Usher Burdick Papers

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mr. T. O. Rohde Regarding Mineral Rights, January 25, 1954

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated January 25, 1954 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to T. O. Rohde of New Town, North Dakota expresses Burdick's regret that he cannot attach a rider to an existing bill in the US House of Representatives to recover the mineral rights for land Rohde sold for the Garrison Dam Project. Burdick urges Rohde to contact US Senators William Langer and Milton Young and ask that they do so in the US Senate.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to William Langer Regarding Garrison Dam Land Acquisition, January 26, 1954

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated January 26, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to US Senator William Langer refers to the Budget Message, in which over $1M are provided for the US Army Engineer's land buying program for Garrison Dam. Burdick writes that this means the US Army Engineers plan to keep buying land for dikes around the City of Williston, North Dakota. Burdick argues that Congress should not make an appropriation for dikes that have not been authorized, and gives his rationale for the land buying program being kept within an elevation of 1,840 feet. He predicts that the pool-level question will eventually reach the US Supreme Court and that the land owners opposing taking of land to allow for the higher pool level will prevail.

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  Telegram from Representative Burdick to William Davidson Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Height and Corresponding Land Acquisition, March 16, 1954

  Usher L. Burdick

  This telegram, dated March 16, 1954, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to American State Bank of Williston president William S. Davidson Sr. concerns land acquisition related to Garrison Dam. Burdick writes that a bill has just unanimously passed the house limiting land buying to 1,840 feet, "same as last year." Burdick adds that no further hearing is necessary and urges Davidson to wire Langer and Young. The telegram has a note at the bottom that reads "Identical to: Mr. Harry Polk, Williston Daily Herald, Williston, North Dakota"

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  Letter from Walter Burk to Laura Page Knudson Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, August 2, 1954

  Walter O. Burk

  This letter, dated August 2, 1954, from attorney Walter O. Burk to Laura Page Knudson, legislative assistant for United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, explains that Burk is expecting to conference with a group in eastern North Dakota who want an 1,850 foot operating level at the dam.

  Burk writes that he and Governor Brunsdale disagree on whether the dam will provide 360,000 or 200,000 kilowatts of power, and asks Knudson for to get the correct figure from the US Army Engineers in the form of a letter and send him either the original or a copy.

  See also: Letter from Representative Burdick to Walter Burk Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, August 10, 1954

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  Statement by Walter Burk on Garrison Dam Pool Level, February 18, 1954

  Walter O. Burk

  This statement, delivered February 15, 1954, by attorney Walter O. Burk before the Subcommittee on Civil Functions and Military Construction of the United States (US) House Appropriations Committee during hearings on the pool level of the Garrison Dam in North Dakota, expresses Burk's opposition to an immediate pool level of 1850 feet for the Garrison Dam Reservoir.

  Burk explains that he is the president of the Upper Missouri Development Association, an organization opposed to a pool level of 1,850. He describes the three principal arguments put forward by advocates of an 1,850-foot pool level, which focus on power generation, irrigation, and flood control and navigation.

  He then explains that the small sacrifice in power generation posed by a 1840-foot pool level put forward by the city of Williston as a compromise, combined with low demand for additional power and plentiful coal to be used for cheap steam generation, render the power-generation argument irrelevant.

  Similarly, he provides background on previous irrigation projects and proposals that demonstrate that there is little desire among farmers in western North Dakota to convert from dry-land farming to irrigated farming.

  Burk mentions in closing that the compromise level of 1840 feet was rejected by the Army Engineers.

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  Report by Cragun to the Three Affiliated Tribes Regarding the Fort Berthold Claims, January 12, 1954

  John Cragun

  This report, dated January 12, 1954, from John Cragun to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation gives an update on the status of the Tribes' claims to the Indian Claims Commission. The report reiterates that Crogun's firm expects the Claims Commission to rely on the outcome of the Blackfeet case to decide the Fort Berthold claim. The report also summarizes the Three Affiliated Tribes' claim, which has to do with damages sustained due to the delay between the time their lands were taken and the time the Court of Claims awarded them payment. The letter concludes by saying that the firm expects a decision from the Court of Claims soon.

