innovate-issue-005

7th November 1852If it is true it is astonishing! The king has announced that free schooling will be available up to the ageof sixteen for any boy or girl who desires it. The schools are being enlarged, that much I have seenwith my own eyes. Tutors are being signed on, some stepping ashore from ships from the Americas,most from Europe, one or two even hired from amongst Russians returning home after a spell inOsaka.One begins to think that the king has a long-term plan in mind, that this is not mere reaction butconsists of steady steps to a laid-out plan. How else to see that we have gone from an expansion of themercy system in June to this fully-expounded plan less than six months later?5th April 1853A celebration at the Sailors Hall tonight showed two distinct developments off side-by-side. On theone hand, the main focus of the evening was on the so-called Realist Art school, but what many of thenew paintings depict is the sudden growth of factories and manufactories in the areas around thedockside. Mechanised industry is spreading in Boma, and the new school of art is being used toexcellent effect to depict it.23rd May 1853The king announced the establishment of what he described as critical-need old age payments today,called already by the news sheets Pensions, to be paid to those whom old age and the cessation of workhave made destitute. As with healthcare and education, he announced that this was but the first step onthe road to a comprehensive set of measures to provide for the elderly.News of a completely different kind - London is sending the frigate Crusher for me and I am totake ship on her on the 23rd August. She is expected to arrive a good couple of weeks before then, sothe date of departure should not vary. To deputise in my absence, they are sending Lord Henry Porteron the same ship. I vaguely recall the man - he has no chin!7th August 1853The Crusher has put into port, slightly battered from being caught in a gale as its captain took a shortcut across the open ocean, but stoutly built and well crewed. I have no doubt it will leave, with meaboard, on the due date.Porter was all I remembered him to be, albeit rather more grey about the temple than memory served,though all memories here are over a decade old. I tried to brief him but he refused to accept the realityof the king's social reforms. Lest he act the moron while I am away, I am determined to appointMathias Ryland as his eye-opener. The entrepreneur and financier is in the city again for a couple ofmonths, recovering from river fever, and could do with an amusing diversion! I asked him aboutMother's certificate again and he gave me signed and sealed proofs, certified by Leconte and Sons.Mother will be pleased!