Wikipedia:Main Page alternative (Classic 2006)

Today's featured article

Daniel Webster was a leading American statesman during the nation's antebellum era. Webster first rose to regional prominence through his defense of New England shipping interests. His increasingly nationalistic views and the effectiveness with which he articulated them led Webster to become one of the most famous orators and influential Whig leaders of the Second Party System. As an attorney he served as legal counsel in several cases that established important constitutional precedents that bolstered the authority of the Federal government. As Secretary of State, Webster negotiated the Webster-Ashburton Treaty that established the definitive Eastern border between the United States and Canada. Primarily recognized for his Senate tenure, Webster was a key figure in the institution's "Golden Age". So well known was his skill as a Senator throughout this period that Webster became a third of what was and still is known today as the "Great Triumvirate", with his colleagues Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun. His "Reply to Haynes" (1830) was generally regarded as "the most eloquent speech ever delivered in Congress." Though Webster made three bids he never achieved the Presidency, his final attempt failing in part because of his compromises. Like his attempts at gaining the White House, Webster's efforts at steering the nation away from civil war toward a definite peace would ultimately prove futile. (more...)

In the news

• Two passengers remain unaccounted for after the Greek cruise ship M/S Sea Diamond (pictured) runs aground off Santorini in the Aegean Sea and sinks.
• The Royal Navy personnel accused of trespassing into Iranian waters return to the United Kingdom after a two-week detention.
• TGV POS trainset number 4402 sets a new world speed record for railed vehicles at 574.8 km/h (357 mph) during test runs conducted in Champagne, France.
• Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko dissolves the parliament and calls for an early parliamentary election, a move denounced by the parliament as unconstitutional.
• A tsunami triggered by an earthquake strikes the Solomon Islands, killing at least 20, destroying around 900 homes and leaving thousands homeless.
  Wikinews – Recent deaths – More current events...

  Today's featured picture

  Wikipedia:POTD column/April 8, 2007