  See also:

  Report by Wilkinson, Boyden, Cragun, and Barker on the Status of the Fort Berthold Claims, June 22, 1953

  Letter from Mrs. John Sitting Crow to Representative Burdick Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, February 25, 1954

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Douglas McKay Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 26, 1954

  Martin Cross

  This letter, dated May 26, 1954, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Secretary of the Interior Douglas McKay raises the question of why a $200 per capita payment out of the tribes' own funds, proposed by the Tribal Council and approved by the both the Fort Berthold Agency Superintendent and the Area Office of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, was disapproved by the US Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

  Cross wants to know why the Commissioner of Indian Affairs rejected the proposal when it had appeared that the proposal would be accepted, and argues for approval, citing both US Public Law 437 and US Public Law 843. He further notes that the majority of the tribal members on the reservation are unemployed and desperately need financial relief.

  See also:

  Resolution Passed by Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 13, 1954

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 27, 1954

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing Transcripts of Notes from July 15-17 Meeting, August 10, 1954

  Martin Cross

  This letter, dated August 10, 1954, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick refers to enclosed copies of two sets of notes, one taken by the Tribal stenographer and the other by Superintendent Ralph Shane, from a July 15-17 meeting regarding the proposed release of tribal funds from the US Treasury in the form of per capita payments. During this meeting, a representative of the Bureau of Indian Affairs presented an alternative plan for the release of the tribes' funds in which the release of the funds would be tied to the termination of US federal services to the tribes.

  Cross writes that the majority of speakers did not favor the plan put forth by the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, finding it so complicated and confusing that they felt it necessary to reject it formally.

  Cross asks that Burdick read the notes and comment on them, including his opinion on whether the Three Three Affililated Tribes did the right thing or not in rejecting the Bureau's plan.

  The copies of notes referred to in the letter are included with this document, along with a resolution by the governing body of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation rejecting the US Bureau of Indian Affairs' plan and reinstating its own proposed plan.

  See also:

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Inviting Burdick to Meeting July 15-17 Regarding Release of Tribal Funds Held in Trust in US Treasury, July 13, 1954

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing Two Resolutions Passed by the Three Affiliated Tribes, August 27, 1954

  Martin Cross

  This letter, dated August 27, 1954, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick encloses two resolutions passed by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council. The first resolution amends the tribal constitution to make adjustments to the governing body and its representatives in accordance with the changes that the flooding of their land by the Garrison Dam made to the functional needs of the reservation. The second resolution provides details for per capita funds distributions, including tribal rolls and who is eligible to receive payment. Both resolutions are signed by Samuel B. Matthews, Martin Cross, and Ralph Shane. Both resolutions are enclosed with this document.

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 27, 1954

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter, dated May 27, 1954, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick provides a report on Cross's appeal of the denial of a proposed $200 per capita payment. Cross writes that he saw Secretary Douglas McKay on May 26, but McKay said that he did not know anything about it. Cross said than in a subsequent meeting with several people from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs he did not succeed in overturning the rejection of the proposed per capita payment. Cross mentions enclosing a copy of the letter he sent to McKay, but the enclosed letter was not found with this document in Burdick's papers.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Douglas McKay Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 26, 1954

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Decision to Reject Per Capita Payments, June 2, 1954

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Asking Burdick to Oppose US House Resolution 4985, June 10, 1954

  Martin Cross

  This telegram, dated June 10, 1954, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick urges Burdick to oppose the competency bill, US House Resolution 4985 (H.R. 4985). There are some handwritten notes on the telegram.

