Charleroi Tribune Review - PRESIDENT PRONOUNCED DEAD!

[The Federation]

CHARLEROI TRIBUNE REVIEW
________________________________________________
News straight from the capitol!
Distributed in English, French, Suionian and Bantyric.
Sylvania's most distributed newspaper!


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On Boliatur and The World


With news abuzz about threats from Boliatur, nations across the world have taken a reactionary stance on the issue and with the threats of military action and embargoes many peace loving Sylvanians are asking, "Why?" Why has Europe once again shown itself to be foolishly willing to throw their young men at the brandished sword of failed states? Many people are asking around the republic today, "has the August Catastrophe taught us nothing?" Indeed it seems so as leaders from Monarchist nations such as Cantignia and Engellex to Republican nations such as Frescania, already embroiled in an occupation of Bantyr, are mobilizing once again for what seems to be a pointless war over nothing. True as it may be that Boliatur, the rouge Post-Delegationist state, has made these threats, do the elect of Europe truly think such a failed state, barely capable of planting a piece of grain is capable of carrying them out? Is this much ado about nothing truly worth the time, lives and money? An overwhelming number of Sylvanians would say it is not. Yet as Sylvanians and rational citizens all around the world call out to the world itself to stop this madness, the powerful of Europe continue to make the same mistake.

When asked about the situation, President Sander Rygaard was quoted as saying: "It is an old unfortunate tale being told once again. The leaders of this world have truly shown that they have not learned or gained any sort of knowledge from the August Catastrophe that took the lives of so many people. That after so much bloodshed and economic damage, they still have the foolish will to throw themselves upon the sword of a waiting enemy. Boliatur is a non-factor, it's military non-existent. Their people supposedly starve and yet the leaders of Europe intend to choke the entire region around Boliatur with sanctions and embargoes, it is obvious to all rational people on this planet that their leaders are incapable of rational thoughts. We shall not do the same and we condemn all who want to approach this issue with the thought of violence before even speaking about peace."

Around Sylvania, in the two-hundredth year of the Union Contact, today many are debating the issue of Boliatur and The World and just like the President, Sylvanians nationwide are yelling a resounding no to the world's reactionary thinking.

 

[Thaumantica]

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______________________________
VESPER, MONDAY, 6th AUGUST 2012
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THE Friendly Confines take all threats to our national security, social culture, and hereditary establishment very seriously. The radical regime of Boliatur has promised to support armed initiatives without uniforms or borders against this nation, and all those who stand against their perverted ideology.

We sorely hope that the Op-Ed posted in yesterday's Charleroi Tribune Review is not the predominant view of People's & Patriots in Sylvania. Our Covenant, and all those we consider our allies, have not taken action to restrict the flow of foodstuff and water purification technology to the conflict zone in Boliatur. Our sanctions and our efforts have halted the proliferation of weapons, and frozen the accounts of known assailants and promoters of violent terror.

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Forward

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!
Harriet Fauconberg,
Chief Officer​

 

[The Federation]

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
UNITED REPUBLIC OF SYLVANIA

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Though we cannot speak for the President on his comment yesterday, we can say that the OP-ED in the last edition of the Charleroi Tribune Review is a more radical approach to the true sentiments of the Sylvanian people. We can assure you that the only dominant opinion of the Sylvanian people is one where peace prevails and loss of precious life is kept at a minimum. Your complaint was forwarded to the Charleroi Tribune Review and a reply was received and is as follows:

"The Charleroi Tribune Review takes no responsibility for the opinions stated in the OP-ED section of the paper and they do not reflect the opinions of the owners of the Charleroi Tribune Review." - Dick Trumbull, Chief Editor

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Thank you for your correspondence.

Autumn Viklund,
Director of Foreign Affairs

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[The Federation]

CHARLEROI TRIBUNE REVIEW
________________________________________________
News straight from the capitol!
Distributed in English, French, Suionian and Bantyric.
Sylvania's most distributed newspaper!




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Monterrey Independence Sparks Debate On Narcotics


With news of the Frescanian decision to hand over security of Monterrey's territorial waters to the Colonial state itself, the Four Houses Congress called an unscheduled session in Charleroi this morning over how this will affect Sylvania. Recently bouts of crime have emanated from the colonial state from gangs dealing in illicit drugs and tequila manufactured in Monterrey along with a well publicized illicit smuggling operation into Cantignia where alcohol is in prohibition. Reports of gangs crossing the border in West March to our south have made many worried. A recent survey in Baldwin-Whitehall, Sylvania's largest port, has shown in increase an illicit drugs being captured by the police. Officials have yet to prove whether these drugs are from Monterrey but that has not stopped them in convening over the potential problem. Sources in the Four Houses have told us that the meeting pertained to Monterrey's ability in enforcing laws against illegal trades and shipments now that Frescania is no longer obligated to patrol it's colony's coast lines. Potential actions that the Four Houses Congress debated included use of elements of the First Fleet to bolster coast guard units, mandatory inspections of incoming trade vessels and ships traveling through Sylvanian territorial waters flying Monterrey flags or ships marked with registration numbers originating in Monterrey and perhaps banning the sale of Tequila brands made in Monterrey associated with gangs.

