News and Stories from the Vilnius Union

[The Rock Doctor]

March 6, 1914

Zwiazek Wilno announces the internal re-organization of its territories in Tsennacommach, that region of North Erica under Zwiazek Wilno jurisdiction.

To reflect the much larger extent of what originally was just the Powhatan Confederacy, Wilno's North Erican territories have been redesignated as Zwiazek Eryki Polnocnej.  The seat of the governor remains at Niuepoort, and the governor himself retains considerable powers delegated to him from the King of Poland via the Prime Minister of Zwiazek Wilno.

Five internal sub-divisions have been created, providing more local governance and delivery of social/health/education services.  These are, from north to south:

-Ohiyo:   Capital = Gihe'hoga (Cleveland); home of the Erie people, Monongahela, and Fort peoples among others.

-Chesepiooc:  Capital = Duzegodomu (Baltimore); home to Nanticoke, Susquehanna, and Conop among others.

-Tsenacommacah:  Capital = Niuepoort (Newport News).  Home to the Powhatan, Tutelo, and Tuscarora amongst others.

-Sigismundia:  Capital = Sigismundgrod (Charleston).  Home to the Cherokee, Yuchi and Catawba people.

-Stefania:  Capital = Yamacrawstadt (Savannah).  Home of the Timucua, Muskogee, Hitchiti, and Cusabo peoples, among others.

Territory recently annexed in the southwest remains under military administration at this time.

[The Rock Doctor]

Map of ZEP.  Ports with IC are highlighted in red; a red square notes the IC building in OTL Cleveland.  Over time, the Union will expand west to enlarge Ohiyo and create a sixth region, Kenta Aki.

[Kaiser Kirk]

March 6, 1914

Territory recently annexed in the southwest remains under military administration at this time.

The Maya would be happy to help you with that...

[The Rock Doctor]

I was referring to western Tennessee there, which the Mayans are not capable of helping out with just yet.

[The Rock Doctor]

12 April 1914

The Vilnius Union government has confirmed that a major, permanent naval presence will be established in the western hemisphere before the year's end.

Since implementation of the Loob Doctrine began in 1910, the navy has been responsible for transporting troops and providing gunfire support, but the deployments have been ad-hoc and based out of Amsterdam.  Navy spokesman Komander Piet Janssen said, "This has allowed the Union to aid like-minded peoples around the Atlantic, but has led to situations where the navy lacks the qualitative and quantitative strength necessary to overcome uncooperative factions."

Janssen confirmed that Johannestadt, Boriken will be the site of the primary naval base in the west.  "Centrally located in the western hemisphere, with close access to territories and infrastructure in the Caribbean, Johannestadt offers a superb natural harbour and burgeoning local industry capable of supporting the fleet presence.  The people of Boriken are quite enthused about hosting the Navy's best."

Sources speaking off the record noted that the navy was planning to deploy a battleship division and an armored cruiser division, along with supporting lighter forces.  A drydock is currently under construction at the island's capital and a larger floating dock is expected to be towed there when completed in 1915.

When asked about deployments to other Union territories, Komandor Janssen commented, "These plans are still in development but some news can be expected over the remainder of the year."

[The Rock Doctor]

1 May 1914

The Vilnius Union is pleased to announce that the Azteca Domain and the Empire of Japan have agreed to contribute toward construction of the Trans Erica Canal project.  Terms of the agreements have not been released.  A government spokesman noted, "The Government of the Vilnius Union welcomes these investments by forward-thinking, friendly governments."

The Canal commenced construction in mid-1913 and is expected to be in service in early 1919, significantly reducing the sailing time between the east and west coasts of the Ericas.  To date, the Vilnius Union has been the sole investor in the project and retains sovereign control of the territory in which the project is being built.

[The Rock Doctor]

19 April 1914

As part of its annual review of proposed budgetary expenditures, the Sejm declines to fund two battleships of the Anders Angstrom class in the 1915 calendar year.  These would have been the fifth and sixth units of the class; three are under construction and a fourth's lay-down is planned for July.