  See also:

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Requesting that Langer Oppose House Resolution 4985, June 10, 1954

  Telegram from Laura Page Knudson for Representative Burdick Responding to June 10 Telegram, June 11, 1954

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Asking Burdick to Oppose US Senate Joint Resolution 4, May 10, 1954

  Martin Cross

  This telegram, dated May 10, 1954, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick requests that Burdick oppose the passage of US Senate Joint Resolution 4 (S.J. 4) which has a hearing scheduled on May 11.

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Inviting Burdick to Meeting July 15-17 Regarding Release of Tribal Funds Held in Trust in US Treasury, July 13, 1954

  Martin Cross

  This telegram, dated July 13, 1954, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick congratulates Burdick on winning a nomination in the primary elections. Cross invites Burdick to come to New Town, North Dakota July 15-17 for a presentation of the comprehensive plan for release of tribal funds held in trust for the tribes by the US Treasury. There are some handwritten notes on the telegram.

  See also:

  Telegram from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Declining Invitation to Meeting July 15-17 Regarding Release of Tribal Funds Held in Trust in US Treasury, July 15, 1954

  Telegram from Martin Cross to William Langer Inviting Langer to a Meeting Regarding Release of Tribal Funds in US Treasury, July 13, 1954

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  Letter from William J. Deane to Representative Burdick Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 15, 1954

  William J. Deane

  This letter, dated March 15 1954, from William J. Deane of Elbowoods, North Dakota on the Fort Berthold Reservation to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick begins with Deane congratulating Burdick on having walked "between the bullets," a reference to a shooting in the US Capitol by four Puerto Rican Nationalists in which five US representatives were wounded.

  Deane then makes reference to the Three Affiliated Tribes' pending case before the US Court of Claims, writing that he was told on his last trip to Washington, D.C. that the US government was "stalling," and expressing his hope that Burdick can expedite the matter.

  See also:

  Report to the Three Affiliated Tribes Regarding the Fort Berthold Claims, January 12, 1954

  Letter from Representative Burdick to William J. Deane Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 17, 1954

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  Letter from John Hart to Orme Lewis Regarding Trusteeship, January 11, 1954

  John B. Hart

  This letter, dated January 11, 1954, from John B. Hart to Orme Lewis concerns the issue of native emancipation from the reservation and trusteeship system. Hart writes that, while he agrees that abolishing the reservation system is desirable and that natives should ultimately be served by the same health, welfare, education, and law enforcement agencies as the ones that serve "non-Indians," state and local agencies must be compensated for the additional expense that will result from these changes in policy.

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  Letter from Laura Knudson for Usher Burdick to Walter Burk Regarding Garrison Dam Energy Projections, March 12, 1954

  Laura Page Knudson

  This letter, dated March 12, 1954, from Laura Page Knudson on behalf of United Stsates (US) Usher Burdick, to attorney Walter Burk, concerns the projected energy figures related to the Garrison Dam. The document also includes a note from Knudson which explains that she has attached a letter from the US Army Engineers. This attached document, a letter from C. H. Chorpening, assistant chief of the Engineers for Civil Works, Department of the Army, includes data tables showing the projected amount of kilowatts and associated dollars generated by the dam at three pool operating level ranges. His letter concludes that discussions about the dam's operating level have focused on the power losses, but that he believes the dollar losses to be significant as well.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to C. H. Chorpening Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, March 15, 1954

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  Letter from Laura Page Knudson for Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding the Election Questionnaire Sent from the Three Affiliated Tribes, November 10, 1954

  Laura Page Knudson

  This letter, dated November 10, 1954, from Laura Page Knudson on behalf of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross responds to Cross's October 25 letter enclosing an election questionnaire that the tribes requested be returned prior to election day on November 2. Knudson says that she received a response from Burdick that morning saying, "you people should know by now that he has always been your friend."