Conservative party members within the Four Houses spoke of the decision to give Monterrey control over security of their territorial waters as highly irresponsible and that it was proof Frescania was becoming weak. They even went as far as to say the decision endangered people not only from Sylvania but from nations such as West March all the way out into the Implarian Ocean. Sources stated that Conservative party leaders, in their long winded rant about the subject, demanded that the Four Houses make an official condemnation of the entire situation, other parties balked at the idea of going that far. Much of what else has been spoken about is pure speculation at this point but it has been confirmed that decision on what to do shall be made in a vote later today.

 

[Frescania]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

While the Republic has handed powers to the Commonwealth of Monterrey, it should not be taken as a sign that Frescania will abandon Monterrey's security. The Republican Navy will maintain its naval facilities in Monterrey and will cooperate with the territory's coast guards to make sure the illicit trade is dismantled.

 

[The Federation]

CHARLEROI TRIBUNE REVIEW
________________________________________________
News straight from the capitol!
Distributed in English, French, Suionian and Bantyric.
Sylvania's most distributed newspaper!




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New Congressional Bill Mandates Search of Monterrey Ships


Fearing the increase of gang activity in Monterrey and an influx of illegal drugs reported in Baldwin-Whitehall, the Four Houses Congress has passed a bill that requires all ships flying the flag of Monterrey entering Sylvania's territorial waters to be searched regardless of whether or not the cargo and trip is registered and scheduled with the Port Authority prior to leaving Monterrey. Prior to voting a Diplomatic Cable from Frescania was relayed to the Four Houses Congress informing them the Frescanian Navy would continue to assist Monterrey's Coast Guard in finding and capturing illegal drugs but no difference could be seen in the supporters of the bill. To make sure that the flow of commerce from the newly independent Monterrey, although small in comparison with trade traffic from other countries, is not delayed by an extreme amount, the First Fleet headquartered in Baldwin-Whitehall has been instructed to deploy three frigates, the URS Devastator, URS Purifier and the URS Silencer to assist the Coast Guard in the interdiction, search, approval and/or denial of Monterrey ships entering Sylvanian territorial waters. The Naval Department assured the Charleroi Tribune Review that, in true non-aggressionist fashion, the ships sailing under the flag of Monterrey need not worry about being attacked or arrested as long as they cooperate with the search, act in a nonviolent manner and do not attack searching vessels or naval crewman. The Four Houses Government also informed this paper that once gang and drug activity in Monterrey was brought to a normal level the bill would be suspended and ships would no longer be subject to these extra precautions.


Four Houses Congress Condemns Wasatch, Closes Borders To Potential Refugees


After a terrible attack on protestors in Wasatch by the Wasatchian National Guard the Four Houses Government has issued an official condemnation through the Department of Foreign Affairs. In the condemnation the United Republic declared Wasatch to be a rogue state and a danger to the entire region of Occidentia. The government also called for Wasatch to redeem itself some sort of credibility by ceasing the violence and punishing the National Guard units and commanders responsible. A diplomatic mission which was being prepared for open presentation to Wasatch had been scrapped upon hearing the news and sources inside Congress have told us that there are no plans to reconsider the move to cancel the mission. After voting on the issue of drugs coming from Monterrey the Four Houses Congress immediately went about voting on an emergency bill that aimed to shut down Sylvania's ports of entry to potential Wasatchian refugees attempting to escape the Authoritarian regime, the bill was passed with overwhelming support. When asked why this was done, and anonymous congresswoman told the Charleroi Tribune Review that there was nowhere in the budget to pay for a sudden influx of poor and homeless refugees, citing the already large amount of displaced people in Sylvania due to the August Catastrophe.



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[Hanseatic Republics]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Commonwealth of Monterrey finds it discouraging that our trade with your nation may be impeded. We understand it is fully within your rights. We do insist that our commerical vessels do not run the risk from gang interference. We urge that Sylvania reconsider their policy or treat other commercial vessels equally.

Despite this disagreement, we believe we can work out our differences in opinion in commerce. Our Commonwealth will take no action against the Sylvanian searches as we believe they are done in good nature and spirit. We do hope that in the future our governments can work together to stop drug trafficking and that we can stop punitive

- Diego Antonio Ramos, Monterrey Foreign Minister

 

[The Federation]

CHARLEROI TRIBUNE REVIEW
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Distributed in English, French, Suionian and Bantyric.
Sylvania's most distributed newspaper!

