The cold winter season is not too cold for Italy, which is protected by the Alps, especially for the capital, Rome.
So Carlo would still feel comfortable if he wore more thick clothes.
Of course, his mood is quite comfortable now.
"Look, the new U.S. shipbuilding plan is really not cheap. With 4 warships costing 30 million US dollars, it's really a wealthy nouveau riche."
Faced with Carlo's words, Foreign Minister Bacona, who brought the news, immediately said, "Your Majesty, this is enough to show that the Americans' target is Spain, otherwise they would not have urgently added four warships."
What the two were talking about was that the Americans had built four new warships. In fact, this was nothing. Which great power didn't build warships? However, the warships built by the Americans this time were a little different. This time, the warships built by the United States were armored cruisers.
You must know that the Americans have never built a cruise ship before, and this one is more than 10,000 tons. Do you still need to specify the target?
In addition, according to information learned by Italy, the performance indicators of this American cruise ship are very close to the two new cruise ships purchased by Spain.
It may be due to experience or because the research on its own rapid-fire cannon is not smooth. In terms of firepower, the United States chose four 305mm main guns for its own patrol guns. On the other secondary main guns, it installed 10 152mm rapid-fire cannons.
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In addition, in terms of speed, the American cruise ship plans to install two vertical three-expansion engines with an estimated output of 20,000 horsepower, which can push its new cruise ship to a maximum speed of 21.5 knots.
In addition, in terms of armor, this model is thicker than the one purchased by Spain. The 127-203 mm main armor belt of the hull is not bad. In addition, the thickest armor of the turret and command tower is 203 mm.
Of course, compared with the Krupp armor steel used in Italy, the Harvey armor steel installed in the United States is thicker, but in actual protection, the Italian side wins.
As for speed, American warship designers who designed cruise ships for the first time also lacked experience, so in pursuit of speed, they could only get close but not better.
As for firepower, it's not that Carlo underestimates the firepower configuration of the United States, but the power of the eight main gun rapid-fire cannons can teach him a lesson.
In terms of firepower, protection, speed, and other aspects, the U.S. armored patrol is almost unsatisfactory. Of course, considering that the United States is designing an armored patrol for the first time, and its navy has just begun large-scale construction, this is understandable.
"When I heard that the U.S. Navy was fighting for funding for shipbuilding this time, New York Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt was jumping up and down and was said to be more anxious than Secretary of the Navy Lewis."
"Theodore Roosevelt?"
Carlo is certainly no stranger to this name. Anyone who has a little knowledge of American history will never forget him. The old Roosevelt was one of the key figures in the development of the U.S. Navy. He practiced the sea power theory of his friend Mahan.
At the same time, it also makes the U.S. Navy a presence that cannot be ignored in the world's naval power.
Moreover, Theodore Roosevelt did many things. As we all know, he promoted the United States to enter the war with Spain, and also organized a volunteer group to personally participate in the war. In addition, the Great White Fleet circumnavigated the world and gave the world a new understanding of the United States. It was also during his time that the United States participated in the war with Spain.
After taking office, he also ordered the construction of the Panama Canal, the world's three major chokepoints, to be started.
These achievements alone would be praised by anyone, let alone concentrated on him alone. He is worthy of being called the Four Giants (Four Statues) on Capitol Hill. Of course, if there is not a more outstanding nephew behind him,
, then this Mr. Theodore Roosevelt should be the greatest president of the United States in the first half of the twentieth century.
Of course, the reality is not bad either. Later generations have consistently ranked him among the 3-5 greatest presidents of the United States.
But Carlo also knows that many times great people happen to be in the right place, and it is fate that makes them achieve their achievements. At another time, this may not be the case at all.
Of course, Theodore Roosevelt is still a minor player now. He only started his political career after being influenced by the Spanish-American War and becoming well known to Americans.
As for now, let the wise and mighty Carlo teach the Yankees a lesson.
"Have the Spanish been notified?"
It was clear that this kind of news needed to be shared, and there was no better outcome than with the Spanish.
Foreign Minister Bacona immediately replied, "Your Majesty, I have asked the ambassador in Madrid to inform the Spanish government. However, I cannot estimate the specific reaction of Spain."
It was obvious that the Foreign Secretary had thought of Carlo's wishes and notified the Spaniards in advance.
However, Carlo was a little reluctant just to inform Madrid. If the Yankees tasted the sweetness of expansion, they would be out of control.
"Your Excellency Bacona, what do you think about us using the barter model and continuing to provide Spain with two to three warships?"
Carlo thought of the three Turin-class ships that have been in service for many years and have made great achievements.
"Your Majesty, it's best to wait until Spain brings it up before discussing this matter. For now, we should wait and see Spain's reaction first."
Bacona, who was startled by Carlo's words, quickly gave up the idea. There was no need to rush the matter. Don't make Italy more anxious than Spain.
Baccona's words made Carlo realize that his mentality was not right. Maybe he paid too much attention to the United States, and it would be chaotic if he had any relations.
He immediately said, "Your Excellency Bacona, you are right, there is no rush in this matter."
After seeing that the king's random thoughts had been dispelled, Bacona immediately said, "Your Majesty, if nothing happens, I'll leave first. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a lot of things to do."
"You go."
Carlo, who feels that his condition has been a little bad recently, what else can he say, of course he has to let his minister go.
After Bacona left, Carlo also planned to take a rest and visit the queen and little Vittorio.
It needs to be mentioned here that Carlo and Queen Maria finally had offspring. Prince Vittorio is the continuation of Carlo's bloodline and left direct evidence that he came here.
The King of Italy has an heir, which also makes the Savoy family and many people in the kingdom breathe a sigh of relief. Although there have been many cases in Europe of brothers and nephews inheriting the throne. But to be fair,
Who would be willing to give this throne to someone else instead of their own children if they have their own children?
Of course, Carlo liked his own blood very much and liked to tease him whenever he had time.
One more thing, Prince Vittorio’s full name is: Vittorio Amedeo di Savoy.
Just as Carlo and the queen were teasing little Vittorio, Bacona hurried back.
He said with a smile on his face. "Your Majesty, King Carol of Romania has sent an invitation to invite Princess Mafalda to attend the ball held by Prince Ferdinand."
