Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 384 West Bird

World trade continues, and oil wells in the Baku region remain in operation, continuously extracting oil from underground and sending it to refineries to be turned into kerosene and other products.

The transportation method also changed at this time. The original barrel packaging was changed to pipeline transportation, which improved efficiency and reduced costs.

Iranian kerosene was being sold worldwide at the time, not only for lighting but also for medicinal purposes in Europe.

After the American Civil War, local kerosene production capacity declined sharply, allowing Iran to seize market share. Even if the United States were to resume kerosene production, it would not reach its previous market share.

At the headquarters of Westminster Oil Company in New York, newly appointed president Ismail sits in his office reviewing business operations. The company has acquired numerous oil wells and refineries in Ohio, and following mergers, kerosene production capacity has begun to recover, with large-scale sales underway. To date, the company's kerosene sales have reached 1000 million riyals.

Ismail plans to continue oil exploration; it has been stated that the region north of Mexico is under his jurisdiction. All he needs to do is maintain good relations with the current governments.

"President, we are currently exploring for oil in Mexico, but the governor of the British colony to the north has made it clear that we need the Queen's approval."

"Let's put them aside for now and focus on the situation in Ohio and Pennsylvania. We'll also explore the Allied countries."

Oil companies are just a microcosm of the current oil industry; those who don't strive to catch up will eventually be left behind.

Iran's petroleum research institute began exploring various uses for petroleum, such as purchasing the patent for aniline violet from British scientist Perkin and producing it in large quantities. Subsequently, synthetic substances became one of their main research directions.

But none of this matters to Ismail; all he needs to do is control the North American oil and kerosene market. Numerous refineries are currently seeking his cooperation, and the US government, in an effort to increase revenue, is further deregulating industry and commerce and implementing tax cuts. This is particularly beneficial for companies.

"President, Mr. Welf and Mr. Ginsburg have arrived."

“Please let them in,” Ismail said, lighting a Havana cigar.

The two men walked into the office. Looking at its luxury, they thought to themselves how wonderful it would be to have such a place.

“Gentlemen, please have a seat!” Ismail invited the two men, who immediately sat down in the chairs at the table. They had come to negotiate on behalf of their peers and the company.

“Mr. Ismail, I think you know why we’re here,” Welf said first.

“Yes, I know. I’ve invited you two to listen to the company’s plans today.”

Ismail began to tell the two, “I inspected oil wells and refineries in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The standards varied greatly from place to place, and the quality of the kerosene produced varied. If bad kerosene caused an accident, it would be an unimaginable blow to the industry.”

Therefore, we can cooperate and use the same standards to produce oil and kerosene. This will not only benefit our company, but you can also profit.” This was Ismail’s idea. Acquiring oil wells and refineries one by one was too slow. It would be better to integrate them as shareholders, share profits, and do business together.

“That’s something we didn’t expect,” Ginsburg said. “If your company can offer such terms, then we can consider cooperation.”

Seeing an opportunity, Ismail continued, "Just imagine how much profit a company could make if it controlled all the refineries. Simply by joining, you could make a fortune."

This is quite appealing; after all, who would turn down money? But it's unclear what the government thinks about an Iranian company wanting to control American oil.

They can rest assured about that; the US government is in complete disarray right now. The Hamlin administration's poor performance in domestic affairs has caused some Republicans to leave the party, and they will likely nominate someone else to split the Republican vote in the upcoming presidential election. The only consolation is that New England has returned to the embrace of the United States.

Secretary of State Seward repeatedly negotiated with the British government, while Republican guerrillas in New England put pressure on the local garrison. After consideration, the United States agreed to pay $600 million to regain control of New England, and New York State rejoined the United States, although New York City remained outside the union. This directly extricated the Hamlin government from its current crisis, but it would certainly be a two-year process, and the 1864 election would undoubtedly go to someone else.

Although the general election doesn't begin until next year, both the Democratic and Republican parties have already started their campaigns. Stephens Douglas remains the frontrunner among Democrats, while the Republicans have chosen Ulysses S. Grant, a hero of the Civil War. His actions on the Western Front helped salvage the situation considerably.

The National Republican Party also has General George McClellan, so next year is likely to be a major battle.

"Please rest assured, the company will guarantee the integrity of your assets. But please trust Ximu Bird; it is certain that it can accomplish so much."

The two thought it was a good idea and were the first to join the West Bird Company. The others waited for them to relay the message to them before making any decisions.

Ismail closed the two contracts and opened a book. It contained a list of congressmen who were prepared to sponsor the event. Since the New York Stock Exchange closed, many had suffered huge losses, and although the government planned to reopen it in Philadelphia, it would take a long time to recover.

Nishimura Corporation is one of the companies with the most assets and funds, and with so much money, they can try to extend their reach into the political arena. Of course, not by directly giving money, but by lobbying parliament and the government through intermediaries, thus avoiding scandal.

The 1864 general election was extremely fierce, and the contestants would likely pull out all the stops to win electoral votes. The competition for funds was, of course, the most intense.

Ismail felt there was still a year left, so he shouldn't worry about the presidency for now; he should focus on the upcoming Ohio gubernatorial election first. Republican Governor Smith intended to run for re-election, but the Democrats were relentlessly pushing him. They had privately informed companies that if elected, they would lower corporate tax rates.

Ismail ultimately donated $20000 to the Democratic candidate, enough for him to complete his campaign. Now all that's left is to wait for the results.

Looking out the window, Ismail felt a bright future awaited him. Once this goal was achieved, the entire North American oil market would belong to them. This was probably true monopoly; he didn't know what the future held, but he estimated it would be very good.

(End of this chapter)