1932: Playing with the Japanese Communist Party with a doll

Sims didn't reply, but just a few minutes later, Hallowell's response came, succinctly:

"We have been shamefully deceived! The Navy is always loyal to the Union! Please give the order, Mr. President!"

With MacArthur's example as a starting point, everyone vaguely understood what was happening with the USS Texas. After Springfield ordered the fleet to return to port and wait, they temporarily calmed down and watched the conversation on the stage continue:

"Butler, you did this?"

"Yes, I informed Admiral Sims immediately after MacArthur decided to revolt. I didn't expect him to act so quickly. He probably ordered the Texas to depart overnight!"

Butler couldn't help but sneer when he remembered something:

"Speaking of which, I personally helped revise their coup plan. Because these idiots actually wanted to hijack the Texas and bombard Washington from Norfolk, I had to tactfully tell them that even the powerful British and Japanese navies couldn't reach a main gun 200 kilometers away..."

(It's hard to believe, isn't it? Just this bunch of idiots staging a coup, once again perfectly demonstrating what "the world is a giant makeshift team" means.)

“Hahahahahahaha…”

As Haruta showed a helpless smile, there was a burst of relaxed laughter at the scene, diluting the tense atmosphere.

"General Butler, I hope you can communicate with me in advance next time you do something like this."

"I'm sorry, Ms. Field, in order to deceive them and keep it absolutely confidential, I had to hide the situation from everyone, including you..."

Butler apologized, but showed no remorse or concern for "putting the president in danger":

"Besides, I don't think there will be a next time." "Yeah, there won't be a next time."

Springfield sneered and told NGW to capture the rebels in the navy, then picked up the notebook and continued to read the list.

This time, the target is not the business community or the military, but the group of parliamentary gentlemen who are closest to the trial or even at the scene of the public trial.

Today's public trial is not just aimed at MacArthur.

"Reed Smoot, Utah Senator, deeply involved in the anti-federal activities of the Morgan and DuPont consortium..."

A limp, portly man was pulled out of the Capitol crowd by the NGW. The real reason he was taken down wasn't just the rebellion, in which he had little involvement, but his desperate efforts to obstruct Springfield and Roosevelt's Agricultural Assistance Act, preventing the federal government from purchasing surplus agricultural products and providing paid aid to Japan and China.

"James Wadsworth, Representative from New York, a Rockefeller... Daniel Hastings, Senator from Delaware, a DuPont..."

In addition to participating in the "Free America Alliance", these two people also privately colluded to incite dozens of congressmen to oppose the "National Recovery Act" and the "Social Security Act", especially the labor protection clauses such as the "eight-hour workday" and "minimum wage system".

For them, it was a belated cleansing.

"Carter Glass, Virginia Senator, Morgan family... Harry Byrd, Virginia Senator, Duke family... Josiah Bailey, North Carolina Senator, Duke family..."

The main problem with these three people is that they took advantage of the fact that the federal government had issued too many policy documents in the past year or so, thinking that Springfield and Roosevelt would not notice them, and secretly inserted some private goods that were beneficial to their personal interests into them;

For example, they secretly modify certain terms and release certain information to allow the companies under their names to benefit from the policies or play the role of "Capitol Hill Stock God" and so on.

"...Carl Monte...Allison Smith...Martin Dice...Hamilton Fish..."

The main problem with these people is that, under the guise of "anti-communism," "censorship," and "states' rights supremacy," they essentially banned the New Deal in various states, even condoning local expulsions and even inciting mobs to execute New Deal executives;

Of course, this group of people also have to oppose the Communist Party. Browder had previously reported some things, in which he listed the names of those who were most anti-communist, which almost completely matched the name of this rebellion.

"...Pat Harrison...Frederick Hale...David Reed...Richard Russell...Carter Glass..."

These people are simply "stupid"—openly accepting bribes from large corporations, embezzling federal infrastructure funds, slaving over suppliers, taking kickbacks from orders, shooting and killing five leaders of the Georgia textile strike, and torturing 11 people to death in a Virginia coal mine...