There are two reasons for the decision, as communicated back to the navy.

First is testimony from the naval construction industry that it would, in fact, be hard-pressed to supply necessary components such as turbines, armor plate, and gun barrels to the navy for these additional units.  The capacity just isn't there for such cutting edge materials when the first four units of the class are consuming something like 70% of the nation's naval engineering output.

The other reason is somewhat puzzling to the navy:  In the wake of the Battle of Dakar, the Sejm favors construction of additional armored cruisers.  That the Angstroms are in all respects massively superior to the navy's current armored cruisers is beside the point, much as the superiority of the navy's current armored cruisers to the destroyed Iberian pre-dreadnought is beside the point.  An armored cruiser defeated a battleship, ergo there should be more armored cruisers.  Public opinion appears to support this view. 

This being the case, the navy is invited to submit proposals for new armored cruisers to be laid down in 1916.

Naturally, the navy has a number of springstyles available, ranging from giants with nine or more 35cm guns like the Angstroms, down to small workhorses with a brace of 20cm guns.  There is little doubt that the Sejm will not cut a blank cheque, so quantity versus quality will be a consideration, and there is the evolving tactical role of scouts and the strategic employment of the navy which must be considered.  It seems there will be some long nights ahead in the Bureau of Design...

[The Rock Doctor]

7 May 1914

The Government of the Vilnius Union is pleased to announce the sale of Gujana to the Empire of Japan.  The transfer will take effect on 1 January 1915.

The territory, administered from the town of Paramurbo, consists of two provinces on the northern coast of South Erica.  It was the scene of skirmishing with Iberian troops just a year ago when the Union and Iberians moved to back different sides in a burgeoning succession dispute, with a number of Union troops killed or injured.  Since then, the territory has seen development of its port and transportation facilities as investors examine its agricultural and mining potential.

The move prompted some criticism in the Sejm, with a member of the Loyal Opposition noting, "The blood of good men was spilt to secure this place for the Union.  Valuable funding was poured into infrastructure there.  Now the government is just...giving it away?"

A government spokesman declined to provide specific information on the terms of the transaction, noting only that, "The government is satisfied that the Vilnius Union is receiving fair value for the territory and believes the transaction reflects the best interests of the people of the Union."

[The Rock Doctor]

8 June 1914

"What exactly is going on in the Caribbean?" The Prime Minister asked.  "Specifically, with respect to Rome and Azteca."

"Ah," the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anton Borowiecki, said, sipping some water.  "Well, the Aztecs landed troops on the Caicos islands a couple of years ago – they were self-governing at the time, and have used it as a military station and waypoint for their operations in the Atlantic since.  The islands are, however...well, I wouldn't say they're astride the Roman line of communication to Novo Francia, but they're certainly close to it.  Roman-Aztec relations went into the tank after the Aztec operation against the Mayans on the west coast of North Erica, and it seems the Romans have decided that Aztec Caicos are a threat to their flagship colony."

"Are they?"

"They could be a useful base of operations for raiders harassing Roman shipping or their adjacent territories in time of war," the Minister said.   

"And the Aztecs believe an invasion is coming?"

"That was the understanding of our flag officer in the region," the Minister of Defence, Friedrich Schmidt, confirmed. 

"But there are negotiations underway?"

"Apparently, though we have essentially no information about their status," Borowiecki agreed.

"Neither side has asked for third party mediation?"

"Not that we have heard of."

"Okay then.  So there's a chance of a peaceful settlement but perhaps one that doesn't favor the Aztecs."

The Ministers nodded.

"Assuming the balloon goes up, do we expect conflict to be confined to the islands themselves?"

"Difficult to say," the Schmidt replied.  "The Aztecs might be inclined to strike Novo Francia overland.  In theory, fighting could spread into the Pacific or western Africa, if either side decides to make plays for each other's colonies."

