Chapter 297: Chapter 294: The Fall of the Second Republic (Part 1)
After printing a stack of announcements, Mokar returned to the Ministry of War with the announcements and handed the military announcement to Minister of War Saint Arno.
Saint Arno immediately issued an order to the telegraph department under the Secretariat, instructing them to transmit the "President of the Republic’s military announcement" in the form of telegrams to major military districts in France and Algeria.
The telegraph department, upon receiving the order, swiftly sprang into action, using the telegraph machines installed in the Ministry of War to send messages to the military districts of France.
The content of the announcement is as follows:
"Soldiers!"
"You should be proud of your mission; you will save the motherland because I am counting on you, not to violate the law, but to ensure that the foremost law of the nation—national sovereignty—is respected, of which I am the legitimate representative.
"For a long time, like me, you have encountered obstacles: these obstacles have hindered the good deeds I wish to undertake and prevented you from expressing your support for me. These obstacles have now been broken.
"The National Assembly’s attempt to undermine the authority granted to me by the entire nation no longer exists."
"I make an honest appeal to the people and the military, informing them: either provide me with the means to ensure your prosperity, or find someone else to replace me.
"In 1830 and 1848, you were treated as losers. First, your valiant and selfless spirit was crushed, and then you were regarded with disdain. At this solemn moment, I earnestly hope the military will make a loud voice.
"So as citizens, please cast your vote freely; but as soldiers, please firmly remember: absolute obedience to the orders of the head of state is a duty that the military, from generals to soldiers, must strictly abide by.
"I am accountable for my actions to the people and to countless generations to come; therefore, I am justified in taking whatever measures I deem necessary for the public interest.
"As for you, please continue to resolutely adhere to discipline and uphold honor. Help the entire nation to express its will in tranquility and reflection through your solemn demeanor."
"Be prepared for all eventualities: severely punish any attempt to hinder the people’s free exercise of sovereignty.
"Soldiers, I need not remind you of the historical reflections caused by my surname. They are engraved in your hearts. We are united by indissoluble bonds. Your history is inseparable from mine. In history, you and I share both glory and humiliation, joy and sorrow."
"As for the future, we will have common emotions and determination to safeguard the tranquility and magnificence of France."
After the announcement was dispatched by the telegraph department, commanders in major military districts received the situation from the Paris region at the first possible moment.
At 6:20, Commander Renio of Strasbourg sent an order to Paris supporting President Bonaparte’s dissolution of the National Assembly.
At 6:30, General Liu Eri of the Italian Army in Lyon similarly sent an order to Paris supporting the President’s dissolution of the National Assembly.
The immediate loyalty expressed by the two military districts to Paris was an unexpected surprise to the telegraph department, and they hurriedly informed Minister Saint Arno of the news.
Minister Saint Arno, upon receiving the endorsement of the Italian Army and Strasbourg, also breathed a sigh of relief. With the support of these two military districts, plus Paris’s own forces, they at least held more than half of the Republic’s forces; the remaining district generals would have to weigh their strength carefully before opposing.
Moreover, the Republic’s army is not a private militia; the military leaders appointed by the central government have minimal influence over the troops.
After sending the first military announcement, Mokar once again went to the Police Department.
Police Chief Mopa hurried out to greet Mokar, who handed the "Appeal to the People" to Director Mopa, saying: "Chief Mopa, immediately mobilize all your police force to post the announcement on every street in Paris, and be quick!"
"Yes!" Chief Mopa accepted the "Appeal" handed over by Mokar and watched as Mokar left.
After Mokar left, Mopa jogged with his rounded belly to a conference room.
At this time, the conference room was already filled with people, namely the police chiefs of various districts in Paris.
"Now, immediately post these documents in your districts, and act fast!" Mopa instructed, pointing to the thick stack of "Appeal" while repeating Mokar’s words to the police chiefs present.
Each of the 48 police chiefs received a certain number of "Appeal" documents from Mopa’s hands and then took carriages back to their respective districts.
Upon returning, the police chiefs summoned the district police (urban management) and similarly issued orders to promptly post in areas without posters.
Under layers of commanding pressure, the "Appeal" was fully posted by around eight o’clock.
Paris was now completely under the control of Jerome Bonaparte and his army.
Having gone through multiple martial law experiences in the past two years, Parisians were already accustomed to it.
Some citizens even warmly greeted soldiers, asking them what they were up to.
Likewise confused soldiers told them they were ordered by superiors to Paris, and specific actions required further instructions from the higher-ups.
This indicates that the entire coup was merely an autocratic act by Jerome Bonaparte and some senior military officials, with ordinary soldiers being unwittingly dragged into the military coup.