INTRODUCTION:
It was in 1848 that our country declared war on Mexico and won it with
a great victory for the American Army. The treaty of peace with Mexico
gave the United States all the territory then known as Alta (Upper
California) and New Mexico.
The North and the South disputed over this territory. The South said:
"It must be open to slavery." The North said: "It must be free." The
quarrel grew so bitter that many men thought the Union would be
destroyed.
Kentucky legislature sent Clay back to the United States Senate by a
unanimous call, Democrats as well as Whigs joining in the vote. It was
a proud moment for the old man.
Webster then went back to the United States Senate where he joined
Clay in supporting the great Compromise of 1850. Calhoun opposed the
Compromise.
The last act will be Clay, Webster and others talking on the
Compromise of 1850.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE: Gentlemen, for many days we have been debating
on the serious question of the danger of the South leaving the Union.
Mr. Clay will read his Compromise.
(Mr. Clay enters on arm of friend. He is an old man now).
MR. CLAY: Mr. President and Gentlemen: I believe that the Union is in
danger of destruction but if we can again compromise, I think it can
be saved. This is what I propose: First that California shall be
admitted as a free state. Second: That the slave trade be stopped in
the District of Columbia. This should please the North. To please the
South, First: I propose that all Federal Officers be given authority
to hunt for slaves that have escaped to the North and without trial
or jury be returned to their masters. Second: I propose that the new
territories coming in as states decide for themselves whether they
shall be free or slave.
MEMBER OF CONGRESS: The fugitive slave law reads thus: 'Any slave
escaping to the North might be seized wherever found and brought
before a United States judge. He cannot give testimony, or prove that
he is not a slave. All citizens are commanded to aid in the capture
of the fugitive.' Are we willing to accept Mr. Clay's clause in this
Compromise? As for myself, gentlemen, I think not.
MEMBER OF CONGRESS: No, gentlemen, I do not think that we should
accept this. Many of these people have escaped into the North and are
living peaceably as free men. If this law goes into effect we will
have men who for money will go into the North and return these people
to slavery. There is a higher law even than an act of Congress. It is
the Golden Rule: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'
MEMBER OF CONGRESS: I say, Sir, we should have our slaves returned.
We need our slaves badly.
(Mr. Calhoun's speech is read).
MR. CLAY: I believe from the bottom of my soul that this measure is
the re-union of the Union.
MEMBER OF CONGRESS: Mr. Clay's country is Virginia. He does not
understand that we of the South need slaves. If we of the South can't
keep our slaves, we will leave the Union.
MR. CLAY: The honorable Senator speaks of Virginia being my country.
This Union is my country, but even if my own state should raise the
standard of disunion I would go against her. I would go against
Kentucky much as I love her.
Mr. Calhoun's speech, Mr. President.
Mr. Calhoun is ill, I have a speech he wishes to be read.
MR. PRESIDENT: Honorable Senator, read Mr. Calhoun's speech.
(Mr. Calhoun's speech).
Gentlemen of Congress: The Union is in danger today on account of the
Abolitionists. They have stirred up strife. All agitation against
slavery should be stopped. The relation existing between the two races
has existed for two centuries. We cannot permit it to be destroyed.
'Slavery is a good, a positive good.' There should be an equal
division of territory between the North and South. If you of the North
will not do this, then let our Southern states separate and depart in
peace.
Having faithfully done my duty to the best of my ability, both to the
Union and my section, I shall have the consolation that I am free from
all responsibility.
MR. WEBSTER: Mr. President.
MR. PRESIDENT: Mr. Webster.
MR. WEBSTER: I wish to speak today not as a Massachusetts man nor as
a Northern man, but as an American and a member of the United States
Senate.
I speak today for the preservation of the Union. Hear me for my cause.
I speak from an anxious heart for the return of the peace and quiet of
this Union. I should rather have heard that this Union should never
be dissolved than that word secession. Secession, peaceable secession.
Sir, your eyes and mine will never see that miracle. Sir, I see as
plainly as I see that sun in Heaven that secession means a war. It
means a war, a war I cannot describe.
_End of Play._
THE STORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN
ACT I.
INTRODUCTION:
Abraham Lincoln was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, February 12,
1809. His parents were very poor. When he was seven years old his
parents moved to Indiana. (He educated himself. Whenever he came in
from work he read a book. He read the Bible, AEsop's Fables, Robinson
Crusoe and other books). He loved his mother very dearly. She died
when he was very young. Her last words to him were: "Try to live as
I have taught you and to love your Heavenly Father."
Many years after he said, "All I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel
mother."
The first act will be Abraham Lincoln and John Hanks coming in from
work.
HANKS: Gee, I am tired, aren't you?
LINCOLN: Yes. (Goes to cupboard, takes bread to eat, picks up book
and begins to read).
HANKS: (Gets bread and lies down). What you reading?
LINCOLN: O, a story of George Washington.
HANKS: Tell us about him.
LINCOLN: After a while.
