Walter Bagehot: “What were the chances against a person of Lincoln's antecedents, elected as he was, proving to be what he was?”

Just so the lines of our Constitution were framed in old eras of sparse population, few wants, and simple habits; and we adhere in seeming to their shape, though civilisation has come with its dangers, complications, and enjoyments.

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.

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.

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.