Chapter 17: Election Results
After Arthur's speech, the surrounding crowd immediately erupted into enthusiastic applause and cheers. Martin and Henris were no exception.
People of this era had no concept of political spin, but unknowingly and with gratitude, they were devouring the grand vision Arthur had painted before them.
But in Arthur's case, he truly had the capability to turn vision into reality. That "grand vision" was well on its way to becoming fact.
"My friends, I know many of you running in this election don't have very clear goals.
Some of you may be like Martin, wanting to participate more directly in the development of our country and help raise the living standards and incomes of our people.
Others may be like Henris, who has witnessed the suffering of the impoverished and wants to bring change.
Whatever your motivations, I want you to understand that being a member of the Lower House is an extremely important and powerful role.
I hope that after you're elected, you won't forget your original intentions. Work for the good of the state, the government, and all Australians.
And for those who don't win, don't be discouraged. We hold elections every two years.
With experience and reflection, success will eventually come."
Arthur looked seriously at the crowd as he spoke.
"Yes, Your Grace!"
The crowd responded in unison, almost as if they had rehearsed it.
"Of course," Arthur continued with a smile, "you don't have to be an MP to contribute to the country's growth.
Even as an ordinary citizen, as long as you work hard and follow the law, you're helping to build a better Australia.
If every Australian unites with this goal, then Australia will be the greatest nation, and Australians the greatest people."
This touch of nationalism was warmly welcomed by all.
Even though Australians were descended from Western immigrants and native populations, that didn't mean they saw themselves as inferior.
Australia had always lacked a leader with ambition. Now that Arthur had come, Australians were ready to shine.
"Of course," Arthur raised his voice again, "none of this can happen through your efforts alone.
The royal family and the government must also change. Only then can the nation grow stronger and the people's lives truly improve."
Arthur then delivered his final announcement like a thunderclap:
"So, as your sovereign, upon learning that there are still many impoverished Australians who cannot afford medical care or education, I have decided to act:
From this moment on, the Royal Household will establish a Royal Relief Commission.
I will personally oversee it, and appoint loyal and compassionate officials to manage it.
This commission will be responsible for aiding low-income Australians who cannot afford medical care or school tuition.
I will provide an initial fund of £500,000 and promise to contribute at least £100,000 annually.
My hope is that no Australian will be left out in the cold, suffer from hunger, or be tormented by illness.
That all may wear clothes, eat their fill, afford treatment, and attend school.
Though Australia's rise may sound like an empty phrase right now, I am willing to dedicate myself to making it real.
So tell me, Australians—are you willing to stand beside your Duke and build a great nation where both Australia and her people will rise to the top of the world?"
Arthur's words sent shockwaves through the crowd.
In a country where the average annual income was less than £10, an immediate investment of £500,000 was a massive sum.
More importantly, it wasn't just the money—it was what Arthur represented.
To the Australian people, he was a monarch who genuinely cared for them and respected them.
He had become their ideal Duke.
"Yes! Yes!"
The crowd's roar shook the sky.
It was hard to tell whether this was still an election scene or a rally in honor of Arthur himself.
Soon, the chants shifted to "Long live His Grace! Long live Australia!"
That "His Grace" came before "Australia" was proof enough of how beloved Arthur had become—even though he had only been crowned a few months ago.
Unknowingly, Arthur's popularity among the public had already surpassed that of the colonial premiers, now the governors of the six states.
This was a good thing for the country's development. A nation moved faster when it had one voice.
With Arthur's future knowledge and vision, there was no need for dissension.
"Well then, gentlemen, continue with your election!"
Arthur smiled, pleased by the reaction, and left the Parliament amid cheers.
Only after quite some time did the crowd slowly return to order and resume the election process.
Compared to earlier, voter enthusiasm had soared.
Every face carried joy and excitement—a testament to how successful Arthur's speech had been.
May 25, 1900. Sydney, New South Wales State Parliament.
After seven long yet fast-paced days, the first Lower House election in Australia had finally concluded.
However, because Arthur's speech had been widely printed and spread via newspapers, enthusiasm for the election surged throughout the country, making the final count far more difficult than anticipated.
Thanks to many officials working overtime, the election results were finally compiled.
Today, May 25th, was the scheduled date for the official announcement.
At dawn, even before sunrise, crowds had already gathered outside the State Parliament gates.
As time passed, the number of people continued to grow, even causing traffic jams on the nearby roads.
Everyone was eagerly awaiting the final list of elected members.
Even those who knew they likely wouldn't win held onto a sliver of hope—maybe Lady Luck would smile on them after all.
At 8 a.m., the doors of the Parliament finally opened.
Two guards emerged, holding the election list. Facing the crowd, one of them shouted:
"Ladies and gentlemen, the election results are here!
Once I've read out all the names, officials from the city government will personally notify each elected representative.
Now, please remain quiet so that everyone can hear the full list of MPs."
(End of Chapter)
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