"Uh..." Madison paused for a moment.
He didn't expect Charles to ask this question before they parted.
This matter couldn't be explained in just a few words, and there was no time now, so he could only give an ambiguous answer.
"This matter mainly depends on the opinions of all Party members; I personally have no opinion."
Charles immediately understood.
This Madison must have made arrangements at the Republican Party convention.
If he wasn't concerned about an early election, he would have expressed a clear opinion just now, but now he claimed to respect the opinions of all Party members, which definitely indicated a problem.
Charles wouldn't believe that this usually strong Madison would be so weak as to need to listen to others' opinions to act.
If that were the case, he wouldn't have sent his confidants to oppose it in the first place.
Now it seemed he must have rallied many people with voting rights among the Republican Party members, preparing to incite opposition to an early general election.
Since he knew Madison had a hidden move, his own hidden move also had to be activated.
Upon returning to the earl's castle, Charles didn't immediately set about Republican Party affairs.
Instead, he had craftsmen summoned to help build a wheelchair.
Making specialized seating for people with mobility issues wasn't a particularly novel idea, and although many well-off families had similar thoughts, no one had truly specialized in this industry, manufacturing wheelchairs.
Today, seeing Franklin having to be carried around by guards, chair and all, Charles had an idea.
Even if Franklin always had people attending to him, being carried around was simply too inconvenient.
Sometimes, if Franklin wanted to move, he might choose to give up his request out of consideration for those around him.
But if a wheelchair was made, although some places would still require carrying, small-range movement would indeed be much more convenient.
A wheelchair was a small thing, but for Franklin, it was quite useful.
This wasn't a major invention, but when Charles later had the craftsmen start manufacturing, he found it was indeed a skilled job.
Because to make the wheelchair's wheels turn flexibly, the best method was naturally to use bearings.
Charles discovered that at this time in America, there were no bearings.
In fact, even in Britain, which had the most advanced technology at the time, it was in 1772 that C. Vallot designed and manufactured ball bearings and tested them on mail coaches.
They were still in the trial period at this time.
It would be several more years before they obtained a patent and spread to other countries.
Thinking that even in the 21st century, bearing manufacturing technology still represented the level of industrial advancement, Charles immediately became interested.
He instructed the craftsmen to try manufacturing bearings according to his guiding ideas.
Forget about directional bearings or roller bearings; they would directly make the simplest spherical ball bearings.
The initial manufacturing of ball bearings wasn't a very difficult technical task.
These craftsmen selected good steel balls and, using molds, hammered them into shape.
After several failures, they quickly produced successful samples.
Charles had someone install the bearings on the wheelchair.
The wheels using bearings were indeed much faster than those without, but unfortunately, due to limitations in materials and manufacturing technology, this bearing was still a bit inflexible, with slight sticking.
It was fine to push the wheelchair with a person in it for a few feet, but when it encountered bumps and jolts, it would completely jam.
However, no matter what, the first bearing was finally successfully manufactured.
In the future, as long as they continuously improved it, they would certainly be able to produce industrial bearings for large-scale use.
"Hahaha! With this thing, our industrial development will be as fast as if it had wheels!"
Charles didn't need to think hard; he quickly thought of a place that urgently needed bearings for assistance: the propeller device of steamships.
If propellers, which previously always used a lubricating oil structure, were to use bearings, it would not only increase their lifespan, but most crucially, their speed would also be greatly improved.
He was already looking forward to the expressions of the British when, after painstakingly acquiring the most advanced steam engine technology from him and improving their steam cruisers to try and intercept his merchant ships along the French coastline, they would see Charles' steamships with bearing-structured propellers and still be unable to catch them.
In fact, there were many, many other places where bearings could be used.
Basically, wherever parts rolled or rotated, there was room for bearings.
With the development of industrial technology, these places became more and more numerous, so the research and manufacturing of bearings had become an urgent matter.
With a wave of his hand, he instructed the Pittsburgh Steel Plant to produce steel specifically for bearings, and to establish a dedicated bearing manufacturing factory to research various bearing manufacturing technologies, as well as to research specialized lubricants.
This way, it wouldn't be long before truly applicable industrial bearings could be produced.
In fact, Charles had thought about the bearing problem before, but due to inadequate steel technology and a lack of time and energy to invest in this research, he had given up.
Now, whether in America or Pittsburgh, industry had developed to a certain extent, possessing the strength to accelerate industrial development, and also needing this type of invention to enhance the subsequent speed of industrial development, so the development of applicable industrial bearings was already imminent.
As for Franklin's wheelchair, the best steel materials were selected, the best craftsmen were hired, and the most advanced technology was utilized to specially make eight bearings for his wheelchair.
Four of these bearings were for direct use, and the other four were spares.
In this regard, Charles was being overly cautious; the quality of these specially made bearings was in no way inferior to those produced by industrialized manufacturing later on.
Later, even when this wheelchair entered a museum, its four bearings had never been replaced.
When Charles delivered this smoothly turning, exquisitely crafted wheelchair to Franklin, the usually composed old man was greatly moved.
If he weren't mobility impaired, he would surely have given Charles a hug.
