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--- The Drake Presidency (1883-1889) ---

In his inaugural address on the steps of the Congress Hall in March of 1883, President Theodore Drake declared that the era of “imperial, overreaching government,” was over. Drake had campaigned on being the anti-Littlefield, promising to stay in Franklin and do his job quietly and effectively and not aggrandize the office to which he now humbly entered. Democrats had bemoaned the expense and extravagance of the Littlefield Presidency, from the national tour, the trip to Borealia, the large parties to entertain officials both foreign and domestic, and his plans (never approved) to refurbish and upgrade Washington House. Drake promised smaller government, lower taxes, and less interference in the daily running of the nation from above. And he held true to those promises, even when the realities facing the nation demanded more, which is why the Democrats were not able to retain control of Washington House once Drake’s term ended.
Preston, Dr. Horace, Drake: The Dull Man from the Plains. Des Moines: IU Press, 1935.


BUDGET AND TAX CUTS PASS CONGRESS
FRANKLIN - President Drake’s drastic tax and budget cuts have passed both houses of the Democrat-controlled Congress, much to the chagrin of the Federalists and Liberals. President Drake declared the vote a victory of the average American and of the individual states, who would be free from mandates from the Federal government as part of some of the budget reduction.

The cuts only barely passed the Senate, however, due to some Democratic senators in the West worrying about the cuts to the FBI, which has been the lifeblood of ensuring continued western migration. Delegations from the western territories pleaded with the President not to insist on cutting the FBI’s budget nearly in half, meaning that any expansions of the National Road Network or the Federal Railway Network all but impossible. Furthermore, according to the new budget, some areas of maintenance will now be the responsibility of the states, not the Federal government.
“Budget and Tax Cuts Pass Congress,” Brooklyn Standard, June 9, 1883.

Gottlieb Daimler immigrated to what is now the Texas Federation as part of the mass exodus of the 45ers, at 11 years old, with his parents who had supported the German Republic. Daimler had shown a fascination with engineering even before his move to Texas, and his parents made sure to enroll him in the best school in Neu Frankfurt to continue his education. Following the end of the of the Second Mexican War Daimler left Texas in 1852, having served as a gunsmith’s apprentice during the fighting, and travelled to the United States to pursue mechanical engineering, ending up at the University of the United States in Franklin, where, in 1856, he graduated with an engineering degree.

For over ten years, he worked for the United States Railway Company, before he moved back to Texas to work for a private Texas railway firm that was partnered with USRC. Daimler was then introduced to another German immigrant, a relative latecomer to Texas, Karl Benz, who’d left poor prospects in Greater Bavaria for a better life in America. Benz had a keen interest in mechanics, and had been working for the railway for 3 years when Daimler arrived in 1869. The two began to talk about their varied mechanical and engineering ideas, and that was the birth of what would become one of the greatest automotive dynasties in history.
Happer, Colton. The Daimler-Benz Empire. Neu Frankfurt: NFVerlag, 2009.

PETERSEN DISPLAYS NEW SWAN LIGHTS
MANHATTAN - Famed inventor Silas Petersen has presented a new, improved form of the famous “swan lights,” the incandescent light bulbs created by British inventor Joseph Swan in 1878. Swan awed the world last year with his display of the bulbs in London, lighting the whole of Her Majesty’s Theater. Petersen has stated that he is hoping to work out a viable design for inexpensive, commercially available lights. Petersen surprised the local business leaders of Manhattan and Brooklyn and Federal officials working at Clinton Castle when he illuminated the entire seaside street where his workshop is located, on the east shore of Manhattan Island. Locals in Brooklyn and sailors on the East River reported that they could see spectacle as well.

“Some day, it is my firm belief, that these new lights will brighten the whole world, every street and every home. Today, Brooklyn Boulevard, tomorrow, the main street of a small town in Kanasaw. Electric light is the way of the future.”
“Petersen Displays New Swan Lights,” Brooklyn Standard, September 9, 1883.

