My Italian: Chapter 371 Swap things for ships below

As the political and economic center of Spain, Madrid is also a transportation hub city, and its many positions are also doomed to the importance of Madrid to Spain.

So Madrid people have always been very proud and satisfied to be able to live here.

However, compared with ordinary people, Prime Minister Castillo is much more melancholy. Spain is now in troubled times.

In Asia, Spain's most important colony, the Philippines, is now quite noisy. The secret organization "Katipunan" (meaning "Supreme Association of National Sons and Children") has become increasingly restless in the Philippines. For this reason, Manila has sent several telegrams to report that the organization is collecting arms and plotting unscrupulously. In addition, behind the organization, the Japanese were also found (the Japanese have always had a lot of ideas about the Philippines, in addition to being rich in products, it is the key to the declining Banya colony).

The intention of Manila to send this telegram is obvious, that is, the Philippines needs reinforcements.

Unfortunately, Manila is destined to be disappointed, and now Spain can't send reinforcements. Because of the more important Cuba, the War of Independence has broken out.

Cubans have rioted in Santiago, Bayamo, etc. since 1895, and they are getting worse. He escaped the encirclement and suppression of the army and fled all the way to Mantua at the end of Cuba.

Prime Minister Castillo has sent 50,000 troops one after another, but these traitors have still not been captured. So in February of this year, he made Weiler, who has always been known for his toughness, as the governor of Cuba, responsible for destroying the rebels. (This governor of Weiler is the ruthless man who created the concentration camp system)

After serving as governor, Weiler was not bad, and made significant progress in killing the rebel leader Maceo Grajales in the May siege and suppression of the rebels. It is now hoped that this general will continue to strike the rebels and make outstanding contributions to the suppression of the Cuban rebellion.

Prime Minister Castillo was very angry with the rebellious local people. Don't these people understand that if they left the kingdom, they will not get true independence. Behind him, he now supports the country with kindness. After defeating the kingdom, the same will happen. squeeze them.

Yes, as a qualified politician, how could Prime Minister Castillo not know the reasons for the continued unrest in these two places. Although the search in these two places is relatively ruthless, if no one is behind the support, there will be no chaos at all. And now this situation is very difficult for Spain, so we can only do our best.

Just as Prime Minister Castillo was secretly hurting himself, he saw Foreign Secretary Bianca Gibbs and Admiral Shelvella, Secretary of the Navy, hurried in.

"What's the matter, you two?"

Looking at the two people who came in, Prime Minister Castillo asked curiously.

"Prime Minister, happy event, happy event!"

Foreign Secretary Gibbs excitedly reported to the Prime Minister. "The Italian side is willing to sell us two new battleships, but requires us to pay for the purchase of the ships in wool and pyrite, as long as it is paid in full within three years."

The words of the foreign minister made Castillo, a man who has been in the political arena for decades, stunned for a moment, and then he immediately asked. "Didn't the Italians make any other demands?"

"That's not true. The goods we are required to pay must be 5% lower than the normal price, or the price of the battleship must be increased by 5%, and the tax must be used as collateral."

Gibbs' answer relieved Prime Minister Castillo's face a lot. It seems that there is still a conditional offer, that's good, that's good!

As the saying goes, being courteous for nothing is a traitor or stealing. Prime Minister Castillo is also afraid that there is something wrong with this suddenly enthusiastic Italian. Since he wants to make more money, then this matter is much easier to handle.

However, Prime Minister Castillo looked at the Minister of the Navy, who was hesitant to speak, and asked. "Admiral Shelvella, are you here for these two battleships?"

In the face of the Prime Minister's question, Admiral Chelvella answered immediately. "Yes, I came here this time because of this."

"is there any problem?"

"That's not a problem, but considering that the Italians can pay in installments for the goods, I would like to ask, can the Navy choose warships again?"

Admiral Chelvella's words made Prime Minister Castillo rub his shoulders. "Your Excellency, it is the Italian warship that you highly recommended to me. Are you going to regret it now?"

Obviously, the words of the Admiral made the Prime Minister angry.

Seeing that the Prime Minister had misunderstood him, Admiral Chelvella hurriedly explained it. "Prime Minister, I have no intention of this. My main consideration is that since Italy is willing to let my country pay in installments for the goods, I wonder if I can buy better Italian warships to serve our country?"

Hearing this, Castillo moved inwardly. "Give your reasons."

"Prime Minister, I recommended Italy's new battleship before, mainly considering that this battleship is an improved version of its Turin-class, which is an excellent battleship, no matter in terms of firepower, protection or speed. Perfect balance, which was reflected in the arrival of the previous Yellow Sea naval battle.

And the reason why I asked to buy it before is that it can at least allow our navy to resist threats from outside. Of course, this is only possible, because our potential enemy is also progressing, and as far as I know, it has at least two 10,000-ton battleships under construction. Two more are ready for construction, and we must plan ahead. That's why I think that the new Italian cruiser is the perfect warship for us. "

"New armored cruiser?"

"Yes, armored cruiser."

Facing the Prime Minister's doubts, Admiral Chelvella spoke very seriously. "Why I say this new armored cruiser is suitable for us is that it has excellent speed, can reach a high speed of 23 knots. And the ship has a lot of firepower, 8 254mm rapid-fire main guns, which can be used in addition to the new battleship. All the other warships of the ship were sunk in the sea. In addition to firepower and speed, its armor is not weak. The new armor of 190-110 mm can cope with most naval battles. It can be said that the current Italian cruiser can at least be able to Leading the trend for the next five years.”

Having said that, he continued to speak. "As long as I have two of these ships, I can make those ill-intentioned Yankees think twice."

It can be seen that Admiral Chelvella highly respects this cruiser. However, its performance is here, and it is difficult not to attract attention.

"I heard you say so much, so what is the price of such a ship?"

In the face of the Prime Minister's question, Admiral Chelvella answered with a serious look. "The Italians offer 36 million lire."

"what!"

Hearing the price ~www.mtlnovel.com~ the Prime Minister was shocked. This is a full price increase of 5.6 million pesos compared to the battleship, which is too high. (1 lira ≈ 0.56 pesos)

"But it suits our Spanish navy, and I think the Italians should be willing to talk."

Facing the words of the admiral, Prime Minister Castillo pondered, and the atmosphere was a little awkward for a while.

"Should I go talk first?"

At this time, the Foreign Minister opened his mouth to make a round.

"That's fine, let's talk."

Prime Minister Castillo had thought that the Italians would not sell the cruiser or demand more. I don't know Italians are very talkative. It directly stated that the two ships built by itself will be given to Spain first, and the period of payment for goods can be relaxed to 5 years.

Such a talkative Italian made Prime Minister Castillo a little bit wrong. Therefore, in the expectant eyes of Admiral Shelvella and other naval officers and soldiers, His Excellency the Prime Minister could only bite his teeth and sign the purchase agreement.

According to the Italians, the ships could be delivered to Spain in June 1897.