Usher Burdick Papers

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Gerhard Stenerson Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, July 15, 1949

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated July 15, 1949, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Van Hook Farmers Union secretary Gerhard Stenerson concerns the pool level of Garrison Dam. The letter thanks Stenerson for his previous letter regarding the dam and farm parity legislation. The letter also states that Burdick has been working on legislation to prevent the US Army Engineers from acquiring any land above a 1,830 foot pool level. The letter notes that the Hoover Commission has recommended the functions of the Army Engineers be transferred to a civilian agency like the US Bureau of Reclamation in the Interior Department and that Burdick agrees with this recommendation. The letter concludes by stating Burdick's support for the Brannon Farm Program.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Gerhard Stenerson Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, May 29, 1949

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated May 29, 1949, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Van Hook Farmers Union secretary Gerhard Stenerson concerns the pool level of Garrison Dam. Burdick writes that his office received the Van Hook Farmers Union resolution dated May 3 and he and US Representative William Lemke are doing all they can to get the pool level down to 1,830. Burdick adds that hearings have been completed on his bill to cancel seed and feed loans and that the commodity credit corporation storage program is tied up in US Congress.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Gordon Myer Regarding Land Acquisitions, Enclosing a Copy of General Pick's letter, September 30, 1949

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated September 30, 1949 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to Gordon Myer references an enclosed copy of a letter from General Pick of the Army Corps of Engineers. Burdick writes that there many landowners in have expressed strong disapproval of the land acquisition program associated with the Garrison Dam project. Burdick asks Myer to update him regarding his experience with the land acquisition program for the Baldhill Dam.

  The letter from General Pick referenced being attached was not found with this letter in Burdick's papers.

  A handwritten annotation at the top of the document reads: "Garrison - Reclam."

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Harry Polk and Eugene Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level and Public Law 78-534, January 10, 1949

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated January 10, 1949, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Harry Polk and Eugene Burdick concerns the pool level of Garrison Dam.

  Usher Burdick writes that he has read Polk and Eugene Burdick's proposed amendment to US Public Law 78-534, also known as US Public Law 534, 78th Congress, and feels that the amendment covers the immediate situation in Williston and appropriately stresses the 17 million acre-foot reservoir.

  However, he writes, the amendment does not take care of owners of land below the 17 million acre-foot line, whom he does not want to be disturbed "until, say, 6 months prior" to flooding. Usher Burdick writes that they should be left alone and not charged rent on their own land, and that Eugene Burdick and Polk should try to incorporate this concern into their amendment.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Jerry Crouse Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, April 5, 1949

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated April 5, 1949, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Jerry Crouse concerns the effects of the Garrison Dam pool level. Burdick writes that he remembers hunting deer on Crouse's land, and goes on to say that Crouse should sell that land for the best deal that he can get since the vote to prohibit any land purchases over 1,830 feet failed to pass by 9 votes. Burdick adds that Langer and Young are trying to pass a similar bill in the US Senate.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to John Smith Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, March 24, 1949

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated March 24, 1949, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Van Hook Civic Club president John S. Smith concerns the pool level of Garrison Dam. The letter acknowledges Smith's letter to General Pick of the US Army Engineers from March 16. The letter states that Burdick is aware that the Army Engineer's efforts to build a pool level of 1,850 feet is causing difficulty and that he believes he is making headway in his attempts to get the pool level down to 1,830 feet.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to J. S. Birdsall Regarding Opposition to Dam on the Cannonball River, April 19, 1949

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated April 19, 1949 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to J. S. Birdsall, president of the First State Bank of New Leipzig, North Dakota, acknowledges receipt of Birdsall's letter to William Lemke expressing opposition to the proposed Cannonball River Dam. Burdick expresses his willingness to support Birdsall's position "before the committee and when the matter comes to the floor of the [US] House [of Representatives].