LOWERY STEAMER WOWS PITTSBURG
PITTSBURG - Tinkerer Julius Lowery has unveiled his newest invention, the so-called horseless steamer carriage, which he has filed paperwork for with the patent office in Franklin. Lowery drove the car from his stable workshop to the main road of town and back, taking about an hour to make the trip.
“Lowery Steamer Wows Pittsburg,” Philadelphia Inquirer, March 11, 1884.

DEMS LOSE ABSOLUTE MAJORITY IN HOUSE
FRANKLIN - The Democrats will have to seek the support of the Republican party to retain control of the First Secretary’s office, loosing 23 seats and now standing at 172 seats from what had been an absolute majority. The Republicans remain the same, at 29 seats. The Federalists are now down to 80 seats, and the Liberals have surged to 104. The Senate will also likely remain in the hands of the Democrats, albeit with the assistance of the Republicans.
“Dems Lose Absolute Majority in House,” Franklin Observer, November 12, 1884.

REPUBLICANS REFUSE BAXTER
FRANKLIN - In a rare flex of political muscle not seen since the War Between the States, the leaders of the Republican party have told Democrats that they are refusing to vote for the reelection of Kenneth Baxter as First Secretary. Baxter has been unpopular with the Republicans since he took office in 1883, having been a long-time opponent to the Democrats working in league with the Republicans, and gleefully rubbed that in when the Democrats enjoyed an absolute majority after the 1882 election. They have stated their candidate is Democrat James Cleveland of Jefferson. Some members of the Democrats have balked at this attempt by the Republicans. Mr. Cleveland is not the most liked among the Congressional Democrats.

Some have suggested that the Democrats team up with the Liberals, which would be quite a change but also quite an unexpected pairing, and it is unsure if the Liberals would support Baxter, or if they would insist on a different candidate as well.
“Republicans Refuse Baxter,” Boston Eagle, March 1, 1885

BAXTER OUT, CLEVELAND IN
FRANKLIN - Despite the defection of several Democrats who refused to vote for him, James Cleveland of Jefferson has been elected as the next First Secretary and Speaker of the House, with every Republican and most of the Democrats supporting him. Despite earlier grumblings from Washington House about “being held hostage by the Republican vipers out West,” President Drake seems to be putting forward an olive branch, inviting the new First Secretary to a special dinner in his honor at the executive mansion.
“Baxter Out, Cleveland In,” Brooklyn Standard, March 20, 1885.

CLAYMORE PLANTATION TO FOLD
GEORGETOWN - A victim of the larger economic downturn across the nation, Claymore Capital Plantation has announced its closure and plans to sell of the estate in the hopes of settling last debts. The owner, Gregory Claymore II, stated that there was no way to keep the estate in the ownership of the family. He said he hopes to have all the estate sold to one party, but this seems unlikely, as most remaining plantations across the parts of the South that survived the turmoil after the War are now being sold off in pieces.

The members of the Georgetown Preservation Society, a relatively new group that is seeking to preserve the historic past of the area, that is asking the state of Maryland to step in and purchase some parts of the estate. Specifically, they are seeking to save the plantation house, which was built in the ruins of the old Presidential Mansion from the failed city of Washington, and the ruins of the old Capitol building, which had been preserved by the Claymores (supposedly on the intention to eventually build a larger mansion there, a plan that never materialized). No word yet if the society will be able to achieve this.
“Claymore Plantation to Fold,” Baltimore Courier, May 7, 1885.

RAIL DISASTER IN OREGON
ASTORIA - After exceedingly high spring rains damaged the Federal rail line along the Columbia River, a large passenger train has crashed into the river, and it is estimated that nearly 100 people have died, possibly more. Oregonian officials have stated that they knew that section of the line was in need of repairs, but had been trying to secure the proper funds, since the FBI’s budget had been gutted two years prior. Federalist and Liberal members of Congress, along with a few Western Democrats, are calling for an investigation, and others are calling for a restoration of the FBI’s funds. President Drake stated that the disaster was an “unforeseen and unavoidable tragedy, proof that mankind’s civilization and progress are still at the beck and call of God’s natural forces.”
“Rail Disaster in Oregon,” Franklin Observer, May 27, 1885.

