The Fox of France - Chapter 364: Distribution (1)

The workers showed no intention of continuing the standoff. This strike primarily stemmed from the government’s crackdown on the “United Union.” The workers understood that without the union, the increase in labor intensity coupled with decreased wages by the factory owners was almost a certainty.

However, without the forceful intervention of the French, the strike might have faltered long ago if the “Labor Saint” hadn’t brought wheat and potato porridge to everyone. Now that the French advised against persisting and despite the dissolution of the “United Union,” the establishment of the “Workers’ Alliance Club” essentially remained the same in function, just under a different name. Hence, everyone found it acceptable.

Moreover, most of the arrested workers and representatives, as long as they remained alive, were mostly released due to “insufficient evidence.” Even those sentenced to hard labor were eventually acquitted upon appeal, citing flaws in the trial process, and due to “insufficient evidence” upon retrial. Despite these individuals returning home without realizing they had appealed and undergone two trials, the government had clear documentation of these appeals, rulings, and the two trials.

Soon after, the new “London Textile Workers’ Alliance Club” was announced at the former address of the “London Textile Workers’ Union.” Gavin Pran delivered a brief speech during the inauguration, affirming the club’s commitment to the workers’ welfare and hoping for their continued trust and support.

Following this, Pauline, clad in men’s attire, congratulated the club’s establishment, expressing a desire for it to not only serve male workers but also become a haven for female workers. She emphasized a heightened focus on the plight of female and child workers due to their severe oppression, hoping to see female representatives in the club in the future.

However, due to well-known reasons, British newspapers didn’t report on this matter, and French newspapers also gave it minimal coverage, placing it towards the back pages. The French were occupied flaunting their scientific achievements.

Subsequently, negotiations between labor and management regarding the strike commenced. With both sides willing to temporarily cease hostilities, discussions proceeded smoothly, resulting in an agreement. Due to the increased frequency of strikes that year, to avoid substantial fines and fulfill orders, the management requested a slight increase in labor intensity and extended work hours for the workers. Of course, this wasn’t without compensation—the additional labor would be financially compensated by the management.

Additionally, Mr. Ren, representing the management, proposed a recent reform proposal regarding electoral districts by the Whig Party. This proposal held benefits for both the management and the broader workforce.

However, the conservative landowners in rural areas remained resistant. Given their higher number of representatives, to effect district reforms, the capitalists needed to exert pressure on the government, necessitating the support of numerous workers to create momentum.

“Here’s the thing. We hope you can sign our petition supporting our representatives and send delegates to our petition submission ceremony. Naturally, we’re willing to extend our goodwill and assistance—your meeting place is too cramped and dilapidated. If you support us, we’ll refurbish this space. Furthermore, your time away from work to support us will be compensated economically,” concluded Mr. Ren.

If it were the previous figure, he’d immediately have discerned Ren’s intentions—to lure and corrupt some worker representatives. However, Gavin Pran didn’t react as quickly; he was relatively slower. In a way, he wasn’t the ideal successor in the eyes of the previous figure; he was more of a backup plan.

A backup plan differs from a successor. The task of a backup plan is only to weather the toughest times in case of unforeseen events. Hence, when grooming a backup, stability takes precedence. Gavin Pran, firm in character like a butcher, was a good backup, but his intellect and knowledge weren’t sufficient for prolonged leadership. In the eyes of the old figure, Oliver was the true successor he valued.

However, Gavin Pran had one advantage: he knew he wasn’t brilliant and tended to lag in decision-making. He never hastily made decisions. Admittedly, this approach might sometimes miss opportunities, but nobody’s perfect, and stability is paramount for a backup. Compared to those reckless individuals who jump without knowing how much they can handle, Gavin Pran was quite impressive.

So, he responded to Ren, “Mr. Ren, we’ll need to discuss these matters collectively before giving you a response.”

“Ah, prudence is a virtue, I understand,” replied Ren.