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Michael W. Straus Regarding a Letter from Gordon Myer, September 6, 1949

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated September 6, 1949 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Michael W. Straus includes a copy of a letter from Gordon Myer, dated August 25, 1949, concerning a financial dilemma created by that taking of his farm for the Baldhill Dam Project. Burdick writes that Myer has a just complaint and asks Straus to look into the matter right away.

  The letter has a handwritten annotation reading "G. - Red," and the copy of Gordon Myer's letter has a typed annotation reading "copy."

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mrs. Albert N. Winge Regarding Land Condemnation, September 1, 1949

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated September 1, 1949 from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to Mrs. Albert N. Winge of Van Hook, on the Fort Berthold Reservation, expresses Burdick's thanks for Winge's letter of August 24th. Burdick writes that he would be glad to attend Winge's meeting in Van Hook once Congress adjourns, and recommends that she and other landowners who are approached by the US Army Corps of Engineers refuse to sell their land.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Mrs. Albert Winge Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, March 30, 1949

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated March 30, 1949, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Mrs. A. N. Winge concerns the pool level of Garrison Dam. The letter acknowledges Winge's previous letter. It then states that the previous day, an amendment that would have forbade the US Army Engineers from purchasing land above the 1,830 foot level was defeated in the US House. The letter then states that Burdick has no trust in the US Army Engineers and that he believes US Representative William Lemke and US Senator William Langer feel the same way and that, though they are outnumbered, they will continue to fight against the unfair practices of the US Army Engineers with regard to the Garrison Dam project.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Robert Vogel Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, June 19, 1949

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated June 19, 1949, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Robert Vogel of Garrison, North Dakota begins with the mention of a letter Burdick has received from Mrs. J. E. Butz claiming her farm is being taxed more heavily than other farms in the district. Burdick expresses his skepticism and asks Vogel to look into the matter. He then brings up a May 26 article in the Bismarck Tribune that he says should be distributed to residents of McLean County. If the Garrison Dam pool goes to 1,850 feet, he writes, that county will be cut in two and the flooded 30,000 acres will cost between $7,000 and $10,000 in tax revenue. He goes on to express his surprise that the people of McLean County do not take a more active role in limiting the pool level to 1,830 feet and suggests that an editorial written by Vogel in the next issue of the Independent could help.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to William Murray Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, May 3, 1949

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated May 3, 1949, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to attorney William S. Murray is a reply to a letter from Murray regarding the pool level of Garrison Dam. Burdick states that he will respond with facts rather than conclusions, and goes through a series of claims Murray makes in his letter, explaining why he believes them to be misinformed. Burdick then outlines his conclusions from the facts mentioned relative to Murray's claims. These conclusions support a pool height of 1,830 feet as provided for by law. Some of the reasons listed include that a pool height of 1,830 feet will provide sufficient flood control, that Devils Lake already has irrigation provided by the Missouri-Souris, and that the City of Williston will be devastated by a higher pool height.

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  Letter from Representatives Burdick and Lemke to Congressional Colleagues Regarding the Height of the Pool Lever for the Garrison Dam, July 20, 1949

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter dated July 20, 1949, from United States (US) Representatives Usher L. Burdick and William Lemke to colleagues in the United States Congress makes reference to letters North Dakota Governor Fred G. Aandahl has written to some members of US Congress regarding their votes on legislation to limit the pool height of the Garrison Dam Reservoir to1830 feet above sea level. In these letters, Aandahl expresses his support for a higher pool height of 1850 feet and urges the recipients to do so as well.

  In this letter, Burdick and Lemke explain that neither Aandahl nor the United State Army Engineers “have any authority to acquire land or to construct or operate a pool level higher than 1830 feet. That agreement was signed by both the Army Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation. No further agreement has since been entered into.” They go on to argue that Aandahl is raising a “false issue,” as the controversy the letter addresses is not the “foot level” the Garrison Dam is being constructed to, but the height of the pool level operation, and they go on to refute the various grounds that Aandahl cites in his for supporting the higher pool level.