By the time the list was read out, even a fool could see that Springfield was not (simply) "investigating rebellion," but was essentially "eliminating dissidents and suppressing opponents"!

Some people might not be on Butler's list, but she's probably already been targeting them. This time, she's just taking advantage of the situation to get them together!

Because, how could Butler, a mere retired Marine Corps major general, have access to so many congressmen? And how could so many congressmen not only join the "Free America Alliance" but also be so stupid as to expose themselves directly!

However, if the owner of the diary himself did not refute it, who would dare to jump out at such a major occasion as the "trial of treason" and openly oppose a president who holds the five major powers of the military, political party, and wealth?

Even Washington had to stand up and offer her tea!

As dozens of congressmen were arrested, some of them remained silent, some cried and confessed their guilt, some desperately protested their innocence, and some cursed incessantly, the faces of the dignitaries in Washington turned as pale as paper.

No one expected that this usually gentle and amiable female president would be so decisive and tough, so ruthless, so unruly, and so disregarding of the rules and consequences at a critical moment!

Damn it! She's arrested us all. Isn't she afraid of causing chaos in America? Springfield doesn't even bother to pay attention to what these gentlemen think - if he doesn't take advantage of this opportunity to kill a few more, is he just going to wait for Capitol Hill to argue over and over again, watching them cover up for each other?

Please!

This is a coup and a counter-coup!

It's going to bleed!

It wouldn't be surprising if a bunch of people were killed unjustly, not to mention that these bastards deserved to die even if they didn't participate in the rebellion!

The fact that she (the commander) was able to produce charges and evidence that no one could refute, at least on the surface, was already a sign of "obeying political rules"!

"My people!"

Haruta looked directly at the crowd:

"Everything that happened today was witnessed by you. So, as the true master of America, and as the source of my status and all legal power as the President of the United States, I, on behalf of the federal government you elected, ask for your opinion!"

"Now, please tell me what you think should be done with these rebels who plotted to overthrow the government, incited the army to rebellion, plotted to kill the head of state and vice-president, whose hands are stained with the blood of our compatriots, and who clearly gave orders and participated in the actions!"

The square with tens of thousands of people was silent for a moment, and then erupted into a sound wave like a tsunami rising into the sky.

In the end, only one word echoed over and over again, coalescing into an irresistible will: "Die! Die! Die!"

This earth-shaking and deafening roar was filled with the most simple emotions of the people. It was so powerful that even those gentlemen who were crying out for justice lost their voices and dared not utter a word.

Yes, legally speaking, these distinguished congressmen have "complete judicial immunity." Even if Springfield is the President of the United States, he cannot sentence them to death.

But now, look at the mob. Who can guarantee that Springfield won't go crazy? Who can guarantee that NGW won't suddenly "make a mistake" and allow these mobs to rush over and beat them to death?

Yes, doing so is very likely to trigger a "constitutional crisis", but what's the point of writing "Field's Full Responsibility" on your tombstone?

Besides, given Ms. Field's current status, killing a few congressmen to liven things up wouldn't be a big deal!

After allowing the public's anger to vent to a certain extent, Haruta raised his hand again:

"My people! Do you trust me? Do you believe in my decisions and judgments?!"

“YES! YES! YES!” “Okay then!”

After receiving the "authorization", Chuntian turned his attention to another special group present:

"Justices, what are your opinions? How should the actions of these rebels be adjudicated within the legal framework?"

At that time, there were a total of 9 justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. After hearing what Springfield said, at least 6 of them looked embarrassed.

It is obvious that Springfield was seeking the legitimacy of executing MacArthur and others from those who represented the highest legal authority of the federal government, and wanted them to endorse her actions.

However, once agreed, it means that the relatively independent Supreme Court will submit to the president, which means that the Supreme Court's power to "interpret the Constitution, overturn congressional legislation and executive orders" will be greatly reduced.

You know, historically, they relied on the power established after the Marbury Affair in 1803 to frequently veto various policies of the Roosevelt administration, and even overturned the National Industrial Recovery Act and the Agricultural Adjustment Act, which dealt a heavy blow to the New Deal.

