Paris.
Palace of Versailles.
"The seven companies together raised less than six million francs?" Joseph frowned at the Minister of Finance, Godan.
The latter had just reported to him: the seven new companies in the Rhineland, including the potash factory, had been listed in Amsterdam for a month and a half, but had only managed to raise 5.8 million francs in funds.
He knew very well how much cash those Dutch financial magnates had on hand; even the ordinary people there, benefiting from prosperous maritime trade, had considerable savings. But they clearly lacked enthusiasm for investing in the Rhineland.
Godan explained, "Your Highness, some of these factories aren't even finished yet. And the Dutch seem more inclined to invest in English industries or domestic shipping."
Joseph flipped through the report submitted by the Minister of Finance. When he reached the section on "promotion," he shook his head and said:
