Americas, News from North and South America

[Adam]

With War Raging in Texas, U.S. Action in Florida Continues

TAMPA, FLORIDA- American Marines continued their task of attempting to clear Florida of the Seminole Tribe, in order to convince them to move to a designated reservation. While there has been no decisive end to the conflict, the Indians appear to be in an ever-weakening position, as the Marines are whittling away at their strength. According to the Commandant, Col. Henderson, "They're on the run now. We'll soon have this conflict over..."

Casualties thus far:

united States:
12 musketeers killed

Seminole Indians:
unknown number killed

[Adam]

Brazil Continues Saint-Simonian Reform, Diego Praised in Poll

RIO DE JANIERO, BRAZIL- Announcing yet more plans to increase spending aimed at modernizing Brazil as well as helping his people, Carlos Diego described a new railroad project that would eventually link all of his coastal cities together. Funded by teaxes, the program would import the steel and engineers necessary to build what was called "the best system in the Americas, to allow for rapid transit."

Diego also freed 1,000 pounds of gold from government coiffers to imporve the water quality flowing into Rio de Janiero and other cities, as well as repair roads that criss-cross the country side.

A small change, however, came from Diego's announcement that a small military contingent was to be sent to Africa, a view which is seen by some as wasting vauable resources which would be better spent at home. About 500 men, carrying some 1,000 pounds worth of gold, landed in on the coast of eastern Africa, above Portugese claims. No word has yet been recieved from the expedition; however, it is expeidted they will move inland and begin construction of a trading village.

A poll taken in recent weeks among the Brazilian people show increased support for Diego; when asked "Is the Brazilian leader doing, do you think, a good job," some 82% of respondants replied positively. When asked if they felt the government was doing the right think in exploring Africa, those replying in the affirmative fell dramatically to 48%. Only 4% of the population felt they were better off without Diego's reforms...

[Adam]

War Between Mexico and United States Ends

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS- With the signing of the treaty of San Antonio, a war raging between the united States and Mexico finally draws to a close. Both sides agree to a permanent cessation of hostilities, as well as a return of prisonwers of war. Mexico is to cede to the united States a certain amount of territory, but is still, according to one American soldier, "allowed to exist. Which they shouldn't, after what happened in Texas."

Reactions in the united States and Texas were very positive. Speaking from Washington-on-the-Brazos, General (and President of the Republic of Texas) Sam Houston announced that, "our dream has finally been realized. A free and independent Texas, away from the tyrannical rule of Mexico." In the united States, support for President Van Buren increased dramatically. While the president's decision to go to war remained a popular one with the victory outside San Antonio, the signing of the treaty marks and end to the fear that some Americans had of a Mexican attack deep in u.S. territory, or a landing of forces somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico.

In Mexico, however, news of the treaty was accepted reluctantly. While the people support General Santa Anna for the end of the war, which devistated the Mexican army, they were quite angry with their leader, Presidente Pedre, who had led them into this war in the first place. Official reports say the Presidente has resigned, but other sources suggest a military coup d'etat, or an assassination on his life...

[Adam]

In Response to France's Declaration, Brazil Invades French Guyana

CAYENNE, FRENCH GUYANA- Responding to a threat on his sovereignty, Carlos Deigo initiated an attack on French holdings in South America earlier in the week. Under the cover of darkness, Brazilian naval vessels crept to the port city of Cayenne, and began attacking the city. The port facilities were all but destroyed, and many civilian buildings were severly damaged. Not wanting to be attacked by French vessels, the Brazilian Navy left the scene, returning (it is assumed) to Brazil.

Sometime during the night, several thousand musketmen, who had been trained to fight in a jungle environment, backed up with artillery, pushed into French Guyana. They met with a small contingent of French forces in Cayenne, but most of the French forces had been redeployed to other areas of the Americas. The far outnumbered French were holed up in a small fortress in the city, but were defeated after a disproportionate amount of Brazilian forces had been killed As of the latest printing, Cayenne had been taken by Brazil.

"France has declared war on us, fellow citizens. Not simply against the great Republic of Brazil, but against liberty, brotherhood, and equality, the very things for which they fought against the monarchy nearly fifty years ago. Liberite? Egalite" Fraternite? Do not believe those French lies, dear brothers, for we are the ones who are right and just. We are what will make those words great. Not France," proclaimed Diego in a speech after the capture of Cayenne. "France will attack us, no doubt, dear friends. We need to be prepared to fight for our freedom, and the freedom of all peoples in the world..."

Casualty Report:

Brazil:
1050 grenadiers killed
750 musketeers killed
10 light artillery destroyed

France:
350 musketeers killed
100 grenadiers killed
15 light artillery pieces captured

[Adam]

France Responds to Brazilian Invasion, With US Aid

CAYENNE, FRENCH GUYANA (BRAZIL)- American Ketchs, guarded by French frigates, in an attempt to soften up Brazilian defenses to help liberate the territory from Brazil, bombarded Brazilian positions in the capital of the former French colony this week. With a large French ground contingent pulled from Cuba, with artillery support, landing in the port town, fighting broke out in the streets as the battle was literally going building to building. Even with sea support, the Brazilian forces were well-suited for defense in the buildings. As of last word, Cayenne was in French hands, and all Brazilian forces were killed.

American gound forces moved south of Cayenne in order to cut off Brazilian supplies and reinforcements during the attack on Cayenne, and are still on station south of the city...

Casualty Report:

united States:
none

France:
1900 grenadiers killed
20 cannon destroyed


Brazil:
1950 grenadiers killed
350 musketeers killed
15 light cannon destroyed, 5 captured

[Adam]

British Naval Vessels Move into Guyana

CAYENNE, FRENCH GUYANA- Following news from the Brazilian invasion of Guyana, King William IV order his South American and Caribbean fleets to serve as a blockade to French Guyana. While the naval forces were too late to stop the French invasion, the British navy is sitting outside the range of the French guns in the coastal fortress, blocking off any reinforcements from either the united States or France...

