he potent echo of his
eloquence resounded in countless voices from the Atlantic to the
Pacific.

The political contest that followed the various nominations was a
memorable one. Douglas made his last effort for the Presidency
with wonderful vigor and spirit. He canvassed the whole country,
and great throngs were greatly moved by his eloquent and energetic
oratory. Jefferson Davis and other Southern orators canvassed
portions of the Northern States in support of the nominee of the
Southern wing of the Democratic party. In some parts of the North
fusions were attempted among the opponents of the Republican
candidate. In the South the interest in the contest was even more
intense than in the North. Douglas had a good following in many
portions of the South, but a majority of the ruling class there,
whether they had formerly been Democrats or Whigs, were now disposed
to bring the long sectional controversy to an issue. Therefore,
besides the debate over the Presidential issue, there was a serious
discussion also of what course the South should take in the event
of Mr. Lincoln's election. In all the Cotton States the sentiment
for secession was now very strong. The Alabama Legislature, early
in 1860, had instructed her Governor to call a convention in case
a "Black Republican" should be elected President in November.
South Carolina had long been ready to join in such a movement, or
to lead in it.

At last, election day came, and the results, immediate as well as
ulterior, are deserving of some remark. The aggregate popular vote
exceeded four million, six hundred and eighty thousand; and of the
total, one million, eight hundred and sixty-six thousand votes were
given for Mr. Lincoln; and of the three hundred and three electoral
votes, he received one hundred and eighty. Mr. Breckinridge, the
candidate of the South, received eight hundred and forty-seven
thousand votes, and seventy-two votes in the Electoral College;
while Mr. Douglas received only twelve electoral votes, although
his popular vote reached a million, three hundred and seventy-five
thousand. Bell received thirty-nine electoral votes on a popular
vote of less than six hundred thousand. Thus the popular vote for
Mr. Lincoln was nearly a half-million less than a majority; but
his predecessor, Mr. Buchanan, was also a minority President, so
that this fact as a pretext for secession was wholly without point.

Eleven States voted for Mr. Breckinridge