Chapter 148 Invitation from Central America (Part 2)
Franz personally feels that in fact, in such a backward and conservative area, the imperial system may be more reliable.
"Why didn't the church choose to support a conservative, or a king?" Franz asked.
"Are you willing to help them?" Rauscher asked with some confusion.
"I don't want to. Is this what you mean, or the Central American priests?" Franz replied.
Archbishop Rauscher also noticed his gaffe and immediately changed the subject.
"I made a mistake. But no one among the conservatives has enough influence, let alone an orthodox European royal who is willing to go to Central America to be the king." Rauscher said.
In fact, if you think about it, you will know that not to mention Central America, even North America was once considered a barbaric land by Europeans. Throughout history, there were very few European royal members who were willing to go to Central and North America to become kings.
That's why Franz's second brother, Maximilian, is so famous.
"Then let them pay for mercenaries. Carrera's main force is just some untrained Indians, and most of the weapons are antiques from the Spanish colonial period. A well-trained mercenary team can completely help China The American Federation put down the rebellion, but whether the Central American Federation can continue to maintain it depends on their own determination."
The Central American Federation includes the five participating countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. They are nothing more than the legacy of the Spanish colonial empire.
The Central American Federation was a country that should not exist. When Mexico declared its independence in 1821, it announced the annexation of the five Central American countries. At the same time, the five Central American countries announced their joining and loyalty to the Mexican Emperor.
Later, due to the Mexicans' own tricks and endless civil war, the five Central American countries became independent and established the Central American Federation.
However, the conservative forces in Central America are strong and regionalism is very serious. This, coupled with the radical reforms of the Central American federal government, has greatly intensified the conflicts between regions. It can be said that the current mess is entirely their own fault.
Generally speaking, Franz is opposed to the use of mercenaries. After all, the discipline and loyalty of this kind of army cannot be guaranteed.
But the Austrian Empire will never intervene in such a dispute. Even if it wants to do so, it will be shut out like the Mexicans. At least Britain, France and the United States will not agree, and maybe Mexico will be added.
Moreover, the rebels are terribly poor, and they probably won’t have the money to instigate mercenaries, so they can be used with confidence.
"But the Central American Federation is not rich. They simply cannot afford the commission, and the federal treasury in Guatemala was looted by Carrera." Rauscher said.
At this time, Carrera felt extremely wronged because they only found 400 ounces of gold in the Central American Federal Treasury in Guatemala City, equivalent to 3,342.8 pounds.
"It's very simple. You can use land as collateral in exchange for loans, and then use the loans to hire troops to help them fight the war."
This kind of empty-handed approach will definitely satisfy the priests in Central America. As for the result, Franz doesn't care. The geographical location of Central America is very important, but its value as a colonial development is too low.
The main source of economy in Central America relies on agriculture, including corn, sugar, cocoa, and tobacco.
"But..." Archbishop Rauscher hesitated to speak, and Franz knew that what came next was what the "Servant of God" really wanted to say.
"Archbishop, just say what you want without any scruples. If you shouldn't say something, I'll just pretend I didn't hear it." Franz said.
"If you have any way to establish a diocese in Central America, our church will definitely support you fully."
Franz's face changed several times. To be honest, the situation in Central America and Zhenla was completely different. Neither the great powers nor the great powers in the Americas would ever allow the church to establish a country in Central America.
"The price is too high, and it's not the right time."
"Will the Austrian Empire provide troops?"
"No, you should let them go to the French. The French are now very interested in Central and North America, and the French are also willing to lend them money."
In fact, the British were more interested in Central America, but due to religious issues, the French were more suitable to enter Central America than the former.
After the French entered Central America, the British had even more reason to oppose the former.
At the same time, France will form a trap to outflank Mexico, and will once again trample on the United States' "Monroe Declaration."
For Austria, it was undoubtedly a good thing that the great powers turned their attention to America. Austria could profit from the North American version of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms without being trapped in it like Britain.
"French?" Archbishop Rauscher was a little surprised by Franz's answer. After all, mercenaries are very profitable, and the Austrian Empire has been at peace for a long time, but has a large number of troops.
If part of the army can be turned into mercenaries and sent to Central America, it will definitely reduce the pressure on the Austrian Empire's finances.
"Yes, you can ask the French Church to come forward. I think King Louis Philippe will be very willing to give the Church this face."
There has always been a connection between the Austrian and French churches. Even the last fleet organized by the Austrian church included many French armed merchant ships. If there was no connection between them, Franz would not believe it even if he killed him.
"Okay, Archduke Franz, everything goes as you wish." Archbishop Rauscher said.
Franz pointed to the box on the table, and Archbishop Rauscher shook his head.
"Archduke Franz, I think these gems can play a greater role in your hands. The business of holy water and holy light (medical alcohol and bleaching powder) is enough to fill the vacancies in the church. We will pray to God and ask you Can continue to benefit the world.”
The widespread use of bleaching powder and medical alcohol had a great impact on the Austrian Empire. At least the large-scale cholera epidemic in the Austrian Empire has basically disappeared, the number of deaths from dysentery has also plummeted, the death and disability rate due to trauma has also dropped significantly, and the survival rate of newborns and mothers has continued to rise.
Compared with the money earned by the church, Archbishop Rauscher was delighted by the return of faith and the improvement of the church's reputation. At the same time, these operations also made his position in the Austrian Empire more stable, and some people were even prepared to let the Pope Canonize Rauscher.
Of course, Rauscher himself was not interested in the title he bought from the Pope, and he felt that he should be able to live for many more years and there was no need to worry about the honor that could only be obtained by a dead man.
Franz said nothing. He only thought that these gems would benefit the two people in the next room.
After Archbishop Rauscher left, two heads quietly popped out of the door.
Thalia took a plate of snacks and a glass of juice and handed them to Franz, then turned behind Franz and pinched his back.
"Franz, you are amazing!"
Adjani, on the other hand, used a sweet voice to express a disgusting exclamation, which sounded a bit strange, mainly because Adjani didn't know what tone to use to speak to Franz.
At the same time, she looked at Franz with admiration. She was half sincere and the other half was pretending, looking like she was working hard.
She really couldn't believe her eyes and ears. After all, in her mind, if the clergy reached the level of the archbishop of a country, it would be difficult for even the king to drive them, and Archbishop Rauscher looked more like a saint receiving discipline. Just like a disciple.
"Okay, okay, you guys can choose for yourself. But remember, leave the biggest one to my mother."
Franz sat in his armchair, thoughtful.
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