiously at the excited crowd. "And these people, did you summon them as well?"
"Not exactly, Your Grace. You see, the division of Australia into six separate colonies is no longer suited to current needs. The differing policies and systems between the colonies make trade and communication extremely difficult, causing significant trouble for the people and the colonies themselves.
Australians have long hoped for federation. And now, thanks to you, Australia has a real chance at unification. We are truly grateful, Your Grace!"
Premier Evan H. Parkes bowed again to Arthur, a touch of gratitude in his voice.
"It's nothing, Premier Parkes. I'm part of Australia now too. Isn't preserving Australia's unity something all Australians should work toward?"
Arthur smiled and helped the Premier to his feet.
"Well then, Premier Parkes, please take Her Majesty and me to rest for a while. A long sea journey can be exhausting. And let's also let these people return home—we shouldn't keep them from their work and lives just to welcome us."
Arthur chuckled as he spoke.
"Yes, Your Grace, please follow me. I've had the top floor of the Government Building cleared for your use. The conditions may not be ideal, but I hope Your Grace and Her Majesty won't mind staying there for the time being."
As they walked, Premier Parkes explained apologetically.
Before the federation had been established, Australia's economy had relied mainly on mining, agriculture, and fisheries.
Though this had alleviated the colonies' early dependence on British food imports, it only barely met subsistence levels.
With the colonies disconnected from one another, Australia's overall economy remained underdeveloped, and industrialization was severely lacking. Most colonies faced serious financial shortages.
Even the wealthiest, New South Wales, couldn't afford to build a palace suitable for Arthur and Queen Victoria's status—it was simply a fantasy at that point.
(End of Chapter)
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