America 1919

Thanks to the vast expanse of the United States, in this sparsely populated country, many pieces of land are quite unique.

Even though the area around Atlantic City isn't suited for farming, there are actually still quite a few pieces of land here that have been bought by individuals and turned into farms.

As Elwood Village developed, its people, before they had better investment opportunities, basically used all their capital to buy land. If Nucky is the largest landowner in Atlantic City, then Elwood Village is the biggest landowner outside of Atlantic City.

In Donnie's plan, the creation of the new North District will involve some of the land owned by the villagers of Elwood Village.

Of course, Donnie naturally has to discuss this matter with everyone well in advance.

Furthermore, because they want to leave more land available for Atlantic City's development through the building of the new North District, their relocation is a bit far.

After listening to Donnie's explanation, old Carl only then put his shotgun back in its place.

"Why do we have to let those negroes come this way? Isn't there still plenty of space in Atlantic City?"

Although he put down the shotgun, old Carl still felt extremely reluctant at the thought of having to become neighbors with black people!

Donnie could only helplessly tell old Carl that it was simply because the people of Elwood Village were too good at buying land, nearly reaching Atlantic City, and now, for the new developments in Atlantic City, these lands were necessary to be put to use.

"But you can rest assured, on the price, I will definitely stand on Elwood Village's side and give everyone a satisfactory price. With this money, you can completely continue buying land towards Philadelphia!"

Donnie truly worried that if they continued to buy land at this rate, it was quite possible they could reach Philadelphia before the end of Prohibition!

"Are we worried about the money?" old Carl snorted, "We simply don't want to be neighbors with those negroes!"

Donnie could only continue to explain, "It's not really about being neighbors, there's still a few miles between the new North District and Elwood Village!"

"Ha! As if we don't know," old Carl said with disdain, looking at Donnie as if seeing through everything, "those people, what have they not done, from theft to swindling, to robbery? When you talk about a few miles distance, you're talking about from Elwood Village, not from our farms. I wouldn't doubt for a second that those people might sneak onto our farms to steal something!"

Pointing at the shotgun old Carl had just hung up, he said, "Don't you have weapons? If they dare to do that, just shoot them!"

Seeing old Carl about to say something more, Donnie got a bit impatient and asked, "Just tell me if you can handle this situation or not?"

old Carl replied angrily, "You've already decided, can I even say no? But you need to repeat what you just said to me, so I can convince the other villagers!"

Only then did Donnie smile, this was more like the demeanor of a Block Family patriarch!

"However, there's something you really need to consider seriously!" old Carl said, putting aside his anger and speaking earnestly to Donnie.

"What is it?" asked Donnie.

Old Carl explained, "The distilleries in the village are getting bigger, and if those negroes move here, they might affect the village's distilleries."

Donnie pondered for a moment; this was indeed something that needed to be given serious thought. Private distillery business was, first, a way for Donnie to gather a large amount of cash, and second, it could use the vast network of benefits to gather a substantial network of connections.

So until Donnie had fully come into his own, his bootlegging empire could not afford any issues.

"I see that everyone in the village is starting to build their own manor houses, so for safety, I think a professional security team should be set up. This security team could ensure the safety of the village and also take over some of the villagers' work."

What's the first thing people do when they have money?

Enjoy!

Elwood Village was no exception. When Donnie had just returned in 1919, it was nothing but muddy trails and decrepit wooden houses that couldn't shelter anyone from the wind and rain, but now?

Elwood Village had paved roads, and every household had built themselves villas or manors.

Even old Carl had rebuilt their home; the Block Family now had a luxurious estate covering 30,000 square feet.

After people start to enjoy such comforts, naturally, they are reluctant to work, even if it's the very labor that made their fortunes.

So by the time 1922 rolled around, Elwood Village had already begun recruiting workers from outside the village!

Upon hearing Donnie's method, old Carl suddenly had an epiphany and said, "Then can't we do like the people in the South and recruit some black workers? Their labor is much cheaper!"

Donnie indifferently said, "As long as you can ensure the purity and safety of your own village, I have no objections!"

Elwood Village was a purely white settlement; if they did as old Carl suggested, and more black laborers entered, it was uncertain whether some of the young girls in the village wouldn't foolishly get involved with them.

Old Carl frowned and angrily said, "They wouldn't dare; if any dare to do so, I'll kick their entire family out of Elwood Village!"

Donnie said, "I have no advice to give on this matter; it's your decision to make!"

Old Carl was caught in a dilemma!

After sorting out the affairs of Elwood Village, Donnie returned to Atlantic City, originally intending to discuss this matter with Irving before heading off to Washington.

But after some thought, Donnie decided against it; one shouldn't take these people too seriously, for the more you do, the more arrogant they become.

So, Donnie decided to head to Washington first to settle the matter!

Without any delay, Donnie took the train to Washington.

Harry D'Agostino received Donnie.

And mentioned the matter Donnie had previously handled in Atlantic City.

"Donnie, you really do surprise people!"

Harry D'Agostino exaggeratedly said, "I was quite startled when I first got the news, truly worried that some instability might arise in Atlantic City."

Atlantic City, New Jersey, being an important stronghold for the Republican Party, could easily provide an opportunity for the Democratic Party to take advantage if problems arose, which was why Harry D'Agostino was so worried.

"But fortunately, you resolved the issue perfectly. In fact, at this moment, many people in the White House are discussing it, and everyone is very impressed by the way you handled the situation!"

Donnie lightly chuckled and said, "It was just a minor trouble; it's just that everyone has become too sensitive over the past few years!"

Harry D'Agostino looked at Donnie with a sort of admiration; such a trouble was certainly not minor!

"Alright, I've come here on serious business that I'd like to discuss with you!" Donnie didn't want to dwell on that matter.