Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 355

The Irish settled here, perhaps because they shared similar feelings; they didn't discriminate against the Native Americans. Everyone was trying to survive, so why not stick together and support each other?
Of course, the Irish people's achievements in the West today are also inseparable from Iranian financial support. The Friends of Ireland, a group of Shia Irish, helped other Irish people safely travel west along the Oregon Trail and settle down.

Although they have different religious beliefs, they are all refugees from the British "German rule," so they are naturally bound together by national sentiment. Moreover, with a few exceptions, Shia Irish and Catholic Irish are not much different.

They established numerous settlements in the Northwest Territory, connecting them with rivers and roads. They all traded in Boise, and the mayor of Boise became the leader of the local Irish community.

Mayor Kennedy was preoccupied with getting more Irish people to settle there; with their homeland unable to help them, Iran's annual investment and loans were their only source of support. A few days later, he received a special guest: James Douglas, the Governor of the District of Columbia.

The province of British Columbia has annexed new land, doubling its size. Although specific official positions have not yet been established, the governor is already aware of the details. The large influx of Irish people has directly impacted the local population structure; before their arrival, the province of British Columbia had nearly 6 inhabitants. The arrival of the Irish has forced the governor to consider peaceful coexistence with them.

Of course, the special circumstances of British Columbia also prompted the governor to take policy measures, as the population was already declining. With most of the local gold mines depleted, there were no more gold mines to be found. As a result, many people left the area to look for work in the east. The gold mining did not generate revenue for the government; the annual subsidy of £10 from the London government was not enough, and the construction of roads connecting the gold mines to other cities left the governor heavily indebted.

"Hello, Mayor Kennedy."

"Hello, Governor Douglas."

Douglas glanced to the side and immediately stepped forward to shake Sharif's hand.

“Ah, Mr. Sharif, it’s a blessing from God to see you here.”

"Ha, perhaps this is destiny."

The three of them went together to the mayor's study in his official residence to discuss matters. On the table were tea leaves that they had managed to buy with great difficulty, as well as locally produced milk.

“Please try this,” Sharif said, taking a few rose-scented tea leaves from a gilded tea box. “This is Persian black tea, with saffron added.” The silver bracelet on his wrist jingled with the movement, engraved with Persian blessings.

“The Governor’s personal visit to Boise shows how much importance he attaches to this place,” Kennedy said.

Governor Douglas stared at the swirling golden petals in his teacup and suddenly laughed. “I had this tea in Victoria Harbour a few years ago—when the Hudson’s Bay Company’s accountant was struggling with debt.” He glanced meaningfully at the map of Greater Columbia hanging on the wall, where most of the red crosses marking gold mines had been marked with black depletion marks.

"Speaking of which, I've heard that there aren't many gold mines left in the north. As a result, many people have left the area, which is probably having a significant impact on the local economy."

Douglas gave a mental thumbs-up; this investor seemed to know the western region inside and out. Securing his investment would be a significant boost to the economy. Unlike other governors, he couldn't maintain a semblance of British purity in the face of the local situation and needed to rely on external forces, such as Irish and Iranian investments.

“Haha,” Douglas chuckled dryly. “Yes, immigrants prefer the Cape of Good Hope and Eastern Canada; they’d rather stay here. Even if they do come, it’s for the gold. But the gentlemen of London probably never imagined that it would be Persian gold coins and Irish shepherds that would save Colombia’s economy.”

Shareef and Kennedy exchanged a glance and continued listening to the governor.

"To be honest, the government is currently heavily indebted due to road construction projects, and the subsidies from the London government have not yet been disbursed. I wonder if Mr. Sharif would be interested in investing locally?"

That was exactly what he was waiting for. Sharif smiled and unfolded a map: "Our company is very interested in the development of the Northwest Territories." He traced the Rocky Mountains with his finger, stopping at several passes marked in red ink. "If Your Excellency is willing to open these passes, our company is willing to undertake the current highway works and also invest in the railway from Boise to Victoria."

Douglas looked at the passes and saw that they were all transferable and not a problem.

"That's no problem, Her Majesty the Queen will agree."

He then turned his gaze to Kennedy. “Mr. Mayor, I wonder if the Irish would be willing to settle here. We will offer them preferential policies and will not discriminate against their beliefs. They only need to pledge allegiance to the Queen.”

Kennedy nodded. "Please, Your Excellency, express your government's determination. I think no one would refuse."

Douglas immediately said there was no problem and they could sign the agreement right away. London, however, was pressing for an agreement, saying that due to financial difficulties, the £10 subsidy would be cut, and if they didn't find a way to increase revenue, the government would have to shut down.

Mayor Kennedy suddenly clapped his hands, and his attendants carried in an oak barrel. As the amber liquid was poured into silver glasses, the entire council chamber filled with the rich aroma of Irish whiskey. “This is scented with Persian saffron,” the mayor said, raising his glass to Shareef, “May God bless our cooperation.”

The three reached an agreement, which was formalized in writing and became the influential Boise Resolution.

The resolution states: 1. Lion Corporation will take over the gold mine highway project and simultaneously construct the railway from Boise to Victoria. All investment in this project will be 100% provided by Lion Corporation, in exchange for the company enjoying the railway's profits for the next 20 years.

2. The Colombian government encourages Irish people to settle there, offering a two-year tax exemption to attract them. Their religious beliefs will not be discriminated against, although English will still be the language of instruction.

3. A British Columbia Regional Bank was established with a registered capital of £10, financed by the Lion Corporation. The government's debts were covered by the company, and the government also agreed to grant the Lion Corporation approximately 3 square kilometers of land for development, with a lease term of 50 years.

All three parties were satisfied with the agreement: the Irish received settlements, the Iranians received money and resources, and the colonial government received investment and manpower; all three had a bright future.

In London, Colonial officials were baffled by the sudden repayment of British Columbia's debts. The accounts showed the repayment came from special trade revenue, but the attached invoices only listed "religious goods." No one noticed the small inscription embroidered in gold thread along the edge of the newly replaced Persian carpet in the Parliament basement: "There is no god but Allah—in the name of Queen Victoria."

(End of this chapter)