Chapter 763: Investment and Voting
Chevènement gave the assembly plenty of time to digest the news before he added:
**"This investment will amount to over ten million francs.
"But if Wallonia remains outside of France, the French government—out of risk considerations—will most likely refuse to approve these funds."**
A fifty-year-old merchant couldn't contain himself and stood up abruptly.
"Do you know how soon the investment could be finalized?"
Chevènement responded:
**"Count Mirabeau's assistant arrived last week, accompanied by the Northwest Regional Manager of the French National Bank.
"If Wallonia's integration into France is confirmed, they will immediately sign an agreement with the newly established Namur government office.
"You see, the surveying and planning work was already completed earlier. Construction could begin as early as October."**
The room erupted into excited discussion.
Everyone was eager to claim their share of this massive opportunity.
After all, with a direct government investment of ten million francs, the total economic impact along the supply chain would likely exceed thirty million francs!
Even securing a small slice of this investment could elevate their businesses to the next level.
A Calculated Investment
For Joseph, however, this investment was far from a loss.
Beyond the development of Wallonia's vast coal and iron resources, the French Industrial Development Fund held significant shares in Wallonia's industries.
By the time the project was complete, at least a quarter of the total investment would have flowed back into the French government's treasury.
Additionally, the revenue from the railway system would cover the investment in just five to six years.
As the discussion continued, more and more merchants voiced their support for joining France—
Most of them represented coal and steel industries.
Soon, the number of supporters surpassed forty members.
Adding the military representatives, they had secured more than two-thirds of the votes.
This meant that even if Chevènement called for an immediate vote, the resolution to join France would pass.
But instead, he exchanged a glance with the Chamber's administrative advisor, Eckeyer.
A Surprising Announcement
Eckeyer stepped onto the stage, signaled for silence, and unfolded a document.
**"This is a recent message from Paris.
"It states that once Wallonia joins France, it will be divided into three provinces—
Hainaut,Liège,And South Brabant.
"The Governor and City Commissioners will be nominated by this Chamber."**
Someone quickly noticed an inconsistency and asked:
**"Mr. Eckeyer, did you say South Brabant?
"Shouldn't it be the Province of Namur?"**
South Brabant was a broad geographical term that included:
Antwerp,Brussels,Namur.
However, only Namur was part of Wallonia.
Eckeyer adjusted his glasses and read the document again.
"It states that South Brabant includes both Brussels and Namur."
A Shocking Revelation
The room erupted in shock.
"What?! Brussels?!"
"How could Brussels be included?!"
"Have the gentlemen in Versailles forgotten that the Flemish control that city?"
Eckeyer held up the document.
**"His Highness's army marched toward Brussels three days ago.
"Perhaps very soon, Brussels will no longer belong to the Flemish.""
Chevènement added:
**"The Austrian army has already fled to Leuven.
"As of now, Brussels is defended only by the Dutch."**
Even the merchants who had been hesitant about joining France suddenly lit up with interest.
Brussels: The Heart of the Southern Netherlands
Brussels was the economic and administrative core of the Southern Netherlands.
If it could become part of Wallonia, it would greatly boost the region's economic growth.
There was no exaggeration in saying that the Brussels market alone could increase their businesses by 20-30% overnight.
The very next morning, the Walloon Chamber of Commerce held a vote on integrating Wallonia into France.
(End of chapter.)
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