Election Results

After listening to Arthur's speech, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, and Martin and Henris were no exception.

People of this era didn't know how to draw a "big picture" or make empty promises. Unknowingly, they were gratefully accepting the vision Arthur had painted for them.

However, Arthur truly possessed the ability to realize everything he planned; the "big picture" was about to become reality.

"Everyone, I know many of you running for office don't have very clear objectives. Perhaps, like Martin, you want to participate more actively in the nation's development and construction, improving the living standards and economic income of all our compatriots. Some, like Henris, have witnessed the tragic plight of the country's impoverished citizens and wish to work towards change. Regardless of your motivations, being a member of the Lower House is a very important and powerful position. I hope that once you are successfully elected, you will not forget your original intentions and will seek the best interests of the nation, the government, and all Australians. Of course, those who fail in their campaign should not be discouraged. Elections are held every two years, and by learning from your experiences and lessons, you will eventually succeed," Arthur said solemnly, looking at the crowd.

"Yes, Your Highness!"

As if in unison, a group of people responded to Arthur with remarkable order.

"Of course, one doesn't need to become a national legislator to contribute to the country's development and construction. Even as a common citizen, as long as everyone works diligently and abides by the law, they are contributing to the nation's progress, aren't they? As long as all Australians are united, Australia will be the greatest nation, and Australians will be the greatest people," Arthur said with a smile.

This speech, tinged with nationalism, was met with the welcome and respect of all Australians.

Although Australians were a new people, born from the intermingling of Western immigrants and Indigenous peoples, this did not mean they considered themselves inferior.

What Australia had always lacked was a leader with ambition. Now that Arthur had arrived, Australians would finally shine in their own right.

"Of course, none of this can be achieved solely through your participation and change. The Royal Family and the government must also adapt for the nation to become stronger and for the people's living standards to significantly improve," Arthur declared, revealing his final trump card. "Therefore, as your Monarch, having learned that many Australians cannot afford medical treatment or education due to poverty, I have decided to take action: effective immediately, the Royal Family will establish the Royal Relief Committee. A group of officials loyal to the Crown and the people will be selected to serve, and I will personally oversee it. This committee will be responsible for assisting low-income Australians who cannot afford to see a doctor or attend school. I will allocate five million Pounds Sterling as operational funds for the Relief Committee and pledge to allocate at least one million Pounds Sterling annually to it. I hope that all Australians can be free from the ravages of cold, the torment of hunger, and the suffering of illness, that they can afford clothing, food, medical care, and education. Although Australia's rise currently seems like mere empty words, I am still willing to work towards it. All Australians, are you willing to join your Duke in building this great nation, so that Australians and Australia together can stand at the pinnacle of this world?"

Arthur's words sent ripples through the crowd. In a country where the average annual income was less than ten Pounds Sterling, the five million Pounds Sterling Arthur was investing was an astronomical sum.

More importantly, in the eyes of Australians, Arthur was a Monarch who respected and cared for all Australians, the perfect Duke in their hearts.

"Willing! Willing!"

In an instant, the cheers of the crowd became deafening, making it difficult to distinguish whether this was an election for the Lower House or Arthur's speech.

Subsequently, the crowd's cheers gradually transformed into chants of "Long live the Duke! Long live Australia!"

With the Duke mentioned first and Australia second, it was evident how much these Australians adored their Monarch, even though Arthur had only been crowned a few months prior.

Unbeknownst to many, Arthur's popularity among the common people in Australia had far surpassed that of the former Prime Ministers of the various colonies, who were now the Governors of the states.

This was a good thing for Australia's development, as a nation's progress required a single voice. With Arthur's foresight from his previous life, Australians would not need anyone to oppose him.

"Alright, gentlemen, please continue with your elections! On the day the Lower House officially announces the election results, I look forward to some of you becoming official members of the national parliament." Arthur, satisfied with the crowd's reaction, left the assembly hall amidst their cheers.

After a considerable amount of time, the crowd gradually regained order and resumed the election, which should have proceeded smoothly.

Compared to before, the enthusiasm for participating in and voting for the election had significantly increased. Everyone wore excited and animated smiles, clearly indicating the success of Arthur's speech.

May 25, 1900, Sydney, New South Wales State Parliament.

After a brief yet long seven-day election period, the first election for Australia's Lower House had finally concluded with relative success.

However, as Arthur's speech had been widely reported by the newspapers across Australia, the enthusiasm of all Australians to participate in and vote for the election had surged, making the data more difficult to compile than initially estimated.

Thanks to the overtime efforts of numerous officials for several days, the final results of the first Lower House election were finally tallied.

Today, May 25th, was the scheduled date for the announcement of the election results.

Early in the morning, before dawn, the entrance of the State Parliament was already crowded with people awaiting the results. As time passed, the crowd continued to grow rapidly, even causing minor traffic congestion at the entrance to the State Parliament.

Everyone was eagerly anticipating the final list of elected officials. Even though many knew they had most likely lost their election, they still held onto a sliver of hope, wondering if Lady Luck might favor them today.

At eight in the morning, the doors of the State Parliament finally opened.

Two guards emerged from the entrance, holding a list. They looked at the crowd and announced loudly, "Everyone, the election results are here. After I finish reading all the names, people from the municipal government will notify each successful candidate. For now, please remain quiet so that everyone can hear the names of all the elected officials."

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