by Phil Walker
“She comes sometimes to watch Cary and I practice,” said Herbert. “She laughs when I get splattered, which is every time.”
“How’s the video running in London,” asked Herbert?
“Jam packed audiences around the clock,” said Gladstone. Everyone is anxious to start having all the things on the video, but, of course, that takes time. Nobody is complaining about how hard the Americans are working, however, and they have hired ten thousand Brits to work with them. A few of them can keep up.”
That night was the first dinner of the bigger group. It was cafeteria style. The crowd was excited. The returnees were happy to be back and have all the luxuries. The new people were overwhelmed with the luxuries. Seeing them on a video was a poor substitute for the real thing. The crowd was in a jovial mood. Even Bismarck had softened a little, and chatted pleasantly to the others at his table.
A big hit of the evening was the entry of Queen Victoria. She was actually wearing blue jeans, a sort of light shirt, and baseball cap. She shrugged her shoulders and said, “I would have changed, but the train just got to Union Station. I’ve been traveling to see more of this wonderful country. No matter what you see while you’re here, just know that it’s the very tip of the iceberg. America is the most modern country in the world, and is capable of doing anything. After all, if you can send men to land on the moon, it just tells you that unbelievable things are coming to the members of the United Nations, of which Great Britain is proud to be a part.”
President Gallagher came to the stage as the meal was ending. He welcomed all the newcomers and greeted the returnees warmly.
“As you know the opening session of the United Nations is the reason we are here. For the observer nations, this will be your chance to watch as we wrestle with the problems of peacekeeping in the halls of diplomacy. We consider this infinitely better than wasting the lives of your sons in a series of never-ending wars and tension. The members of the United Nations have pledged not to engage in any hostile action with any other member, but to bring grievances and disputes to Washington for resolution, or in the case of a lack of agreement to accept the arbitration of the United States, as a fair and neutral broker. You also know we’re keeping our word of bringing the many improvements to your countries as a part of this United Nations charter. We now have over 100,000 men, engineers, and contractors in all your countries, working to establish the infrastructure for a better quality of life for all.”
“For your information, we’d already been working on a new headquarters of the United Nations, even before your last visit. I’m happy to announce this is now complete and we will have our first session there beginning on Thursday morning. Please have your prepared matters of discussion turned in to my vice president Tony Carter before then.”
“In the meantime, we have a few days to let the newcomers see some of the very things that are being built in member’s countries right now. Tomorrow we will be travelling to one of our industrial sites to view what a complete complex looks like. We also want you to enjoy Washington, so that will be a tour we schedule as well.”
“One last item of business, in our initial organizational meeting, the delegates voted to extend the voting rights to all persons over the age of 21. I certainly hope you women have been doing your homework and getting educated on international politics and economics.” With that, a large number of women stood up and cheered. Otto von Bismarck looked disgusted. Wilhelm pretended not to notice.
“Excellent,” said Gallagher. “I’m sure you’ll make a valuable addition to our discussions. Now before I stand aside and turn it over to the band, I am happy to introduce formally the vice president of the United States and my successor. I’ve served this country for 30 years. Tony Carter has served as my deputy for many years and is more than qualified to take over. He will be active in the debates this session.” Carter, came to the stage, and bowed and waved. He received a healthy round of applause.
“Time to relax and enjoy yourselves,” said Gallagher. “See you in the morning. The buses will pull out at 9 AM.”
Herbert brought along Andrea Marie and her parents to the dinner, and they were the first couple on the dance floor. Gladstone thought they made a handsome couple.
The next morning, after a delicious breakfast, the big group got on buses. The smaller children and young people were excused from the work trip and were separated to spend a day at the National Zoo, and the new amusement park.
The convoy of buses pulled out and sped south toward Three Rivers. The visit was a repeat of the first time. They saw the huge steel mill, the power plants, the oil fields, and a tour of some of the assembly and construction buildings in a wheel around the mill. One of the assembly plants was building heavy machinery to be used for putting down asphalt paving. There were ten of these machines in progress and as they walked along, they could see them in more and more completed condition. Outside a fleet of 20 machines was lined up in a huge yard and being prepared for transfer to the cargo ships for their journey to Europe. All the Europeans, new and old, just shook their heads at the amazing ingenuity of the work.
Part of the next day was devoted to seeing Washington. It was a beautiful city and the big group was broken into smaller groups to tour the Capitol, The White House, the Washington monument, and the Arcadia memorial. They also saw the National Museum and the Archives where the original Declaration of Independence and Constitution was housed.
The afternoon was open and all the women descended on the big Emporium and its companion exclusive shops with their magic badges. They wondered back to the resort and many of them tried the swimming pool or at least sat in the hot tub.
During the day President Gallagher, Vice-President Carter, and Arcadia were in Georgetown putting the finishing touches on their two year plan, Carter had negotiated with the soon to be, former Ottoman Empire, and the new country of Turkey.