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Civilian Marksmanship Organization Revived!


As part of the Bicentennial celebrations of the Union Contract, the government has revived a decades old program for Civilian Marksmanship. Harkening back to the days of the town militia and weapons responsibility the newly revived Civilian Marksmanship Organization has made it it's mission to teach Sylvania's youth the fundamentals of safety training, respect for firearms, use of the weapon and maintenance. Classes are currently being organized through schools and youth centered organizations and eventually we are told that as the programs grows national marksmanship competitions shall be held across the nation with the intent of offering scholarships and other monetary prizes for top placing shooters. The C.M.O. chose

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as the firearm for all C.M.O functions and training due to it's popularity and simple function. Qualifying members will be able to purchase the rifle for their own use and practice outside of C.M.O. designated training classes and competitions, George Houseman, chair of the newly revived C.M.O. had this to say:

"It is our primary goal to teach the youth of this nation proper firearm handling techniques and respect for firearms in general. We see this as an opportunity for today's youth to become familiar with the advantages and dangers of firearms as a whole. We believe that by teaching our country's children these fundamentals there will be a decrease in gun crime and also give them a great, fun and engaging extracurricular activity that will keep our youths off the streets and out of trouble. We also see it as an avenue for children who are not as well of as others to earn scholarships through participation and healthy competition."

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The C.M.O is also offering courses for adult and elderly Sylvanians in hopes of seeing entire families bond with each other whilst learning a life skill. Anti-gun groups protested the decision to revive the organization fearing that it would turn Sylvania's children into deadly crack shot killers who could use these skills to shoot up skills and other youth oriented centers. These fears were promptly dismissed by the C.M.O. and called such ideas offensive to Sylvania's youth population.



In Other News

- Today the Charleroi Symphony Orchestra kicks off a week long bicentennial celebration of music called "The Songs and Sounds of Our Forefathers" a tribute to the various nationalities that immigrated and now make up Sylvania's current population.

- Despite the small amount of trade between Sylvania and Monterrey ships are being held up by the mandatory searches mandated not long ago, the Baldwin-Whitehall Port Authority is urging the Four Houses Government to reconsider the mandate, claiming that even with the addition of three Navy frigates the Coast Guard is having trouble conducting the searches in a quick and efficient manner.

- Charleroi's Jazz scene has experienced a rash of drug related deaths as five local musicians and singers overdose on an unknown never before seen drug.

 

[The Federation]

CHARLEROI TRIBUNE REVIEW
________________________________________________
News straight from the capitol!
Distributed in English, French, Suionian and Bantyric.
Sylvania's most distributed newspaper!

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Thunder and Lightning To Rock Dulwich!


Sylvanian boxing enthusiasts are enraptured by the upcoming fight between Mister Nathaniel Stalworth of Cantignia and the Olenasean Torel Green! Attached to this fight is a mess of scandal and controversy over the refusal to recognize Mr. Green's as anything other than 'other! Mr. Green stands tall in the way of Champion Stalworth's chance of representing Cantignia at the World Exposition being held by Engellex in Dulwich. Meanwhile fans of boxing in Sylvania are clamoring to see the drama unfold in the ring, media outlets such as national radio station 102. 5 'Sylvania Today' and the television station 'ASPN' are preparing necessary permits to broadcast the sports events of the Exposition. Amidst the excitement of the Stalworth v Green match, the Sylvanian National Boxing Organization has announced that it will be sending United Republic Heavyweight Champion, Gene Carnegie to the Exposition. The following is a transcription of the Champ's interview with Sylvania Today:

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"ST: Gene are you excited to represent Sylvania in what is most likely going to be the largest event of this entire year?

GC: Yeah, you know, I think that goes without saying, I'm excited for this world debut and the exposure of the Sylvanian Boxing scene. It's a great way to get people at home interested in the sport and it's a huge honor to be given the chance to represent my country during a huge event like this.

ST: What is your take on the whole "Other' controversy in Cantignia?

GC: You know, it's not really my place to comment on the whole thing. uhh... I will say that it's a pretty good deal that they are having the fight between Stalworth and Green in the first place and uhh barring any further controversy I look forward to getting the chance to have a go at the winner of such a high profile fight such as that.

ST: Come on, the SNBO can't have that tight of a hold on your lips, Gene!

GC: Well, I will say that... uhh... having separate boxing divisions for White's and Non-Whites is kinda like affirmative action for whites you know? Sure Stalworth is a great fighter, but I've seen Green in the ring and studied a few of his techniques and without a doubt Green could cream Stalworth. I'm a white guy and I've fought a lot of tough blacks in the ring and I made my way to the top by the virtue of my strength and strategy. Having a unified org here in Sylvania I think makes fighters have to work doubly hard to get to the top. Whether Green or Stalworth wins, I'll be happy to fight either one. That's all I'm gonna say.

