Usher Burdick Papers

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Commissioner John R. Nichols Regarding Fort Berthold Resident Adlai Stevenson's Desire to Sell His House, August 30, 1950

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated August 30, 1950 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs John R. Nichols refers to an enclosed letter from Three Affiliated Tribes member Adlai Stevenson requesting to sell his house.

  The letter referenced as enclosed was not found with this letter in Burdick's papers.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Rufus Stevenson Regarding the Requested Sale of Adlai Stevenson's House, August 30, 1950

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Nelson Smith Regarding Garrison Dam and Fort Peck Dam, April 20, 1950

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated April 20, 1950, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Federal Power Commission commissioner Nelson Smith concerns Garrison Dam and Fort Peck Dam. Burdick asks Smith a series of logistic questions about each dam, including their building costs, energy capacities, number of generators, annual costs, and dam breaks. With reference to Garrison Dam, Burdick also asks if the extra 20 feet from a pool level of 1,830 to 1,850 will be used for power or for irrigation and diversion of water.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Rufus Stevenson Regarding the Requested Sale of His Father Adlai Stevenson's House, August 30, 1950

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated August 30, 1950 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Rufus Stevenson is a reply to Stevenson's letter of August 27 regarding Stevenson's father Adlai Stevenson's desire to sell his house.

  There is a handwritten annotation that reads "Ind" at the top of the document.

  See also: Letter from Representative Burdick to Commissioner John R. Nichols Regarding Fort Berthold Resident Adlai Stevenson's Desire to Sell His House, August 30, 1950

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Russell Belquist Regarding a Request for Bulletins and Leaflets, February 6, 1950

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated February 6, 1950, from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to Russell Belquist if New Rockford, North Dakota acknowledges receipt of Belquist’s request for bulletins and leaflets from the Department of Agriculture. The letter states that Burdick will send Belquist the publications in a few days.

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  Letter from a Group from the Fort Berthold Reservation to Representative Burdick Regarding Delegates in Washington, D.C., May 25, 1950

  Charles Burr, Martin Fox, Sam Lincoln, Robert L----, and Justin Spotted Bear

  This handwritten letter dated May 25, 1950 from a group of Three Affiliated Tribes members to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick requests that Burdick aide the two Mandan delegates who are there to meet with Burdick (presumably in Washington, D.C.). The letter is signed by Charles Burr, Martin Fox, Sam Lincoln, Robert L--- [illegible], and Justin Spotted Bear.

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  Letter from Ralph Hoyt Case to Representative Burdick Regarding Report Given to Fort Berthold Tribal Business Council, January 6, 1950

  Ralph Hoyt Case

  This letter dated January 6, 195, from Ralph Hoyt Case to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick, advises Burdick that Case has delivered a report to the Fort Berthold Tribal Business Council. Case notes he has enclosed a copy of the report for Burdick's records.

  The enclosed report provides recommendations from Case to the Tribal Business Council about new legislation. Case concurs with US Representative William Lemke that it would be best to wait to introduce new legislation until after Public Law 437 goes into effect. Case outlines the reasoning for this recommendation in the remainder of the report.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Ralph Hoyt Case Regarding Report Given to Fort Berthold Tribal Business Council, January 9, 1950

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  Excerpt from Three Affiliated Tribes Bulletin Regarding Tribal Chairman Election with a Note from Cross on the Final Vote Count, September 27, 1950

  Martin Cross

  This bulletin excerpt was sent from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairman Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick on September 27, 1950. The annotations from Cross direct Burdick to the section of the bulletin describing the tribal elections and the vote on tribal chairman. Cross has written in the election results: he received 325 votes and Carl Whitman, Jr. received 223. Cross made some handwritten markings and corrections to the bulletin.

  See also:

  Letter from the Office of Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Acknowledging Cross's Letter, October 2, 1950

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing a February 6 Resolution Passed by the Joseph Young Hawk Post #253, February 7, 1950

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter dated February 7, 1950 from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick encloses a resolution passed by Joseph Young Hawk Post #253. Cross informs Burdick that the tribes are being polled on their acceptance or rejection of US Public Law 437. Cross further informs that Floyd Montclair and Oscar Burr are or will be participating in hearings and Cross does not understand why. The resolution is enclosed with this document. The resolution is against the Hoover Commission Report and resolve that the report "be excluded from affecting the Veterans Administration."

