CHAPTER 327: CHAPTER 327: ADVANCE BY RETREATING

"No other way?" Dominic’s eyes held a hint of helplessness.

"Unless you can think of one," Shire replied.

Shire had tried before, but this was an institutional problem, not something an individual could challenge. Unless he took command of the army to control the government and forcefully dissolve the parliament.

Steed remained silent throughout. In his view, there was no need to discuss these matters; Dominic was simply being unreasonable. A merchant should focus on business, and whether more or fewer people died on the Gelibolu battlefield was an issue for the government and the military to consider.

Steed swallowed the last bite of his cream cake, wiped his mouth with a napkin, placed it down on the table, and signaled the waiter to clear the food.

"Regarding the issue of replacing military uniforms," Steed said, "we will strive for the parliament to pass it as soon as possible. I believe it has great potential."

"Really?" Shire was a bit surprised.

"Yes," Steed nodded approvingly, "Your speech and answers during the inquiry were brilliant. I believe you at least convinced the ’French Section of the International Workingmen’s Association.’

"The ’French Section of the International Workingmen’s Association’?" It was the first time Shire had heard this name.

"Indeed," Steed explained, "It’s the name of a party. Although they don’t have much power in parliament, they’re neither left-wing nor right-wing."

"So they are...?" In fact, Shire had already guessed; as the name suggests, it was very likely a party organized by workers.

Sure enough, Steed replied, "They are the Workers’ Union, Colonel. The main body of this party is composed of workers. They emphasize safeguarding labor interests, advocate for pragmatic economic policies, and externally maintain France’s independence, opposing foreign capital’s encroachment on France."

Then Steed asked, "Remember the parliament member who asked the question? The one who said red stimulates soldiers to charge rather than surrender?"

Shire nodded.

"His name is Gaspard," Steed said. "The leader of the International Workers’ Party. They usually don’t care much about parliamentary issues because they don’t concern them. But they seem to support you, and many left-wing capitalists aren’t concerned with the issue of military uniforms either, so we are very likely to pass!"

Shire had a bit of an impression; he was a middle-aged man with sideburns. Although his words seemed ridiculous to Shire, he was the only one who hadn’t set a trap for him.

In fact, his question reminded Shire: this isn’t just about changing uniforms; it concerns France’s tactical theory.

It was at that moment in parliament that the focus of the debate suddenly shifted in favor of Shire’s tactical theory.

Shire smiled lightly. Interesting, could it be he intentionally asked the question to secretly help Shire?

Steed continued, "I think the greater danger seems to be Wells’ ambiguous attitude."

Shire "hmm"ed in response.

Shire could understand Wells; he wanted to stand with Shire, but the impact of steel on shipyards was too significant. He couldn’t afford to offend the Schneider Group easily.

Or maybe, Wells was doing it intentionally: standing between Schneider and Shire, maintaining good relations with both sides, and benefiting from both.

There are only eternal interests, no eternal friends, Shire kept reminding himself.

Even with Tijani as a comrade in arms, Wells was ultimately a businessman who had to consider his shipyard.

To change this state, perhaps the only way was to have his own steel factory.

It was then that Shire realized the importance of steel. It was not just a matter of "money," but also of power and voice.

Steed reminded, "If possible, you’d better confirm with Mr. Wells."

"No," Shire shook his head, "It’s not necessary."

"You think Wells will support us?" Steed asked skeptically.

Shire shook his head again, "He will most likely abstain."

Steed agreed. He thought the same; abstaining could avoid offending anyone.

The issue was that Wells’ abstention could very likely lead to the failure of the motion.

"I actually hope the parliament rejects this proposal, not passes it," Shire said.

Steed was dumbfounded.

Dominic, who originally wasn’t concerned about this matter, lowered his head in thought, seemingly pondering a way to introduce machine guns. Upon hearing Shire’s words, he couldn’t help but look up at Shire in confusion.

Soon, Dominic suddenly understood, "Like with the machine guns?"

Reminded by Dominic, Steed suddenly realized, "Advancing through retreat? Good idea, Colonel!"

Shire indeed intended to advance through retreat.

Changing military uniforms wasn’t something Shire alone was advocating; it was the army’s heartfelt voice. Many soldiers on the front lines already detested the red army pants and hats. Shire was merely voicing their concerns.

If the House of Representatives passed Shire’s proposal, it would ease the pressure and give soldiers the expectation: just wait a bit longer, they might soon change the uniforms, and the parliament had already made the right decision.

Next would be the back-and-forth tussle between the Senate and the House of Representatives. By the time a decision was finally made, many innocent soldiers on the front lines would have been lost.

But if the parliament didn’t pass it, the pressure would explode instantly, and the parliament would face an impact from the people, which could be seen as a warning from Shire.

Steed’s eyes glowed with excitement. It seemed that changing military uniforms was inevitable and no one could stop it, and every soldier’s uniform needed to be replaced.

This was similar to helmets, even more costly than helmets.

Now, should a few textile and clothing factories be acquired in preparation?

...

Shire was very low-key in handling the issue of changing military uniforms.

The "Merit Newspaper" representing the military didn’t mention a word about changing uniforms; it kept discussing the development of the Gelibolu battle.

The "Little Daily" gave a few lukewarm comments on Shire’s speech in the parliament.

Although other newspapers reported it, almost everyone’s focus was on whether the tactical theory was correct:

"I believe the offensive theory is right. France has always fought according to this theory. If it were wrong, France might have ceased to exist long ago!"

"Wasn’t Paris once occupied under the offensive theory? It was nearly occupied again not long ago!"

"Then it should be the defense theory; Petain has repeatedly used it to win victories on the front lines."

"If victories are considered, who can compare to Shire?"

...

Shire was very satisfied with this situation.

He worried that the parliament members would notice the seriousness of the "changing uniforms" issue.

It’s no exaggeration to say it was like a dam on the verge of collapse. On the surface, it seemed fine; soldiers had worn this uniform for so many years without problems. How could continuing to wear it be an issue now?

But the parliament members, who were far removed from the lower levels, couldn’t imagine such a minor issue might actually trigger a rebellion!