ST: Any further comment?

GC: Uhh, yeah. It's just an honor to be able to rep Sylvania at the Expostion and you know, I'm training real hard and, you know... I wanna make the country proud of me."

Gene Carnegie has an incredible record of 22 wins 19 knockouts and 0 losses as he prepares for and heads into Dulwich for the World Exposition of Peace. Gene stands in at an incredible 1.92 meters, weighs in at meaty 104.5 Kilograms of pure muscle and has reach of 196 centimeters, the hopes and dreams of Sylvania's Boxing reputation lie with him. Finally the Sylvanian National Sports Commission shall be announcing who else shall be sent to represent Sylvania in the myriad of athletic events scheduled to take place at the World Exposition in Dulwich.

In Other News

-The fighting continues in Wasatch as Free Occidentia greedily invades Salt Lake City in what it calls 'a mission of peace and stabilization. So far the Four Houses Congress has only had condemnations for all parties involved.

-Last night the port of Baldwin-Whitehall was awash in a rainbow of colors during a Bicentennial fireworks show that lasted two hours.

-Sales of M1 Battle Rifles skyrocket as youths across Sylvania enthusiastically sign up for newly revived Civilian Marksmanship courses.

-Rural Sylvania is set to start the scheduled Woodsman's Challenges in celebration of the Bicentennial. The Challenges showcase ancient Bantyric feats of strength and became a Sylvanian tradition in the form of the Woodsman's Challenges as Bantyric culture was integrated into the Montel-Engello-Suionian cultural stew of the immigrants that came before them. The Caber Toss will kick off the Challenges this year with Caber Toss Champion, Jeff MacArthur returning to defend his title.

 

[Thaumantica]

Response from the Two Camps

Nathaniel Stalworth Release

"If Gene Carnegie faced a corn stalk he would be matched, if he faced Torel Green he'd be challenged, if he faced the Colonial, Commonwealth, and Covenant Champion he would bested. I'm not sure if it makes a difference or not if I beat Torel Green, either way, someone from Cantignia is going to beat Gene Carnegie."

Torel Green's Release

"Equality may have made you soft in words, Mister Carnegie, but a boxing world where the best can fight the next best is exactly what I'm fighting for. After I beat Nathaniel Stalworth, I'm going to face men like Mister Carnegie like men, as boxers."

 

[The Federation]

CHARLEROI TRIBUNE REVIEW
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Distributed in English, French, Suionian and Bantyric.
Sylvania's most distributed newspaper!

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Dockworkers in Cantignia!


The Baldwin Dockworkers Football Club is hitting the world stage tomorrow in Vesper, their first international game of soccer in The One World Series of Football, they will be playing the Upper Cerulunian team Giecz-Wislica United. Not much is known about these so called Mezhist Republicans to the Sylvanian people, but Baldwin Dockworkers fans have no doubts that their team will defeat them swiftly in this great European game. Our stalwart team from Baldwin arrived in Vesper two days ago via Air Clipper, the flight was bumpy as they flew over the Occident and out over the Implarian, with a stop for fuel and a rest from the nerve wracking flight in the picturesque Danish Implarian Islands. From the Islands they flew into the Friendly Confines of Cantignia and on to the Grand Metropolis of Vesper, where the tourney is being held. Our plucky group of working class men took the day to explore the rich culture of Vesper and then hit the field to practice and strategize a plan of attack for the opening round of games.

For those unfamiliar, the Baldwin Dockworkers F.C. was formed by the workers of the Baldwin-Whitehall Port Authority who aggressively played games of football with other teams of employees from the surrounding area. They have competed in and won the 1952 Sylvanian Cup and became the country's favored team, enjoying the success that comes with the hard playing required to beat out the competition in the Sylvanian Cup. Known for their aggressive style of play, many have cried foul, but few would hear these detractors as the Dockworkers worked their way through the brackets to secure the cup. Tomorrow Sylvanians across the country shall cheer for their most loved team's world debut and we say, good luck and show them what you're made of.

Stalworth Defeats Green in Boxing Match of The Year.


It was the hardest fought battle anyone has ever seen in the ring as Nathaniel Stalworth won by Decision as the judges scored in his favor, our own fighter Gene Carnegie was there in the crowd watching which fighter would earn the chance to represent Cantignia at the Grand Exposition. Our sources in the Carnegie camp were told that Carnegie agreed with the judges final decision, noting that Green fought hard and valiantly, but Stalworth had him in strategy and stamina. Rumor has it that Carnegie said that perhaps Green just wanted it too much and that want got in the way of focusing on the fight itself. Despite the assurances that the scoring was fair by the Engellexic and Cantignian boxing authorities, controversy reigns supreme among the world's Boxing Organizations. Meanwhile boxing fans across the world are already calling the spectacle, the Match of the Year, with recordings of the fight being replayed over the radios and televisions of the world at large. Fans in Sylvania are now steeling themselves for the next big match, hoping for a match up between the now famous Stalworth and Gene Carnegie. Whether we will be given the pleasure of such a match up is not clear, but we shall expect to hear soon as the Exposition draws closer and closer.

