Walter Bagehot: “But it also invades men--by the most bodily part of the mind--so to speak--the link between soul and body--the manner.”

It is natural that those who by special and admirable culture have come to look at all things upon the artistic side, should start back from these queer peculiarities.

But it is natural also that persons used to analyse political institutions should look at these anomalies with a little tenderness and a little interest.

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.

I cannot, therefore, join in the full cry against anomalies; in my judgment it may quickly overrun the scent, and so miss what we should be glad to find.