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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
I Swear to Uphold the Constitution...
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

I Swear to Uphold the Constitution...

Artifact ID1965.28.334
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, 1902 - 1977)
Gifter
Publisher (founded 1882)
Date ca. September 1965
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 11 1/4 in x W 14 1/4 in (28.6 cm x 36.2 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A man ("Sen. Dirksen") stands at a desk and raises his right hand as if he is taking an oath. He also holds a saw and a meat cleaver, and has a knife on his desk. Caption reads: "I Swear to Uphold the Constitution (as Soon as I Fix It as I Want It)". Artist signature lower right: "R A Lewis Milwaukee Journal".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: "To President Johnson for his cartoon collection Ross A. Lewis". Handwritten across bottom: "I Swear to Uphold the Constitution (as Soon as I Fix It as I Want It)". Handwritten at upper right: "9/13/65". Stamped at upper right: "10560".
Historical NoteEverett Dirksen was a Republican senator from Illinois who was the Senate Minority Leader during Lyndon Johnson’s presidency. At first, he favored American involvement in Vietnam, but modified his position in 1967.
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 Everett Dirksen (United States, 1896 - 1969)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Milwaukee
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