The Shadow of Great Britain

428: Chapter 241: Hastings Worried about the Country and the People (5K4)_3 428: Chapter 241: Hastings Worried about the Country and the People (5K4)_3 And my consideration was that if I, on behalf of “The British,” rejected Mr.

Campbell, they would definitely end up approaching Mr.

Cobbett, a fellow member of the Westminster Association, requesting his permission to publish those articles in “The Poor Man’s Guardian.”

Once the articles fell into Cobbett’s hands, I wouldn’t even have the power to suggest amendments.

Your Excellency, you must realize this point, that it would be disastrous for the impact on Cabinet policy.

Rather than hand the enemy’s weapon to a mentally unstable madman, it’s safer to keep it in our own hands.

Therefore, even though it meant sacrificing a part of “The British’s” objectivity and fairness, as well as a part of the reputation we had just started to build in the literary world, the editorial department still reluctantly rolled out that supplement named “The Economist.”

Upon saying that, Arthur intentionally paused, then continued, “Your Excellency, you might feel that the content published on “The British” is too radical.

But I’d wager if you saw the original manuscripts, you might pass out in shock.”

Palmerston’s brow furrowed slightly, “You mean to say that the articles on “The British” have been edited?”

“Of course,” Arthur nodded earnestly.

“What was published is already the third draft; we have done our utmost to conceal many of the controversial remarks.”

“Hmm…” Palmerston took a deep breath.

“Thomas Campbell is involved in this as well?”

Thomas Campbell wasn’t a particularly difficult character for Palmerston to handle, but his co-founder status of the University of London meant Palmerston had to consider carefully, as another founder of the University of London was currently sitting in the Lord Chancellor’s office.

Or rather…

Palmerston looked up and gauged Arthur’s clear gaze, from those bright eyes shimmering with a hint of red, he finally sensed something amiss.

A suspicion arose in Palmerston’s mind: “Could this represent a part of Brougham’s intentions?”

Intimidating an ordinary Scotland Yard officer was one thing, but Palmerston had not made up his mind to threaten the High Chancellor of Britain, nor did he plan to start a battle between the Foreign Office and the Lord Chancellor’s office.

After much consideration, he finally stood up and said farewell to Arthur, “Arthur, your views are very insightful.

I also think it’s better to keep these Polanders in our own hands rather than push them towards Cobbett.

Publishing these things in “The British,” there’s no doubt that you’ve made the right choice this time.”

Arthur also stood up with a smile, “I’ve heard that you’ve recently been under attack for disagreeing with the allocation of funds for the Poland refugees.

On this matter, I have a small suggestion.

Of course, this is provided that you’re willing to hear it.”

Palmerston flatly denied, “Oh, Arthur, do not believe those baseless words.

I am equally sympathetic towards the Polish people.

The lack of funding is not because I dislike them, but our finances are also very tight.

You might not know, but last week I even invited many Poles to dine with me at my expense.

Of course, if you have any suggestions that could help improve the lives of the Polish exiles, I’m certainly willing to listen.”

Arthur chuckled as he began to speak, “I just knew you must be in a tight corner.

A tight budget is indeed a very important reason; our funding at Scotland Yard is also tight all year round.

So, just like you said, I think if we can’t provide direct subsidies to the exiles, why not have you pull some strings and let them earn their keep by doing things like writing articles?

As the old saying goes, no work, no food—that’s been the truth since ancient times.

Although we ‘British’ have limited space, we should still be able to squeeze a little more room for them.

Your Excellency, seeing you attacked by Parliament like this, I really think it’s utterly unfair.

If you could recommend a couple of Polish writers to us, it would not only reduce their risk but also improve your current public opinion environment.

Why not do it?

At first, Palmerston didn’t pay much attention to Arthur’s suggestion, thinking it was just casual talk.

But as he listened, he began to warm to the idea.

Since he had never intended to allocate funds to Poland from the start, acquiring two or three Polish ‘lucky ones’ in exchange for a headline stating “Just Foreign Secretary personally settles Polish refugees” seemed indeed to be a cost-effective deal.

Laughing heartily, Palmerston walked forward and affectionately patted Arthur on the shoulder, “Arthur, it’s truly fortunate for Britain to have such a justice-minded policeman like you.

If ‘British’ is willing to accept a few Poles, I must thank you on behalf of the suffering Polish people.

Only, I feel that the Polish capable of poetry and painting have probably all been snapped up by the Friends of Poland Literary Society.

Do you have any more low-end jobs available, like cleaners or tea ladies?

Smiling, Arthur replied, “Actually, the cleaning work for the editorial department was originally the responsibility of our literary editors.

However, if you feel there’s a need for the Polish people, then I’ll go back and discuss it with them.

In principle, I believe we can have cleaners and tea ladies.

Oh, and I’ve also been recruiting a housemaid recently; if your willingness to help Poland is so urgent, I’m also willing to offer these two positions.”

“Look at that!

Look at that!

Arthur, that’s you, always ready to share the nation’s burdens!

The Belgium problem was you, and now the Polish problem is also you.

I’ve said it before; you were simply born for diplomacy.”

Arthur responded with humility, “Your Excellency, you flatter me too much.”

“This is no flattery—I truly mean every word I say,” Palmerston replied with a beaming smile.

“Of course, while you and ‘British’ editorial department are willing to take on the nation’s worries, the Foreign Office will certainly take your needs into consideration.

We will do our best to select carefully, striving to provide a satisfactory response to both you and the Polish people.

After all, it’s not much use to cram in so many cleaners and housemaids; and from the viewpoint of helping the Polish people, it’s certainly more beneficial to have an extra novelist than an extra cleaner.”

Arthur smiled and nodded, “That’s true; from a propaganda perspective, it is indeed the case.”

Upon hearing this, Palmerston coughed, took out his pocket watch to glance at it, and said, “If there’s a gap in my schedule, it seems I can start working on this matter soon.

By the way, Arthur, do you have Prince Chartoryski’s address?

I plan to visit him in the coming days to offer my sympathy and, while I’m there, to ask if he has any Polish young talents to recommend to me.”

At those words, Arthur simply reached into the inner pocket of his tailcoat and took out a palm-sized address book, then flipped open a page, tore it off from the edge, and laid it smilingly on the coffee table.

“Your Excellency, then, I wish you a pleasant journey.”