HANKS: All you do is to read and cipher anyway. I am going to take
a nap.
_End of Act I._
ACT II.
INTRODUCTION:
Abraham Lincoln went on a flat boat down the Mississippi. The boat
was laden with supplies to sell at New Orleans. While in New Orleans
Lincoln visited a slave auction. After having seen this auction,
Lincoln was very much more opposed to slavery.
The next act will be Abraham Lincoln at the Slave auction. (Auctioneer
and slaves. Sells several slaves. Class bid and carry on auction, etc.)
(At end of auction, auctioneer says:)
AUCTIONEER: Rest of these slaves to be sold tomorrow. Gentlemen be
sure to come.
(Lincoln and Hanks talk.)
HANKS: Well, well. Abe Lincoln what do you think of that?
LINCOLN: I think it is terrible. _If I ever get a chance to hit
that thing, I'll hit it and I'll hit it hard._
HANKS: I don't blame you.
_End of Act II._
INTRODUCTION:
After Lincoln came back from his voyage down the Mississippi, and the
Blackhawk War, he ran for the State Legislature, but was defeated. A
little later he ran again and this time he won. He said to a friend:
"Did you vote for me?" His friend said, "I did." "Then," said Lincoln,
"you must loan me two hundred dollars;" for Lincoln needed a new suit
of clothes and stage coach fare to the Capital. Later he was sent to
Congress and sometime later he was spoken of for President.
The next act will be Lincoln waiting in a newspaper office in
Springfield for news of his nomination.
ACT III.
(Newspaper office. Lincoln and several men talking and walking
around room. Among them Hanks.)
LINCOLN: I wonder who got the nomination.
EXCLAMATIONS: You got it Abe! Sure you got it! Hope Seward didn't get
it! Oh! there is no chance, Abe has it I know! Sure, Sure.
(Enter man in great excitement).
Gentlemen, there has been a nomination. (People in office crowd around
him and talk). Mr. Seward (disappointment on faces of Lincoln and
men) Mr. Seward is the second name on the list. (Jumps upon chair and
exclaims). Three cheers for Abraham Lincoln, the next president of the
United States.
_End of Act III._
ACT IV.
INTRODUCTION:
Abraham Lincoln was elected President. Soon after war broke out
between the North and the South. Lincoln declared that the war was not
to free the slaves but to save the Union. Lincoln soon saw that it was
time to free the slaves, so he signed the Proclamation of
Emancipation.
This act linked the name of Lincoln with one of the greatest acts in
history.
The last act will be President Lincoln signing the Proclamation of
Emancipation.
(Lincoln sits at desk. Two men are showing him papers. One enters
and says: "Mr. Lincoln, here is Mr. Seward with the
Proclamation." Enter Seward and several others.)
MR. SEWARD: I have brought you the Proclamation to sign, Mr.
President.
(Lincoln takes paper, reads it over, takes up pen, tries to
write, drops pen several times.)
MR. SEWARD: What is the matter, Mr. Lincoln?
MR. LINCOLN: I have been shaking hands since nine o'clock this morning
and my right hand is almost paralyzed. If my name ever goes down into
history it will be for this act and my whole soul is in it. If my hand
trembles as I sign this document, the ones who examine it will say--he
hesitated.
GRANT AND LEE
INTRODUCTION:
Ulysses S. Grant was born in Ohio, April 27, 1822. His father was a
tanner. He was brought up for farm work. Later went to West Point from
where he graduated in 1843. He distinguished himself in the Mexican
War. He resigned from the army in 1854, tried various kinds of
business in St. Louis and Galena, Illinois. On the day after the fall
of Sumter, Grant made up his mind to return to the army. In August
1861 he became a brigadier general. From 1861 to 1863 his name was
connected with most of the successful operations in the West, till
Lincoln said of him, "I can't spare this man. He fights." His greatest
characteristic was his indomitable grit.
The first act will be Grant sending his answer to General Buckner at
the capture of Fort Donelson.
ACT I.
(Grant at desk, writing and looking over maps. Men at wall
looking over maps. Officer speaks to General Grant.)
OFFICER: Two soldiers from General Buckner await outside, General
Grant.
GRANT: Show them in.
(Enter soldiers with Union man. Soldier salutes).
SOLDIER: General Grant, General Buckner wishes to know on what terms
you will consider the surrender of Fort Donelson.
GRANT: No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can
be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works.
SOLDIER: Your answer will be given to General Buckner. Good bye,
General Grant. (Salute).
GRANT: (Salute). Goodbye.
ROBERT E. LEE
INTRODUCTION:
Robert E. Lee was born in 1807, of an old aristocratic Virginia
family; he graduated from West Point (1829) and spent thirty-two years
in the regular army; he distinguished himself in the Mexican War.
Just before the Civil War broke out, he wrote to a friend: "If the
Union is dissolved and the Government disrupted, I shall return to
my native state and share the miseries of my people, and, save in
defense, will draw my sword no more."
