I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 816: No Losing Business

Citizens were in disbelief hearing they only need to pay a 1% rental fee without bearing the land tax burden.

Some immediately went to Davaz Town to inquire, some consulted Bernard Insurance Company, and others made calls and sent telegrams, clogging traffic and phone lines.

Upon receiving affirmative answers and realizing they could immediately proceed with leasing, everyone was moved to tears.

Previously, farmers owning land had to pay 5% to 10% in land taxes alone, in addition to property taxes and head taxes.

(Note: Land taxes fluctuate depending on the year and yield, with higher taxes on fertile high-yield fields. Property tax is imposed on non-land assets like tools and livestock. Head tax is levied on adult males. Combined, farmers often need to pay 10% to 15% of their output.)

This pertains to farmers with land. For those without land who need to rent, the treatment is even more brutal:

Tenant farmers typically pay 25% to 40%, while sharecroppers must hand over 50% of their yield.

(Note: The former only rents land, responsible for tools and property taxes themselves. The latter benefits from landowner-provided tools.)

Admiral Shire's land rental requires only a 1% yield and exempts land tax, which is not simply a bargain but rather a losing business.

Citizens were touched but also speculated:

"A mere land tax alone is at least 5%, yet Admiral Shire only charges 1%, isn't he leasing the land to us at a 4% loss?"

"Do you think it's only that 4%? What about the funds Admiral Shire spent purchasing the land? If that money were used for loans, how much interest do you think there would be?"

"Indeed, Admiral Shire has always been helping us; he saved all our lives, and now he's even losing money for us."

...

Consequently, many took to the streets and went to Davaz Town to protest.

Unlike previous protests, this time people didn't want Admiral Shire to lose money; they believed Admiral Shire should at least recover the land tax, and it would be more appropriate to add 1% on top of the land tax.

Dejoka, as Admiral Shire's representative, delivered an impassioned speech:

"Gentlemen, we appreciate your kindness."

"Please believe that Bernard Group is a company belonging to the citizens of France. It was, is, and will always be."

"Our mission is for everyone to live a happy life; this is the right of French citizens!"

"So please trust that the profits we earn will eventually return to you, just like how we're currently operating land at a loss. Or, it's used to protect my country by driving out aggressors."

"We will adhere to this policy; after all, during wartime, what we need most is food!"

"This is Admiral Shire's decision and persistence, as well as mine and all Bernard Group employees!"

...

Davaz Town erupted in cheers; citizens were deeply moved, rushing forward to shake hands with Dejoka, continuously offering blessings and thanks. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Bernard Group employees were all tearful and stood proud to be part of it.

...

Actually, Admiral Shire doesn't do losing businesses; he wouldn't use his funds to cover a 5% or even higher land tax.

Admiral Shire has already planned to propose a topic in parliament: due to severe labor shortages during wartime, to encourage citizen production, we should completely abolish land taxes.

The topic must pass no matter what.

Even if Admiral Shire doesn't wield his power, as long as he leaks a word, a guarantee of a big group of farmers going to protest at any dissenting member's doorstep is assured.

Admiral Shire announced bearing the land tax beforehand merely to gain a wave of prestige.

An additional benefit would be the plummeting prices of farmland and pastures.

With Admiral Shire's 1% rental, most land under other capitalists would remain idle.

Anyone would be foolish to rent land at 25% or even 40% when Admiral Shire's land is available at 1%, unless they absolutely cannot secure Admiral Shire's land.

Moreover, this "plummet" will not remain confined to the vicinity of the battlefront but will spread to other regions of France.

Admiral Shire can acquire another batch.

Other additional benefits don't even need mentioning.

Admiral Shire's reputation was elevated to another new height, with technical talent, scientific talent, management talent, etc., all vying to join Bernard Group, which are mere trifles.

It even led to the situation where a company, unwilling to be acquired by Bernard Group, was besieged and boycotted by citizens, with employees voluntarily resigning.

...

At the City Defense Headquarters, Gallieni took the investigation report from Major Fernan.

He has been tracking the situation with Bernard Group.

It's convenient work for Gallieni; it's him who arranged Bernard Group's protection, tracking is just a breeze.

"Everything is normal, General," Major Fernan reported:

"Bernard Group indeed does as Admiral Shire says, renting land at a 1% fee."

"Everyone is blessing Admiral Shire and praising Bernard Group."

"It is foreseeable that France's agriculture, industry, and economy will experience significant growth under Bernard Group's influence, even during war times."

Lastly, Major Fernan added, "You should trust Admiral Shire!"

Gallieni nodded lightly, his brow furrowing:

"It's not that I don't trust Admiral Shire, Major."

"But I know one thing: Power can corrupt, and overly concentrated power can make one act recklessly and flagrantly."

"At that time, he might be like a wild stallion, unleashing the suppressed desires within completely."

"He will be another person; this change could be unimaginable for you!"

Major Fernan responded, "You are the rein controlling Admiral Shire, General."

Gallieni chuckled in disbelief:

"Up till now, you still think I can rein in Admiral Shire?"

"As long as he desires, he can easily oust me, leaving me with Xia Fei to 'discuss' martial affairs."

"And it wouldn't take much effort, perhaps merely a word."

Gallieni's military position and power are granted by parliament, which is essentially controlled by Admiral Shire.

Major Fernan asked, "Don't you think that's the crux of the problem?"

Gallieni was puzzled, "What do you mean?"

"The fact that he hasn't done so while being able to," Fernan clarified, "even though it would take no effort, he still cautiously seeks your approval and earnestly solicits your support, every time. Why is that?"

Gallieni paused, contemplatively nodding: "In other words, the day he does so would be when he abandons any concerns completely."

"That day will never come," Major Fernan said confidently with a smile, "He is my soldier, General. I trust him."

Gallieni was left speechless, a sense of unaccountable guilt arose spontaneously.

Compared to Major Fernan, Gallieni seemed to have too many doubts about Admiral Shire.