The nomination and election of a republican president . . .

 . . . will do more for the restoration of confidence in a financial point of view and revival of business and trade than any thing else can do. When the rulers of the nation lose their integrity; when they descend to low party intrigue; when a corrupt administration makes use of the public funds to procure the enactment of measures repugnant to the wishes of the people, then it is that business confidence sympathies with that in the government, and distrust and stagnation take the place of hopeful enterprise. Under such circumstances, almost any undertaking is hazardous, property becomes unsafe, its value is fluctuating and unreliable, and the baleful influences of the government are felt in every department of individual economy. Change the government, let only its legitimate functions be performed and confidence is at once restored and business undergoes an instant revival. What business man, tradesman, farmer or mechanic does not desire a radical change in the administration of the general government.

SOURCE: “The nomination and election of a republican president,” Janesville Weekly Gazette, Janesville, Wisconsin, Wednesday, May 16, 1860, p. 2, col. 1.