Lot 281
Johnson, Lyndon B (1908-1973) 36th President of the U.S. (1963-69). As a Democratic congressman from Texas (1937-49) he supported Pres. Roosevelt's New Deal. Elected senator in 1948, he became majority leader following the 1954 elections. After losing the 60 presidential nomination to John F. Kennedy, Johnson agreed to become Kennedy's running mate. After Kennedy's assassination (Nov. 22, 1963) Johnson was immediately sworn in as president. Announcing that he would carry out the late president's programs, he skillfully prodded Congress into enacting (1964) an $11 billion tax cut and a sweeping Civil Rights Act. Elected (1964) to a full term, he launched a program of social and economic welfare programs to create what he termed the Great Society. It included Medicare and Medicaid, federal aid to education, increased anti-poverty programs (including Head Start), and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The Dept. of Transportation and the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development were created. Johnson's domestic achievements, however, were soon obscured by foreign affairs. When North Vietnam allegedly attacked (Aug. 1964) U.S. destroyers, Congress passed the Tonkin Gulf Resolution, which gave the president authority to take any action necessary to protect U.S. troops. Johnson began (Feb. 1965) the bombing of North Vietnam and increased U.S. forces in South Vietnam to nearly 550,000 (1969). The Vietnam War aroused widespread opposition in Congress and among the public, and rioting (1968) in the African-American ghettos of U.S. cities further marred his presidency. In 1965 Johnson sent U.S. troops into the Dominican Republic. He announced that he would not run for reelection and retired to his Texas ranch.
Presidential Pen with Typed Letter Signed ("Lyndon B Johnson"). Manila Conference pen and a typescript copy of Johnson's Manila Conference report to Congressional leaders make up part of this lot, the remaining piece is the TLS on White House stationery, written to Rep. John Rooney. Accompanying the Conference report, the note reads, in part: "…The Manila conference, I am firmly convinced was a great success…I also want to take this opportunity to express my personal appreciation and the gratitude of our Nation for the contribution you made to the 89th Congress, the Great Congress…" Overall, fine condition.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
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| Realized $978 |