Carter had made several trips to Constantinople to consult and negotiate with other decision makers in the Empire. A good many of them were brought to America to see what they were going to get. An ever growing flood of goods, products, technology, and advanced medicine was flowing into the capital and people were getting very used to having electricity, indoor plumbing and especially air-conditioning. Every shipload made the original deal Carter had struck with Abdul Hamid I more secure. The now much healthier Sultan was regarded as a modern hero.
Super-secret deals were made with all the new countries, which would emerge from the stunning announcement planned for the session of the United Nations, by the Ottomans. Small, but effective governments had been formed. These included Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Cyprus, Syria, and Kurdistan. Croatia and Dalmatia had decided to join as one country with the name Croatia. The Greeks give up claims on Cyprus in return for the territory of Albania, and a number of disputed Aegean Islands. All ten new countries had delegations in Washington, ready for the UN assembly. Greece was already a member, and was ready to support the Ottoman proposal. The Ottomans were also present with a delegation representing the new country of Turkey with its proposed boundaries. All the delegations were told, in no uncertain terms, that unless this secret agreement stayed secret, the United States would withhold large portions of trade.
“Well, Tony,” said Gallagher, “this has been your baby for years. Are we ready?”
“The question, Chuck, is, are the existing members of the UN going to stand for this. A lot of them have been drooling over getting new territories from the Balkans. Now, in one fell swoop, you pull the rug out from under them.”
“We’ve been adding workers in each country in which we have our big crews working to build power plants, railroads, highways, and telephones. The extra jobs are very important locally to people and they would certainly riot if their own government did something to take that work away. In addition, we are operating schools in small towns that previously did not have one. It functions as a day care center, so both parents can work and doubl
e their income. The big powers in Europe are going to see the trap closing, but I hope they think of it more as a snug nest.”
“My experts tell me that we have reduced the likely-hood of a major war in Europe in 40 years by 77 percent,” said Arcadia, “these are the same experts who told me 50 years ago that the chances of preventing World War I, were zero. However, we aren’t out of the woods yet. The major European powers still have both practical and nationalistic reasons to continue colonialism. I guess that’s a battle for another day. I will thank the Lord if we get through this session.”
The morning of the official first session of the United Nations dawned and the delegates, men, and women boarded the buses to the new headquarters building while the guide staff organized the kids into a daylong adventure.
The building was built as a dome with two wings of offices and conference rooms going off to the side. The entryway led to a ramp that led to the main chamber. There was a large silver screen in the center of the room with a podium for a speaker beneath. The delegates were organized in wide seats with desks in front of them, and the name of the country on a plate in front. Delegations were organized alphabetically in a ring facing the podium. The American delegation was in a row beneath the podium. The flags of all the countries were displayed to the left and right of the screen.
There was a row of windows at the top of the assembly seats, divided into cubicles. It was here the translators sat. The official languages were English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Turkish, and Russian. The delegates had headsets to listen to a speaker and hear the translation in his ears.
President Gallagher gaveled the session into order and made a stirring speech about the noble cause on which the great powers were embarked. He reviewed the progress American work teams were achieving in all the countries.
Then he threw the first punch. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I ask that we suspend debate on our agenda, to hear a major proposal from the representative of the Ottoman Empire. It is my pleasure to introduce Madam Vivienne Anthrapokis”
Gallagher thought it was a stroke of genius on Tony’s part to have the proposal introduced by a rather attractive woman. She was dressed in a colorful but demure gown that covered all her body. Her hair was done up in a swirling ring and was highlighted by a large broach that matched her necklace. Best of all, she spoke in English, so most of the delegates could understand her without the headset.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, a wise man once said that if we do not learn from the past, we will be obliged to repeat it in the future. This is the conclusion the Ottoman Empire has made in presenting for your consideration the following proposal.”
“For over 600 years the Ottoman Empire has ruled over a considerable portion of the earth. In the early centuries, we found our culture, and advanced technology was appreciated by the less developed people under our umbrella. However, the times have certainly changed more than ever in the past 50 years.”
“We believe the time for a major reorganization in our sphere of influence has come. We no longer share a common culture or traditions with many of the people in what is known as the Balkans, and other parts of the Empire. Therefore, in consultation with the leaders of the various Slavic groups, we would like to announce the formation of new and independent nations who may seek their own futures as they desire.”
On the big screen behind her, the revised map of the Ottoman Empire was revealed. The delegates leaned forward in their chairs in stark shock. The woman Vivienne paused for effect, than continued. In total, we propose 10 new sovereign nations. Actually it’s 11 nations since the Ottoman Empire will be dissolved and replaced by our own home country, which we shall name Turkey.”
“A delegation representing all these new nations is present in the assembly today and asks an opportunity to address you one by one to pledge their allegiance to the charter of the United Nations, and ask you to ratify their membership. We also ask that you accept the country of Turkey with our amended borders as indicated on the map. Thank you for your attention and we hope that this great new world organization will favorably receive our proposal.”
She bowed politely and left the podium. Gallagher was at the microphone instantly, “The delegates can now understand why this business was presented first. It represents a major political breakthrough.
