This Week in Reconstruction, July 2-7, 1866

This Week in Reconstruction, July 2-7, 1866

Alexander H.H. Stuart delivers the University of Virginia commencement ceremony address, giving the audience his take on the underlying causes of the war. He claims that the North has no sympathy or understanding of the South's loss of a free labor system, and their primary reason for prejudice against slavery is for winning ascendancy in politics. Stuart argues that Radicals claim slavery as "the sum of all villainies", but have previously contended that blacks are unfit for full citizenship. A political war strengthens between Radicals and Conservatives. Congress debates a proposal to impose a $1.25 tariff on coal imported from overseas, and 50 cent tariff on imports from Nova Scotia. The tax is intended to benefit Northern manufacturers, but will undoubtedly cause Southern mines to suffer. Talk of the Philadelphia National Convention sparks controversy over allowing formerly Confederate delegates to participate. White Southerners argue that their exclusion will result in a lack of true national character at the Convention. Virginia Unionists are criticized by former Confederates for their inability to promote political change due to fear of causing chaos. Jefferson Davis's trial is to be sped up in hopes that he will not be tried sitting alone before a fierce Judge Underwood.

July 2-7, 1866

Brooke Beam

Beam-Week-9