November 20, 1860 (Tuesday)

I am left with the impression:  There is a great lack of trust in what government might end up doing.  Even though Lincoln stated his thoughts, even though democrats controlled both houses of Congress, there was the idea that government would "trick" the people who advocated slavery. 

Or, maybe the South had wanted to secede for many years now.  They saw the writing on the wall.  It was looking for some excuse to do so.  So far in the south, there were some moderates who wanted to be thoughtful and carefully weigh the consequences of seceding.  The voice of the "secessionists" were growing stronger and louder.  All it will take is a spark.....

The business community is starting to see the inevitable coming and people are betting with their money.   Markets are in disarray!

Only hope was to change the constitution so slavery would be acceptable.... 

Good articles today on the limits of the federal government; the effects of secession on the country; the markets, could the constitution be changed; state's rights; and President Buchanan and President-elect Lincoln.