His Excellency the Count of Grandet

Speaking of Mr. Webster, he is probably already a legend.

He came from a wealthy family and was well-educated; although his family's fortunes fell, he still relied on his legal talents to make a name for himself.He once served as a member of Congress and resolutely opposed the government's embargo policy; after he resigned and returned to his hometown, he opened a law firm in Boston and achieved brilliant results that no one can match——

Eloquence seems to be an innate ability for him, and this capital is almost invincible!

Because of his penetrating tongue, although Webster is only one of the members of the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention, his actual political power far exceeds his status——

When it comes to how to win a debate, no one in American politics can match Webster.As long as he agrees or opposes something, most of the other congressmen will seriously refer to his opinions.If Webster hadn't wanted to leave a party with shaky prospects (the New England Federalist Party), the Secretary of State would have to be replaced.

To put it bluntly, it would be fine if he agrees with the president, but if he disagrees, this appeal will be a thorn in the president's side.

Because of this, when it came to such a sensitive issue as tariffs, the first person Shire thought of was not someone as important as the speaker of the House of Representatives or the Chief of Customs, or even a member of the House of Representatives, but the state congressman Webster.

After making history in the legal profession, Webster, who became a member of the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention this year, looks poised for a political comeback.To put it mildly, he was in Washington, and even on the docks, on the day the French delegation arrived, leaving no doubt that he was very interested in the matter.

Then there is a second reason.

Massachusetts is a part of New England. Just by its name, it is known that it was a colony of Great Britain before.The industries in the region are mainly shipbuilding and shipping, and the import and export trade is developed.Their largest trading partner is also a British investor.

Therefore, some businessmen felt that the U.S. government should not have gone to war with Britain before, nor should it have high tariffs, because this affected their interests; a small number of people even had the idea of ​​​​separating from the Federation because of this.In contrast, although Webster also opposed the war, he advocated federal unification and weakened state rights (in the early days of the founding of the United States, the power of the state legislature was much greater than that of later generations), so that he would not completely tear himself apart with the president——

Because of bad luck, the current US President, Mr. James Monroe, deeply feels that high tariffs should be used to protect the development of domestic enterprises.His Secretary of State, Adams, was the main implementer of what later known as the Monroe Doctrine.

The above is just some necessary background, and it is only part of the information that Victor passed on to Charles.Other situations, including other aspects of the Monroe Doctrine, Britain's countermeasures in South America (with overall ties to North America), friction between Spain and the United States in western North America, etc., all have an impact on the situation; but because it is too complicated, first Let's not mention it for now.

All in all, from the perspective of the development of the United States, Shire feels that Mr. President has made a wise choice; but from his own point of view, he does not want the United States to have excessively high import and export tax rates, even if he accepts the bottom line is relatively high the same.

At this time, Webster, who also does not want high tariffs, needs to play a role.

A group of people who came from afar got into the carriage one after another, and the convoy drove to the White House mightily.According to the procedure, formal government official meetings naturally come first, followed by commercial cooperation.Due to the difficulties of the United States, Charles did not make a move first, and only planned to wait for the formal negotiation to start.

However, he stood still, but the other party didn't seem to think so.Because while waiting for the results of the official meeting, someone approached him.

"Long time no see, dear friend!" A short and fat man said enthusiastically, his brows were full of smiles, his originally small eyes could not see at all now.

This is Mr. Hampton, the one who signed a barrel timber agreement with Shire in Bordeaux before, and gave Shire a lot of vines.His lumber business has been quite successful for the past two years, so he is also qualified to participate in this event.

"My dear friend, I did not expect to see you here," replied Charles, a little surprised. "There are so many people on the pier, I didn't notice you for a while, please forgive me." He said this, and looked at the other people who came with Hampton without any trace—they were obviously Hampton who was going to introduce them to His face was more or less surprised.

Hampton smiled and shook his hand. "You are still as polite as I remember. When I was in Bordeaux before, I thank you for your care. Now that you have come to Washington, it is time for us to show our friendship as a landlord!"

"Then thank you very much." Charles agreed without hesitation. "Actually, if I knew you were in Washington, I would definitely find time to visit you."

"I'm afraid it's not me you want to see, but the wood in my hand?" Hampton laughed. "Don't worry, your oak is indispensable! Even if you don't tell me, I'm going to let you have a look. But of course, it's not now—" He gestured to the people around him, "Look at my slowness, I must have kept the gentlemen waiting for a long time. Excuse me, let me introduce to you..."