"How serious a threat is this to our own territories?"

"We're on good terms with the Aztecs, and have understandings with the Romans about our respective interests in the region, as seen in our division of North Erica," Minister Borowiecki said.  "I don't think either is likely to intentionally draw us in, though either might not mind it accidently happening to their benefit.  It's something to consider if anything strange should happen."

"Our own lines of communication into the Caribbean lie further east, primarily through the Mona and Virgin passages," Schmidt added.  "We wouldn't expect either side to expand its operations to those locations, and it might be prudent to demonstrate our presence there as a signal."

"Do we have forces in the area?" the Prime Minister asked.

"Only a cruiser and patrol assets at this exact moment; however, we do have a battleship squadron and an armored cruiser squadron on station off [northern Florida] to see the Mayans off," Schmidt said.  "It would not take long to steam to Johannestadt; they're to be based there soon enough anyway."

"If we don't need to worry about the Mayans, then yes, let's do that," the Prime Minister confirmed.  "Speaking of whom – will they get involved?"

"We don't know," Borowiecki said.  "I lean towards not, but wouldn't bet upon it.  If a third party is to get involved, I'd say it's more likely the Japanese, given their burgeoning relationship with the Aztecs."

"That would complicate the sale of Gujana."

"Six months before that becomes a formal issue," Borowiecki shrugged.  "There are of course Parthian territories in the region and we might wish to consider coordinating neutrality operations with them."

"I'll take that under advisement," the PM said.  "Other considerations?"

The Minister of Trade, Olof Gunterssen, waved a finger.  "I imagine the Romans might enact a blockade of the Aztec coasts?"

Schmidt said, "Possibly."

"That'll be a nuisance to our industry partners, no doubt," Gunterssen said.  "They'll complain, at the least, if they're losing time to inspections or being prevented from reaching landfall."

"I'll keep that in mind," the PM said.  "Alright, that's good.  We've got a few minutes left before lunch so let's talk bridges..."

[The Rock Doctor]

July 1914

"Lines cast off, Sir," the officer of the deck called up. 

"Very good.  Helm, take us out nice and easy," Komandor Podporucznik Oleg Tarisov called.

"Aye, sir.  Ringing for ahead one-quarter," the helmsman replied. 

The K-6 trembled slightly and began to pull away from the wharf.  To starboard lay the newly arrived capital units of the squadron - Nieugiety, Dziki, Lucznik and Kusznik - and the partially constructed base ashore.  To port, the civilian harbour, with ships taking on export goods such as sugar, pineapple, and cotton, or offloading manufactured goods from Europe.  Ahead lay the mouth of Johannestadt Bay, and beyond that, the Atlantic.

Not far beyond that, in turn, was war.

The neutrality patrol was four days along now, monitoring the sea lines of communication between Europe and mainland Choco.  The squadron's torpedo-boats and protected cruisers would take on the bulk of responsibility for the (ideally) tedious work of monitoring civilian traffic and belligerent warships.  The capital units would spend most of their time on stand-by for serious problems, which most sensible sailors hoped would not transpire.

K-6's instructions were straightforward but not completely without risk:  Sail west, around the northern coasts of Boriken and Haiti, then southwest through the Windward Passage.  Continue around Haiti through the Jamaica Channel and down to the coast of Choco before returning to Johannestadt.

"Clear of the harbour, Sir," the helmsman reported.

"Very good," Tarisov replied.  "Ahead one-half.  Let's hope there are no rustbuckets out there poised to trigger diplomatic incidents."

[The Rock Doctor]

8 July 1914

The Vilnius Union has begun implementation of the Treaty of Sonnionto, signed with little fanfare last year between the Union and the Grand Council of the Shawnee. 

