Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 156: Proposal Passed

Five days after meeting with Victor Lachance and Jacques Bellamont, Matthew Hesh and Charles Whitmore walked into the White House. Theodore Clay greeted them in his office. His sharp blue eyes studied Matthew and Charles carefully as he stood from his desk.

"Mr. Hesh, Mr. Whitmore," Clay said, shaking their hands. "It’s been a while since we last met."

"Thank you for seeing us, Mr. President," Matthew replied. "We have an important proposal that I believe aligns with Amerathia’s interests."

Clay gestured for them to sit. "I’m listening."

Matthew placed a map of Panama on the desk, along with some documents. "We want to build a canal through Panama, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It would change global trade forever, cutting weeks off shipping routes."

Clay raised an eyebrow. "Isn’t this the same idea the French tried and failed at?"

"It is," Charles said. "But they failed because of poor planning, outdated technology, and mismanagement. With modern engineering and better resources, we can succeed where they didn’t."

Clay leaned forward, studying the map. "And what do you need from me?"

Matthew answered quickly. "Your support. The canal route is under the control of the Gran Colombian Republic. We believe the people of Panama want independence from them. With Amerathia’s backing, we can help them achieve that."

"You’re asking for military support?" Clay asked, his tone sharp.

"Yes," Matthew said. "Troops to stabilize the region and protect the canal site. Supplies to support Panama’s independence movement. And a partnership with Amerathian industries to provide equipment and materials."

Clay leaned back, crossing his arms. "And what does Amerathia gain from this?"

"Everything," Matthew said confidently. "A shorter trade route for your goods, control over a vital passage for global trade, and economic growth from jobs and investments in the project."

Charles added, "This isn’t just about trade. Supporting Panama’s independence would position Amerathia as a leader in the Western Hemisphere, promoting freedom and progress."

Clay tapped his desk, thinking. "What about the cost? This will require significant resources."

"Hesh Industries will shoulder part of the cost," Matthew said. "We’ll provide supplies and equipment at discounted rates. This is a partnership, Mr. President. We’re ready to invest, but we need Amerathia’s help to make it happen."

Clay’s expression didn’t change. "And if Gran Colombia fights back?"

Matthew nodded. "That’s a possibility. But with Amerathian support, we can ensure Panama’s independence quickly. The Gran Colombian Republic is unstable—they can’t afford a prolonged conflict."

Clay stood and paced the room. "You’re asking me to take a risk, Mr. Hesh. If this fails, it’ll be my administration that’s blamed."

"It won’t fail," Matthew said firmly. "We’ve studied the terrain, addressed the challenges, and built a plan to make it work. With Amerathia’s support, this can succeed."

After a long pause, Clay extended his hand. "I’ll take this to Congress. If they approve, we’ll move forward. But make no mistake—this has to succeed."

Matthew shook his hand. "It will, Mr. President. Together, we’ll change the future."

As they left the White House, Charles looked at Matthew. "Do you think he’ll back us?"

"He will," Matthew said. "He knows the potential of the canal. This is just the beginning."

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***

President Theodore Clay wasted no time in presenting the Panama Canal proposal to Congress. The very next day, he stood before the assembled lawmakers in the grand chamber, the air thick with anticipation. The Panama Canal, a project both ambitious and controversial, was a topic that promised to ignite debate.

Clay began his address with the gravity of a man who knew the stakes. "Ladies and gentlemen of Congress, I come before you today to discuss a project of immense significance, one that has the potential to reshape not only our nation’s economy but the global stage as well. The Panama Canal."

The murmurs in the chamber grew louder as the word "Panama" hung in the air. Some members nodded, already familiar with the failed French attempts; others leaned forward, intrigued but skeptical.

Clay raised his hand for silence and continued. "For decades, the dream of connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Central America has been considered an impossibility. But today, we have an opportunity to turn that dream into reality. The proposal before us is to support the independence of Panama and to back a coalition of engineers and industrialists who have developed a viable plan to construct this canal."

He gestured to a large map behind him, highlighting the Isthmus of Panama. "The benefits of this canal are clear. By cutting weeks off the journey around South America, it will revolutionize trade routes, reduce shipping costs, and strengthen Amerathia’s position as a global economic power. But achieving this requires bold action."

Congressman Jonathan Mills, an older representative known for his pragmatic stance on foreign policy, stood and asked,

"Mr. President, with all due respect, why should Amerathia involve itself in the affairs of Gran Colombia? Are we not risking unnecessary conflict by supporting a rebellion?"

Clay nodded, prepared for the question. "Congressman, I understand your concerns. However, let me remind you that Gran Colombia’s government has consistently shown instability. The Panamanian people have legitimate grievances—excessive taxation, lack of representation, and neglect of their infrastructure. They want independence, and we can help them achieve it peacefully. By supporting their cause, we ensure that the canal is built in a region that views us as allies, not invaders."

Another representative, a younger man named Edward Finch, stood. "And the cost, Mr. President? Such a project will demand significant resources. How do you propose we fund it without burdening the Amerathian taxpayer?"

Clay pointed to the documents distributed among the congressmen. "Hesh Industries has pledged to shoulder a substantial portion of the cost, providing materials and equipment at discounted rates. Additionally, the canal’s eventual toll revenue will not only recoup the investment but generate consistent income for decades to come."

The room buzzed with whispered discussions. Clay let the noise settle before delivering his final point. "This is about more than just a canal. It’s about positioning Amerathia as a leader in the Western Hemisphere, a nation that champions innovation, trade, and freedom. By supporting this project, we’re not only building a passage for ships—we’re building a legacy."

The chamber erupted in applause from a portion of the lawmakers, though some remained skeptical. Over the next two hours, the debate intensified. Supporters of the project emphasized its potential economic and strategic benefits, while opponents cautioned against entangling Amerathia in foreign conflicts.

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In the end, Clay’s determination and the persuasive arguments from influential congressmen swayed the majority. A vote was called, and by a narrow margin, the proposal passed.