  See also:

  Election Questionnaire Sent from the Three Affiliated Tribes to Representative Burdick, October 25, 1954

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  Telegram from Laura Page Knudson for Representative Burdick Responding to June 10 Telegram, June 11, 1954

  Laura Page Knudson

  This telegram, dated June 11, 1954, from Laura Page Knudson on behalf of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross replies to Cross's June 10 telegram and says that they will do what they can.

  See also:

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Asking Burdick to Oppose US House Resolution 4985, June 10, 1954

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  Letter from Ralph Shane to Representative Burdick Thanking Burdick for his Congratulations, March 12, 1954

  Ralph M. Shane

  This letter, dated March 12, 1954 from Acting Superintendent Ralph M. Shane to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick thanks Burdick for his expression of congratulations for Shane's appointment as superintendent of the Fort Berthold Agency.

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  Letter from Mrs. John Sitting Crow to Congressman Burdick Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, February 25, 1954

  Sitting Crow

  This letter, dated February 25 1954, from Mrs. John Sitting Crow of New Town North Dakota to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick refers to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation's claims before the US Court of Claims. Sitting Crow informs Burdick that the tribal members want their hearing as soon as possible.

  See also:

  Report by Cragun to the Three Affiliated Tribes Regarding the Fort Berthold Claims, January 12, 1954

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Sitting Crow Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 12, 1954

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  Letter from Pearl Spotted Horse to Representative Burdick Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 5, 1954

  Pearl Spotted Horse

  This letter, dated March 5, 1954, from Pearl Spotted Horse of Emmet, North Dakota to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick concerns the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation's claims before the Court of Claims. Spotted Horse writes that tribal members want their hearing as soon as possible. Spotted Horse also writes that she would "like all the claims," and "can use some of the claims that are supposed to be our's (sic)."

  See also:

  Report by Cragun to the Three Affiliated Tribes Regarding the Fort Berthold Claims, January 12, 1954

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Pearl Spotted Horse Regarding Fort Berthold Claims, March 12, 1954

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  Election Questionnaire Sent from the Three Affiliated Tribes to Representative Burdick, October 25, 1954

  Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation

  This election questionnaire, dated October 25, 1954, was sent from the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick. The questionnaire inquires about Burdick's standing on issues and how he will work to help the tribes if reelected to office. The questionnaire is signed by Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross. At the top of the survey is a note on a post-it that reads, "Usher says that they should know he has always been their friend, by now."

  See also:

  Letter from Laura Page Knudson on Behalf of Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding the Election Questionnaire Sent from the Three Affiliated Tribes, November 10, 1954

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  Resolution Passed by Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council Allowing Chairman Martin Cross to Select Representatives for Conference About Per Capita Payments, June 3, 1954

  Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council

  This resolution passed on June 3, 1954 by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council authorizes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to select representatives to advocate for per capita payments. The resolution is signed by Samuel B. Matthews, Martin Cross, and Ralph M. Shane.

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  Resolution Passed by Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 13, 1954

  Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council

  This resolution passed on May 13, 1954 by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council was sent from the council to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick. The resolution appeals to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to change their ruling against $200 per capita payments for tribal members. The resolution is signed by Samuel Meyers, Martin Cross, and Ralph Shane. There are some handwritten notes on the resolution.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Douglas McKay Regarding Per Capita Payments, May 26, 1954

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  Letter from C. A. Waldron to Representative Burdick Regarding Indian Law Book, February 6, 1954

  G. A. Waldron

  This letter dated February 6, 1954, from attorney C. A. Waldron of the Waldron and Kenner law firm to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, responds to Burdick's letter regarding an "Indian law" book Burdick had lent the firm. Waldron thanks Burdick for the use of the book and assures him it will be returned to Burdick once Waldron is finished with it. Waldron closes by telling Burdick that he agrees with Burdick's views about the Bricker amendment.

  A handwritten annotation on the letter reads "Black Dog"

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to C. A. Waldron and Harris F. Kenner Regarding Indian Law Book, February 2, 1954