Walter Bagehot: “The progress of the military art is the most conspicuous, I was about to say the most SHOWY, fact in human history.”

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.

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.

The casual line was traced according to the strength of deceased combatants; succeeding generations fought elsewhere; and the hesitating line of a half-drawn battle was left to stand for a perpetual limit.