Free Web NovelChapter 1994: Chapter 177: Don’t Be Fooled by Melbourne’s Current Frenzy (Part 2)
This point is first reflected in publishing and distribution.
All Royal Navy vessels must collect the latest naval charts and Nautical Almanac from the Hydrographic Office before setting sail.
These charts cover not only the coastal waters of Britain but also the Caribbean Sea, Indian Ocean, Pacific Islands, and even the complex waters of South America and Southeast Asia.
As the Deputy Director, Eld has the authority to determine which batches of charts are prioritized for printing, which nautical materials are delayed in publication, and can even influence secretly which captains receive complete information before sailing, and who must rely on old editions.
Moreover, the sources of the Hydrographic Office’s information do not solely depend on the measurements of the naval fleet. Observations from the Greenwich Observatory, Cape of Good Hope Observatory, tidal research by Royal Society scholars, and even logs submitted by merchant ship captains must all be gathered at Eld’s desk.
He is responsible for organizing personnel to screen and archive, deciding which data enters the Nautical Almanac, and which is kept for internal reference.
In other words, he holds the gateway between science and practice; which scholar’s research can enter the Royal Navy’s standard documents largely depends on his word.
Then there’s the advisory power over budget and personnel. Though the funds ultimately require approval from the Navy Department’s finance secretary and Parliament, the drafts of budgeting how many draftsmen are needed, what instruments to purchase, whether to recruit clerks and cartography artisans must first be drafted by the Deputy Director.
Beaufort, being advanced in age, unless the situation deteriorates to the point where he must personally intervene, tends to only nod at the overall direction, while specific staffing levels depend on the Deputy Director to decide. Nowadays, even during inquiries from the Treasury, it’s customary to go directly to the Deputy Director for answers.
If Eld wanted to make some extra money, it has become much easier now.
Since the 1810s, the Hydrographic Office has gradually become the pivotal data center upon which British shipping depends for survival.
Any company aiming for maritime profits, or insurance companies doing business with merchant ships, even overseas chartered companies like the East India Company and Africa Company, all try to inquire about the latest depth and channel conditions.
Although the naval charts publicly sold by the Navy Department are priced, it is well known that the Navy Department cannot sell all internal information and unpublished corrected drafts along with strategic intelligence. Eld, the unassuming Second-class Clerk and Deputy Director of the Hydrographic Office, is the one who truly decides which charts can be sold and which must be strictly sealed.
This power in his hands is enough to influence the navigational risks of many fleets embarking on long voyages, and it is sufficient to make a bunch of omnipresent business magnates humble themselves and come knocking at his door.
If placed ten years ago, who would have thought that two University of London students would be sitting in this cozy coffee shop, one wielding the executive power over the Hydrographic Office, the other moving freely among the departments in White Hall, and if he wished, could even grapple a bit with the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary.
Sir Arthur Hastings holds a unique position in the London political scene.
His resume from Scotland Yard was once ridiculed as the "mud-legs from York countryside," but now it has become his credential of "coming from the people." fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
Whether it be the clauses in the London Gazette or the policing experiences quoted in debates in both Houses, they enable him to have a special voice between the Royal Family and the Government. While the bigwigs in the Cabinet may not genuinely like him, they often have to admit: Without Sir Arthur Hastings, some troublesome affairs might not be tidied up as cleanly.
As for Eld Carter’s position, it’s yet another subtle manifestation.
This potential recipient of a Royal Medal is merely seen with the head title of "Second-class Clerk of the Navy Department," which sounds far less respectable than some of the Treasury or Foreign Office’s First-class Clerks. But seasoned individuals in White Hall understand that the signature approval from the Deputy Director of the Hydrographic Office often determines whether a fleet can sail smoothly, and can even sway the site selection of new ports in the colonies and the profits and losses of commercial trading companies. Those self-important insurance industry experts, the merchant ship owners chatting and laughing in cafes, when meeting Eld, must greet him warmly and cultivate sentiments.
Eld tightly held that appointment letter, blinking vigorously as if trying to force back the dampness in his eyes. Yet when he opened his mouth, there was a bit of trembling in his voice: "I... I swear, I will live up to the nation’s trust, and will live up to the recognition by Her Majesty the Queen and the Navy Department members. Even if it costs me my life, I will live up to this appointment!"
As he said this, his hand restlessly rubbed the wax seal on the appointment letter.
Arthur glanced over, and he swore to the heavens, even when Eld went to Leicester Square to find girls and watch plays, his restless little hand never moved so busily.
He stirred the spoon in his hand, half-smilingly chiming: "Look, who is this? Where has my friend Mr. Eld Carter, who complained about everything and raged against social injustice every day, gone?"
Eld thick-skinnedly tucked the appointment letter back into his chest: "Where else could he go? He has already become a part of social injustice. Just polite talk, Arthur, do you really need to be serious with me?"
