A startling recruitment notice had been posted on the Vienna Government's bulletin board. It was nothing unusual for colonial governments to recruit civil servants; they did so every year. What was strange was the content of this notice.
Watching a spectacle was human nature. Every update to the bulletin board drew a large crowd. There were not many forms of entertainment in this era, and gossiping was one of people's pleasures.
Though many had gathered, the scene was not the least bit chaotic. Everyone consciously followed the rules, with no jostling or bumping.
With so many people present, it was naturally impossible for everyone to see the contents of the notice at once. Those standing inside had already begun reading it aloud.
"Notice of Recruitment for Civil Servants by the South African Colonial Government, commissioned through the Austrian Organization Department. A total of 4,800 positions are available, including 1,000 government employees and 3,800 police officers.
"Application requirements: First, applicants must be Austrian citizens, in good health, physically sound, and free of any criminal record. Second, they must have completed compulsory education, with all subjects above the passing line. Third, they must be able to endure hardship and work diligently, with a minimum service term of eight years.
"Note: Those applying for police positions must possess a certain level of military aptitude, having undergone at least reserve training. Retired officers and soldiers will be given priority. Applicants must be under thirty years old, though officers may be up to forty.
"Compensation: Salaries will be twice the domestic average for equivalent positions, while benefits will follow Vienna standards."
Setting aside the salary and benefits for the moment, conditions in the colonies were harsh, and danger could strike at any time. Naturally, the pay was higher than at home.
The problem lay in