Of course, the cost of one mile of city rail construction is nowhere near hundreds of thousands of francs; these numbers are just exaggerated rumors spread by the people of Bern.
Moreover, the construction costs mostly co from Bern’s 3 million "mbership fee."
The French Ministry of Finance only allocated more than 200,000 francs in total to the Upper German Province, mainly spending a considerable amount on the renovation and developnt of several "Roman Era relics," as well as the associated road reconstruction work.
Frenno continued with unabated envy: "I heard that either next year or the year after, gas street lamps will be installed here. From then on, this city will no longer have cold nights.
"Perhaps there will be tap water too, who knows? Anyway, French cities all have these miraculous things."
These are even more of his wild guesses.
The population of Bern City is less than thirty thousand, making it impossible to afford the operating costs of luxurious anities like gas street lamps. In fact, even in France, only seven or eight large cities, including Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux, have gas street lamps, and only Paris and Lyon have tap water.
As Basel’s mber of parliant’s carriage drew closer to the Upper German Governor’s Mansion, the pace gradually slowed down.
Goselan looked at the crowded pedestrians on the streets, the passing carriages, and the ubiquitous vendors, and asked in confusion, "Is today a festival?"
Though Bern has a slightly larger population than Basel, its city area is also larger, and according to his experience, there shouldn’t be so many people on the streets on a regular day.
His entourage inquired with a street vendor and found out that, over the past few months, people from northern Swiss cities have been flocking to Bern crazily, with even the suburbs filled with people. Many of them are from Basel.
Yes, ever since the restoration of the Roman Spa ruins, many French nobles have traveled here—the Crown Prince has repeatedly ntioned these ruins publicly.
These people spend lavishly, quickly creating an economic boom in the small town of re thousands.
With the Roman Theater nearing restoration, people from surrounding cities are flocking to Bern in search of opportunities.
Goselan’s brow furrowed imdiately: "At this rate, Basel might not even have many people left."
Frenno sighed: "Hopefully Paris will accept our request..."
The next noon, they finally received the summon from Baron Bodley, the Governor of the Upper German Province.
...
Vienna.
The Grand Gallery of Schönbrunn Palace.
tternich was reporting to the Emperor of Sanctum with a proud posture about the situation in Switzerland:
"...A week ago, five northern states signed the preliminary agreent to form a Federation in Zurich; they are currently discussing details like the composition of Congress and taxes for each state.
"If our country dispatch personnel for ’coordination,’ I believe, by the end of next month at the earliest, the Swiss Federation will officially erge."
Franz II nodded with satisfaction: "I must comnd you on your exceptional work. You’ve let the glory of the Empire shine again upon the lands of Allemannia; it’s truly a remarkable achievent!"
The so-called "Allemannia" refers to the northern region of Switzerland, which was once the territory of the Alemannia Tribe over a thousand years ago, a tribe originating from southern Germany.
Franz II made a generous gesture: "I must give you a fitting reward."
Indeed, Austria has suffered setbacks everywhere in the past few years; a presentable diplomatic achievent naturally brightens his mood.
tternich hurriedly bowed: "As a diplomat, it’s my honor to do sothing aningful for the Empire."
He quickly glanced at the Emperor: "But if Your Majesty truly wishes to reward , then I hope you will revoke the decree concerning reforming the State Council."
Franz II frowned: "Why are you concerned about this matter?"
tternich’s expression was like that of a knight standing on the battlefield: "Your Majesty, the Empire must maintain its dignity and order, and must not be influenced by the policies of the French!
"History will prove how foolish the French Royal Family’s actions are.
"The power of the Monarch must not allow anyone to covet, even if only in form!
"Those people will not be grateful for your rcy and generosity because they entered the State Council; they will only beco greedier, using the influence they obtain to seize more power.
"And the Empire will fall into turmoil due to their endless desires!"
Franz II’s expression also beca serious: "Frankly speaking, I have had such concerns. However, you should also know how the dostic reaction would be once France forms the House of Representatives. I must find a way to prevent those corrupted by the likes of Rousseau from causing trouble."
tternich shouted: "Your Majesty, as long as you demonstrate your supre authority and give your subjects unwavering confidence, those schers will be insignificant!"
"What do you an?"
tternich’s tone dropped: "Your Majesty, everything in the Empire must operate in the way you permit.
"I believe, the first step is to prohibit all actions intended to mimic France.
"The number of secret police is evidently far from sufficient; otherwise, no one would be secretly discussing the matters of the French House of Representatives on the streets.
"Indeed, the harmful thoughts of Rousseau and Montesquieu should have been completely banned long ago; this also requires the secret police to ’regulate’ those spreading harmful ideas.
"As for the books written by the French people, they must be entirely destroyed in our country, and anyone talking about them should be made to correct their thoughts in prison!"
Franz II couldn’t help but be impressed. tternich’s words were exactly in line with his own sentints; he had always detested the liberal factions within the country—years ago, he had to flee to Brno embarrassed by these scoundrels.
Seeing the Emperor’s approving look, tternich gained more confidence:
"And the professors in schools, and editors of newspapers, those ’poisonous’ liberal and human rights thoughts mostly ’flow’ from them.
"So these issues must be solved at the source. For example, redeploy special police to all universities and news outlets, monitoring these people’s speech and actions at all tis.
"Also, more courses should be added in schools, so every student understands that Your Majesty rules the Empire as Jesus’s representative.
"Regarding newspapers and books, they must undergo more stringent review. Publications like ’Vienna News’ and ’Enlightener’ should not only be banned imdiately but their editors should also be tried."
"And the most harmful activity is unauthorized gatherings and those spreading speeches everywhere!
"We should grant the secret police greater powers to arrest suspicious individuals at any ti, and once verified, punish them severely!"
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