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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
The Highwayman
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

The Highwayman

Artifact ID1973.1.875
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist
Gifter
Medium Ink and applied shading on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 13 1/8 in x W 18 3/4 in (33.3 cm x 47.6 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A confused man ("Congress") runs with a frightened child ("Tax Bird Johnson") in front of rolled carpet ("Proposed cuts in road spending"). LBJ stands behind the roll with a gun saying, "Now dance, podnuh!". Caption: “The Highwayman”. Artist signature lower left: "Draper Hill”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: “44” [illegible]. Printed at upper right: [orange background] “Edi” “Telegr” “Gazet” “Day A” “Subjec” “Width” “Depth” “Orders” “Put” “Edit” “Remarks”.
Historical NoteWhen Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1964 Revenue Act that decreased income taxes and refused to raise taxes, spending by consumers and businesses increased. Along with government spending from the Vietnam War and Great Society, all of this increase of demand led to inflation. Raising taxes would slow down the economy and prevent inflation. Similarly, decreasing government spending would help slow down the economy, and in this cartoon, Johnson urges Congress to decrease federal spending. The Highway Beautification Act of 1965 was an effort led by Lady Bird Johnson to limit billboards and remove junk yards along highways. It was signed by Lyndon Johnson on October 22, 1965.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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