The Alabama Claim of 1872?

Question

I am writing a version of "Around the World in Eighty Days" for my local theatre group and feeling that I do not have the rescources to copy a full blown riot in San Francisco have changed that section to a debate between the two candidates (one Republican and one Democrat). If you were either candidate (please state which when answering) how would you answer the following question:

"Thank you sir. My question relates to something that I have a deep concern for. Whilst I may look like a cowpoke, I served in the Great War that rent this country asunder that only finished a mere seven years ago. I of course refer to the Civil War and I am proud to state that I served for the Union side (applause from the audience) and that I even served under the leadership of that illustrious man General Ulysses S. Grant who is now our President (even louder applause). One of the things that arose from that war was the Alabama Claim. I would like to know where the candidates stand on that issue?"

Answer 1

Republican: We must recognize their claim and then raise no new taxes.
Democrat: Instead we need to socialize the state and tax the rich until they aren't rich in order to give the poor some money to drink themselves to death.
Republican: Well, I think that you have an idea there.
Democrat: They are in the south who's going to care, they have no voice.
Republican: Fine idea, let's go have a drink.

Answer 2

http://uk.search.yahoo.com/search?ei=utf-8&fr=ytff4-&p=the%20Alabama%20Claim.%20

Answer 3

Harry thanks for the question one of the better asked here

Constell thanks for the link

I just learned something and I'm always grateful to learn something new.