8/14/2015, 12:43 pm
Speaking from Tokyo, Prime Minister Abe pointed out that since the 70th anniversaries of World War II overlapped with the 150th anniversaries of the Civil War, it was appropriate to issue an apology. "Besides," said Abe, "my name is spelled in English just like that of Abe Lincoln, therefore it is most fitting for me to apologize for the atrocities carried out on the South."
"I blush with shame," went on the prime minister, "when I recall that the Civil War is remembered as a noble crusade against slavery, but was started only to keep seceding states in the Union by force. In fact, I am compelled to apologize to the whole nation, North and South, for the way President Lincoln violated the Constitution when he raised an army by decree and went to war with his own nation. Such powers are reserved to the most honorable Congress, not to the president. In doing this, President Lincoln cast aside the wisdom of his ancestors who wrote the most efficient Constitution."
Abe then went on to recall a series of wrongs perpetrated against the South. "Most notable are the depredations carried out by General Sherman. As he burned his way through Georgia, his men destroyed civilian property and deported the people. By contrast, the great Southern general, Robert E Lee, strictly forbade such conduct when his men were in Northern prefectures."
Touching on the postwar era of Reconstruction, Abe quoted then-Congressman George Julian who said, "Congress shall organize a well-appointed political purgatory located in the rebellious districts and keep the rebels in it for perhaps ten years or twenty years."
Abe commented, "Even this was too extreme for most disagreeable President Johnson who urged a more moderate course." Abe continued his speech by apologizing for the military occupation of the South, the forcible readmission to the Union, and the way in which Southern legislatures were compelled to vote for amendments to the Constitution. "Some of the amendments were honorable," noted Abe, "but the states should have been free to vote on them."
Watching the speech from his trailer, noted Southern Olympian Lamar Ferguson commented, "Well, it's 'bout time somebody said somethin', and I think that Abey feller done right. Maybe now we cin git round to bein' reconciled and all."
Abe plans to visit the chapel at Washington and Lee University as soon as the protocol for approaching General Lee's tomb in a Shinto ritual can be worked out.
