Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World - Chapter 289: The Misleading News

Two weeks later, in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Poul and Jonathan were reading the newspapers that were recently published. They have grim looks on their faces as the headlines of the news begin to sink in.

“A military clash between the United States Armed Forces and the Empire of Japan occurred in the capital city of the Kingdom of Joseon. 50 Japanese soldiers were killed while 80 were injured. The United States Army is still to release a statement regarding this event,” Poul read before setting down the newspaper on the table.

“This is why I hate the media in this world, their headlines are misleading people,” Poul exclaimed, sighing exasperatedly. “Though we still achieved our goal in Hanseong right? We were able to expel the Japanese garrison out of Hanseong, which is what we were paid to do but…”

“But…the media told the public that it was the United States Army,” Amelia finished Poul’s sentence, her brow furrowing. “Yeah, this is a great misunderstanding and we have to issue a statement to the press.”

Jonathan, who was silent about the ordeal, continued reading the newspaper. In the newspaper, witnesses claimed that the United States Army is using a new kind of weapon that can shoot out thirty bullets in less than ten seconds. The sight was a massacre, with bodies littered with bullet wounds to the point the body was unrecognizable.

“How can we explain this to President Cleveland hmm?” Jonathan finally spoke.

“We’ll clear it to the public,” Poul suggested flippantly. “Tell the people that it wasn’t the United States Army but our private military hired to kick the Japanese out of Joseon.”

“Yes, that seems easy Poul but what about after?” Jonathan emphasized. “If the Japanese were to hear about the Joseon Kingdom hiring a private military that massacred their forces in Hanseong? How do you think they would react to it?”

“Jonathan, we have considered every possibility of what could happen after the operation, and believe me this was one of them. It was clearly stated on the contract that anything that happens after is none of our concern. Should they want us to settle their problem again, they should hire us again. This is the reality of private military business, when things go bad when things go bad, we cut our ties and move on to the next job,” Poul replied, trying to sound confident but with a hint of unease. He glanced at Amelia, who was listening to the exchange of the industrialist duo.

“Amelia, what do you think the media would ask us?”

Amelia pondered aloud. “To be honest, Poul. There is a lot, one example would be the objective of the operation in Hanseong.”

“Then…let’s prepare for the media,” Poul said. <subtxt> . </subtxt>

***

In the following days, the news about the private military company of the Axelsen & Nielsen Corporation spread throughout the United States. The media coverage was relentless, with headlines ranging from sensationalism to investigative pieces delving into the operations and ethics of private military contractors. The public was divided, some expressing curiosity about the role and capabilities of private military companies, while others voiced skepticism and outrage over the events in Hanseong.

President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, addressed the news surrounding the events in Hanseong during a press conference held at the White House. The room was filled with journalists eager to hear the President’s response and clarification on the matter.

Standing at the podium, President Cleveland began his address with a solemn expression.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the press, thank you for gathering here today. I stand before you to address the recent reports regarding a military clash in the Kingdom of Joseon.”

He paused for a moment, allowing the room to settle into an attentive silence before continuing.

“First and foremost, I want to make it absolutely clear that the United States Armed Forces had no involvement in the events that unfolded in Hanseong. The reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate and misleading.”

The journalists in the room exchanged puzzled glances, their pens scribbling furiously to capture every word the President spoke.

President Cleveland continued, “I have been fully briefed on the situation, and our intelligence agencies have thoroughly investigated the matter. The clash in Hanseong was carried out by a private military company, the Axelsen & Nielsen Corporation, which was contracted by the Kingdom of Joseon to address a specific security concern within their borders.”

He emphasized, “The actions of this private military company were not sanctioned by the United States government, nor were they executed by our Armed Forces. It is essential to separate fact from fiction and refrain from attributing blame where it does not belong.”

The room erupted with questions, reporters vying for attention to seek further clarification. President Cleveland raised his hand, signaling for calm.

“I understand that these events have raised concerns among the public and within the international community. Rest assured, we are working diligently to ensure a full investigation is conducted, not only to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident but also to address the larger questions it raises about the role and accountability of private military contractors.”

He continued, “I have instructed my administration to engage in direct diplomatic dialogue with the governments involved, including the Empire of Japan and the Kingdom of Joseon. We will work towards an open and transparent resolution to prevent any further misunderstandings or escalations.”

“Were there any civilian casualties in the clash?” One of the journalists asked.

“Thank you for your question,” President Cleveland replied. “Based on the information available to us at this time, there have been no reports of civilian casualties in the clash. The operation conducted by the private military company was specifically targeted at the Japanese garrison in Hanseong, with the objective of expelling them from the capital city of the Kingdom of Joseon.”

“How did the Japanese react to this matter? Are we going to war?” Another journalist asked.

President Cleveland took a moment to collect his thoughts before responding to the journalist’s question. His demeanor remained composed and assured as he addressed the room once again.

“I understand the concerns about the potential ramifications of this incident. It is important to note that the clash in Hanseong was an isolated event involving a private military company and the Japanese garrison. While we cannot predict the exact response of the Empire of Japan, I want to assure you that our administration is actively engaged in diplomatic dialogue to prevent any further escalations.”

He continued, “We have reached out to the government of Japan to communicate the facts surrounding the situation and clarify that the United States government was not involved. Our intention is to foster understanding and work towards a peaceful resolution. War is not in the best interest of either nation, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that diplomatic channels remain open and productive.”

President Cleveland’s words struck a chord with the journalists, who furiously scribbled notes and prepared follow-up questions.

After answering more questions, Cleveland ended his press conference, assuring the public and the international community that his administration was committed to resolving the situation peacefully.

Inside the White House, Cleveland walked with heavy footsteps, infuriated at the news.

“Has Mr. Nielsen and Mr. Axelsen arrived in the White House?” He asked his secretary.

“Yes sir, they are at the Oval Office.”

“Good, I’ll talk to them.”