But what about facing Springfield, a saintly president who has never been seen before and will most likely never be seen again?

After a brief silence, three "progressive" justices, Louis Brandeis, Benjamin Cardozo, and Harlan Fiske Stone, all Jewish, agreed with Springfield's proposal:

"Death penalty! It must be death penalty! For such a heinous crime of treason, the death penalty alone is not enough to appease the public's anger!"

The three of them were supporters of the New Deal, advocating that "the government should regulate monopolies" and "the Supreme Court should respect administrative and legislative decisions rather than arbitrarily veto them."

Moreover, Springfield had saved the lives of the two previous judges. During the recent "Jewish abolition incident," when they were attacked and even asked to be dismissed, it was Springfield who spoke out to protect them.

If they don't come out to support Springfield at this time, these two Jewish justices will have no chance of success in the future, and even their families will not look down on them.

Three tickets were easily obtained.

Next, there was the well-known "swing faction" - Supreme Court Justice Owen Roberts appointed by President Hoover. He has always been "whoever wins, he supports." Now, no matter how you look at it, Springfield has a huge advantage in justice and fairness, so he cannot openly oppose it.

Four votes.

Then there are the “Four Horsemen of Conservatives.”

Willis Van Devanter - an ultra-conservative who opposes all government economic regulation;

James McReynolds, a believer in laissez-faire, opposed federal intervention in the economy and advocated for the expansion of private enterprise through competition;

George Sutherland - proposed that the Supreme Court enact laws to limit federal power, opposed the New Deal's expansion of power, and advocated for the supremacy of state rights;

Pierce Butler opposed any form of labor legislation and social welfare. He was also the only justice in history to openly vote against the Social Security Act.

Although these four individuals had always been openly and covertly opposed to the New Deal and Roosevelt, they were primarily opposed to the expansion of the federal government's economic power. In the face of such a major case of treason, they were likely to have a clear mind:

Moreover, if they raise objections to the death penalty at this time, they will not only go against the will of the people, but also openly contradict President Springfield, which will harm themselves.

It should be noted that although the law does not authorize Springfield to remove these "lifelong justices" from their positions, Springfield himself firmly controls both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Especially after this "big arrest", it is likely that there will be no more opponents in both houses.

Who is the President of the Senate? Vice President Roosevelt. Who is the Speaker of the House of Representatives?

Currently, it is still the Southern conservative John Nance Garner, but anyone with a discerning eye can see that the appointment of Henry Thomas Rainey, a staunch supporter of Roosevelt, is merely a matter of procedure.

Who is the majority party? God's People Party.

Then, the matter is clear.

Appointing a Supreme Court Justice - the President initiates the nomination and the Senate approves it; removing a Supreme Court Justice - the House of Representatives initiates the impeachment and the Senate approves it.

Therefore, if they disagreed at this time, the most they could do was delay the execution for two days. Springfield could have the new House Speaker, Rainey, initiate impeachment against them, remove these idiots, and then Roosevelt would just have to approve it!

These rebellious idiots in front of me are not my real fathers, why should I take the blame for them?

If they can't see this clearly, they have no right to be "lifelong justices"!

Then, the four of them hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement or remained silent: "It is indeed the death penalty."

"Yeah yeah..."

"That's right, that's right..."

Eight of the nine agreed (silence). The final Chief Justice, Charles Evans Hughes, though displeased with Springfield's "unbridled behavior," had no choice but to come out and save his dignity:

"...This is an undeniable crime of treason of the highest order, posing a mortal threat to the nation. Based on the applicable provisions of the United States Code regarding treason and the special circumstances of wartime, and citing the Benedict Arnold case, the death penalty is consistent with legal principles and procedural justice. The Supreme Court... has no objection."

"Excellent! Since all nine justices have agreed, then, as Chairman of the Trial Committee and President of the United States of America, I hereby make the following judgment and decision!"