And those Republican Party members who had rushed to Philadelphia for the Republican Party convention and also came to visit the old President Franklin, deeply admired Charles' actions.
These Republican Party members held great respect for meritorious founding fathers.
After seeing Charles' actions, no matter how much others might say he disrespected the founding fathers, no one would believe it.
The negotiations with France regarding Louisiana were proceeding in an orderly manner, while the matter of whether to hold an early general election had reached a point where the massive Republican Party had to quickly convene a general assembly of all members for large-scale discussion and voting.
In recent days, senior Party members from surrounding states had already rushed to Philadelphia by horseback or airship.
The Republican Party convention was held immediately in Philadelphia's largest hotel after their arrival.
Although this was not a national meeting, the powerful Republican Party compelled most government members to attend out of respect.
Seeing the swarming crowd below, even the invited leaders of opposition parties like the Democratic Party and the Federalist Party couldn't help but secretly gasp; the disparity in strength with the Republican Party was simply too obvious!
First, Charles, Madison, and other high-ranking officials gave ceremonial speeches, declaring the opening of the Republican Party convention.
Then, external persons and invited attendees were asked to temporarily leave the meeting room; it was time for genuine internal discussion.
"Sirs, fellow Republican Party colleagues, we joined our great Republican Party with the same ideals and the same aspirations.
However, we are gathered here today because a proposal has caused internal disagreements among us.
Although our opinions differ now, I still believe that we, who came together for the same ideals and aspirations, will not fall into division because of this small disagreement.
Unity, only unity can truly guarantee the interests of our Republican Party!
This is the most important thing I want to say before the meeting begins."
Charles surveyed the Republican Party members looking up at him.
"Now, let us debate within the Party whether to hold an early general election!"
Compared to the Democratic Party, most Republican Party members were people with a bit of wealth and influence; they wouldn't be as passionate and idealistic as the young members of the Democratic Party.
After Charles announced the start of the debate, not many people immediately stood up to speak; many simply watched those around them quietly.
Finally, it was Monroe, who was relatively young and energetic, who seized the first opportunity to speak.
"Sirs, the Republican Party is the current ruling party.
We don't need an early election to change the situation, but we must ensure our victory in the next Presidential election.
Therefore, whether to hold an early election is not important; what is important is whether we can ensure victory in an early election.
I think it's now necessary for us to discuss how to campaign, who to nominate as the Presidential candidate, and so on!"
"Oh…" A chorus of voices stood up in opposition, and there was also a wave of applause indicating agreement.
Charles smiled and looked at Monroe; this young man was performing well, looking very natural.
He wondered how Madison's supporters would react to Monroe's words.
"Winning an early election is not difficult; we just need to…"
Someone immediately stood up to speak next, but it wasn't one of Madison's people.
As soon as the meeting began, the topic quickly shifted to discussing how to win the snap election, leaving Madison's supporters to exchange glances, unsure of what to do. They had prepared arguments against a snap election, but now the discussion was about securing victory, which naturally left them speechless for a moment.
Madison, also a member of the Republican Party and seated centrally beside Charles, immediately frowned in discomfort. The discussion was supposed to be about whether to hold a snap election, but now it had turned into how to ensure victory. Didn't that mean that if a winning strategy was found, a snap election could be supported?
Madison clearly understood the current strength of the Republican Party; only if other opposing forces could unite without any disagreements would it be possible to contend with the Republican Party. Otherwise, the Republican Party would certainly win the election. Therefore, this discussion would undoubtedly conclude with the Republican Party securing victory, meaning a snap election would proceed.
Thinking this, Madison immediately winked at a congressman.
The man understood and immediately stood up, loudly interrupting the speaker: "Gentlemen! gentlemen! Please note, the real issue for this Republican Party convention is whether to agree to a snap election! Please note, the focus is on the snap election! We don't need to discuss how to ensure the success of a snap election; that's a matter for later."
If these words had been spoken after Monroe's speech, they might have stopped the discussion, but now many people were already debating it. How could they agree with him?
Immediately, a group of people stood up in opposition, stating that as a Republican Party member, one should always consider the Republican Party's interests, rather than merely sitting by and discussing whether to hold a snap election. Some even completely ignored him and continued to argue with their original debate opponents.
The calm discussion immediately devolved into a chaotic argument.
Charles smiled and raised the gavel in front of him, striking it forcefully a few times.
"Gentlemen. Please mind your decorum."
He did not demand that the discussion return to the main topic.
Madison, beside him, immediately showed some displeasure.
"Charles, you should remind them that the focus of today's discussion is whether to support an early general election, not how to ensure victory in it."
"Haha! Mr. President, as the chairman of the Republican Party, I have no right to restrict the speech of party members. As long as their statements comply with the Republican Party's charter, I cannot force them. And what they are saying now also aligns with the Republican Party's interests, so I will not stop them."
Charles finally revealed his true colors.
This time, he was not prepared to support Madison. Even if it meant a split in the Republican Party, he would not sacrifice his own interests, so there was no need to be concerned.
Noticing Charles' attitude, Madison's expression indeed changed dramatically. What did this mean? Was Charles planning to expel those who didn't listen to him from the Republican Party?
