Nanyang Storm 1864

Chapter 356 Argument
September 17th, 2025

Former Hawaiian King Kamehameha VI, along with his wife, daughter and close attendants, boarded a ship bound for Europe at New York Harbor. Their destination was not Britain or France, but Spain, which has a warm climate on the Mediterranean coast.

Many members of the Hawaiian royal family can speak fluent Spanish and are closer to the Spaniards due to historical ties.

During a short stay in New York

The U.S. State Department sent two officials to visit the former King of Hawaii. On the surface, they were asking about his well-being, but in fact they were trying to gather information, such as whether he was being coerced by the Chu State.

Since there were diplomatic representatives from the Chu State present at the scene, the two U.S. State Department officials hinted at the issue in a rather obscure tone, but this was roughly what they meant.

King Kamehameha VI responded bluntly, saying, "Chu is a very trustworthy partner. The ridiculous concerns you have are unfounded." "This is a decision that will be better for Hawaii's future. Time will tell."

The Chu diplomatic representative approached the Americans and rudely asked them to leave. "Please do not disturb our distinguished guests. If you have any questions, please raise them at the brief press conference that will be held soon. Thank you for your cooperation."

One of the terms of the treaty reached between the Chu State and Kamehameha VI was that the Chu State would cover the travel expenses of the king and his family and attendants from Hawaii to Madrid, including food, accommodation, train tickets and boat tickets.

From San Francisco to New York, Chu State diplomatic representatives have always provided personal services based on this clause.

On the eve of leaving New York

King Kamehameha VI attended a small press conference organized by the Chu State and answered relevant questions on the spot, his statement being exactly the same as what he had said before.

He really didn't dare to say anything. Although he left Hawaii, his mother, sisters and tribesmen still stayed on the island, and he didn't get the remaining $100,000 of the promised transaction.

It was not until after the press conference that Kamehameha VI received the balance of the transaction, a whole box of cash.

Washington

White House
In an inconspicuous room on the left side of the first-floor corridor, Hawaiian Minister Edward M. McCook and Undersecretary of State Carl Madison met with U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward and had an interesting conversation.

Edward M. McCook was so emotional that he waved his hands and said frantically;
"Dear Secretary of State, we must stop the despicable conspiracy of the Chu people and get everything back on track.

I am absolutely certain that this was a carefully planned incident and we were all fooled by the Orientals, they are so cunning.

It was not until the fox's tail was exposed in the end that we realized that this was a conspiracy of the damn Orientals.

Kamehameha VI is still in New York Harbor. We still have time. We should snatch the king from the Chu people, expose their despicable conspiracy, and let the truth come to light.

Only in this way can we severely humiliate those Orientals."

"Do you have any evidence?" asked Secretary of State William H. Seward, frowning.

Edward M. McCook was immediately stuck. He had some crappy evidence in his hand, but the Americans were rude and unreasonable, so he stiffened his neck and said:

"Oh my God! Who would sell their kingdom? And it's only $20. This is just a child's play."

Secretary of State William H. Seward turned to look at Undersecretary of State Carl Madison, sighed, and explained;

"Man, we believe the Chu people are up to something, but the problem is that they did it so cleanly that there is nothing to criticize.

We could buy Louisiana from the French, Florida from the Spanish, Texas, California, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado from the Mexicans, and Alaska from the Russians.

So...why couldn't the Chu people buy Hawaii?

There must be good reasons for a government's actions, rather than accusing another kingdom of cheating based on mere suspicion, which does not work in international diplomacy.

Besides, the State of Chu is not as easy to control as you think."

Edward M. McCook's face showed disappointment at the Secretary of State's statement, and he said unwillingly;
"Excuse me for being blunt
Your attitude now is no longer that of the respectable fighter who firmly defended the spirit of freedom, justice and democracy in the Civil War, but has become as mediocre and inactive as those bureaucrats in Washington.

Since you know it is a conspiracy, why not change it?

As long as the United States shows a firm stance, it has enough power to force the Orientals to retreat, take back and regain control of Hawaii, which should have originally belonged to the United States.

Even including Midway Island and Wake Island, this is related to America's Pacific interests. Why did no one take it seriously and just watch everything happen numbly? "

"You asked a very good question, my dear Mr. American Minister to Hawaii." Secretary of State William H. Seward was angered by this impolite rebuke and retorted sarcastically.

