Blogging In The Years: 1860

Why the New York Times is endorsing Lincoln:

We have great confidence in his pacific and concliliatory disposition. He seems to us much more likely to be too good-natured and tolerant towards his opponents, than not enough. Rail-splitting is not an esciting occupation. It does not tend to cultivate the hot and angry passions of the heart. It is much less stimulating than the business of overseer on a slave plantation. It teaches a man to strike heavy blows, and to plant them just where they are needed-but, he learns, also, to deal the them only when they are needed.

The Times seems to be gambling that Mr. Lincoln will be a moderate. But will calls for moderation really sway the South?