A few days after the fall of Fort Sumter, he was offered the command
of the United States Army and declined it. He resigned and after
Virginia seceded, accepted a Confederate commission. He took command
of the Army of Northern Virginia June 1, 1862. He had great power
over men and his soldiers had perfect confidence in "Uncle Robert."
ACT II.
INTRODUCTION:
The surrender of Appomattox Court House. Salute. Lee and his
staff in room. Lee in full dress uniform. Grant enters with his
staff. Grant shakes hands with Lee. Grant dressed in rough
clothes.
GRANT: How do you do, General Lee. We have not met since the Mexican
War. Strange is it not?
LEE: (Salute). How do you do, General Grant. No we have missed
meeting. I have sent for you today, General Grant, to ask you the
terms of a surrender.
GRANT: The terms are the same as those sent you a few days ago,
General Lee. All of Northern Virginia must lay down their arms and
take up the Stars and Stripes.
LEE: Write them and I will sign.
UNION SOLDIER SPEAKS TO OFFICER WITH LEE: Why is it that you and your
General are in full dress uniform?
OFFICER: When Sherman came through we saved our best suit and this
is all we have.
(Grant writes terms and reads to General Lee.)
The Terms: All the Army of Northern Virginia must lay down their
arms and take up the Stars and Stripes. The men are to be allowed to
return to their homes and are not to be disturbed by the United States
authority so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in force
where they reside. They are to be allowed to take their horses home
to do the spring plowing.
LEE: You have been generous, General Grant. (Offers sword to Grant.
Grant takes it and returns it with this remark):
GRANT: A brave man should not be separated from his sword. I tender it
back to you.
(Grant and Lee shake hands. Lee goes to his men and speaks to them).
LEE: Men we have fought through this war together. I have done my best
for you.
GRANT: (Speaks to his men). This day is not to be spent as a day of
victory but in peace and quiet. These men are now citizens of the same
country and are to be treated as such.
SOME WOMEN OF HISTORY
INTRODUCTION:
We are now going to tell you the story of some of the great women of
our nation, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Julia Ward Howe,
and others.
The first act will be Elizabeth Cady Stanton, the first champion of
Woman Suffrage, and the first Woman's Rights Convention.
ACT I.
MRS. STANTON TALKING: Ladies we are met here today to discuss women,
our social, civil and religious conditions, and the rights of women.
(Applause). For generations we have been held down by man (more
applause). I want to read to you a set of resolutions. We will call
them a Declaration of Sentiments. They will be met of course with
ridicule but that does not matter. Right is right and in time will
prevail. Here are some of the resolutions:
First: We should have the same right as any other citizen of the
United States.
The right to own and manage our own property.
The right to cast a vote at an election.
There are others that we will talk of.
You see ladies we should have an equal vote with men. (Much applause).
ACT II.
INTRODUCTION:
Susan B. Anthony met Mrs. Stanton soon after this convention and
though she had not been in sympathy with the "Declaration of
Sentiments" she changed and was ever after a friend of women's
suffrage. They started a weekly paper which they called "The
Revolution."
The next act will be Mrs. Stanton and Miss Anthony talking about
their paper.
MISS STANTON: We must let the people of the United States see that the
only True Republic is this "Men their rights and nothing more--Women
their rights and nothing less."
MISS ANTHONY: Yes, this is the only way for us to get our rights. We
will organize a National Women's Suffrage Association.
MISS STANTON: We will go over the country to any state we are needed
and talk to the people.
MISS ANTHONY: Yes, I will address Congress and I will cast a vote for
the President. It is my right under the Fourteenth Amendment to the
Constitution.
_End of Act II._
Transcriber's Note: The reader is obliged to seek information on
"Julia Ward Howe, and others" elsewhere, as the digital images of
this document contain final blank pages and a back cover, but no
further text.
* * * * *
Transcriber's Note:
A Table of Contents has been added to this ebook for the reader's
convenience.
Inconsistencies in punctuation, spelling and capitalization have
been retained to match the text of the original document.
The following typographical corrections have been made:
Page 7: Removed stray parenthesis (Powhatan's fierce warriors.)
Page 18: Changed Adam's to Adams' (Mr. Adams' speech)
Page 22: Added missing word 'of' (before one of these)
Page 22: Added missing letter 'i' to 'with' (with the Indians)
Page 26: Added missing period (They sign.)
Page 27: Changed 'ahe' to 'the' (caught the woodchuck)
Page 30: Added missing word 'OF' (MEMBER OF CONGRESS)
Page 33: Changed AEsops to AEsop's (AEsop's Fables)
Page 34: Added missing period (Sure, Sure.)
Page 34: Added missing period (Mr. Lincoln)
Page 34: Added missing quotation marks (with the Proclamation.")
Page 34: Changed . to ? (What is the matter, Mr. Lincoln?)
For ease of navigation during classroom use, a few minor formatting
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were converted to SMALL CAPS to match the style of the text; four
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were added around some stage directions to better differentiate them
from dialogue.