The 1885 Flu Epidemic struck the United States and parts of Northern Europe very hard. It is estimated that over half a million people in the US alone perished between September of 1885 and February of 1886, including the two young sons of American President Theodore Drake. The young seemed particularly susceptible to the disease. Making things worse, President Drake refused calls for Federal intervention, to set up quarantines on a national level, or to help fund special hospitals. Throughout it all, Drake maintained that this was out of the hands of men, that he could not interfere, and that it wasn’t the government's place. This attitude had drastic consequences for US politics and policy for years to come. The Department of Health and the federal hospital system are a direct result of the epidemic and Drake’s refusal to act.
Gibbons, Dr. Jake. Politics of Illness. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1997.

DEMS COLLAPSE AT THE POLLS
FRANKLIN - Seen largely as a response to the Democrats inaction during the previous year’s Flu crisis, along with the Columbia River disaster, the Federalists and Liberals enjoyed a large electoral victory against President Drake’s party. The Liberals are 9 seats away from absolute majority control of the House, and it is expected they will be able to find the support from Federalists to put their candidate in the position of First Secretary. Derrick Thorn seems to be the most likely Liberal candidate in the House to be nominated, though it is possible that Connecticut representative Jackson Young or Massachusetts representative Phillip McNally could also secure the position.
“Dems Collapse at the Polls,” Boston Eagle, November 11, 1886.

THORN SWORN IN AS FIRST SECRETARY
FRANKLIN - In a rare turn of political events, the Drake Administration has become the first to have three different First Secretaries. Over half the Federalists joined the Liberals in electing Derrick Thorn, representative from Pennsylvania and one of the founders of the American Liberal Party. Following the swearing in, Mr. Thorn road down Union Avenue to present himself to President Drake. Drake greeted him at the main entrance on President’s Square, and looked positively unhappy to do so.

The political winds of the nation have shifted violently since the crises last year, and many voters appear to be angry at the President’s party for their inaction, inaction that was all but mandated from Washington House.
“Thorn Sworn in as First Secretary,” Franklin Observer, March 12, 1887.

FEMALE VOTE PASSES IN MASSACHUSETTS
BOSTON - The “Liberal Wave” that swept across the country last fall produced a State Assembly and governor that are all members of the Liberal Party, and they have now succeeded in coming through on their first promise: to pass a bill allowing female suffrage. The law simply changes existing statutes to where, instead of saying “man,” they now say, “man or woman.” Now, any person, regardless of race or sex, can vote in the state of Massachusetts as long as they have reached 21 years of age and are a legal resident of the state.

Despite this victory, many Liberals feel it is a hollow one. Women are still not allowed to run for office in the state (though there seems to be enough political will and power to possibly change this before the next state election), and of course women will not be able to vote in Federal elections, something that the Attorney General of the United States stated repeatedly when asked during the discussion of this change. The National Women’s Suffrage Association has already promised to sue the Federal Government for the right of Massachusetts women to vote for representatives from that state.
“Female Vote Passes in Massachusetts,” Brooklyn Standard, May 20, 1887.

CONGRESS PROPOSES NATIONAL HEALTH BUREAU
FRANKLIN - The Liberal members of Congress have proposed the creation of a national health service that would help, in the opinion of said members, mitigate future health crises such as the one the nation went through in 1885. First Secretary Thorn stated that he fully supports such a plan, and will do all he can to see it through. Benjamin Brooke, the President’s assistant, stated that President Drake does not support such a plan, and would likely veto any such proposal. It has only been three months since Thorn and the Liberals took over Congress, and we are already seeing the brewing of what could be a major fight between the executive and legislative branches of government.
“Congress Proposes National Health Bureau,” Franklin Observer, May 30, 1887.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON STATUE PEDESTAL
MANHATTAN - The first stone has been laid at the south end of Manhattan Island for what will become the pedestal for the “Freedom Triumphant” statue that is due to be delivered next year by the Borealian government, a gift to commemorate the 1862 Second Battle of Manhattan. Governor Hamilton presided over the ceremony, and stated that, “as this stone is placed, may it be a marker of the true renaissance of this great city. By the time Freedom Triumphant sits atop its lofty perch, Manhattan will once again be one of the great cities of America, indeed of the world.”
“Construction Begins on Statue Pedestal,” Manhattan Gazette, June 7, 1887.

