Chapter 12: The Speech and the Constitution of Australia
May 8, 1900. Sydney.
Today was Queen Victoria's final day in Australia. Tomorrow morning, the fleet would set sail once more, heading to its true destination—Whakaari Island in New Zealand.
Over the past few days, thanks to the company of Arthur and Princess Beatrice, Queen Victoria's complexion had noticeably improved. But visibly, after the blow she had suffered, her health was no longer what it had been. She now needed support just to walk.
As the fleet's departure drew near, Arthur increasingly felt a sense of reluctance and heartache.
From her youth, Queen Victoria had been bound to the throne—a seemingly free position that, in truth, came with heavy constraints.
Over the years, she had endured the loss of many loved ones and clung to their memory until the end.
Now that she was heading to Whakaari Island to fulfill her last wishes, Arthur feared the reason that had sustained her for so long would disappear as well.
Perhaps the next time he would see her would be at her sickbed.
Though Arthur desperately wanted to persuade Queen Victoria to stay, her intention to leave was firm, and so he had no choice but to let it go.
In the central square of Sydney.
This square had once served as a military post under the colonial government, but after several expansions of the city, it had become a public plaza.
Now, the square had been given a new and honorable mission—it would host Arthur's coronation speech.
Unlike newly independent republics, monarchies often marked their establishment from the date of the ruler's coronation.
Arthur had been crowned on January 10, 1900. Thus, the Duchy of Australia was officially considered founded on that day.
Today's speech was a ceremonial coronation address.
A week earlier, the reform to transition colonies into states had already begun.
And once news broke that Arthur would be giving a coronation speech in Sydney, not only did residents of New South Wales flood in, but people from nearby South Australia, Victoria, and Queensland also flocked to the city.
As the morning sun spilled across the land and birds chirped in the trees, it felt as if even nature were urging the moment forward.
Dong! Dong! Dong!
With three chimes from the bell tower, the arrival of 8 a.m. was announced.
The crowd in the square began to stir. All eyes were fixed on the central platform, anticipating something with eagerness.
Before long, Arthur stepped onto the platform, escorted by a contingent of guards.
Behind him stood members of the interim cabinet, each of whom also served as acting governors of the new states.
"Ladies and gentlemen, good morning!"
Arthur stepped forward and greeted everyone with a light smile.
Fortunately, amplifiers had already been invented. Otherwise, it would have been difficult for the entire crowd to hear him.
The square immediately quieted. Everyone was focused intently on hearing the first public address of their future ruler.
"I know most of you don't know me yet, so allow me a brief introduction. I am Connaught Arthur, Duke of Australia.
There's no need to concern yourselves with where I came from or my background.
Because from this day forward, we all share one identity: we are proud and noble Australians!" Arthur said with a smile.
"Long live His Grace! Long live Australia!"
Arthur's words clearly resonated with the crowd.
After centuries of division, Australians had long dreamed of living in a unified and prosperous land.
Now, with Arthur's arrival, the goal of unification had been realized.
Everyone was hoping this new monarch could lead their newborn country to prosperity.
"I believe you've all heard about the constitution that was issued a week ago.
What we need most right now is to break down the autonomy and isolation that each state retained from colonial times.
No matter which state you're from, you are all great Australians. You should be able to live freely, without restriction, anywhere in this nation.
States must be able to trade freely.
We should be able to sell our goods in any state, and purchase what we need from anywhere, without worrying about conflicting state policies."
Australia's only political party at the time, the Labor Party, had been founded to protect workers' interests and promote free trade.
Arthur's words aligned perfectly with the Labor Party's goals, indirectly drawing the party into his camp.
Though young compared to Britain's major parties, the Labor Party was already a significant force in Australia's political landscape.
In the upcoming lower house elections, they were certain to win a large number of seats.
Arthur wasn't worried about a power struggle, but having the party under his influence would still be the best outcome.
"Australia is a land of riches. We have vast areas of arable land and abundant mineral resources.
In the past, when this land was a colony, both immigrants and locals faced high taxes and exploitation.
As Duke of Australia, I do not wish to see that continue.
Therefore, I have decided to reduce taxes for all Australians.
Let every Australian enjoy a prosperous life first!"
Arthur's words stirred the crowd again, filled with promise and appeal.
Under the colonial tax system, about one-third of Australians' annual income had been paid as taxes to the colonies, only to be sent back to Britain.
But with Arthur's planned tax cuts, citizens would pay only one-seventh of their income—a reduction of more than half.
At the time, Australia's annual tax revenue was over two million pounds.
Even after the cuts, it would be fortunate to collect just over a million.
Was Arthur simply burning through his wealth without thinking? Not quite.
First, dramatically lowering taxes would quickly win the people's hearts, helping Arthur consolidate monarchical authority and implement reform.
Second, Australia would one day be known as a resource-rich country sitting on a minecart.
Its mineral exports alone would generate massive foreign income each year.
Under these conditions, citizens' taxes were merely a drop in the ocean.
Far better to lower them and earn widespread goodwill.
For ordinary people, a tax cut was always cause for celebration—especially when it was more than 50%.
(End of Chapter)
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