The Role Of Reconstruction In William Shakespeare's Hamlet

The facts with which I shall present today are quite contrary to my good friend the Senator of Massachusetts, Mr. Sumner. May I quote William Shakespeare's Hamlet; “We know what we are, but know not what we may be.” With that being said, the concept of reconstruction is fraught with great difficulty. We simply must begin with disorganized and discordant elements, despite the embarrassment of the fact that we differ among ourselves over the mode, manner, and means of reconstruction. We all agree that the rebel region is out of their proper relation with the Union; and that the sole object of the government in regard to those States is to read it them to the union once the conflict has ceased. I believe it is not only possible, but in fact, easier to do this, without deciding, or even considering, whether these States have ever been out of the union whatsoever. Let us all join in doing the acts necessary to restoring the proper practical relations between these States and the Union; and each forever after, innocently indulge his own opinion whether, in doing the acts, he brought the States from without, into the Union, or only gave them proper assistance, they never having been out of it.

I have previously suggested to Congress the 10 Percent Plan, which has been
fervently declined by radicals. Such a plan ensures the sworn allegiance of 10 percent of the male population of the state of the Union, the state declaring that the benefit of public schooling be given to both to black and white children, and the empowerment of the state Legislature to confer the elective franchise upon the colored man. By abiding fully by these terms, the newly readmitted state is able to hold elections, reorganize a State government, adopt a free-state constitution, and allow all citizens, with the exception of high ranking confederate officials, the ability to maintain previous land holdings.

However, such a plan has been denied by the radicals of congress, claiming that such a proposal is just a means to end the conflict and that stricter precautions should be placed upon the southern states.
By electing me as president, the people chose for power to be exercised with principle. The Senator is right in one assertion, that I do wish to reunite the North and the South, but not at the sacrifice of social change. However, one must understand social change cannot be forced upon the South like it is some conquered foreign nation; such oppression was after all, the very reason they seceded in the first place and by humiliating them as Mr. Sumner so desires, will only birth another horrid
conflict.
My pocket veto of the Wade-Davis bill was a just one; such a proposal would only plague this great nation with further sectionalism and mistrust. We wish to enjoy the sweet fruits of reconciliation, not destroy them.

Now, as ever, I wish to not misrepresent the Senator’s position, question his motives, or personally offend him, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power and see how he handles adversity. In the present situation, I take it to be my duty to make some new announcement to the people of the South, and I will not fail to act when such actions would be proper.