innovate-issue-005

23rd August 1849One is not certain how this came about - I tend to think it was Russian adventurers talking large ontheir way to Osaka. But the Belgian Botanical Society has agreed to finance a research mission...toNizhnevartosk! Without a map all I could have told you is that the place sounded Russian. It is - in thefar North, in Siberia, within the Arctic Circle. I can see why it might be of interest to botanists, butwhy Belgium is the one to send the expedition, I can see no logical reason, and quite what SaintPetersburg's reaction will be, I dare not think!25th December 1849We hear that Russian armies are making steady progress into Anatolia and that the Tsar has demandedthe Ottoman's cede the rest of Kars province to him. There is no news as to what Constanta's answerhas been, if indeed there has been one.Contrary to this, Egypt's efforts in Persia are apparently on the verge of collapse. The advance hasbeen turned, and Cairo is sending panicked messages to London, but I cannot see us deciding to join alosing endeavour when we had had the opportunity to partake jointly of victorybefore.21st March 1850Bragging sailors, swaggering through the city - more Americans! They sing of their coming victoryover Mexico, in a renewal of the war over Nevada. A few city wags who tried to tease them on theirfailure last time were beaten black and blue before the city police intervened.Switzerland has invaded Milan - and the king and court have begun wooing the Swiss ambassadorhere, though none of the rest of us can be quite sure to what end. Maybe they just feel in need offriends, and a victorious Switzerland looks a good bet, and a harmless one at that!25th September 1850News has reached us that the Belgian botanical expedition has been covered in glory! London isringing to their discoveries, and the king here has just decreed that all of its members will receive theLegend of Honour.The king and court have also decreed this week that Boma is open to the establishment of insurancecompanies, or agencies for those based back in Europe. What has long been common in London, hasnot until now reached here, but now they are welcomed officially, and no doubt a dozen or so willsoon spring up between the dockside and the palace.7th June 1851The king announced today an expansion of healthcare for the people. Maybe the Chartists are havingan effect, after all! Or perhaps it is s imply that the finances of the kingdom have settled downsomewhat, and such plans as these which doubtless benefit the poor are now in the realms of theaffordable.