The treaty calls for the admission of the Shawnee people into the Union's North American territories, the Zwiazek Erica Polnocnej (ZEP).  This will include construction of transportation infrastructure, integrating the Shawnee into ZEP governance, and the Union taking on defensive obligations on Shawnee territory.  The Union's initial garrison began taking up station in the eastern portion of Shawnee territory this week, while a team of engineers and bureaucrats are examining Sonnionto and Eskippakithiki as sites for a future centre of Union administration.

A spokesman for the Grand Council of the Shawnee noted, "It has been evident for some time that we had a decision to make about our future.  Powers larger than the Shawnee are poised to secure control over the continent.  Did we wish to fight and react or did we wish to negotiate and be pro-active?  We chose the latter.  With that, obviously an agreement with our historical rivals, the Five Nations, was out of the question.  The Norse have been silent and opaque.  The Union, on the other hand, was open, receptive, and amenable to our interests."

A Union spokesman said, "We're honored that the Shawnee have joined us in our great union-building project, intended to elevate and advance all who participate.  In accordance with the treaty we're taking steps to establish modern transportation links between the Shawnee and the ZEP, to facilitate trade access to European markets, and to fund other health and education projects."

Pic:  Current boundaries of the Grand Council of the Shawnee (medium blue = Union garrisoned, light blue not garrisoned, dark green = existing ZEP)

OOC:  I've based this on some "American indigenous groups if no European Contact" type maps.  It is not an exact science.

[The Rock Doctor]

14 July 1914

"So, to confirm, the Aztec press is indeed reporting a major battle off the Caicos Islands on the morning of the seventh," Minister Borowiecki said. 

"And is it true that they've sunk the Roman fleet?" the Prime Minister asked.

"Not quite, but not for lacking of effort," Minister Schmidt answered.  "It sounds like one battleship and much of the Roman screen was destroyed...possibly along with a number of transports captured."

"That still sounds rather bad," the PM observed.

"They're significant losses, certainly, although our limited intelligence suggests it was an older battleship lost in action," Schmidt said.

"Okay," the PM nodded, reaching for his coffee cup.

Minister Forsberg spoke up.  "Prime Minister, as the voice of fiscal prudence at this table, I think we need to have a conversation about naval expenditures - sooner rather than later.  This is the second time in, what, two years, that we've been hearing about small torpedo-craft sinking large...expensive...battleships.  I'd be forsaking my responsibilities if I didn't recommend suspending construction on the third and fourth Angstrom-type battleships right now, if not cancelling them outright."

"That's more than a little premature, Sven," Schmidt shot back.  "Lessons are being learned, certainly, but there is an important role for capital ships to play in our national defence strategy."

"I assume the Romans would have learned those lessons from news out of the Pacific, and yet these reports from the Caribbean point to a devastating defeat for them," Forsberg noted.

"We can't be certain what the Romans took from the Chinese/Japanese conflict," Schmidt said.  "What does seem to have happened is that the Romans went for the knock-out punch as soon as the bell rang, rather than wear down the Aztecs first.  That's a chancy proposition in boxing and naval warfare both."

"You're telling me this wouldn't have happened to us in similar circumstances?"

Schmidt shrugged.  "I can't be certain, Minister.  What I do know is that we've identified what we think is necessary for screening forces to our capital ships, that we're working up tactics to defeat small-craft swarms, and that we're incorporating these tactics into recent design work.  The additional of the tertiary battery on the Angstroms is an example of this."

"Would it not make sense to fight fire with fire, as it were?" Forsberg countered.

"Where practical, yes," the defence minister said.  "These are coastal craft, however.  They cannot defend our sea lines of communication across the Atlantic, nor can they protect our merchant marine, nor can they fully support power projection missions.  You need large hulls, with long range, heavy armor, and heavy guns to do that."

"But you're building a torpedo-boat carrier right now, are you not?"

"I understood that to be an experiment," the PM interjected.

"And that it is," Schmidt said.  "We're taking an idea developed by others and applying our own lens to it.  There is certainly enthusiasm in some quarters of the navy for such a vessel, but skepticism elsewhere.  Once Orzel is in service, we'll see where trials lead us."