“Mr. President,” said William Gladstone, “I suggest a recess so that delegates may consult with one another in private on this rather remarkable proposal.”
“We will reconvene after lunch, at 1 PM.” With considerable, noise the delegates filed out of the room.
“Chuck, wait a minute,” called out Gladstone, who was accompanied by Queen Victoria, “a moment of your time.”
“Take all the time you need,” said Gallagher, “Let’s slip into the lounge.”
Gallagher brought a fresh pot of coffee over and three cups. “OK, here we are. How did you like the show?”
“You aren’t going to seriously tell me you didn’t know about this,” said Gladstone.
“This morning was the first time I’ve ever heard of lady Vivienne, let alone met her. However, you have to understand we trade globally and our traders and ambassadors are listening to new ideas all the time. The first I knew the complete details of this proposal was yesterday afternoon.”
“I can’t speak for William, or the government, for that matter,” said Victoria, “but I think the Ottoman proposal is pure genius.”
“It does fill a lot of holes, dash a lot of hopes, and confound the greedy, doesn’t it?” said Gallagher.
“Is the United States going to support the membership of these new countries,” asked Gladstone?
“Why not?” said Gallagher. “As long as they take the pledge before God to honor the charter and follow the rules, there’s no more reason to exclude this bunch than there was to exclude Great Britain.”
“It really does take an enormous pressure off us,” said Gladstone. Bismarck is running around making all sorts of alliances. However, the alliances are all based on some kind of gain in the Balkans. If the Balkans are all countries of their own and voting members of the United Nations to boot, he is marginalized.”
“Exactly, the great European powers might go to war with each other over another European country, but it will be a lot harder to get public support over a dispute of who owns South Africa,” said Gallagher.
“Of course, none of the members of the United Nations are willing to start doing without the wonderful innovations that are pouring out of America,” said Victoria.
“There is that,” agreed Gallagher.
It became obvious after the General Assembly reconvened after lunch, that considerable debate had occurred between the delegates, and most of them had concluded, that the Ottoman proposal was inevitable. The big worry was the Russians, but the delegates did not know that Madame Vivienne had searched out the Russian Czar and told him that effective immediately after the proposal was approved, the Russians would have access to passage through the Dardanelles. For them it was a huge concession and sealed the deal for them.
In fact, it was the Russian Czar, Alexander, who rose and asked to address the general assembly first. Gallagher recognized him. “Fellow members of the United Nations, I rise to support the proposal of the Ottoman delegation and move that, subject to verification, that this body approve the question.”
A female member of the Greek delegation seconded the motion. Debate began including an impassioned speech by Otto von Bismarck that such a revolutionary alteration in the stability of Europe was a dangerous precedent that could have many unforeseen consequences.
Most of the women in the General Assembly could see it was crystal clear this would reduce tensions and make it less likely they would have to sacrifice their sons in war. They said so, one after another. The delegates were getting used to women speaking up, and pleasantly surprised to find them to be reasonable, well informed, and articulate.
The debate lasted for two hours before it came to t
he vote. In Georgetown, Arcadia and Tony Carter hugged each other, as the vote came in with overwhelming support.
52
Washington, D.C.
The turn of the 20th Century was upon them. President Tony Carter, now 65 years old was on a teleconference call with Arcadia, and President-Elect Susan Moore.
Arcadia was saying, “In the 30 years since we established the United Nations, we have been able to negotiate every dispute and in Europe, not a shot has been fired in anger. The United States has had to arbitrate only one quarrel. All the historians said it couldn’t be done, but we have definitely prevented World War I, from happening. With no World War I, there won’t be a second phase of that War in 1939, because Germany never falls into a depression, and Hitler will not get a foothold.“
“The Europeans are enjoying their higher standard of living,” said Susan. “They have a strong middle class and the prosperity they’ve enjoyed from drastically reducing their defense budgets have allowed them to function a lot more like we do. The smartest thing they’ve done is to copy our educational system. They have smart people over there and four times the population, so they are beginning to develop new products on their own, or at least reverse engineer our stuff.”
“True enough, “said the President, “they have nearly enough steel mills to handle their own needs, which is good for us, we can concentrate more on helping other countries, and doing some things in America that we have postponed. The Germans have specialized in building power plants, which they are now exporting. They have 90 percent of our efficiency, but that it because nobody is close to us in micro-circuitry, computers, and other electronics that require such a high level of sophistication. The power plants are clean too; they are running on natural gas. The Russians have big pipelines that crisscross Europe.”
Arcadia nodded, “Just what we wanted. Each country is specializing in what they can do best and trading freely with other countries. They have become so interdependent cooperation and good will are the order of the day. They have highways, excellent public transportation, buried utilities lines, especially the electrical grid. Almost every home has electricity, running water, flush toilets, and a supporting sewer system that is not polluting their rivers and streams. We still have to do most of the heavy lifting on that since the recycling centers use computers and chemicals they still don’t have. However, their telephone system is exploding. Everyone wants to talk to friends and relatives across the continent. Radio broadcasting is a big business and some of the big cities are trying to get television broadcasting up and running.”
