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STEPHEN LONGSTREET: Letter from H.L. Mencken: 1942.

"The worst government is the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when fanatics are on top there is no limit to oppression."

Henry Louis Mencken, (1880-1956), American literary critic, humorous journalist, essayist. Mencken may have written as many as 3,000 newspaper columns. His reporting on the scopes monkey trial was riveting and just as true today as written then.

Upon hearing of the death of Calvin Coolidge, he retorted
'How can they be sure?'

Unfortunately, we have no idea as to the quotation mentioned in the letter below.

 

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