PRINCESS VICTORIA SPEAKS FOR SUFFRAGE
BOSTON - Crown Princess Victoria Alexandra, the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria and heir to the British throne, arrived in Boston to speak to pro-suffragist crowds and to celebrate the recent victory in that state. The Princess has been a vocal proponent of the women’s suffrage movement in Britain, where some think the franchise may be granted to women before the end of the century thanks to the public support of the princess and the tacit, if unspoken, support of Queen Victoria. Her Royal Highness stated that, “This, the birthplace of the American Revolution, has now become the birthplace of a new American movement, the Revolution of Women. It is my prayer and hope that by the time our daughters, women will be equal with men before the law all over this Earth, just as they already are before God.”

The Princess stopped in Boston, unannounced, after a three week visit to Borealia with her husband, Prince Thomas. Some speculate that there may be repercussions at Buckingham Palace upon their return, as the Queen has repeatedly called on her daughter to not be so open in the engagement of the suffrage movement, this despite the fact that Her Majesty herself was politically engaged in women’s rights in advocating for the liberalization of inheritance law to include first born daughters.
“Princess Victoria Speaks for Suffrage,” Brooklyn Standard, July 1, 1887.

After nearly thirty years, the city of Manhattan finally turned a corner in the late 1880s, having languished for years after the War Between the States, in constant need of funds that had been in short supply. Starting with the Federal takeover in 1879, the island became a boom town, with Federal money ensuring that infrastructure needs were met, such as the paving of primary and even secondary roads, the construction or completion of city buildings such as city hall and the municipal courts, schools and libraries and even a theater. In 1888, plans were finally approved for a long demanded bridge to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn, paid for equally by the City of Brooklyn and the District of Manhattan. Construction on the now famous Brooklyn Bridge would begin in 1890 and take 4 years, linking the “twin cities of New York.”

Proper sewage systems were also implemented, becoming a model for the nation. In 1888, plans were also approved of for an underground train network to link the island together, a project that would take over a decade and a half to initially complete, but one that has endured to this day. The workshops of inventor Silas Petersen also began to attract many different businessmen to the city, and with them financial institutions as well. Brooklyn would remain the larger city for several more decades, but by the time Alexander Hamilton III died in 1890, he could rest in peace knowing he’d saved Manhattan.
Doughty, Dr. Howard. The Twins: A History of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Brooklyn: BU Press, 2001.

DRAKE VETOES HEALTH LAW, THORN VOWS OVERTURN
FRANKLIN - President Drake has vetoed the “National Health and Safety Act,” which would have established the Federal Bureau of Health, and set up regulations on various health issues around the country, and paved the way for Federally operated or funded hospitals, and possibly Federally-funded health services for the poor. This law was a compromise between Liberals and Federalists, and is not quite as radical as the original Liberal proposal. Regardless, Drake had promised from the start of debate he would likely veto any such law as he felt it would be a “gross overreach of the federal government,” and he was true to his word. However, this does not seem to be the end of the battle. It is expected that by early next week First Secretary Thorn will have enough votes to overturn the President’s veto.
“Drake Vetoes Health Law, Thorn Vows Overturn,” Boston Eagle, September 9, 1887.

HEALTH ACT NOW LAW
FRANKLIN - Despite President Drake’s veto last week, the “National Health and Safety Act” is now law, thanks to a veto override that First Secretary Thorn guided through Congress last week. The law establishes the Federal Bureau of Health, which will be headquartered in the capital, and will likely be in operation by the end of the year. The law was written with Presidential inaction in mind, and the director of the Bureau can be appointed by Congress if the president does not give a nominee, so the Drake Administration will not be able to thwart the full creation of the office. Some fear that the president may appoint someone who will stall efforts to establish the new agency, but others have pointed out that even if this occurs, that can only last until 1889, at which point there will be a new president, and the chances are good that man may be a Liberal, or at the very least a Federalist sympathetic to the new bureau.
“Health Act Now Law,” Franklin Observer, September 15, 1887.

