In truth as well as in appearance it was a sectional contest in which the North supported Northern candidates, and the South supported Southern candidates.

It was the first time in the history of the government in which the President was chosen without electoral votes from both the free and the slave States.
This result was undoubtedly a source of weakness to Mr.Lincoln,-- weakness made more apparent by his signal failure to obtain a popular majority.

He had a large plurality, but the combined vote of his opponents was nearly a million greater than the vote which he received.
The time had now come when the Southern Disunionists were to be put to the test.

The event had happened which they had declared in advance to be cause of separation.

It was perhaps the belief that their courage and determination were challenged, which forced them to action.