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding Floyd Montclair's Visit to Washington, D.C., February 9, 1950

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding a Bill that Cross Would Like to See Introduced, April 25, 1950

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter, dated April 25, 1950, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick inquires when Cross's bill will be introduced. Cross informs Burdick that US Senator Milton Young has backed out of introducing a similar bill on the senate side, so Cross asked US Senator William Langer if he will introduce the bill on the senate side. Cross urges Burdick to get the bill introduced.

  See also:

  Letter from Donnell Haugen on Behalf of Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Informing Cross that the Introduction of His Bill is Delayed, March 30, 1950

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Hearings and Delegates in Washington, February 14, 1950

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick clarifies to Burdick that Cross is not sponsoring any delegate to Washington D.C. to represent his views on his behalf, so that any delegate asking for help is "doing it on their own hook," not on behalf of Cross. Cross further discusses the Three Affiliated Tribes vote regarding US Public Law 437 and other related issues.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding Floyd Montclair's Visit to Washington, D.C., February 9, 1950

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding Hearings and Delegates in Washington, February 21, 1950

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Hearings for US House Resolution 8411, June 13 1950

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter, dated June 13, 1950, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick informs Burdick that Cross also heard from US Representative Toby Morris. Morris assured Cross that there will be a hearing for US House Resolution 8411 (H. R. 8411) after July 10. Cross provides some commentary on what he sees as the prospects of the bill which he sees as the only "fair and equitable" way to distribute funds allocated through US Public Law 437, "The Taking Act." Cross insinuates that the current Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council does not trust tribal members to handle their own money. Cross says that he also wrote to US Senator William Langer regarding the companion bill, US Senate Bill 3587 (S. 3587). The letter has some handwritten filing notes at the top.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding Hearings for US House Resolution 8411, June 8, 1950

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing a Three Affiliated Tribes Resolution of Gratitude Regarding US House Resolution 8411, September 19, 1950

  Statements Made by Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes at Hearing Before the Committee on Public Lands, August 7, 1950

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Hearings for US House Resolution 8411, June 3, 1950

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter, dated June 3, 1950, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick informs Burdick that Cross requested a hearing for US House Resolution 8411 (H. R. 8411) for June 15th. Cross says that he will go to Washington D.C. for the hearing since it apparently cannot be held on the reservation. Cross wants to have the hearing before the election date.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding Hearings for US House Resolution 8411, June 8, 1950

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Per Capita Payments, March 21, 1950

  Martin Cross

  This letter, dated March 21, 1950, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick conveys the support that Cross has observed from tribal members for per capita payments. Cross requests that Burdick send him a copy as soon as he introduces the bill, presumably a bill in support of per capita payments.

  See also:

  Letter from Donnell Haugen on Behalf of Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Informing Cross that the Introduction of His Bill is Delayed, March 30, 1950

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Public Law 437, January 17, 1950

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter dated January 17, 1950 from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick requests that any hearings regarding US Public Law 437 remain open until Cross and others can present their views. Cross informs Burdick that the tribal members have not yet voted on the matter. Cross indicates that he has made some communications and requests to the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council that appear to have been ignored.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Acknowledging January 6 Letter, January 12, 1950

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Public Law 437, March 7, 1950

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter, dated March 7, 1950, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick informs Burdick that members of the Three Affiliated Tribes have voted in support of US Public Law 437. Cross provides some comment on what he thinks will come next and informs Burdick that he will be in Washington D.C. this weekend.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding Hearings and Delegates in Washington, February 21, 1950

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding the Bill that Burdick Introduced at Cross's Request, May 9, 1950

  Martin Cross

  This letter dated May 9, 1950 from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick thanks Burdick for introducing the bill Cross has requested, providing for per capita payments. Cross notes the support that he has for the per capita payment bill. Cross also note that US Senator Milton Young has introduced US Senate Bill 3303 (S. 3303) which will amend US Public Law 437. Cross says that he will be in Washington, D.C. soon.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Enclosing a Copy of the Bill that Burdick has Introduced, May 9, 1950

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Informing Cross that Burdick Will be Leaving Washington, D.C., March 16, 1950

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding US House Resolution 8411, May 18, 1950

  Martin Cross

  This letter dated May 18, 1950 from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick thanks Burdick for introducing US House Resolution 8411 (H. R. 8411). Cross informs Burdick that he will request a hearing for May 25 or 26.

