Well, that's the thing, WP.
I'm a conservative, and I support allowing black people to vote and serve on juries.
I also oppose tariffs and protectionism of any kind.
Additionally, I believe aggressive public works projects - I'm sorry, "internal improvements" - are a huge drain on taxpayers and are essentially a tactic to expand the size and scope of government intrusion in daily life.
I also believe that the best way to settle disputes among Americans is through negotiation and the ballot box, not Waco-style federal bulldozing.
So it really doesn't surprise me, as a conservative, that Lincoln is not worshipped as a secular god here on FR.
The United States under the Articles of Confederation was bankrupt. The last navy ship was sold in 1785. The Marine Corps was disbanded and the 500 man army (located at its one post) was near mutiny.
After only 4 years of operation of the Constitution (and the revenue gained from protective tariffs), the Congress was able to fund six fine warships, including the U.S.S. Constitution, United States and President. The Marine Corps was reestablished in 1798. In 1803, President Jefferson was able to buy the Louisiana Purchase.
See a trend here?
Even in 1860, the government took in tariff revenue $56 million -- less than $2 per person.
Walt