* Some Northerners believed that secession was the best way to preserve the Union. They argued that if Southern states were allowed to secede, the remaining Northern states would be stronger and more united. They also believed that secession would prevent a civil war.
* Other Northerners believed that secession was a violation of the Constitution. They argued that the Constitution did not give states the right to secede from the Union. They also believed that secession would lead to chaos and disorder.
* Still other Northerners believed that secession was morally wrong. They argued that it was wrong for Southern states to secede from the Union in order to preserve the institution of slavery. They also believed that secession would lead to a civil war.
Ultimately, the Northern response to secession was determined by a number of factors, including political ideology, economic interests, and moral beliefs.