  See also:

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding US House Resolution 8411, May 19, 1950

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding US Public Law 437 and US Senate Bill 1133, January 6, 1950

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter dated January 6, 1950 from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick encloses a copy of US Senate Bill 1133 (S. 1133) which provides for per capita payments to members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. The letter indicates some conflict within the tribes and Cross requests that Burdick inform him of any hearings that are scheduled so that Cross can ensure that all views are represented. There are some hand-written notes on the letter. A copy of S. 1133 is enclosed.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Acknowledging January 6 Letter, January 12, 1950

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Informing Burdick that Cross Will Arrive Monday, March 11, 1950

  Martin Cross

  This telegram dated March 11, 1950 from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick informs Burdick that Cross will arrive Monday a.m., (presumably to Washington D.C.), and will want to see Burdick immediately.

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Public Law 437, March 9, 1950

  Martin Cross

  This telegram dated March 9, 1950 from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick informs Burdick that the tribal council is there (presumably Washington, D.C.) and that US Public Law 437 has been approved. Cross is coming soon and has sent an air mail letter.

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding US House Resolution 8411, May 19, 1950

  Martin Cross

  This telegram, dated May 19, 1950, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick says that US House Resolution 8411 (H. R. 8411) is okay and that Cross would like a hearing for May 25 or 26. Cross will arrive May 22.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding US House Resolution 8411, May 18, 1950

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  Pamphlet, "The Federal Government and American Indians' Health," February 4, 1950

  Fred T. Foard

  This pamphlet dated February 4, 1950, by Dr. Fred T. Foard, Chief of the Health Branch of the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs, assesses the United States Government's involvement in addressing health needs among indigenous people. Topics include tuberculosis, infant mortality, and appropriations for Indian Health services. There are many handwritten annotations in the pamphlet including a note at the end that reads, "What a pity, please ask our congress to help the American Indians, especially the children." According to a footnote, the contents of this pamphlet were originally published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, Volume 142, pp. 328-331.

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  Letter from Donnell Haugen on Behalf of Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Informing Cross that the Introduction of His Bill is Delayed, March 30, 1950

  Donnell Haugen

  This letter, dated March 30, 1950, from Donnell Haugen on behalf of United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross informs Cross that Burdick has been in Washington D.C. and has not had a chance to introduce the bill that Cross has requested. Haugen inquires about a storm that passed near Cross.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Per Capita Payments, March 21, 1950

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding a Bill that Cross Would Like to See Introduced, April 25, 1950

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing a Three Affiliated Tribes Resolution of Gratitude Regarding US House Resolution 8411, September 19, 1950

  Members of the Gros Ventre, Mandan, and Arikara tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, Shell Creek District and Martin Cross

  This resolution, dated September 18, 1950, from members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, Shell Creek District, extends gratitude to the Congressional Representatives involved in the August 7 hearing on United States (US) House Resolution 8411 (H. R. 8411). The resolution is signed by Fred Lone Bear, Chairman. The resolution was sent to US Representative Usher Burdick from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross on September 19, 1950, along with a handwritten note.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Hearings for US House Resolution 8411, June 13 1950

  Statements Made by Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes at Hearing Before the Committee on Public Lands, August 7, 1950

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  Letter from D. S. Myer to Representative Burdick Regarding the Placement of Turtle Mountain Members in Missouri Basin Jobs, August 8, 1950

  D. S. Meyer

  This letter, dated August 8, 1950, from Commissioner D. S. Myer of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs to US Representative Usher L. Burdick, refers to Burdick’s letter of July 17, indicating Burdick's “support of the objectives as set forth in the resolution of the Advisory Committee of the Turtle Mountain Chippewas."

  Myer explains that with the passage of the appropriation act, “Indian Service funds will be available for carrying on some road work on the reservation,” and concludes with an assurance that the Aberdeen office of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs will do everything possible to assist in placing Turtle Mountain Reservation members in available jobs.

  The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Indians.”