Hard to Close, Once the Gate Is Open
Artifact ID1966.64.247
Object Type
Cartoon Drawing
Artist
Reg Manning
(1905 - 1986)
Publisher
Arizona Republic
(founded 1870)
Gifter
Reg Manning
Date
ca. May 1966
Medium
Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 1/2 in x W 11 in (36.8 cm x 27.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionPhysical DescriptionOriginal Cartoon Drawing. Herded from behind by a cowboy ("Congress"), a herd of cattle ("Additional Appropriations", "President's Spending Program") stampede out of the gate ("Great Society Ranch") and into a pasture ("Budget Pasture"). LBJ tries to close the gate, saying: "Stop! That's Enough!". Caption reads: "Hard to Close, Once the Gate Is Open". Artist signature at bottom center: "Reg Manning [cactus drawing]". Additional text at lower right: "McNaught Syndicate, Inc."
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten vertically at center right: "To President Johnson, Reg Manning 6-6-66". Handwritten at lower left: "3 col". Stamped and hand-written at bottom center: "May 5 1966 Mailing".
Historical NoteThe Johnson Administration submitted 87 bills to Congress, and Johnson signed 84, or 96%, arguably the most successful legislative agenda in US congressional history, leading to a lot of government spending. In 1966, the year this cartoon was made, the United States federal government had a budget of $134.5 billion.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 personally, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1970.
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
(American, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place Described
Place of Publication