After the necessary pleasantries, Charles succeeded in getting acquainted with several ship merchants, plank merchants, whiskey merchants and so on.Since Hampton is engaged in the import and export of timber, of course the circle of acquaintances has the same interest appeal; in short, the economic stance is biased towards the northern faction, which coincides with Shire.

There is a common language, and several people chatted quickly.

"This time you weighed anchor from the port of Brest a month ago?" The ship merchant who was only surprised by Charles' age was now greatly surprised.He knew the Frenchman's steamer was going fast this time--from the way it docked--but he hadn't expected it to be so much faster. "Is your ship really equipped with the same steam engine as ours?"

"Oh, probably. But I hear they've come up with a whole new set of patents; I can't tell you that lightly," replied Charles.In fact, with his graduate background in mechanical engineering, it is very clear that engines and other things belong to his old profession. It is just a matter of appearance.

The other party obviously felt the same way. "It's enough that you can say this - because I don't think the British have seen this kind of formation, have they? I dare to swear, their reaction will be more jealous than ours!"

The others nodded in agreement.

The logic is simple.Originally, British technology was number one in the world, and other countries could not keep up with it.The industrial technology of the United States can only be regarded as just in its infancy, and it is just envious of France's rapid progress.From the perspective of the United Kingdom, think about France, which has overtaken it——

Then it's not just envy and jealousy, maybe even hate!

"That's not necessarily the case. Maybe the British have already researched it, but we haven't seen it yet." Charles said.There are people all around, he can't rashly praise how good his side is, otherwise it's really asking for trouble. "But having said that, we have enough time for this trip. So I want to ask you, if you want to go to the south to see the scenery, what should you prepare?" He decisively changed the subject.

Several people exchanged a look.Although they are from the north, the industries they operate are closely related to import and export, which coincides with the planters in the south - if the export tax rate is high, can they still make money?

In the final analysis, whether you are a Southern faction or a Northern faction, it all depends on which side of your interests is more secure.No one can escape this law except the saints who are few and far between.

At this time, Shire said that he was going to the south—this intention was obvious, because there was a large area of ​​cotton planted in the south, which was exactly what the textile factory needed.

"I heard that your factory in Épernay has been officially put into operation," Hampton said first, without directly answering Charles' question about preparations. "Isn't it the largest in the whole of France?"

"It's just luck; if someone is not willing to invest, I can't do it even if I want to." Xia Er said.

"You also covered the coal mine in Nancy?" Another person seemed to be joking. The industry is also an emerging industry, the kind that can be very profitable if done well.

Several people agreed one after another, and reached a tacit consensus in the exchange of eyes: it seems that among the French people who came this time, it was Charles who had the biggest business——

Only textiles are okay to say, plus steel and transportation, this is definitely the rhythm of making a lot of money!While these ventures are still in their infancy, the future looks promising and Shire himself looks intent on expanding.They have seen the technical level of France from the ship today, and considering Charles' good relationship in the French political and financial circles...

Even if it is the first time to want to cooperate with Ciel, it can hardly be said to be an adventure!

"My hometown is in South Carolina. The garden is huge and full of my favorite agaves, but the house probably can't compare with your mansion in Paris." Wine merchant Clay finally said. "If you don't mind, I would be happy to invite you to my house. Of course, if you want to come, I also wholeheartedly welcome you!"

"You are too polite." Charles smiled, "Then I thank you first."

"It looks like I'll be far behind in the line." Hampton showed a look of annoyance, "Carolina is several states away from the Mississippi River!" Because his best lumber mill Between the tributaries of the Mississippi River and the Balachia Mountains; no one is further than this except the westernmost part of the United States.

Several people laughed together.In fact, any one of them knows that seeing the scenery on vacation is an excuse.It's just that tacit understanding has become the norm for these people, so of course they can't speak too clearly.Anyway, business cooperation usually takes a long time to understand, adapt, and bargain. A more comfortable and natural environment is conducive to the smooth progress of business.

They are talking and laughing at Yanyan, and they will naturally be noticed by interested people.Webster casts his gaze from the other side of the long table, then looks away.The line has been hooked up so quickly, is the French really just doing business this time?

The author has something to say: Hampton: Come on, Charles, let me introduce you to some of my good friends, we can make money together!

Charles: Sounds good~~

Victor: Why does that American look like a pimp? (￣ヘ￣o#)

The breath of Washington is not suitable for business wars. Change the map~~ How good is the south, you can make money, run horses, and do things right away