BRITAIN’S PRINCE CONSORT, HUSBAND OF VICTORIA, DEAD AT 70
LONDON - Two days ago, on January 11, Prince Alexander, the husband of Queen Victoria, passed away at Windsor Castle, likely from complications from a recent bout of pneumonia. Wailing from the monarch has been reported by members of the Household staff, and the Prime Minister announced a long state of mourning at the loss of the Queen’s spouse and father of the future Queen of England. Upon word of this tragedy reaching Franklin, the flag above the British embassy was lowered to half staff in a sign of mourning. President Drake is said to have telegraphed his condolences to the Queen.
“Britain’s Prince Consort, Husband of Victoria, Dead at 70,” Franklin Observer, January 13, 1888.

DRAKE TAX CUTS END
FRANKLIN - In yet another show of strength by the Liberal-controlled Congress, President Drake’s veto of the new law ending the tax cuts introduced in 1883 has been overturned, and Federal taxes will go back to their pre-cut levels at the first of next year. This is but one more in a series of recent blows against the Drake Administration, and political observers in the capital believe that Gregory Nollert, the popular liberal writer from Massachusetts who is ahead in the party primary vote so far, has a fair shot of beating either Democratic frontrunners, Victor Grover of Indiana, or Harrison Ford of New York. It is possible that Federalist Senator Leeland Rowling of Pennsylvania might be more of a challenger to Nollert, but only time will tell.
“Drake Tax Cuts End,” Franklin Observer, April 12, 1888.


TRIPLE STATEHOODS APPROVED
FRANKLIN - After over a year of haggling, Congress has approved of statehood for Platte, Metropotamia, and Lakota, ending a process that has been languishing in a divided Congress. The Liberals had continued to use the prospect of statehood for territories that most likely will swing towards the Democrats as a tool of leverage against their counterparts in the House, but finally President Drake was able to convince First Secretary Thorn to stop using this tactic, reportedly after a long meeting late last week at Washington House.

Lakotans in particular are celebrating, as their statehood has been long in coming, having been promised to be fast-tracked back in 1866 after the Upper Louisiana Territorial Reorganization Act established the 5 western territories, something that successive administrations have ignored for one reason or another. Many representatives from Gigadohi and Kanasaw have told the press that they believe that their white counterparts in Congress feared adding a third native nations state into the Union and so continued to postpone Lakota’s admission into the Union until more of the non-native territories filled up. Whatever the reason, the waiting has ended, and these states will also be joining the Union just in time to participate in the upcoming presidential race.
“Triple Statehood Aproved,” Franklin Observer, July 4, 1888.

The 1888 race for Washington House saw a return to the 1876 race that propelled Horace Littlefield into the nation’s highest office. However, this time all three major candidates campaigned at a madman’s pace, using the trains to visit cities and towns across the nation. And both Gregory Nollert of the Liberal Party and Leeland Rowling of the Federalists drew out the largest crowds, and many considered them in a near dead heat by October of 1888. Democrat Harrison Ford tried to keep up, campaigning as being a total opposite of the inactive Theodore Drake, but was unable to shake the shadow of the unpopular sitting president. Nollert and his running mate Franklin Webber of Ohio promised to be a complete 180 degree change from Drake, to reinvigorate the national government in the march towards progress. Rowling and his running mate, Jefferson Young of Missouri, promised to be involved, unlike Drake, but to check the Liberal’s march for an even larger Federal government. “Our Founders,” said Rowling at a rally in St. Louis, “conceived of a strong central government. But the did not wish for one that would upset the order of society or stick it’s fingers in every pie.”

What would ultimately tip the scales, in the opinion of many historians looking back at the election, would be the comments made at one of the first ever presidential debates held in Manhattan between Nollert and Rowling on October 2, 1888. The story of what both candidates said would travel far and wide before election day, and people who were asked afterwards what helped them decide to settle their vote pointed to the debate.
Gilbert, Dr. Anthony. The Power of Debate: The Election of 1888. Franklin, DW: UUS Press House, 1988.

