Final answer:
Lincoln initially ignored the secession problem to avoid pushing border states to secede and to prevent increasing anti-war sentiment in the North, focusing on preserving the Union.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Abraham Lincoln initially ignored the secession problem because he was concerned that any drastic action might push the border states toward secession and increase anti-war sentiment in the North.
He supported gradual compensated emancipation and did not immediately interfere with slavery where it existed, as he had no legal right nor inclination to do so. His foremost concern was preserving the Union and avoiding actions that could further alienate Southern states or the opposition within the North, which might undermine the war effort.