  Burdick and Lemke write in closing that the members of Congress who voted for limiting the pool height had "voted right," and that more members should have voted likewise, adding, "We are still governed by law and not the whims of Governors and Army Engineers."

  The letter is marked with a handwritten annotation “Garrison dam.”

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  Letter from Representive Burdick to Joseph Wick Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, March 23, 1949

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated March 23, 1949, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Joseph Wicks concerns the pool level of Garrison Dam. The letter states that Burdick has attached copies of Mr. Case's bill and that Burdick is doing all he can to stop the US Army Engineers from building a high dam at Garrison.

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  Letter from Alfred Demontigny to Senator Langer Regarding Reservation Relief, February 8, 1949

  Alfred Demontigny

  This letter, dated February 8, 1949, from Alfred Demontigny of Rolla, North Dakota to United States (US) Senator William Langer addresses North Dakota Representative Usher Burdick's speech titled, "Privation among the Indians of North Dakota" from the 81st US Congress. Demontigny writes that he appreciates Burdick's efforts, and goes on to describe the winter conditions on an unnamed reservation, explaining that the Natives do not have enough food because of the snow and still have to work at $0.75 per hour in order to receive food orders.

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  Letter from Gilbert Holtan to Representative Burdick Regarding Rent Received by Army Engineers for McClean County, October 27, 1949

  Gilbert Holton

  This letter dated October 27, 1949, from McClean County Auditor Gilbert Holtan to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick provides figures requested by Burdick regarding the percentage of rental monies collected by the United States Army Corp of Engineers that are returned to the country in lieu of taxes.

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

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to County Auditor Gilbert Holtan Regarding The Effects of Land Acquisition on Tax Revenue, September 22, 1949

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  Letter from William Lemke to Representative Burdick Regarding the Introduction of Bill to Limit Pool Level of Garrison Reservoir, January 25, 1949

  William Lemke

  This letter dated January 25, 1949 from William Lemke to United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick informs him of his introduction of a bill to limit the pool level of the Garrison Reservoir and includes a draft of the bill.

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  Letter from Bigelow Neal to Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, June 17, 1949

  Bigelow Neal

  This letter, dated June 17, 1949, from Garrison, North Dakota resident Bigelow Neal to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick concerns the operating pool level of Garrison Dam. In the letter Neal states he is concerned with how great of a difference in flooding there will be between 1,830 feet and 1,850 feet operating levels. He also suggests that the engineers in charge of valuing the flooded lands overlooked that residents of the area consider one acre of bottomland to be worth two to three acres of high prairie, meaning that the engineer's number, 400,000 acres flooded, does not accurately capture the effects of the flooding. The letter concludes with a critique of how the dam was built bottom-side-up, resulting in a silt trap and also making the river unfit for navigation.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Bigelow Neal Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, June 20, 1949

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  Letter from Kenneth C. Royall to Representative Burdick Regarding General Pick, April 16, 1949

  Kenneth C. Royall

  This letter dated April 16, 1949, from Secretary of the United States (US) Army Kenneth C. Royall to US Representative Usher Burdick, replies to questions posed by Burdick regarding the work of the Army Corps of Engineers and of Chief Engineer General Pick. Royall defends the quality of Pick's work, including work done on the Ledo Road/Stilwell Road, Garrison Dam, and Fort Peck Dam.

  Handwritten notes on the letter read "Garrison Dam" and "#8."

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding a Conflict Between Information Given by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council and the Actions of the Council, December 8, 1948

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter dated December 8, 1948 from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick expands on a telegram that Cross sent on December 2 regarding the Three Affiliated Tribes delegates in Washington. Cross informs Burdick that Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairman Carl Whitman Jr. had made a public statement on November 19, 1948 stating that he would ask the tribal attorney Ralph H. Case to come to the reservation to work on a contract with the government; however, Whitman has traveled to Washington D.C. to work on the contract and Cross is "disillusioned and disappointed" with this change in plans. Cross describes other inconsistencies in communication from the Tribal Council that trouble him.

