STOCKHOLM STAR
January 2nd, 160
1/3 Gold

TOP STORY: War in America!
Santiago - The world was shocked this morning when word came from America that war had broken out between the Adriatic League and the Mali Kingdom. The news comes just days after new settlements were announced in the New World, when news of peace, news of new opportunity were cut short by aggression. "When I had met with King Rahim, I was prepared to make a peaceful negotiation for the territory in question, I did not expect what happened next...", said ambassador Aprielle, what would occur nobody could possibly have expected. Here is a transcript from Aprielle's report to the House of Regents...

Upon entering negotiations with King Rahim I was blatantly told to leave the area or face death. I was surprised that such a demand would be made between two peace-neighbors. I was told on many occasions that my men would be slaughtered if I stayed, I was fearful for their safety. Rahim told me to go home and make my decision quickly, he said if I did not make the right decisions Van Der Koss' ship would have been sunk outside of Cuba. I rushed back to Santiago and spoke with the governor, who wanted no part of international intrigue. I attempted again to negotiate with the Mali for peace, but they told me they would not tolerate it, and threatened again to slaughter our people and sunk our ship. I was afraid, I did not want to see my own men, my brothers drown in the ocean. I was furious, I returned home and told the men 'we are now at war, to arms' and we attacked the ship, sinking the devils to the depths of the ocean. If this does not please the Lords and His most Catholic Majesty I shall retire my post, however I believe I acted within my full rights, I would not allow the nation I love so dearly to be threatened by tyrants!

Clearly Aprielle believed he was within his rights, however this does not ring true with King Rahim, who continues to state that the land he claims in America is his without question. At this point the only battle was the naval battle outside of Santiago, in which the Adriatic fleet was victorious. King Ferdinand said of the incident; "It is a sad day, its a day that I didn't feel was necessary. I extend an offer to the Mali, an offer for peace, we can negotiate a peace here, there is no need for a war. There is plenty of land in America for us all, there is so much land that there is no space for greed." At this point the Mali have yet to respond, nor does any other nation. Only time shall tell how this conflict will find its end.

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DOMESTIC REPORT
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Europa Forces Seize Ukraine, Sweden, France.
Porta Donua - The Duchy of the Ukraine was seized by Europa forces last week. The relieved Corporal, and commander of Rebel forces Napoleon Bonaparte said of the seige "We are displeased with the way the Adriatic League has conducted itself, they continue to grab for land, they want to extend the power of King Ferdinand, the people are who deserve the power, the Adriatics have been disrespected by the Mali, and the king wants peace? The king must be a weakling!" Adriatic forces in the are were pulled towards the Mongolian border as well as to Venice, where they are awaiting orders in the American war with the Mali. Therefore Republican forces were able to easily topple the sub-standard forces in Porta Donua, provincial capital of the Duchy of the Ukraine. At this time there is no word on a counter seizure, and rumors are soaring that the League may consider granting a regency to the Republicans in Porta Donua.

New Settlements in America Promise Opportunity for Poor.
San Salvador - Citizens of the sweltering metropolises of Venice and Bosporus have found new freedom in the New World settlements. "For the first time I can look around and see no buildings, no markets no people, it is quite an experience." Said Paolo Ricci of Palermo, a new citizen of the Royal Territory of Salvador. Thousands of Europeans have found a new home in the Americas, where they are free to work their own land themselves. "All new immigrants were granted a small plot of land to work for themselves" said Vincenzo Greco, the governor of Ft. Mantucci "It is quite a nice way to live, very peaceful." However things may not be so happy for these intrepid people, as a war has flared up between the League and the Mali Kingdom. Governor Greco was not very worried "I believe that the King of the Mali is an intelligent man, I am sure King Ferdinand is as well and they can come to an arrangement, if war is the only way to solve it, our men are strong and I trust in them to defeat any foe." However sentiments were not shared, "It is ridiculous, this war, how can this be? We are Adriatic, we came here first, this is my new home, how can they just try and force me off of my new home?" asked an agitated citizen.

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INTERNATIONAL REPORT
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Zulu Explorers Land in Mongolia
Kashgar - Noted Zulu Explorer Rashi Kali has reached Mongolia and has begun exploring in order to write a report to King Shakeem. Head foreign advisor to King Ferdinand William of Orange said "This is a positive development, it is a wise move by King Shakeem, he is attempting to learn more about his neighbors, cultural tolerence is something that is something to be aspired for." Rumors run rampant that advanced relations will be opened up between the Zulu Nation and Australia as well, but these rumors could not be substantiated as of press time. The trail of Rashi Kali will follow through Mongolia then towards China to hold audience with Consul Prometheus.

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Editorial
N. Bonaparte
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The people have seized control of this city, of this territory, Sweden is now ours! The Republican movement will not sleep, we have triangulated Venice, it is only a matter of time. The King claims that it is a minor setback, that our forces can be swiftly crushed by Royalist troops. I doubt that, they can not break us, we are strong willed, we will fight. This nation is ours, it is yours and it is mine, for any one man to rule over it in the manner that King Ferdinand is should perish, for he is the only true tyrant. I am shocked and dismayed at Monarchies all over this globe. I had to witness the reports of the conflict in America; two Kings two Monarchs who claim god deemed them fit to rule have spilled blood over petty greed. They want to add more land to their coffers, they want more gold and more power. It is pathetic. King Ferdinand now wants peace with the Mali, after the Mali threatened our people, said he would slaughter us, slaughter me and slaughter you. He said this, and King Ferdinand, the strong and wise ruler that he is, wishes to make peace with this mad man!!!! What kind of King is that? What kind of King is Rahim? This is what saddens me, but at the same time it puts a smile upon my face. I know the people of the Mali are fair people, they are people that long to be free, just like the Adriatics. Well all shall achieve our freedom, and one day we will live in harmony, we will live in peace, we will live in justice and brotherhood. That day won't come on a battlefield between Mali and Adriatic forces, that day will come on a battlefield between the people of both nations and their tyrant slaveholders. The aristocracy has spilled its last pint of blood, they have covered this great glorious land with filth and dirt, we shall cleanse it with the blood of Kings. Long live the Revolution. VIVA LA EUROPA!!!!