He took out a few newspapers from the table, flipped through them, pulled out one and placed it directly on the table, saying in a cold voice, "Take a look for yourself."

This was a copy of The Washington Post, and near the bottom of the front page, it contained an article titled "Buying the Hawaiian Islands for $20: Speculation or Gambling?" The author, clearly unfamiliar with the Hawaiian Islands, mocked the Chu State's purchase of this desolate Pacific island, describing it as throwing money into the water.

Not everyone thinks spending $20 on a Pacific island is worth it.

Just like in 1867, when the United States spent $720 million to buy Alaska against all odds, former Secretary of State Seward suffered overwhelming criticism at home, and various arguments mocking him as an "idiot and fool" were rampant and still have a strong market today.

In this report

Most importantly, King Kamehameha VI, in response to reporters' questions, made it clear that he wanted to "escape from that cursed island." He said, "This is a great deal, both for Hawaii and for me."

Such a public statement has ruled out any possibility of coercion or conspiracy.

This is exactly what Secretary of State William H. Seward said, "The problem is that they did it too cleanly," leaving the U.S. government with no sufficient reason to intervene.

If Chu was a weak regime, the United States could exert pressure on it or use a compensation plan to obtain Hawaii from Chu.

The reality is extremely pessimistic
Even in the face of strong pressure from Britain and France, Chu's determination to defend its own interests has never wavered.

To this end, they did not hesitate to fight a head-on battle, so that the whole world would recognize the State of Chu again and accept it as one of the powerful countries.

"So... nothing can be changed?" Edward M. McCook asked with the last glimmer of hope.

Secretary of State William H. Seward felt really tired and looked up at Undersecretary of State Carl Madison, meaning;

You have to explain yourself to the people you brought.

Carl Madison didn't answer directly, but instead asked a concerned question: "At this stage, the merchants on the Hawaiian Islands seem to be planning a counterattack. Are you involved?"

"I have heard of this matter and have provided some help to the best of my ability," Edward M. McCook replied bluntly.

Carl Madison frowned and said, "Be more specific."

Edward M. McCook said with a reluctant look;
"Well, if the Orientals take control of the archipelago, it will cause great harm to the interests of American sugar merchants who have invested in the islands, and it will even be open robbery and theft.

So, everyone felt that they should make one last effort.

Through crowdfunding, they received more than $17 from Hawaiian sugarcane plantation owners and are currently recruiting people in California, hoping to recruit around 1500 to 1800 people.

In concert with the forces of the white plantation owners on the island, a resolute military campaign was launched to expel the Orientals by force.

This plan is highly feasible and is unlikely to cause greater trouble.

I personally support this course of action.
Providing all possible assistance in terms of resources and information will be the right decision."

Deputy Foreign Minister Carl Madison looked as if he'd expected this, and asked unhappily, "As far as I know, the number of Chinese militiamen on the island has reached five to six thousand, and they have the ability to arm more Chinese laborers. How do you think the armed expulsion operation will succeed?"

"The main target is the Big Island of Hawaii. Your armed militia will not exceed 3,000 people. If we can raise enough manpower, coupled with the cooperation of local white plantation owners, the possibility of success is very high, at least 70%." Edward M. McCook answered confidently.

"Hmph, naive."

Secretary of State William H. Seward snorted coldly. He had served as a general in the Northern Army and was familiar with the military operations of the Chu State.

He said solemnly;
"The Chu army is very good at defense, which has been fully demonstrated in recent wars. They are not easy to deal with.

The U.S. government will not support this reckless military action. In the absence of adequate preparation and insufficient manpower, the probability of success will be no more than 30%.

To effectively protect the interests of American plantation owners on the island, diplomatic means should also be resorted to.”

"Those plantation owners trust their guns more than they trust their words. For God's sake, let them try."

"The government will not support this reckless action. There is a strong sense of war weariness in the country. Americans are fed up with the war. It has no support in Congress or in public opinion. I can only wish you good luck."

"Thank you, Mr. Secretary of State. These are the most heartwarming words I have heard today. The Orientals are not as powerful as you say. The operation will succeed."

"I hope so, and good luck! Please close the door when you leave."

(End of this chapter)