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date: 15 January 2025

John L. O'Sullivan 1813–95
American journalist and diplomat 

  1. The best government is that which governs least.
    in United States Magazine and Democratic Review (1837) introduction; see Thoreau
  2. A spirit of hostile interference against us…checking the fulfilment of our manifest destiny to overspread the continent allotted by Providence for the free development of our yearly multiplying millions.
    on opposition to the annexation of Texas
    in United States Magazine and Democratic Review (1845) vol. 17
  3. A torchlight procession marching down your throat.
    describing certain kinds of whisky
    G. W. E. Russell Collections and Recollections (1898) ch. 19