 

[The Federation]

CHARLEROI TRIBUNE REVIEW
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Distributed in English, French, Suionian and Bantyric.
Sylvania's most distributed newspaper!

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President Sander Rygaard
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On Non-Aggression and Sylvania.

An excerpt from President Sander Rygaard's radio address last night:

"A few weeks ago I received a letter from an anonymous schoolchild asking about our principles of non-aggression, a principle that has been, for the majority of the Union Contract's existence, a pillar of our national identity and community as a whole. The letter prompted me to think very deeply about Sylvania's place on this planet and what we as a government are doing to follow the principle as closely as possible. For my entire life this principle has been a major part of it from my schoolboy years to my Presidency now, I have personally done what I can to respect the sovereignty of the individual and have when applicable and in line with these teachings defended my right to realize my dreams through self-determination. However when we turn our eyes to the world at large we see an overwhelming majority of tyrannical, oppressive, and militarist regimes across all of Europe as they bicker and squabble over land, resources and ideologies. Monarchism, Communism and Fascism are wreaking havoc upon the rights of their people as their leaders use their people as nothing more than a sort of resource in their wars against each other. Even in the great republics of Europe we can see the aspirations of imperialists twisting the ideals of freedom and liberty into weapons of power.

As followers of the Non-Aggression Axiom it is our duty to do whatever we can to make sure that these misguided ideologies do not infect our peace loving, libertarian peoples. As President I have and continue to advance this ideology in Sylvania through regulating the power of this government, the rate of our tax laws and our police forces so that the infringement of the rights of Sylvanians are at a minimum. As a people we must teach through example to our children our ideology of peace and prosperity, but we must also learn how to defend ourselves with our words and our actions. Retaliation against attackers is within our ideology and we must expect that the imperialists outside our borders will do everything they can to degrade our focus on advancing the cause of true freedom and liberty throughout Sylvania. To do this we must master the instruments of death that our competitors and enemies so gleefully embrace. By arming every citizen, by making available the training required to defend ourselves and by understanding our rights and ideologies fully we create a force that no enemy nation or subversive can ever hope to conquer or control. We must do these things if we ever hope to continue to enjoy the opportunities and rewards only a free society can enjoy. If we continue to practice these tenets of our society we will, as a nation, teach our violent world through example rather than force, the benefits of peace."


In Other News.

-The Baldwin Dockworkers disappoint all of Sylvania as they are eliminated in the first round of The One World Series of Football in Vesper, Cantignia.

-Civilian Marksmanship Organization holds it's first bi-monthly youth rifle competition in Lysekil.

-Charleroi Jazz Musicians gather on the musically historic Elyse Avenue for the 20th Annual Jazz Festival. Clubs and dance halls are reported to be slammed with customers visiting to take part in the festival.

 

[The Federation]

CHARLEROI TRIBUNE REVIEW
________________________________________________
News straight from the capitol!
Distributed in English, French, Suionian and Bantyric.
Sylvania's most distributed newspaper!

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Rygaard Proposes Radical Increase in Military!
An Op-ed piece by Everett Callahan


As the Four Houses Congress prepares to present a proposal it has kept secret for days on end, we here at the Tribune bring you a first look at what it is that Sylvania will be called to deliberate at your local district meeting. Leaked right off the printing presses themselves, we have obtained a copy of a bill that President Rygaard has authored himself for presentation to members of the Four Houses Congress. In this bill which all of Sylvania will be deliberating at 16:00 tomorrow, a radical increase in Sylvania's military budget is being proposed with plans to up the amount of equipment fielded and men serving in the Sylvanian military. Increase will be made in all sectors of the military, with a plan to increase the active military from 150,000 men to 300,000 men. Four hundred new Ranger class tanks will be ordered from the Fulbert-Gabriel Arsenal. Thousands of Lasseter M1 Rifles, Jackhammer sub-machine guns and Schofield Armory .45 Revolvers to arm the increase in man power as well as subsidize weaponry for militias in the outskirt districts. Two hundred new Sea Stingers will be purchased from Miranda Aviation as fifty new Hellraiser attack planes.

