Relief and Public Security

Hisshoeman's arrival and departure were both swift. After securing Arthur's support, Hisshoeman quickly set off on his journey back to Europe to seek the backing of other European football associations and establish the FIFA he so desperately wanted.

"What? You're asking about Hisshoeman's position as Secretary-General of the Dutch Football Association?"

Hisshoeman wasn't a fool. Compared to the Secretary-General of FIFA, the choice between that and the Secretary-General of the Dutch Football Association was obvious.

August 11, 1900, Sydney.

The Government Building was unusually busy that day, or rather, one particular room within the Government Building was exceptionally hectic.

It wasn't that it was a particularly significant day, but for all Australians, it was a day worth celebrating and remembering.

After months of covert investigation and preparation, the Royal Relief Committee that Arthur had previously promised at the steps of the New South Wales State Parliament finally launched its first initiative: the free distribution of food in all Australian cities.

Although the Relief Committee, based on the results of their investigation during this period, had screened the population of Australia, individuals with an annual income exceeding ten pounds or families with an annual income exceeding twenty pounds would be excluded from the food distribution.

Even so, according to the Relief Committee's rough estimates, the number of people receiving food would still exceed one-third of Australia's population, reaching over 1.2 million.

Fortunately, Australia had already achieved self-sufficiency in food production and sales, so the Relief Committee was able to purchase enough food within Australia for distribution.

8 AM, Sydney streets.

Due to a shortage of personnel, the Relief Committee had only one food distribution point in each city. However, the food distribution would last for a month and a half.

During this period, anyone identified as low-income could receive a free portion of food.

Although it was only one portion, the quantity was substantial. Each portion consisted of two bags of flour, one bag of potatoes, one bag of seasonal vegetables, and a carton of milk.

This amount of food was enough for each person to last for several months with leftovers, demonstrating Arthur's resolve to provide relief to all impoverished Australians.

The cost of these food items alone was about one pound and five shillings per portion. If all the impoverished Australians within the estimated range collected their rations, the Relief Committee would have to spend at least around 1.5 million pounds.

However, this expenditure was undoubtedly worthwhile. Firstly, it allowed Arthur to fulfill his promise, maintaining and consolidating his standing in the hearts of Australians.

Secondly, such a large-scale food distribution would also increase the favorability of all Australians towards Arthur.

After all, who wouldn't appreciate a monarch who steps forward to help them in their time of need?

As the food relief efforts progressed, Arthur also began inspecting the streets of Sydney.

During the last cabinet meeting, Arthur had repeatedly emphasized the need for the Ministry of Public Security to maintain order within a short period and significantly reduce crime rates across Australia.

It appeared that Australia had indeed changed greatly compared to before. The streets were meticulously cleaned by cleaners hired by the government, giving them a somewhat modern city appearance, even though the surrounding buildings were not very tall.

Arthur was genuinely pleased with Sydney's current state. Compared to when he first arrived, Sydney was less dirty and chaotic, and more clean and orderly.

"Minister Thomas, the Ministry of Public Security has done an excellent job during this period. Sydney has gained a more modern feel compared to before," Arthur said with a smile to Minister Thomas Czech of the Ministry of Public Security, who was respectfully following him.

"Yes, Your Highness. Thanks to the one thousand troops you assigned to me, we were able to quickly dismantle several notorious gangs and re-establish order. The city streets are not only cleaner now, but the crime rates in major cities have also significantly decreased," Minister Thomas replied respectfully, not forgetting to flatter Arthur further.

"How is the construction of police stations in various cities progressing? Are there any issues with police recruitment?" Arthur continued to inquire.

Australia did not have formal police academies. Police officers were recruited from among Australians and could begin their duties after a short period of training.

This system was riddled with loopholes, especially considering that police officers would eventually be armed. The consequences of an officer lacking a sense of duty and responsibility carrying a firearm were easily imaginable.

"Your Highness, the police stations in various cities are under construction, but the progress is inconsistent. However, we don't necessarily need to complete the police stations; at least until our new police training is finished, the construction of police stations will not affect the current public security situation," Minister Thomas explained.

This was because Arthur had revised the police training process, not only quadrupling the training duration but also specifically emphasizing the cultivation of responsibility and a sense of duty among police officers.

Officers who previously only needed a week of training now required at least three months or more, ensuring they were loyal to the country, the Royal Family, and possessed a sense of responsibility for their position before they could officially take office.

This was not the end of it; after becoming a full-fledged police officer, they would still have to undergo a three-month probationary period before officially being issued a firearm.

This training system, compared to the relatively rudimentary police training in other countries, was much more comprehensive. It significantly reduced the problem of police officers lacking professional ethics, and the six-month screening process ensured that most officers had a certain sense of responsibility for their roles.

"Indeed, your approach is correct. The training of police officers and the establishment of police stations should not be rushed. Although Australia is currently facing a shortage of personnel in public security, we must adhere to the principle of selecting the best and cultivating elites. Australian police officers will be the most crucial element in maintaining Australia's public security in the future. The strictness of police officer selection should even be comparable to that of the army. I do not wish to encounter any issues with police officers in the future, especially concerning those who carry firearms," Arthur instructed.

In many countries, particularly colonies, police systems were highly underdeveloped, even chaotic.

Under such circumstances, the power of an armed police officer could be amplified infinitely. If such an officer lacked even a modicum of morality and professionalism, they could pose a significant threat and hidden danger to civilians.

But the question remained: who would bear the responsibility for problems caused by the police? Naturally, it would be the government.

In Australia's context, the government and the Royal Family would eventually be held accountable for the actions of the police. However, ultimately, all power was concentrated in Arthur's hands, both within the government and the Royal Family.

This meant that if any problems arose in the future, Arthur himself would be the one to take the blame.

This was absolutely unacceptable to Arthur, who placed great importance on his reputation and public standing. This was precisely why Arthur repeatedly emphasized the importance of the police selection system.

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