First Photograph of Empire’s New Jewel!
Photographs of Wellesia Returned from Expedition!
Barty Smelton, Daily News Bulletin Archive 1881-1886
By way of the Bay of Bombay, a P&O Steamboat was delayed to ensure that this photograph would be on board, and on your daily news bulletin by this Monday's morning, and thanks to the tireless efforts of all involved here we have it!
The first and only official photograph of the Wellesian Interior, taken by one Adrian Winters and described by a James Robertson, this photograph shows the deep interior of our Empire's most mysterious jewel - the hidden world of Wellesia. The expedition, funded by the Royal Society and led by Dr William Davis aboard the HMS Conscientious, marks the first true glimpse into the once inaccessible continent.
Reports from naturalist James Robertson describe creatures beyond all understanding: "the continent may be the devil's own playground, the creatures here are almost indescribable, bizarre and indecent at best, and downright deadly at worst. Here we have seen slugs the size of cart horses, true goblins, fruits with poison stingers and fanged biting mouths. There are, however, a great many practical discoveries; fabulous delicacies, sturdy plants - and of particular note, a golem of incredible civility, showing that not all creatures on this island are malicious. Enterprise and discovery shall not go without any time soon, as this continent offers a new world in both."
I am further able to confirm, on good authority within Her Majesty's Government, that Parliament convenes in special session this very day to discuss the establishment of a separate Empresship of Wellesia for Her Majesty Queen Victoria; that this magnificent continent shall be, as it ought, entirely and formally encompassed within the British Empire.
Parliament will also be discussing the establishment of crown leasing rights, tariffs and regulations regarding these Wellesian creatures, as if the reports are to be believed, they surely pose a threat to any and all who should find themselves before one. My sources in Davis' expedition confirm that there have been several injuries amongst the intrepid explorers, resulting from only a few chance encounters with these fearsome creatures. One can only hope that the brave men of the HMS Conscientious return to us intact, and that whatever parliament decides in the coming days, is decided swiftly.
Reports from Berlin state that the Imperial German Government may have a hunger for our lands in the Indian Ocean. Indeed, Bismarck has also laid claim to British territories in the Pacific in recent months, some members of our parliament have voiced concerns to this correspondent that they may be more interested in enforcing their claims to lands as rich as Wellesia. There is significant interest in deploying the Navy to ensure that Her Majesty's Dominion remains intact, and that the Teutons cannot embed themselves within the difficult terrain.
These first reports from Wellesia have shaken the world of natural science to its core, however the Royal Society has declined to comment further on the situation until the expedition has concluded and the findings have been finalised, which is scheduled for early next year.