The most expensive of all increases is the orders this bill will authorize to the Baldwin-Whitehall Shipyards, the orders would include: Two new Baldwin Class Aircraft Carriers on top of the existing ONE in operation, two new Interdictor Class Cruisers and five new Hunter class frigates. Has the Four Houses Government abandoned the principles of non-aggression by aggressively increasing its military? For all of Rygaard's term so far, he has continuously denounced blatant militarism like this, even doing so by commissioning transcripts of his radio addresses saying as much! This sudden heel turn is a betrayal of all we have ever been taught in school, if I was to have said we would experience the downfall of the non-aggression principle in our lifetime, I would have expected it to be a gradual erosion not an obliteration of the entire principle's foundation. What Rygaard has done here is almost the same as treason and we as a people need to hold firm and refuse to participate in this sudden slide to an obviously imperialistic system of military policy. This evening when you go to your districts meeting hall, shout to the heavens this man has propped himself on that you will not let him trample our founding principles in such a blatant act against it!

 

[Warre]

[color=#ff66600]A letter from a middle school student in Lumina, Warre, Boreas.[/color]​

Hi, Mister Callahan!

I know a boy named Jon Callahan, is he your cousin? Oh, well, it'd be interesting if he was and I'm sure him and his mom would be happy to hear from their cousin Everett if so, but that's not what I was writing for, sorry for getting side-tracked! At my school, we read a lot of the Charleroi Tribune Review because it's easier to understand than some English newspapers because we can read the Bantyric ones and understand the jist or double-check our work! I don know if my English is good yet, but I wanted to try anyways!

I like reading your news paper, and I read today's article in class, and I just wondered- maybe Mister Rygaard's decision to enlarge Slyvania's military doesn't have to do with losing commitment to non-aggression, but instead as a firmer commitment to it? I know bullies are less likely to try to hit people if the bullies know they're tough, or know they carry around a big stick! So maybe that's why he did it? Whatever the case, thank you for reading my letter!

P.S. : I sent a chocolate bar from Jon and me, it's one with Tenemine Peanuts in it, I hope you like!

P.P.S. Is Mister Rygaard's name pronounced like the Confederated Kingdoms of Rygard's name, like 'Ry' in Ryan, and Gard like 'guard'? I think it's cool!

Sincerely,

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[The Federation]

CHARLEROI TRIBUNE REVIEW
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Distributed in English, French, Suionian and Bantyric.
Sylvania's most distributed newspaper!

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President Sander Rygaard


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On The National Defense Increase Act.
By Sander Rygaard.


Firstly I'd like to give thanks to the Tribune Review for publishing my article. As much as I'd like to criticize this venerable paper for printing Everett Callahan's fear mongering article on the the NDIA, I must remind myself of the Union Contract's protection over speech in this country and deliver my own thoughts on the bill itself. If I recall the radio address I made not long ago, which had excerpts published in this very paper, I once again must go back to the points I made about the threat of imperialism to this world. Imperialism is rife on this planet, it has infected and corrupted almost every world leader's mind today; it is disguised in words like revolution, equality, safety and sometimes freedom.

We can look at many examples today that prove my point, examples such as Frescania's Empire of Democracy, its greatest example of cultural and military imperialism was the subduing of Bantyr, itself a republic, yet the Frescanian leadership maintains an act of pretending like there was no such thing as republican ideals in Bantyr. My time with many Bantyric refugees here in Sylvania has told me of what Bantyr was like before the trade war and the inevitable North War and I know that even though many of those freedoms were squashed by the regime after the failure of their economy, those ideals still existed within the hearts and minds of those people. Frescanian occupiers now snuffs them out by installing an offshoot of Frescanian Imperialist Republicanism rendering any true peaceful republicanism unable to flourish within that environment. Engellexic involvement in their occupied zone is a kind of tyranny I need not even mention. However do not take this as an excuse or acceptance of Bantyric crimes, their attack upon Suionia was by far one of the most heinous crimes of this decade, though Suionian and Bantyric stubbornness can also be blamed for the failure to find peace before bloodshed. Even more troubling was the shear domination of the Engellexic nation over Montelimar in the August Catastrophe. Montelimar now ceases to exist in almost every meaning of the word, an extremely troubling fact for Sylvanians who can claim Montelimaren familial roots.

These are just a few examples of the disgusting imperialism rife in our world, something that Sylvanians must guard themselves against as we move forward in the ever flowing stream of time. This is why I have introduced these increases of our defense budget and military to the Four Houses Congress and ultimately to you, the people who they represent. In my radio address I called for the mastering of these weapons of imperialism so that we to may be able to ward off those who may hungrily eye our lands in the dark shadows of their war rooms. I had the privilege of seeing a letter from a young Boreasic school child originally sent to Mr. Callahan of the Tribune, this middle school student was able to see through the fear mongering and correctly deduce why an increase in defensive armaments and manpower must be made. The imperialists of our world flex their muscles angrily at any given moment, but at their most basic levels they are timid cowards who prey on the weak. If we, as peaceful men and women, can bring ourselves to a level of military strength that can make these cowards think twice before committing men to war against us, then we have already won the war. This increase is nothing but a measure to keep our long lasting peace last that much longer.

