[rockrr]

The balance of economic power would have shifted to the South, and the Empire State simply could not allow such a thing to happen.

That would be comical if it weren't so preposterous.

[DiogenesLamp]

That would be comical if it weren't so preposterous.

The numbers tell a different story. 3/4ths of that pile is the consequence of Southern exports.

Move 3/4ths of the trade represented by that pile to the south, and New York is in a serious crises.