America 1919

This led to them having power, but the power was short-lived; everyone either takes advantage of this brief time to gain more benefits for themselves or to accumulate more political resources.

But regardless, at least at the present stage, these people are openly the most powerful group in the United States!

Since Donnie had come to Washington, he naturally needed to maintain his relationships.

Therefore, after his arrival in Washington, he arranged a meeting with Harry D'Agostino, his most steadfast collaborator in the Cabinet.

The next day, Donnie, in a suit and shoes, and Marshall, in military uniform, came to Harry's private villa in New York!

Also in attendance were the current Vice President Coolidge and Andrew Mellon, Secretary of the Treasury.

The three men were chatting in the living room, and upon seeing Donnie, they immediately showed smiles.

"Look who it is, if not our Donnie from Atlantic City!"

Upon seeing Donnie, Harry stood up with a laugh and embraced Donnie. He was extremely satisfied with Donnie; the dividends from the private liquor business had made Harry very wealthy, and he had bought this villa with that money!

Donnie patted Harry on the shoulder, equally joking, "Mr. Secretary, should I now confess to you the reasons why the quantity of private liquor in America has been increasing year by year?"

The issue of private liquor in America was continuously reported by domestic media, especially as alcohol-related deaths due to moonshine soared.

From time to time, some media, claiming to represent public opinion, would protest to the government!

Most of these media outlets were backed by people from the Democratic Party.

Although the elections were over, causing trouble for the opposing party was something the Democratic Party and the Republican Party did at all times regardless.

Harry laughed loudly, "Should I call the Bureau of Investigation to have you taken away then!"

Following Harry's lead, Donnie entered the living room, where he first shook hands with his business partner Andrew Mellon, and then, upon Harry's introduction, exchanged handshakes and pleasantries with Coolidge, whom he was meeting for the first time.

Donnie also introduced Marshall to the three men.

It was clear that, out of respect for Donnie, despite acquainting themselves with Marshall, the three did not take much note of him and were more intent on chatting with Donnie!

"The Bureau of Investigation wouldn't dare take away a friend of Harry's!"

It was then that Donnie finally responded to Harry's earlier jest.

"Donnie, do you have time tomorrow? Let's find a moment to talk privately, shall we?"

Taking advantage of when Harry was conversing with Coolidge, Andrew Mellon quietly said to Donnie.

Donnie glanced at Andrew Mellon and said, "Of course, I think there's nobody in the entire United States who would refuse your invitation, Andrew!"

Upon receiving Donnie's agreement, Andrew Mellon laughed heartily, saying, "Have you forgotten when I invited you to Washington before?"

Previously, Andrew Mellon had extended an invitation to Donnie, hoping he could come to Washington when he had the time.

But at that time Donnie had been busy dealing with other matters and had not agreed!

"Did that happen? I don't seem to recall!"

Donnie feigned ignorance.

Andrew Mellon laughed helplessly.

Compared to an old friend like Harry D'Agostino, Donnie was paying more attention to the relatively silent Coolidge at this moment!

He was a figure who, historically, every Vice President aspired to become.

John Coolidge, up until this point, had always firmly controlled all affairs in Massachusetts. He began as the President of the Massachusetts State Senate and later campaigned to become Governor of Massachusetts.

However, after he became Vice President of the United States, he changed his previously active stance in politics and became silent, which was also related to his position. The Vice President of the United States actually doesn't hold much real power and only rises to their peak to become the President of the United States if the current President unexpectedly passes away.

Still, Harding appreciated Coolidge's help during the campaign and thus invited Coolidge to attend his Cabinet meetings.

But no matter the occasion, Coolidge remained very silent, so now some people have started calling him "Silent Cal"!

Coolidge's full name is 'John Calvin Coolidge'!

Those familiar with him affectionately call him Carl!

"Carl... is it okay for me to call you that?"

Donnie sat down next to Coolidge and asked with a smile.

Coolidge replied politely, "Of course, I believe that everyone sitting here today has already become friends!"

Donnie extended an invitation to Coolidge, "Carl, this November, the Surf Hotel in Atlantic City is opening, and I hope you can attend!"

Obviously, Harding wouldn't be able to attend the opening of the Surf Hotel, even though its business in the United States is legal, the implications still wouldn't look good.

If Harding couldn't attend but the Vice President could, it would still bring significant influence to the Surf Hotel!

Of course, Donnie's intention to establish a relationship with Coolidge wasn't solely because the latter might succeed Harding as President if Harding were to die unexpectedly, nor was it because Coolidge must attend the hotel's opening.

It was more so because, during his tenure as Governor of Massachusetts, Coolidge had a part-time job!

Chairman of the American Railroad Commission!

This department, at the time, was mainly responsible for allocating operations among various railroad companies in the United States and also for coordinating issues between railroad companies and their employee councils.

Donnie was about to obtain the right to drill small oil wells around three major oil fields, which would become a significant transportation issue.

If possible, Donnie hoped to reach an agreement with some railroad companies.

This task would become easier with Coolidge's help!

However, given the setting of tonight's event, the fact that these matters had yet to be set in stone, and the nascent relationship between Donnie and Coolidge,

it would not be appropriate for Donnie to discuss this matter with Coolidge at this time.

That's why Donnie used the grand opening of the Surf Hotel as an occasion to extend an invitation to Coolidge!

After briefly considering it, Coolidge agreed to Donnie's invitation.

"No problem, I will definitely be there on time!"

Coolidge also had his own calculations. Although he was now "Silent Cal", he had already reached the position of Vice President and had no intention of ending his political career just yet.

Therefore, he would need votes and campaign donations. Donnie had Atlantic City Broadcast, the largest broadcasting company in the country, and considerable financial resources.

Both were things that Coolidge needed.

So he also hoped to establish a good relationship with Donnie!

After this matter was settled, the evening's dinner officially began. Once everyone was seated, they didn't really discuss serious business.

The dinner tonight was originally prepared to welcome Donnie to Washington, so naturally, it involved more inquiries about various matters in Atlantic City.

The next day, Donnie went to Andrew Mellon's office.