Carlisle (PA) American Volunteer, “Bad State of Affairs,” November 22, 1860

BAD STATE OF AFFAIRS. – Within a few days hundreds of mechanics and laboring men have been turned out of employment in New York and Philadelphia, in consequence of the derangement of business consequent upon the late election. Orders have been countermanded, and prostration of business resulting from loss of consequence, seems to have changed the order of things, and men begin to look cautiously ahead. A long dreary winter is ahead and poverty and starvation will stare many a hard working man in the face. Even this scanty pittance is to be divided, apparently, with a new and large influx of free negroes from the South.

There is no election to be influenced by this movement. That is over; the die is cast; and self-preservation looks to the future. Men of means will be shy of this investment, and those pressed will be compelled to close, or buy means at ruinous usury. We hope for better things. Our Republican friends have the power to restore harmony – to re-establish confidence; will they do it?