The Public Record
Lyndon Baines Johnson was the 36th President of the United States, serving from 1963 to 1969. A member of the Democratic Party, he was born in Texas and began his political career as a U.S. Representative in 1937, later becoming a U.S. Senator in 1949. Johnson ascended to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and his administration is noted for significant domestic policies, including the Great Society programs aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice. His legislative achievements included the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the establishment of Medicare and Medicaid.
I, Lyndon B. Johnson, President of the United States of America, under and by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Act, do hereby proclaim the Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1960, as set forth in Section 4 of the Act…
So I want to point out to you that the message that I will give on the evening of the 4th will not be a complete or final summation of all that we hope to achieve in these 4 years.
I look forward to a continuation of the close friendship between our two countries in these times which present not only great problems but also great opportunities.
For nearly 200 years of our existence as a nation, America has stood for peace in the world.
For 50 years the Panama Canal has carried ships of all nations in peaceful trade between the two great oceans--on terms of entire equality and at no profit to this country.
Now it is my great privilege to do as Presidents have done for 40 years--to press this button and light the Christmas tree for all the Nation.
After careful review with my senior advisers, I have accepted this recommendation.
At this Christmas season of 1964, we can think of broader and brighter horizons than any who have lived before these times.
By his inventions, man has made war unthinkable, now and forevermore.
Since the first Christmas, man has moved slowly but steadily forward toward realizing the promise of peace on earth among men of good will.
The canal is growing old, and so are the treaties for its management, which go back to 1903.
I have decided to propose to the Government of Panama the negotiation of an entirely new treaty on the existing Panama Canal.
This is very attractive and I am happy and proud to accept this pass.
As a Member of Congress, I followed very closely all the legislation affecting Gallaudet and did all I could to advance it.
He will never discard a principle nor despair of doing what is right and ought to be done.
I have accepted Secretary Hodges' resignation with deep regret because he is not only a good and wise American but he is my longtime trusted personal friend.
I will be conferring from time to time with leading educators, businessmen, and labor men here at the White House, and perhaps at the ranch before the new session.
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