And thus, the major strike in the British textile industry concluded. After a series of confrontations, both sides gained a rough understanding of each other’s strength and the forces behind them. After the conflicts and bloodshed, a new equilibrium emerged. Although this new balance seemed to mirror the old one, rendering all the conflicts and bloodshed seemingly futile—for both sides—everything had indeed changed. In a way, now both sides truly regarded each other as equals, akin to a war in the distant East where the starting point was also the finishing line.

Meanwhile, in Paris, Joseph was in a debate with Napoleon about who should receive the Prometheus Award.

“Fine, if the medical award goes to a foreigner, but the first mathematics prize should unquestionably go to a Frenchman,” Napoleon argued. “I admit, Mr. Gauss is incredibly talented, truly remarkable. But what about Mr. Laplace, Mr. Fourier, or even Mr. Lagrange? Are they not impressive? Joseph, you can’t use your influence because Gauss is your assistant, for personal gain!”

“Hah! Personal gain? Seems like that’s what you’re after! Don’t think I don’t know; through your efforts in establishing the higher education system, you’re trying to court members of the Academy of Sciences, aiming for an academician’s seat through democratic voting. You want to give the big prize to Laplace, don’t you? He’s been your ally!” Joseph retorted.

After becoming the first Consul, an essential task for Napoleon was the promotion of compulsory education. Establishing a batch of normal schools became essential for this purpose. Therefore, Napoleon expanded the attached normal preparatory school of Louis the Great to form the Paris Higher Normal School and established a series of secondary normal schools elsewhere.

Napoleon deeply felt his brother’s immense influence in the scientific community, especially at the University of Paris, where it seemed almost like his independent kingdom. Consequently, Napoleon consciously or unconsciously diverted resources towards the Paris Higher Normal School, be it funds or personnel.

Utilizing his clout, Napoleon successfully placed Laplace, Lagrange, Fourier, and Monge into the Paris Higher Normal School, almost putting it on par with the University of Paris in mathematics.

Now, if this big prize went to Gauss, both major prizes would fall into the hands of the University of Paris. However, if awarded to Laplace or Lagrange, it would signify the young Paris Higher Normal School already rivaled the University of Paris. As the actual founder of the Paris Higher Normal School, Napoleon naturally wished for their success.

“Joseph, let’s not distort facts. Let’s discuss this matter impartially without attacking motives,” Napoleon said with a frown. “I believe awarding this grand prize to a Frenchman has its reasons. Firstly, Mr. Laplace’s achievements merit the award. Secondly, it can bolster French national pride, the pride of the people of France in our scientific superiority. Of course, I understand your argument that granting the prize to Mr. Gauss academically holds no

issue. He’s a rare genius of the century, and we even think he might be the Newton of mathematics. And awarding it to him can showcase France’s broad-mindedness, attracting more foreign scholars to France. This is indeed crucial, but Joseph, don’t we already have one Carolus? Isn’t one enough?”

Since Napoleon put it that way, Joseph replied, “You’re right, but Gauss is a German, a member of the Rhine Federation. Presently, German trust and support toward us are crucial. Comparatively, awarding Carolus can’t completely replace awarding Gauss. Because…”

At this point, Joseph chuckled and continued, “Carolus’ award is too uncontroversial. So, it can’t fully exhibit France’s fairness and generosity. As for what you mentioned about French national pride, French pride in our scientific superiority, do we still need such a grand award when I’m alive? Isn’t my existence far more significant than any award?”

“You’re quite arrogant,” Napoleon remarked, “but… Gauss is still young, we can wait.”

“True, but Laplace and Lagrange aren’t too old to live for another two years. Lavoisier is older than Laplace, and he’s even… willing to wait until next year,” Joseph said. “Next year, we can award the physics prize to one of them. Considering Lagrange’s older age, let’s start with him, and Laplace can follow the year after. As for Gauss, at least for now, I feel awarding him the physics prize next year is unlikely. Yes, let’s go with that.”