On This Date in Minnesota History: October 20

Oct. 20, 1803 - “Although the Constitution did not specifically empower the federal government to acquire new territory by treaty, [President] Jefferson concluded that the practical benefits to the nation [of the Louisiana Purchase] far outweighed the possible violation of the Constitution. The Senate concurred with this decision and voted ratification.”
http://www.gatewayno.com/history/LaPurchase.html

Thomas Jefferson

  http://www.indiana.edu/~libsalc/cartoons/1804.html