Chapter 158: Iron ore field

On January 23, 1869, the news of the success of the Urquisa coup passed to Rio Grande do Sul, and Li Mingyuan immediately launched a prepared response plan. On January 26, Rio Grande do Sul announced that the Argentine troops had invaded for no reason. In the disputed areas of the border, the National Defense Forces will launch an operation to recover the territory. Within hours of the announcement of the declaration, the soldiers of the second prepared brigade, with the support of eight 105-mm howitzers, will launch an operation to capture the San Javier Iron Mine.
San Javier became a garrison of the Argentine army because of the discovery of the iron ore seven years ago, but the local resident population is only 2,000 troops and more than 1,000 mine workers, and no permanent permanent fortifications have been built.
After the Second Mixed Brigade launched the attack, it occupied all areas of San Javier except the iron mine within one day, and more than 500 Argentine troops stationed outside the iron mine were eliminated, leaving 1,500 soldiers and 1,000 Many workers have all cowered in the fortifications of the iron ore factory to resist the attack of the IDF soldiers.
In the iron quarry, an emergency fortification built by Argentina and two bunkers, 1,500 Argentine soldiers and 1,000 miners organized by the emergency were closely guarded at the three main entrances and exits of the quarry. After two failed tentative attacks, The commander of the Second Mixed Brigade gave up the onslaught, but concentrated the scattered eight 105mm howitzers to bombard a mine entrance.
The sound of artillery continued to roar. After half an hour, the artillery unit bombarded a fortress blocking the entrance with three bases of artillery shells, and then a battalion's assault force immediately launched an attack from the breach to defeat the Argentine forces who tried to organize their positions again. , Captured a march for follow-up troops.
The relying bunkers and fortifications were breached, and the Argentine troops in the iron mine area quickly lost their confidence to continue to resist. Under the propaganda of the Defense Force soldiers ’comprehensive offensive and surrender slogans, more than 1,000 Argentine soldiers and miners quickly dropped their arms and surrendered. The battle ended in ten hours.
The San Javier Iron Mine was completely received, and the Second Mixed Brigade stopped advancing and temporarily stationed at the Iron Mine for protection.
Starting with the San Javier Iron Mine, Li Mingyuan immediately sent a representative to negotiate with the Argentine, and offered to exchange 300 square kilometers of San Pedro west for 200 square kilometers.
The IDF joined the war at a sudden time, before the Argentine troops arrived in San Javier and the fighting was over.
The IDF seizure of San Xavi iron ore and Urquiza seizure of Antirios have occurred successively. The outside is also provocative by Paraguay. Argentine President Sarmiento and Mitre considered repeatedly and were forced to agree to IDF land exchange conditions. To stabilize the domestic situation in Argentina.
The exchange between the two places took place secretly. After receiving a response from Argentina, Li Mingyuan withdrew from the San Pedro West Coast area garrison on January 30 and transferred it to Ferna's troops.
The exchange agreement can be reached in a short period of time. In addition to factors such as Mitre worrying about excessive enemies, Urquisa and Ferner's support attitude also plays an important role.
The Chinese troops intervened in the war. The worst situation for the Argentine side was the loss of some territories, which would not directly harm their rule. Ferner, especially Urquisa, regained power, and their opposition forces were against Mitre. The greatest harm to people.
If the two men insist on a war with Rio Grande do Sul, regardless of the end of the war, they will create conditions for the seizure of power in Urquiza. Therefore, in terms of territorial transactions that do not appear to be a loss, the Chinese have to choose between death and maintaining their own rule In front of him, Mitre and Sarmiento chose the latter wisely.
After the territorial exchange, Argentina immediately announced the resumption of San Pedro's 300 square kilometers of land. As for San Javier, it was taken in one pass and blurred.
The territorial deal quickly disappeared from public opinion with the deliberate dilution of the Argentine side, while the battle for war with Paraguay occupied the Argentine's main attention.
The handwritten letter sent by Istigial became a stone that disturbed the political situation in Paraguay. After seeing his letter, Lopez said that the reform of Wang ’s mind quickly took root in his heart. The letter of Istigial was circulated to Paraguay first. In the hands of two major generals, government officials and ordinary soldiers also received news of changing the state system. The implementation of the monarchy became the hottest news in the streets of Asuncion in just one week. Ordinary people and grass-roots officials were discussing the implementation of the monarchy. Pros and cons, express your opinion.
What happened in Asuncion is obviously the publicity propaganda made by Lopez Jr. for the reform of his claim to the king. First, the phenomenon of people supporting constitutional monarchy was created in the country, and then the frontline victory was used to pave the way for himself to be king.
While Asuncion was discussing the constitutional monarchy, a number of scattered troops were secretly assembled, and then when everyone was attracted by Asuncion's lively situation, Lopez Jr. was in the presidential palace with more than 30 people. Senior military and political officials talks.
"The constitutional monarchy is the mainstream political system in every country today. I want to change to the monarchy not for personal wealth, but for the long-term interests of Paraguay. Today, I want to summon all the generals. I want to hear everyone's views on the monarchy. I don't blame any thoughts in my heart. "
The discussion of monarchy in the streets was naturally heard in their ears. In the last few days, the handwritten letter of Istigal was read by the generals in Paraguay, but the first two actions may be tentative. And today, Lopez Jr. called everyone together to force them to make a clear statement.
"Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina have studied the American republican system. As a result, domestic and foreign warlords have spread all over the country. The presidential elections are not based on civilian votes, but on which warlords have more power and strength and which warlords come to power.
South American states have been independent for more than 40 years. In more than 40 years, except for Brazil and our country, there have been no large-scale rebellions. Peru, Bolivia, and even our army competed for Argentina in the Province of Misiones. Which country does not have a political earthquake every few years, the president of the country is frequently replaced, the long-term plan for national development cannot be continuously implemented, and the national strength has been stagnant at the past. UU Reading at www.uukanshu.com
So I think that the republican system is not suitable for the current South American continent. I support the abolition of the republican system and let the president be king. "
Napoleon III succeeded as French Emperor in the French presidency. Now France has not experienced the fiasco defeat of the Franco-Prussian War, and France, with its strong appearance, is truly the largest European country.
France changed from a republic to a monarchy. The strength of France under Napoleon III was strong, and its comprehensive strength was comparable to that of Britain.
With a real mirror in front of the Paraguayan generals, it was not difficult for them to make a choice.
Except that Istigari could not get rid of the front line, the generals who had the main force in Paraguay were in the hall. They all clearly stated their support for the crowning of Lopez Jr. as King of Paraguay.
Six government officials participated in the meeting held by Lopez Jr. as representatives of officials. They considered issues more comprehensive than the generals. Paraguay has always implemented a republic since independence. Civilians have become accustomed to the life of the republic. Sudden implementation of the monarchy may lead to domestic problems. The situation is chaotic.
Civilian officials worry that Lopez Jr. has considered that changing the system will cause dissatisfaction among a group of vested interests, but he doesn't care. As long as De Paraguay under the leadership of the tower can always achieve victory, the people at the bottom of the army will fully support him. If we do not know the current affairs, Lopez will not relent, and will definitely send troops to suppress them, and distribute their land wealth to his subordinates to create a new aristocratic group that supports him.
The presidential meeting is more like a form, except for two officials raising some concerns, others support the decision of Lopez Jr.
At the end of the meeting, Lopez Jr. assigned a number of trusted officials to stay at Asuncion, and led more than ten trusted generals, quietly meeting with 5,000 troops, and then reinforcements of Istigar.