The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 825: Chapter 382 Rain, Police, and the Tower of London—Arthur Hastings’s 1832_3

Rowan stood straight, not even glancing at the letter: “Your Excellency, I have nothing to explain. Everything I want to say has already been written in this letter, and I won’t change my viewpoint arbitrarily. I’m a soldier, though now retired, but a veteran’s words are just as binding. If officers can go back on their words, how can I make the young lads listen to me in the future?”

Viscount Melbourne did not expect Rowan to be so tough; this retired Army Colonel not only refused to back down, but also wouldn’t say a single soft word.

Melbourne glanced at the newly scabbed wound on Rowan’s chin and got up to pour him a drink: “Does it still hurt?”

Rowan downed the drink in one go and replied: “Just a minor injury, it’s part of the job.”

Melbourne said helplessly: “Charles, I know you’re emotional, and I also like Officer Hastings. Everyone knows he’s a good lad, but…”

Rowan interrupted: “Your Excellency, my emotions don’t count for much, but this isn’t just about me. If you don’t believe me, you can go to Scotland Yard right now. Tell those lads face-to-face that all the beatings they took, all the injuries they suffered that day were in vain.

Next time there’s a riot, they shouldn’t intervene. If they don’t believe, Arthur Hastings is their example. To be diligent and dedicated results in being featured on the news pages of major London newspapers, treated like a pig being shouted at.”

Seeing this, Viscount Melbourne quickly reassured: “Charles, I assure you, those accusations against Officer Hastings were not directed by the government. The multitude of views merely reflects Britain’s policy of free publication.”

Rowan took off his hat, deeply inhaled, his eyes seemingly burning with fire.

“You’re right, if it weren’t for the legal provisions of free publication, I would have already sent people to Fleet Street to smash their newspaper offices. But I understand, there are all kinds of people and views in this world, some peculiar opinions are not worth much. Therefore, I did not suggest in my work report that Fleet Street’s media be shut down.

However, Your Excellency, I’m not talking about the newspapers’ stance, but the government’s stance. At this moment, according to the original plan, posthumously awarding Officer Arthur Hastings as Junior Knight is the government’s most straightforward show of support. I must remind you, morale is exceptionally low among the officers at Scotland Yard.”

What we need is not meaningless verbal praise, but genuine recognition of all officers who adhere to their duties. If you consider Scotland Yard an inconsequential institution, our work meaningless, then please apply to the Parliament to abolish all police agencies. This way, my lads can look for higher-paying jobs, and my old comrades and I can return to the army, where we’re still greatly valued.”

Viscount Melbourne realized the severity of the situation as Rowan’s words sank in.

Due to the passing of the Parliamentary Reform Bill, Britain’s army was already full of resentment. If another riot or emergency occurred in London, convincing the army to assist the Whig Party government at this critical juncture would be nearly impossible. They would merely watch from the sidelines.

Under such circumstances, if Scotland Yard isn’t appeased, at least within London, his position as Home Secretary in terms of maintaining public order would be reduced to a mere formality.

Of course, he could request His Majesty the King to replace some of Scotland Yard’s top leaders.

Generally, the King wouldn’t interfere in such trivial matters. But the problem lies in the fact that these are not ordinary times.

Although King William IV had agreed to support the Whig Party’s Parliamentary Reform Bill, it didn’t mean he liked the plan. From the King’s standpoint, weakening the noble forces that support him isn’t a good idea. Moreover, the reform process caused instability in London.

Given this context, King William IV might very well reject the proposal to adjust Scotland Yard’s administrative setup. This is not far-fetched, as incidents have already indicated such a possibility.

Yesterday morning, at the Privy Council meeting, King William IV praised Scotland Yard and the army for their crucial roles during the London riots in front of all the council members, stressing that the new Whig cabinet should focus on restoring national order.

Viscount Melbourne, despite worrying about the influence of Fleet Street’s public opinion, recognized that the King’s stance and Scotland Yard’s support were far more important than the hostile journalists and newspaper editors.

After the London riots, Prime Minister Count Grey also seemed politically more conservative. This Whig Party leader, who had been a Radical in Parliament for over thirty years, had a lengthy discussion with his cabinet members after his re-election.

He discussed many subjects, but what struck Viscount Melbourne the most was: “If we wish, we can initiate a war at any time. But we must also understand that once a war begins, it won’t stop just because we no longer wish to fight. In brief, we need to learn from France’s lessons, whose instability lasted two to three decades, leaving only a mess behind.

Viscount Melbourne, contemplating further, vividly recalled Arthur’s spirited face. It was a tough decision, but fortunately, he convinced himself, even if it meant sacrificing some of his political reputation.

“In your honor, for Mr. Faraday, for my sister Copper, and more importantly, for the greater good. Alright, Rowan, you convinced me. I will discuss this matter with the Prime Minister and His Majesty the King.”

Viscount Melbourne picked up the wine bottle and refilled Rowan’s glass, raising his glass to clink with him: “Although it’s not the season for awarding honors, I believe a brave young man like Arthur Hastings deserves an exception.”