It has long been a grave question whether any government, not too strong for the liberties of its people, can be strong enough to maintain its own existence, in great emergencies. […]
We can not have free government without elections; and if the rebellion could force us to forego, or postpone a national election, it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us.

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) American lawyer, politician, US President (1861-65)

Speech (1864-11-10), “Response to a Serenade,” Washington, D. C.
    (Source)

Speech given from a White House window to a group of Pennsylvanians celebrating his re-election.