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  Template for Leasing River and Harbor or Flood Control Property by Department of the Army, December 1, 1948

  Department of the Army

  This form, dated December 1, 1948 provides a blank lease template with instructions for the Department of the Army to lease river and harbor or flood control properties. There are two handwritten annotations, one of "Garrison" and one of "#13" at the top of the document.

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  Report on John Collier and His American Indian Policies, July 1947

  Individuals Opposed to Exploitation of Indians

  This document, dated July 1947, composed by "Individuals Opposed to Exploitation of Indians" characterizes the policies and activities of former Commissioner of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs John Collier as "impractical," "iniquitous," and "communistic," and claim they have led to "FACTIONALISM, DISSENTION,ENMITY AND HATRED (emphasis in original) among the tribes" (emphasis in original).

  The document describes Collier as a "Self-established [...] 'GREAT MESSIAH' of minority groups," and lists six actions taken by Collier during his tenure as Commissioner of the US Indian Bureau, including the Wheeler-Howard Bill, the Inter-American Indian Institute, the National Indian Institute, and inserting Resolution No.10 into the official minutes of the convention of the National Congress of American Indians in Denver, Colorado in 1944, urging the US Congress to appropriate public funds for the expenses of the National Indian Institute.

  The report also names D'Arcy McNickle and Ruth Muskrat Bronson as two individuals working for Collier who failed to support bills by indigenous delegates and instead asked for support for the US Bureau of Indian Affairs. The report concludes by stating that Collier has schemed to unite the indigenous peoples with the Bureau in a way that is not compatible with the best interests of those indigenous peoples.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, January 31, 1946

  Usher L. Burdick

  This form letter, dated January 31, 1946, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to an unnamed recipient concerns the Garrison Dam pool level. In this letter Burdick explains that on February 4th, the US Appropriation Bill will be debated and that he hopes the recipient will be present. He then describes the debate over the 1,830- and 1,850-foot operating levels for the dam, noting that the bill authorizing the dam proposed a 17 million acre-foot pool, corresponding to a height of 1,830 feet above sea level; however, US Army Engineers are now pushing for a level of 1,850, which will flood what Burdick calls "90,000 acres of the best land in my country," along with a portion of the city of Williston, and the railroad tracks there.

  Burdick then states what the people of Williston want: that the dam be built at any height the engineers want, but that the water should be kept no higher than 1,830 until experience shows whether a higher level will be necessary.

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  Annotated Copy of US Public Law 79-374, "An Act Making Appropriations for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1947, for Civil Functions Administered by the War Department, and for Other Purposes," May 2, 1946

  US Congress and Usher L. Burdick

  This document is a copy of "An Act Making Appropriations for the Fiscal Year Ending in June 30, 1947, for Civil Functions Administered by the War Department, and for Other Purposes," with a section on page 4 underlined and bracketed.

  This Public Law, dated May 2, 1946, also known as Public Law 79-374, or "War Department Civil Appropriations Act, 1947," includes appropriations for a variety of projects ranging from cemetery expenses to waterway maintenance to flood control.

  See also:

  An Act Making Appropriations for the Fiscal Year Ending in June 30, 1947, for Civil Functions Administered by the War Department, and for Other Purposes

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  Statement by Representative Burdick Regarding Problems with the Proposed Garrison Dam Project, October 1, 1945

  Usher L. Burdick

  This statement, dated October 1, 1945, by United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick raises a number of issues with the proposed Garrison Dam Project, among them the discrepancy between the proposed dam height and promised maximum pool height, contradictory assessments regarding the suitability of the Garrison location, the effects of relocation of reservation residents on the local tax base and potential flooding in the Williston area.

  Burdick writes that, “All of the controversy on this particular dam has been caused by the Army Engineers themselves. The whole trouble ranges around the height of the dam. If the Dam is built to carry an 1850 foot water lever, then the richest area of land, irrigation projects in and around Williston, and the City of Williston will be flooded.”