If we omit the higher but disputed topics of morals and religion, we shall find, I think, that the plainer and agreed--on superiorities of the Englishmen are these: first, that they have a greater command over the powers of nature upon the whole.
Bagehot identifies the superior command of nature as a key advantage of Englishmen.
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These anomalies, in a hundred instances, mark the old boundaries of a constitutional struggle.
Political philosophy is still more imperfect; it has been framed from observations taken upon regular specimens of politics and States; as to these its teaching is most valuable.
I own that I do not entirely sympathise with the horror of these anomalies which haunts some of our best critics.
Subject to this saving remark, however, I not only admit, but maintain, that our Constitution is full of curious oddities, which are impeding and mischievous, and ought to be struck out.
Other voices in this conversation