Forsberg sighed and looked to the Prime Minister with raised eyebrows.

"No harm in continuing along a few more months.  This unpleasant business in the Caicos will all be over by Christmas," the PM said.

"Very well," Forsberg said.

[The Rock Doctor]

15 July 1914

"That's concerning," Grand Admiral Grabowski observed as Minister Schmidt concluded his recap of the previous day's cabinet meeting. 

"Nobody clearly jumped in to side with the Minister of Finance - not that he needs the support - but further examples of David sinking Goliath might change that," Schmidt mused, pouring apfelwein into a pair of tumblers. 

"That's certainly outside my control," Grabowski said, accepting one of the glasses.  "Nice, thank you."

"Now given the pressures we've already been facing, where does this leave us for the general fleet replacement strategy?"

Grabowski sighed.  "There's a very real break in capability between ships laid down before and after 1904.  Before, they're coal-fired, short-legged, slow, and have limited armament.  We're in the process of discarding a class of seven such battleships, but will still have another seven plus seven armored cruisers with similar characteristics.  Replacing them on a one-for-one basis has never really been on the table; the new ships are twice the size and cost.  So we'd asked for six Angstroms and four new cruisers."

"And we're only funded for four Angstroms now," Schmidt said.  "And no cruisers, although we were invited to make a proposal for 1916."

"Which is probably what I'm going to recommend.  That would give us eight modern battleships and up to six modern cruisers."

"Is that enough?  I'm sure the firepower is dramatically improved but the number of hulls is much lower."

"This depends on how we approach the balance of forces," Grabowski replied.  "The entire slate of older ships was based on home defence; the Loob Doctrine wasn't even a glimmer in Loob's eye at that point.  Now we've got a rather extensive set of lines of communication in the Atlantic to defend, which may argue for a balanced battleship/cruiser ratio."

"If I recall, there's not much difference in size or cost between the two," Schmidt said.

"There's a range of options for cruisers, and the upper end is similar in size, yes," Grabowski said.  "It's possible we'd go for two classes of different ships though - one tailored for fleet scouting and another for independent trade defence."

"So long as they're armored cruisers, or close enough to sell them as such," Schmidt said.

[The Rock Doctor]

September 13, 1914


"...So this won't, in fact, be over by Christmas?" the Prime Minister asked.

"Well I mean it might," Minister Borowiecki said after a moment.  "A lot can change in three months.  It just isn't going to end in the next couple of weeks."

"But the briefings indicated that the Aztecs have been wiped out?"

"The Aztecs appear to have lost most...perhaps all...of their capital units," Minister Schmidt nodded.  "We think they still possess a fair quantity of light forces.  If their newspapers are accurate, they've not harmed the Roman capital units terribly much but have gutted their light forces.  Which makes things awkward for both sides, but only until the Romans steam reinforcements across the Atlantic."

"There's still fighting on the continent, though," the PM noted.

"Last we heard, yes, though details have been few and far between," Schmidt said.  "That could drag out for some time.  A lot of room to maneuver, the Aztecs can likely bring substantial forces to bear.  It would not be surprising if the Aztecs intend to take parts of Novo Francia in the hopes of exchanging them for the Caicos."

"Are the damned rocks really worth it?" Minister Forsberg spoke up.

"Frankly, no.  Not by my calculus," Schmidt shrugged.  "For the Romans, though, it is clearly worth the cost they're paying to maintain what they consider a secure route to their premier colony.  For the Aztecs, it seems largely a matter of principle and emotion."

"I wonder if we should have offered to buy the islands ourselves just to solve the problem," Borowiecki sighed.

"I could perhaps have scrounged up the necessary funds," Forsberg conceded.

"It's all moot if nobody wants to sell them," the Prime Minister said.  "I've received a few letters of complaint from industry.  Mostly about the Roman blockade.  Are we having a problem there?"