[Adam]

In Order to Keep State Together, Morazon Spends Money at Home

GUATEMALA CITY, UNITED STATES OF CENTRAL AMERICA- Despite ever-increasing tensions within his state, Francisco Morazon has been attempting to solidify the rule of both himself and his party in Central America. A huge spending package has been approved earlier in the week creating the Morazon Plan, which is designed to help the people and the president's popularity. The package includes infrastructure improvements, as well as political reforms.

The first part of the package allocates funding to hire Italian and French artisans to design a massive cathedral in the capital city. To answer fears of an atheist government, the St. Joseph's Cathedral will be paid for solely by the state for the people and their religious concerns. The package also has provisions for schools, universities, hospitals, and state run farms. It also creates what Morazon calls "social security," a system which will provide funds for elderly citizens.

Politically, the Morazon Plan transfers more power to the individual states, with the central government only collecting funds and coordinating actions made by the various states. It also allows for completely free elections, in which all people have the right to vote.

According to preliminary polls taken by the Journal, the President's approval rating has risen from a low 55% to nearly 70%, but this change may only be temporary...

[Adam]

United States Enters USCA to Keep the Peace, Morazán Commits Suicide

GUATEMALA CITY, USCA- Facing a potential revolt, and a split in the otherwise peaceful United States of Central America, President Francisco Morazán ordered his troops to occupy major cities, effectively declaring martial law in the region. With rebel attacks increasing against the central government in recent weeks, it appeared that the eventual breakup of the USCA was inevitable; however, Morazán attempted to halt the flow of events with an increase in government spending, and the latest military action.

The united States stepped in to prevent Morazán from taking a dicatatorial control over the country, and aiding the rebel forces. Landing in Guatemala City, the united States Marine Corps made their way unopposed to the capitol building in the center of the city. Central American troops laid down their arms as the Marines approached, signifying their distaste with the actions of their leader.

Upon his arrival, Col. Henderson of the u.S. Marine Corps found Morazán dead in his office, with a revolver in his hand and a hole in his head...

[Adam]

Brazil, to Demonstrate Remaining Catholic Ties, Commissions Cathedral, Universities

RIO DE JANIERO, BRAZIL-Faced with taunts of being an atheist, President Carlos Diego commissioned the construction of a state cathedral in the capital of Brazil. Italian architects have been sent in to design the structure, which will take several years to complete. According to sources in the Diego administration, stones will be taken from quarries throughout the Americans, and there has been rumors that the President will seek to purchase and dismantle Aztec, Mayan, and Incan ruins as a symbolic restructuring of South America.

Not related to the religious growth of Brazil is the dedication of a new monument in Rio de Janiero, inscribed with the names of those killed in the war with France. Speaking at a dedication ceremony, President Carlos Diego proclaimed, "Those brave souls who gallantly gave their lives to combat French tyranny are not to be remembered as conquerors, but as heroes, whose only goal was the continued existance and glory of a Republic of Brazil."

Included in the plan is the construction of two new universities; one in Rio de Janiero, the other in Porto Alegre, these two universities will educate Brazilians and other South Americans in European industrial and political methods...

[Adam]

To Aid Defense, Hawaii Commences Project of Hurculean Proportions

HONOLULU, HAWAII- King Kamehameha III announced a new project that is designed to provide for the defense of the Hawaiian islands: the construction of a series of walls and coastal fortresses with the ability to defend against, if not deter outright, potential invaders. "With a growing threat from the former head of the United States of Central America, and the fear that a rebellion in Central America could spread to engulf our tiny state, we need to be prepared to defend ourselves," the regent told Journal reporters.

Expected to nearly deplete the tiny country's treasury, and take several years to complete, the massive wall and fortress construction is being called by analysts a "Hurculean effort, certainly one that should propel Hawaii away from the stigma of being 'uncivilized.'" However, whether or not the Hawaiians will have cannon, or from whom they would be procured is unknown...

[Adam]

President Van Buren Announces "Economic Plan of 1836," Will Increase Trade, Attempt to Link East and West Coasts

WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES- Announcing an ambitious spending plan to Congress, united States President Martin Van Buren is creating what he termed to be "an initiative to make the united States a truly global power, rivaling some of the European states. I am not looking to begin an oppressive colonial program, as it is the goal of these united States to foster freedom in places such as Liberia and the United States of Central America."

The plan includes the development of several key industries, including furniture, textiles and clothing, beef, lumber, and wool production. Much of this development is focused in the southern states, where President Van Buren is hoping to "decrease the southern reliance on slavery." Also included in the package is a development grant for scientists to increase agricultural yields for cotton, of which the southern united States are a large provider to the global market. Along with agricultural and industrial development, the development package includes the construction of two railroads, connecting the western territories to the city of Independence, Missouri, considered to be a "gateway to the west." Railroad lines linking Independence to Santa Fe, as well as Independence to Ft. Bonneville, are planned, which will aid the flow of goods to these outposts in the west, as well as allow for the eventual expansion of the united States.

Domestic support for the package was mixed, with many people favoring the package in the northern areas, but in the south, the target for the most aid, the reaction was negative. "We don't need a president who will walk in here and interfere with our 'peculiar institution.' Slavery is something the states should decide, as is this industrialization."

Along with the domestic package, the united States has opened an embassy in Hawaii, as well as a trading facility. Arriving with King Kamehameha III's blessing in Honolulu last week, a small Marine contingent and diplomat John Rainer, the united States is set to open trade with the small island nation and with Russia as well...