Madison was very clear in his heart: without the strong backing of the powerful Republican Party, his own strength as the writer of the Constitution, although commendable, would absolutely not be enough to defeat Jefferson and successfully be elected President. And now, Charles, as the chairman of the Republican Party, clearly no longer wished to support him. Thinking of his influence over the Republican Party and the consequences that would arise from it, Madison couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.
For the first time, he began to regret not making a proper overture to Charles before the Republican Party convention began. He had always believed that becoming interim President would secure the support of the entire Republican Party, but he hadn't expected that Charles, as the chairman of the Republican Party, would not acknowledge him. Moreover, with just a slight action from him, his arrangements were thwarted.
Indeed, all influence must be backed by power. Without corresponding power, influence alone would fade.
Madison did not lose confidence because of this. Instead, it strengthened his resolve to seize the position of President. And if possible, it would be best to also claim the chairmanship of the Republican Party.
This action by Charles truly unearthed the political ambition hidden deep within Madison's soul.
"Gentlemen, fellow members of the Republican Party, although it may not be appropriate to say so, I must point out that all your actions revolve around the Republican Party, forgetting the most important national interest. The Republican Party is the Republican Party of the United States. If you do not consider the interests of the United States, you will ultimately betray the interests of the Republican Party. Therefore, I must remind you all to seriously consider whether holding an early general election is good or bad for our United States!" Madison finally spoke out personally, uttering words of reproach.
If these words, spoken under the banner of national interest, had come from someone else, even from Charles, the chairman of the Republican Party, they would not have had much impact on the minds of Republican Party members. But now, being reprimanded by Madison, the interim President of the United States, had an immense influence, and all Republican Party members had to take it seriously.
Charles glanced sideways at Madison beside him.
He knew that with these words, Madison had officially challenged his authority within the party, and there would be no room for shared glory in the next election.
He also felt a bit of relief in his heart. This was better. It saved them from forcing a good relationship now, only to formally break when the time came for true power distribution, which would then be a life-and-death situation. A split now was just a party split, not to the point of mutual destruction.
Naturally, he was not going to be polite anymore. When his subordinates dared not challenge the authority of President Madison, he personally stepped forward to voice his opposition:
"Mr. President, the interests of the Republican Party are also the interests of the United States. We cannot sacrifice the interests of tens of thousands of Republican Party members for the needs of one person in the United States. On the contrary, if the leader of the United States cannot consider the interests of our tens of thousands of Republican Party members, we should immediately act to remove him from office!"
With these words, the antagonism between the two was laid bare.
The previously active Republican Party members below, seeing the two most influential figures in their party openly falling out at the podium, immediately erupted in an uproar. They worriedly asked each other what should be done about such a situation.
Before he spoke those words, Madison already knew he would offend Charles, but he wasn't sure if Charles would fall out with him because of it. He didn't expect the outcome to be precisely the worst-case scenario: Charles immediately turned on him, accusing him, the interim President, of being problematic.
"Charles, your statement does not represent the opinion of the entire Republican Party, does it?" Madison's face was grim.
He had not prepared for an immediate confrontation with Charles before coming to this Republican Party convention, so his words naturally lacked an advantage.
But Charles had long prepared for this and wouldn't give him an easy out, immediately adding:
"So we, all party members, must discuss our common interests together, which is how to win the next election! Your original rhetoric is undoubtedly inappropriate. It neither suits your Presidential status nor the interests of our Republican Party."
Madison's grim face had now turned ashen.
During his few days as interim President, he had enjoyed the highest power in the country, but he didn't expect to return to the Republican Party only to receive a reprimand he hadn't experienced in a long time. This made him want to stand up and leave several times, but he looked at the expressions of the Republican Party members below and knew that if he left now, he would only be able to take a very small portion of people with him, and the majority of Republican Party members would break with him.
If that happened, he wouldn't have to think about keeping the presidency.
Out of this concern, he ultimately stayed.
"I will respect the rights of all Republican Party members, but I still must state that the interests of the United States cannot be sacrificed for the sake of one Republican Party," Madison made his final statement, then leaned back in his chair, narrowing his eyes at the party members below, and said nothing more.
With Madison's retreat, the meeting naturally became the domain of Charles' faction. After Monroe was the first to stand up and declare that an early Presidential election not only served the Republican Party's interests but also those of the United States, a large number of Republican Party members immediately responded. These individuals were basically those Charles had previously arranged through James and others, mostly grassroots leaders of the Republican Party. They typically didn't have a strong voice at the top level but wielded immense influence at the grassroots.
When a large number of grassroots leaders stood up together to support Monroe, Madison's supporters immediately lost the courage to object.
Finally, Madison, who had taken some time to reorganize his thoughts, spoke out, asserting that the meeting was too rushed and could not decide whether to hold an early general election. He would not agree to an immediate vote.
This was the only advantageous method he could think of at the moment: to stall for time, dragging it out as much as possible to allow him to use his Presidential power to win over more people who needed his help. As long as he could prevent today's vote, he still had a chance. If a vote were held now, apart from those who supported him, other Republican Party members would undoubtedly side with the well-prepared Charles.