Though I have harped on Mr. Callahan much throughout this article, I must commend him, for it was his article that has given me the reason to speak to all of you directly through this paper. I know many of you great people out there reading this in your work place break room or by the warmth of tonight's fire know deep down in your hearts that we must vote this act in if we wish to remain a safe and peaceful nation. I ask all of you to thoroughly read your copy of the NDIA and march into your district's scheduled meeting and voice your opinion no matter what it is. Thank you all.

 

[The Federation]

CHARLEROI TRIBUNE REVIEW
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Sylvania's most distributed newspaper!

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National Defense Increase Act Passes!

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Sander Rygaard speaks after signing the act into effect

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Earlier today Sander Rygaard at the Four House Chambers building signed the National Defense Increase Act into effect immediately putting into motion the means for a marked increase of the Sylvanian military. All branches from the Navy to the Army Air Force will receive funding to purchase as set amount of equipment and permissions to develop new recruiting campaigns to bolster our forces to 300,000 active duty soldiers and 400,000 reserve forces. Upon reception of the news that the bill had been officially signed, Navy Fleet Admiral Courtney Girard immediately sent out to the Baldwin Shipyards an order for two new Baldwin Class aircraft carriers and and order of over 250 new carrier capable Sea Stinger fighters and Hellraiser ground attack craft. As the Shipyard workers were leaving the yards this evening many could be heard cheering the passing of the act. Baldwin Shipyard Corporation is planning on hiring 3,000 new employees as soon as possible for the new order of ships. An additional two Interdictor class cruisers and five Hunter class frigates were also planned for order for later in the year.

With the new orders of ships comes several orders for new rifles, handguns, trucks, tanks and every other battle implement one could think of. It is expected that employment rates across the entire defense sector, almost dormant at one point last year, will rise dramatically in the weeks and months to come. Meanwhile the Four Houses Government is looking to shore up border patrol and sovereign waters patrol in all important locations in Sylvania. Prior to the act's passage in the government chambers, a few congressmen brought up the sparsely patrolled border with West March and demanded a provision be added to increase the amount of civilian border outposts and patrolmen. The provision was added even though the border region is well known for its untouched land and in some areas dense forest, government officials claimed it as not only to regulate any travel between the two nations to reduce crime but as a concerted effort to properly chart the area. Rumors of plans to contact West March's Royal Border Reivers were intercepted by our investigators.


In other News

- After the vote on the NDIA, congressional topics of discussion turned to ideas for a new outreach program to the republics of Europe. An invitation was already sent to the Republic of Ardennes for rumored talks on trade and cooperation. The discussion also mentioned perhaps sending invitations or request visits to Mergogne and the Islamic Republic of Jurzan, there was no mention of communication with Frescania.

- Doctor Naoto Hideyoshi, recently exiled from West March for writings on post-delegationism has been sent an invite to come and speak at a symposium on freedom of speech being held next week as well as hold a one day lecture on post-delegationism at the University of Charleroi.

- Trans-Occidental World Airways is preparing for new air clipper routes to the cities of Jarvik and Kristiana in the Agderike. The routes are scheduled to being flying in October when the order for two new Hakwins 413 Clippers are expected to be delivered.

 

[Great Engellex]

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An Extension of The Queen-Empress' Statement in Council.
DULWICH, TUESDAY, 25th SEPTEMBER 1952​

TO THE PRESIDENT, PARLIAMENTARIANS, AND COMMONERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SYLVANIA
I am instructed to EXPRESS on behalf of her Imperial and Royal Engellexic Majesty;​

In bringing forward an objection from her Majesty’s Imperial Cabinet to the course of proceeding which had hitherto taken place in reference to the National Defence Increase Act, I am quite aware that the Empire of Great Engellex is labouring under no misunderstanding regarding the purpose of that Act.

The National Defence Increase Act had been introduced, as a Bill, to the Sylvanian legislature without the preliminary form of consideration and consultation with regional and European powers. But I believe it to be owing to the diplomatic crisis – an unintentional diplomatic crisis I am sure – which had given the Sylvanian government a cause to be irresponsibly determined in guaranteeing that the powers were not privy to the developments of such a policy taking place within its capital. I do believe that there never was a nation risking so much with so little prospect of advantage, and so slender a ground in point of right, as Sylvania at the present moment, and I feel sure that if any criticism will be passed upon the diplomatic proceedings of the last few months, from the Powers of Europe, it is rather that the Sylvanian government have to tended to delay too long to consider the unreasonable course of grand armament.