NOLLERT ADMITS ATHEISM IN DEBATE
MANHATTAN - In what is being described as the political gaffe of the century, the liberal candidate for President, Gregory Nollert, admitted to not believing in God during a debate in Manhattan on Friday. The debate had turned to domestic policy, and the Liberal Party’s support of women’s suffrage and freedom of divorce and other radical social policies. Federalist candidate Leeland Rowling had fired back at Nollert’s support for these issues, saying, “You and your party, if you were to enact your full agenda, would totally toss on its ear the natural order ordained by God, and could be guilty of bringing divine judgement on us all.” Nollert responed by saying, “I’m running for President of the United States because I am concerned with governing in the best interests of the people, not because I am concerned about some supposed divine action.” Rowland, the son of a preacher, seemed to almost gasp, and asked, “You don’t fear divine action sir? Do you not fear God?” “No,” Nollert replied, and the crowd gasped, and he then continued, “No, I know of no God which makes me fearful of our platform. We seek the betterment of mankind, not being shackled by old interpretations of scripture, divine or otherwise.” The debate went on from there, but the crowd was stunned and shifted noticeably in Rowling’s favor. There are many openly atheist persons affiliated with the Liberal Party, and it would seem that Mr. Nollert is among them.
“Nollert Admits Atheism in Debate,” Franklin Observer, October 5, 1888.

For almost two weeks after the Manhattan debate, Gregory Nollert attempted to ignore the so-called “gaffe of the century” and focus on policy. Finally, on October 18th, he issued a statement, saying, “my words in Manhattan were poorly spoken and misinterpreted, as I was in the heat of the debate and didn’t give myself time for clearer thought. I of course believe in the Almighty, and believe his hand is involved in things that cannot be explained by man. But I believe that we mere humans have an imperfect understanding of His will, and I believe the Liberal Party platform is not in conflict with the divine.” This statement, while picked up in the press, did little to quell the doubts in people’s minds once they’d read about the initial debate. This gaffe, combined with some people’s unease with parts of the Liberal platform, helped to sink Nollert’s chances for the presidency.
Gilbert, Dr. Anthony. The Power of Debate: The Election of 1888. Franklin, DW: UUS Press House, 1988.

ROWLING WINS LANDSLIDE ELECTION
FRANKLIN - Leeland Rowling will be the next President of the United States. He has secured 238 electoral votes, 7 more than the required 231 to win, meaning that he does not need any of the other candidates to gift him their electors in order to become the 19th President. Gregory Nollert, who up until the “gaffe heard ‘round the world” last month had been neck and neck with Rowling, comes in at a distant 104 electoral votes. Democrat Harrison Ford came in a at just 72 electoral votes, the lowest electoral return for the party since 1828, and likely a direct result of President Drake’s low popularity. Republican candidate Benjamin Conroy earned 45 electoral votes.
“Rowling Wins Landslide Election,” Boston Eagle, November 9, 1888.

The fallout from the “gaffe,” also touched the 1888 congressional elections, as did the Democrats inability to distance themselves from Drake. The Federalists took an absolute majority in the House with 198 seats, something they hadn’t enjoyed in over a decade, and the Democrats were reduced to just 48 seats, only four more than the Republicans, their worst showing ever. The Liberals of course took a hit too, dropping from their astounding 186 seats they had won in 1886 to 91 seats, but still the second largest party in the House. It was also interesting to note that in Indiana and Illinois, many Liberals lost their seats not to Federalists, but to Owenites, who had 8 seats after the 1888 election.
Nollert effectively retired after the failure in 1888. He felt he’d done the party irreparable damage in the “Great Debate of 1888.” He wrote no more books or articles, and faded into obscurity in his home outside Boston. However, he was wrong about the level of damage done. Congressional elections in 1890 and 1892 would see the party retake many seats it lost, and the Liberal party would become what it is today, one of the leading parties in the United States, by the turn of the 20th centuries.
Gilbert, Dr. Anthony. The Power of Debate: The Election of 1888. Franklin, DW: UUS Press House, 1988.

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No real notes on this one, other than I changed the next president from a vaguely mentioned "President Baldwin" in the previous update to Rowling (I've edited the previous chapter as well).

Questions, critiques, and suggestions welcomed as always. Now that this update is done I'm going to turn my attention to the rest of the world a bit before we return for the 1889-1895 update.