"The principal offender, former U.S. Army Chief of Staff Douglas MacArthur, and Richard Sutherland... and all the core members involved in planning, organizing, and commanding the rebellion, are guilty of treason, murder, sedition, and colluding with external forces to subvert the state..."

"The evidence is irrefutable! According to the Constitution and federal law, he is sentenced to death by hanging! He will be taken to Constitution Square to be executed immediately! His treasonous act must be made known to the world and recorded in history books as a warning to others!"

"The commandos and other active participants in the attack on the White House last night, who opened fire on the President himself, and who have been identified today, are guilty of treason, attempted murder of the President, and serious disruption of public order. They are sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole!"

"All rebellious agents and masterminds involved in the 'merchant coup' conspiracy revealed in this public trial will be immediately investigated by the NGW and the Ministry of Justice. Those who resist the investigation or arrest will be wanted nationwide! After the trial, they may be sentenced to death according to the law!"

"Officers and soldiers below the rank of colonel who were coerced into participating in military operations but did not participate in the main attack, did not directly fire at the White House, and subsequently obeyed orders and assisted in restoring order are considered to be complicit participants. Their circumstances are sympathetic, but their crimes are irredeemable. They will be forced to retire and handed over to local judicial authorities for review to determine whether other responsibilities will be pursued."

"Officers like Major Rankin, who were present at the scene or were coerced by orders but resolutely refused to participate in the rebellion and were therefore illegally detained, are brave and unyielding, upholding their military duties. They will be reinstated, commended for their meritorious service, and given priority for future promotions!"

"Brigadier General Frank Parker, who was killed last night while resolutely resisting a rebellious plot, will be posthumously promoted to Major General. His family will be provided with compensation and he will be buried with state honors! His unwavering dedication to upholding justice and his unyielding spirit will forever be etched in military history, serving as a role model for future generations of soldiers!"

"As for Major General Smedley Darlington Butler!" Springfield turned to Butler with an approving look:

"In times of national crisis, you discerned the conspiracy, endured humiliation, gathered irrefutable evidence, and exposed the traitor! You are hereby awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, recalled the military, and appointed Special Advisor to the President, tasked with assisting in the thorough investigation of the remnants of the coup and purging military loyalty!"

628 Pershing's Choice

As MacArthur was hanged on Constitution Square along with his subordinates, shouting madly and crazily, "You framed me, you framed me," the news of the "South Lawn Coup" quickly spread throughout Washington and the United States.

To be honest, when we first received the news, no one believed it and scoffed at the person who spread the news:

What the hell is this? A coup?

Still, still, still... a counter-espionage plot? What a joke!

Today is not April Fools' Day.

There was no way. Who could have imagined that simply by receiving news of the South's defeat, coupled with the instigation of a certain "traitor," a certain Army Chief of Staff would desperately launch a coup, and a certain Navy Admiral would hastily order battleships to set out to bombard the White House?

From beginning to end, this coup d'état exuded a strange, hasty, and impatient "makeshift" atmosphere, and it also fully highlighted the word "fast":

The assassination in the South happened quickly, ended quickly, and the news was reported quickly; MacArthur decided to launch a coup quickly, acted quickly, and failed quickly;

President Field was quick to foil plots, quick to rally people, quick to judge crimes, and quick to execute people...

In short, it’s “Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!”

Before the whole world realizes it, it has already happened; before most people react, it is over. Just like a virgin.

Therefore, when the earliest and fastest news reached Room 1702 of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, an elderly man who had just gotten up from reading documents late last night and was brushing his teeth was completely stunned;

Even someone like him, whose strict requirements for military discipline were almost unbearable for his subordinates, couldn't help but repeatedly confirm with his adjutant several times with a toothbrush in hand and blisters in his mouth:

"MacArthur? Rebellion? Sure? Not fake news?" "No, General..."

Adjutant John Quickmeyer looked grim:

"We have repeatedly confirmed that MacArthur led dozens of officers, including Richard Sutherland, to deceive more soldiers into going to the White House for a 'petition' and fired shots. However, Ms. Field is safe and sound and is currently being interrogated on the South Lawn of the White House..."