"Not really.  The Romans appear to be playing by established international law there.  Delays are to be expected in such circumstances," Borowiecki said. 

"And the Aztec comments about Rome perhaps making similar plays for our lands, or that of others?"

"Difficult to imagine," Borowiecki said.  "We consulted with them when the Mayans landed in [Alabama] and before our move into [northern Florida], they were fine with that and haven't objected since.  Our agreement in North Erica remains in intact.  Our shared border in South Erica is quite sedate and we're unlikely to find them expanding from the mouth of the Amazon if they've unloaded their Pacific territories."

"And there's nothing to indicate anybody else is getting involved, although there's still some suspicion in the Biuro Wywiadu Marynarki Wojennej that the Japanese are up to something," Schmidt said. 

"Like intelligence sharing or such?"

"Yes, or weather reports or the like."

"Until something comes up it's not an issue," Schmidt said. 

"Any stirrings from other local powers?" the PM asked.

"The Mayans don't seem inclined to jump in, which is perhaps a bit surprising given what happened in San Diego," Borowiecki said.  "We've seen nothing to suggest the Incans are showing a preference.  Parthia's much in the same boat we are."

"Right, Parthia.  You all saw that news about the freeports they're establishing in the Pacific - how does that tie in with the canal project?" the PM inquired.

"Um..." Borowiecki said, glancing to his right.

There the Minister of Industry, Wilders, jerked to attention.  "Ah.  Yes.  The canal.  Well, Sir, the, uh, Parthian ports aren't the most direct route between mainland Asia and the canal zone - that would pass through the Hawaiian islands, which Parthia has not offered access to.  Whether that's for security purposes or to maintain a competitive edge for their own shipping remains to be seen.  One supposes it could even be intended to hedge bets that we don't finish the canal by routing shipping through the Dragon's Tail."

The PM blinked.

"Regardless, the question has arisen:  How do we respond?  With respect to the canal, that is.  The Parthian model for canal management is hypothetically possible, yet we have agreements in place with Japan and the Aztecs that are not consistent with that approach.  I've asked for a study to be prepared for our review," Wilders concluded.

"We still have time to think about it," the PM said.

"Four years," Wilders agreed.  "Assuming our construction schedule doesn't slip."
 

[Kaiser Kirk]

aren't the most direct route between mainland Asia and the canal zone - that would pass through the Hawaiian islands, which Parthia has not offered access to.  Whether that's for security purposes or to maintain a competitive edge for their own shipping remains to be seen. 

I will point out the range from Panama City to Oahu is 4800nm, while Lima to Oahu is 5400nm, and Patagonia to Oahu is 6300nm, none is within even long range of 4400nm for a current standard large freighter.

Per the range chart I included in my story, one can use the proffered freeports to move cargo from Patagonia/Panama across the Pacific with stops at both ports.  More useful than running out of fuel hundreds of miles from Oahu.

The point of the Freeports is by offering space for depots/warehouses/etc, ships can be sure of finding fuel, and adequate stores,  merchants can count on no delays, and repair facilities...and I presume eventually they will be transfer points. From a military aspect, nations can send Cruiser squadrons on long trips knowing they have oil fuel waiting, etc.

Hawaii's storyline status is a little cloudy because I haven't been writing many stories. The Parthians liberated the Native Hawaiians from a group of Foreign fortune seekers. The Parthians declared the Kingdom of Hawaii to be a protectorate, but claimed clear title to Pearl Harbor and a chunk of area around that, some rights to road/educate/garrison, and a say in treaties, etc.  But the Hawaiian King controls the internal affairs and government of much of the islands.

Currently, Hawaii is only at 1 IC, focused on the Parthian sections, as its up to the Native Hawaiians if they want further integration and development- which they haven't done yet (they will). 

There is still a merchant's port at Honolulu harbor, but like most such it has limited facilities.