Saturday, March 8, 2014

150th anniversary of the Dartmouth College Case - Daniel Webster 22.9.1969

This stamp issued on 22.9.1969 at Hanover, NH, commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Dartmouth College Case.  In 1816, the legislature of New Hampshire changed Dartmouth College’s charter in an attempt to make the institution public.  Daniel Webster argued successfully that the change violated the contract clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Daniel Webster (1782-1852) – Statesman. Daniel Webster was born in Salisbury (now Franklin), New Hampshire.  He attended Dartmouth College and studied law in Boston.  Webster became one of the most important lawyers of his time.  He is well remembered for his arguments before the Supreme Court in the case of Dartmouth College v. Woodward.  Webster served New Hampshire as a United States Congressman and Senator.  In Congress, he further enhanced his reputation as one of the nation’s greatest orators.  He served as Secretary of State under three presidents – William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, and Millard Fillmore.
Webster gained his greatest fame as a supporter of a strong national government.  His words, such as “Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable!” served as inspiration to Union soldiers during the American Civil War.
A statue of Daniel Webster represents the state of New Hampshire in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol.
Thank you Merja.

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