The position of the Empire of Great Engellex, in particular, the West March, is one of unfortunate embarrassment. It is an embarrassment brought on by no fault of her own. On the contrary, if West March had had a free hand in the matter it is probable that the menacing attitude of Sylvania would long ago have ceased, and therefore I am sure all of civilised Europe will heartily join in desiring that a Coalition of Peaceful Europe will succeed in bringing about before long the dismissal of these formidable armament advancements which constitute so serious a threat to the well-being of Occidentia, and Europe in general.

His Grace, the DUKE of NONSUCH,
By the Grace of GOD, of the EMPIRE of GREAT ENGELLEX, CHARLOTTE, the QUEEN-EMPRESS,
through the FIRST of LORD of ALDWYCH D'EVERCY

 

[Potenza]

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The Grand Duchy is very disheartened by the news coming from the north, and ask that the Sylvanian government consider a more multilateral route to their worries about national defense. We support the Engellexic government in their motions towards a peaceful solution.

Gian Lombardo
Foreign Minister
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[The Federation]

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An Extension of The Queen-Empress' Statement in Council.
DULWICH, TUESDAY, 25th SEPTEMBER 1952​

TO THE PRESIDENT, PARLIAMENTARIANS, AND COMMONERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SYLVANIA
I am instructed to EXPRESS on behalf of her Imperial and Royal Engellexic Majesty;​

In bringing forward an objection from her Majesty’s Imperial Cabinet to the course of proceeding which had hitherto taken place in reference to the National Defence Increase Act, I am quite aware that the Empire of Great Engellex is labouring under no misunderstanding regarding the purpose of that Act.

The National Defence Increase Act had been introduced, as a Bill, to the Sylvanian legislature without the preliminary form of consideration and consultation with regional and European powers. But I believe it to be owing to the diplomatic crisis – an unintentional diplomatic crisis I am sure – which had given the Sylvanian government a cause to be irresponsibly determined in guaranteeing that the powers were not privy to the developments of such a policy taking place within its capital. I do believe that there never was a nation risking so much with so little prospect of advantage, and so slender a ground in point of right, as Sylvania at the present moment, and I feel sure that if any criticism will be passed upon the diplomatic proceedings of the last few months, from the Powers of Europe, it is rather that the Sylvanian government have to tended to delay too long to consider the unreasonable course of grand armament.

The position of the Empire of Great Engellex, in particular, the West March, is one of unfortunate embarrassment. It is an embarrassment brought on by no fault of her own. On the contrary, if West March had had a free hand in the matter it is probable that the menacing attitude of Sylvania would long ago have ceased, and therefore I am sure all of civilised Europe will heartily join in desiring that a Coalition of Peaceful Europe will succeed in bringing about before long the dismissal of these formidable armament advancements which constitute so serious a threat to the well-being of Occidentia, and Europe in general.

His Grace, the DUKE of NONSUCH,
By the Grace of GOD, of the EMPIRE of GREAT ENGELLEX, CHARLOTTE, the QUEEN-EMPRESS,
through the FIRST of LORD of ALDWYCH D'EVERCY

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
UNITED REPUBLIC OF SYLVANIA


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These accusations have no merit, the United Republic has no responsibility to kneel to the nations of Europe and ask for their permission to provide for our own defense. There is no threat to your empire that was ever intended by the passage of this act. The Four Houses Government is simply acting on its own power, granted by our Union Contract to our citizenry to provide for the defense of our homeland. I find it hard to believe that I should have to explain this to the minds of Engellex and Europe at large just how committed to peace Sylvania truly is, non-aggression is at the very core of our political beliefs, but that does not mean we shall completely disarm and leave ourselves at the whim of the powers of this world. This letter is an insult not only to the United Republic, but to its people as well. Despite this slight upon us we shall go as far as to invite representatives of Her Majesty to visit Charleroi and meet with the President and his cabinet. By not doing so you prove to us that you are only attempting to use fear tactics in an attempt to convince us to reverse the passage of the NDIA. I assure you such tactics will miserably fail.


Autumn Viklund,
Director of Foreign Affairs
United Republic of Sylvania

 

[The Federation]

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​

The Grand Duchy is very disheartened by the news coming from the north, and ask that the Sylvanian government consider a more multilateral route to their worries about national defense. We support the Engellexic government in their motions towards a peaceful solution.

Gian Lombardo
Foreign Minister
​

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
UNITED REPUBLIC OF SYLVANIA


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The Grand Duchy has absolutely no reason to fear an increase in armaments in Sylvania. As for multilateral routes we simply ask this: does the Grand Duchy of Potenza humbly ask others how it should provide for its national defense? Does it put the opinion of its people and military establishment below what other nations would think of it? If the answer is yes than we truly fear for the safety of the Potenzan people.


Autumn Viklund,
Director of Foreign Affairs
United Republic of Sylvania