The Fox of France

Chapter 493: The Inauguration of Ireland (1)

Under the escort of the world's strongest warship, Joseph Bonaparte arrived at Carroll Port in Ireland, where he was warmly welcomed by the high-level officials of the Unified Irishmen Federation, including Russell.

As the warship entered the harbor, the Irish fired 24 salutes to welcome Joseph, who, though not a head of state of any country, is theoretically the Caesar of the Roman Empire. However, Caesar is a vice-emperor, not a head of state.

Russell personally greeted Joseph at the dock. As Joseph walked up the gangway, the military band immediately played the "Slave War Song." Joseph slightly frowned at the song, which now made him somewhat uncomfortable. Nevertheless, he quickly regained his smile, raised his right hand, and waved to the cheering crowd below.

Stepping off the gangway, Joseph and Russell's hands tightly clasped together. Overwhelmed with excitement, Russell gripped Joseph's right hand with both of his, vigorously shaking it. Considering that Russell often trained with soldiers and labored with farmers over the years, while Joseph, well, had always lived in luxury, Russell had barely applied any force before Joseph’s mouth twisted in pain.

"Rus...s...ell comrade... gently... gently... it hurts so much..." Joseph groaned with his mouth askew.

Realizing he might have been overly enthusiastic, Russell quickly loosened his grip, apologizing, "Dean Bonaparte, I'm terribly sorry, I hurt you."

Joseph slightly moved his right hand; now that it was like this, all he could do was forgive him.

Dean Bonaparte is not only a scientist, a general but also a revolutionary warrior, a thinker. His contributions to the Irish revolution and his thoughts have more than once saved the federation, saved the Irish revolution during the most critical times.

After the speeches, Joseph stayed at the “Independence Hotel” in Carroll Port. The next morning, he attended the founding meeting of the Unified Irishmen Federation.

As everyone decided to set the capital in Dublin, naturally, the founding ceremony should take place there. However, Joseph strongly opposed this.

“Comrade Russell, you must understand, we do not have naval supremacy in the Irish Sea, the British have mined the entrance to this sea area, our warships can't get through, but the British ships can. What should we do if, during our founding ceremony, British warships suddenly appear and bombard the city?

The founding ceremony is a grand event, likely to be attended by many people and friends. If we are bombarded during such an occasion, it could cause great casualties among the people. Therefore,

I believe the capital of Ireland can traditionally be in Dublin, but the founding ceremony should be held in a safer place. Additionally, including central government institutions, I mean, until we are capable of ensuring Dublin's safety, they should not be set up in Dublin either. We have waited many years to establish an independent nation, and we should have the patience for this. And it won't take too long. Once Dublin's defensive facilities, especially those against the sea, are strengthened, then the central government of Ireland can move to Dublin.”

Joseph’s suggestion was unanimously agreed upon. Therefore, the location of the founding ceremony was set at Carroll Port. This place is the stronghold of the Irish independence movement, where the masses are very supportive of the revolution, and it's very difficult for British spies to infiltrate. And with the French fleet at sea and French-built artillery on land, it would be outright masochism for the British Navy to come here.

Besides attending the founding ceremony of Ireland, Joseph also had another mission, which was to discuss the reconstruction of Ireland with the Irish people.