Ireland's Founding Ceremony (1)

Escorted by the world's most powerful warships, Joseph arrived at Carroll Port, Ireland, where he was given a grand welcome by senior Society of United Irishmen, including Russell.

Before the warships entered the harbor, the Ireland fired a 24-gun salute in welcome. Although Joseph was not the head of state of any country—though theoretically Caesar was Caesar of the Roman Empire — Joseph was a vice-emperor and could not be considered a head of state.

Russell personally greeted Joseph at the dock, and as Joseph stepped onto the gangplank, the military band immediately began playing "The Slave War Song." Joseph frowned slightly; the song now sounded somewhat unpleasant to him. However, he quickly regained his smile, raised his right hand, and waved to the cheering crowd below.

Stepping off the diving board, Joseph and Russell clasped hands tightly. Overwhelmed with emotion, Russell gripped Joseph's right hand firmly with both hands and shook it vigorously. Considering that Russell had spent years training with soldiers and working alongside farmers, while Joseph, well, had always lived a life of luxury, Russell 'Joseph mouth was already contorted in pain from the slightest exertion.

"Ran... Na... Russell comrade...be gentle...be gentle...it hurts..." Joseph groaned, his mouth twisted in pain.

Russell then realized he might have been a bit too enthusiastic, so he quickly let go and said apologetically, "Dean Bonaparte, I'm so sorry, I hurt you."

Joseph slightly moved his right hand. What else could he do but forgive him?

The two then walked forward along the laid-out red carpet, and the crowds on both sides cheered for them.

The two men went up to a platform together. Russell, as the host, spoke first. He began by recalling the suffering of the Ireland people under Britain colonial rule, and then highly praised, "'The salvo of the France Revolution brought us revolutionary ideas and showed us the direction for Ireland's progress.' As the saying goes, 'The sun rises and shines in all directions, the ideas of the French Revolution shine brightly; the sun warms people's bodies, and the brilliance of the French Revolution illuminates our hearts.' From then on, the Ireland people had a vision and a direction. The victory of the Ireland Revolution was inseparable from the guidance of the France Revolution."

Dean Bonaparte was not only a scientist and a general, but also a revolutionary fighter and a revolutionary thinker. He made many contributions to the Ireland Revolution, and his ideas saved the Federation and the Ireland Revolution on more than one occasion in the most dangerous times.

Dean Bonaparte not only guided us ideologically but also supported us in action. Our victory is inseparable from the victory of Revolutionary France. Without the boar scare kits sent to us by our France comrades, we could not have best protected our crops from being ravaged by Britain boars; without the France comrades' fleet, we could not have broken the Britain blockade; without the France comrades' cannons, we could not have gained independence and freedom at this moment.

But our enemies are not completely defeated. Although they have been temporarily forced to retreat to their lair, they are constantly thinking of returning to exploit and enslave us again. Therefore, we must stand firmly with our friends and completely eliminate this harmful wolf..."

Following Russell's speech, Joseph delivered a shorter address. He began by highly praising the courage and resilience of the Ireland people, commending their diligence and bravery, and comparing them to the France Ireland, deeming them among the greatest people in the world. He stated that without the Ireland people's great spirit, no amount of support or assistance could have solved the problem. "An egg can hatch into a chick because it has that potential. If it were a pebble, even if the hen worked herself to death, it wouldn't have helped. The Ireland people's own struggle was the primary reason for their independence and freedom."

He then emphasized that the world is interconnected, and the liberation of each individual is the liberation of many more. France cannot be an isolated island of freedom and democracy; France needs friends, truly like-minded friends. Ireland is such a friend, and the Ireland and France people should be friends forever.

Finally, Joseph grabbed Russell's hand, raised their clasped hands, and shouted, "Long live Ireland! Long live the great unity of the French and Irish people!"

After his speech, Joseph checked into the Independence Hotel in Carroll Port. The next morning, he also attended the preparatory meeting for the founding of the Society of United Irishmen.

Since everyone had decided to make Dublin the capital, the founding ceremony and other such events should naturally be held there. However, Joseph strongly opposed this.

"Comrade Russell, you must understand that we have no control of the Irish Sea. The Britain have blocked the entrance to this area with mines; our warships can't get through, but British Army warships can. What should we do if Britain warships suddenly appear and bombard the city during our National Day celebrations?"

The founding ceremony is a solemn occasion, and many people and friends will certainly participate. If it were to be shelled on this occasion, it could potentially cause huge casualties. Therefore, I believe that while Ireland's capital can follow tradition and remain in Dublin, the founding ceremony should be held in a safer location. Furthermore, the central government institutions, in the short term—I mean, until we are able to ensure Dublin's security—should not be located in Dublin. We have waited many years to establish an independent nation; we should have this patience. And it won't take too long. Once Dublin's defenses, especially its naval defenses, are fortified, the Ireland central government can move to Dublin."

Joseph's suggestion was accepted by everyone. Therefore, the founding ceremony was ultimately held in Carroll Port. This was the stronghold of the Ireland independence movement; the people there were very supportive of the revolution, and their organization was effective, making it extremely difficult for Britain assassins and spies to infiltrate. At sea, there was the France fleet, and on land, there were France- built fortifications. If the British Navy dared to come here, it would be like Tom asking Spike to fight—absolutely asking for trouble.

Besides attending Ireland's founding ceremony, Joseph had another mission: to discuss Ireland's reconstruction with the Ireland people.