Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 354 Mr. Mayor
Lincoln's resignation was not good news for the federal government. His successor, President Hamlin, had previously served as governor of Maine and a senator, but resigned from both positions shortly afterward. To win over voters in the North, Lincoln chose him as his running mate. Therefore, this president's governing ability was questionable.

The chaos in the central government led to local governments repeatedly disobeying orders, many of the dispatched troops were disbanded, and each state was forming its own army. Local elites began to take over government, and the federation had become a mere shell of its former self.

Napoleon III has announced the establishment of New Louisiana, with its capital in San Francisco, California. He has appointed one governor and two lieutenants-general, and plans to promote immigration and economic development in the region.

However, the route between mainland France and Louisiana requires transit through Mexico or the Confederate States of America, so further discussion is needed.

With France leading the way, Britain also became bolder. Parts of the Northwest Territory and Oregon joined British Columbia, nearly doubling its size.

The sparsely populated western regions became the focus of contention between Britain and France, and the federal government seemed to have no other choice but to surrender.

Sharif was surveying the situation in British Columbia. Six months ago, he had already converted the American stock held by Golden Lion Corporation into cash and shipped it all the way over.

All the cash is here, £1680 million. No other country besides Britain and France could come up with so much money at once. The depository is located in Boise, a city built by new immigrants with a population of over 3000, mostly Shia, and with more mosques than churches.

“This is such a dramatic change. The stock exchange is closing down just like that, and the president has stepped down. I think the United States of America is about to disappear from this world,” Sharif said to Patrick.

"Fortunately, we've come here now, and everything can start anew, even if we're still under British rule."

Sharif smiled. “I know what the British did to Ireland, Mayor Kennedy. Now you can live here with your family. Trust me, things will be different soon.”

"I know, thank you for saving my compatriots in times of crisis, I am grateful for your kindness at all times."

Unable to survive in Ireland, Patrick Kennedy boarded a ship bound for Iran while Iran was recruiting. He and his family drifted all the way to Bandar Abbas, and later settled in Isfahan. Thanks to his hardworking and diligent nature, Kennedy quickly amassed some money, but he never forgot his compatriots. Hearing that Iran was looking for people from Iraq to work in the Americas, Kennedy immediately signed up and went to New York.

After overcoming numerous difficulties, Kennedy gained Iran's attention and was given funds to contact the Irish in the United States. As the Civil War broke out, the Irish faced even greater hardship. Sharif approached Kennedy, explained Iran's investments in the Northwest Territories, and invited the Irish to settle and cultivate the land.

Such a good thing naturally garnered the support of impoverished Irish people, especially since some of them had already converted to Shia Islam. Thus, Shia Muslims and Catholics alike ventured together into that unknown land.

Since the start of the Civil War, 50,000 Irish people have migrated to the west, including 20,000 Shia Muslims. They cultivate potatoes and wheat and elect their own mayors and government officials. Kennedy was naturally elected mayor of Boise.

"Now, what are your thoughts?"

"I don't have any other ideas. I need to survive first before I can think about anything else. There are millions of my fellow Irish people in the east, and I need to make sure they can enjoy the warmth here. Without the exploitation and cunning of the British, they can work hard to make a living. But this area is also within the British sphere of influence, and I don't know what to do next."

Seeing Kennedy's bewildered expression, Shareef revealed his purpose. "What if you became a high-ranking official in British Columbia?"

Patrick looked at him in surprise. "That's not funny, sir. The British have always monopolized government positions. I don't know where to begin."

Sharif lowered his voice, his gaze unwavering as he looked at Patrick: “British rule here is not secure. British Columbia is sparsely populated, and they need immigrants to develop this land. But now, we Irish—especially organized people like you—have become a force to be reckoned with.”

Patrick frowned. "You mean a rebellion? That's too risky."

“No, it’s not an uprising,” Sharif shook his head. “It’s a political game. The British need someone who can manage this land, someone who can both appease the Irish immigrants and maintain order. And you, Patrick, are the perfect candidate.”

Britain's control over western North America was weak, relying mainly on a small number of officials and troops, making it difficult to directly control the vast territory. The population growth in British Columbia was also solely dependent on gold mining; once the gold mines closed, the population would naturally disperse.

At that time, there were still nearly 200 million Irish people in the eastern United States. If they were allowed to enter the west, it would be a great help to him.

"This is too risky. We are just immigrants; we can't possibly fight the British..."

"Nothing is impossible. The British have their hands everywhere. The Shah is very troubled. He wrote to me and told me to cause trouble for the British."

But as you know, this is where the only trouble is, right now. Think about it, Mayor, you and your compatriots will live peacefully, but all of this depends on you proving to the British that they cannot eliminate you by force, proving your worth.”

Sharif's words made Patrick realize the unrest among the Irish; wherever they were, they faced attacks from Protestants. During his years living in New York, he had keenly felt the plight of the Irish; their religious differences led to repeated suffering, with many living in poverty and exploited by the wealthy. He wanted to change this situation, and believed that with Iran's assistance, things would be much easier.

"This will be a long process. Can I trust that you won't go back on your word?"

"Mayor, don't worry, nothing will change. The only thing that will change is the British people's attitude towards you."

Kennedy felt relieved; from this moment on, he would fight for the well-being of his fellow Irishmen.

(End of this chapter)