Usher Burdick Papers

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Oscar Burr Regarding More Difficult Conditions for the Three Affiliated Tribes Following their Relocation due to Construction of the Garrison Dam, April 2, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated April 2, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Oscar Burr thanks Burr for his letter of March 30 and assures him that Burdick is doing all that he can to help members of the Three Affiliated Tribes in their relocation. Burdick acknowledges that the lands that the tribes were relocated to require different methods and more money to be profitable and that no mount of money can reimburse them for the loss of their rich bottomland, from which they were moved to make way for the Garrison Dam reservoir.

  See also:

  Letter from Oscar Burr to Representative Burdick with a Complaint About the Indian Relocation Program, March 30, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to William Dean Regarding Per Capita Payments, April 17, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This letter, dated April 17, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to William Dean, Treasurer of the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council informs Dean that Burdick has not introduced any amendment to the per capita payment bill. Addressing the delinquent accounts mentioned by Dean in his April 9 letter, Burdick says that it can take several years to make money on cattle. Burdick says that he wants everybody to get fair treatment.

  See also:

  Letter from William Dean to Representative Burdick Regarding Per Capita Payments, April 9, 1956

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  Telegram from Representative Burdick to Carl Whitman, Jr. Regarding Status of US Senate Bill 2151, April 27, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This telegram, dated April 27, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Carl Whitman informs Whitman that the subcommittee favorably reported US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) to the full committee without amendments. S. 2151 provided for per capita payments to enrolled members of the Three Affiliated Tribes.

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  Telegram from Representative Burdick to Carl Whitman Regarding Petition, April 25, 1956

  Usher Burdick

  This telegram, dated April 25, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Carl Whitman, Jr. informs Whitman that Burdick does not have the petition that Whitman said had cleared the US Bureau of Indian Affairs. Burdick asks that Whitman send the petition immediately, as US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) comes up Friday or Monday and he will need the petition before then.

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Frank Heart Regarding Letter from Wesley D'Ewart Which Answers Inquiries Made by Heart, March 1, 1956

  Usher Burdick and Wesley D'Ewart

  This letter, dated March 1, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Frank Heart of Raub, North Dakota encloses a letter from the Secretary of the US Interior, Wesley D'Ewart, responding to questions that Heart had posed regarding issues with the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council elections and per capita payments. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "per cap pmts--Fort Berthold."

  The enclosed letter, which is included with this document, dated February 29, 1956 from D'Ewart to Burdick, indicates that the US Department of the Interior recommended passage of US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) providing for per capita payments and that an emergency per capita payment of $500 to each enrolled member of the Three Affiliated Tribes be distributed immediately. D'Ewart's letter also outlines the election problems, explaining that the inundation of the Fort Berthold Reservation by the completion of the Garrison Dam changed the district representation, necessitating a change to the constitution. However, not enough members of the tribe voted to change the constitution, so the election for new council members could not be held. D'Ewart says that the election problem is being worked on.

  See also:

  Letter from Frank Heart to Representative Burdick Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, January 26, 1956

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  Draft of Speech Regarding Civil Rights Bill, US House Resolution 627, July 20, 1956

  Usher L. Burdick

  This typewritten document with handwritten revisions, dated July 20, 1956, makes reference to the "Civil Rights Bill," United States (US) House of Representatives Resolution 627. In it the author (presumed to be US Representative Usher Burdick) writes that, while he feels the law is unnecessary, "futile," and "purely political," and "will not accomplish what is claimed for it," he recognizes that the US Attorney General wants it, and the administration leaders want it, and, "not wanting to put my judgment up against the Administration" is inclined to "give them the law."

  In the upper right hand corner of the first page is the handwritten notation "Cong. Record 7/20/56"

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Clifford Davis Regarding the US Department of the Army's Report on US House Resolution 10990, July 6, 1956

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated July 6, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher L. Burdick to Clifford Davis, Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Flood Control, US House Committee on Public Works, makes reference to an unfavorable report from US Department of the Army regarding US House Resolution 10990. Burdick requests committee action on the bill despite the negative report from the US Department of the Army.

  See also:

  Letter from Charles A. Buckley to Representative Burdick containing a copy of the US Department of the Army's report on US House Resolution 10990, July 2, 1956

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  Letter from Representative Burdick to Lillie Wolf Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, March 23, 1956

  Usher L. Burdick

  This letter, dated March 23, 1956, from United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick to Three Affiliated Tribes member Lillie Eaton Wolf explains that Burdick has spoken with representatives of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation about matters discussed in Wolf's letters and that he has heard a lot of opposition to US Senate Bill 2151. Burdick writes that he favors a per-capita payment of $200 so that tribal members can get their crops in.

  See also:

  Letter from Lillie Wolf to Representative Burdick Regarding Garrison Dam Relocations, February 17, 1956

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  Statement by Representative Usher L. Burdick Before the Subcommittee on Flood Control of the US House of Representatives Public Works Committee, June 7, 1956

  Usher L. Burdick

  In this statement to the Flood Control Subcommittee of the United States (US) House of Representatives Public Works Committee, dated June 7, 1956, Usher Burdick supports a flat appropriation to the city of Williston with the introduction of H. R. 10990. This copy includes handwritten emendations.

  See also:

  Statement of L. W. Burdick before the Flood Control Subcommittee of the Public Works Committee of the US House of Representatives, June 7, 1956

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  Letter from Oscar Burr to Representative Burdick with a Complaint About the Indian Relocation Program, March 30, 1956

  Oscar Burr

  This handwritten letter, dated March 30, 1956, from Oscar Burr to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick complains that the government officials involved with the Indian Relocation Program are "ill managed." Based on the response letter that Burdick sent on April 2, Burr is referring to the Three Affiliated Tribes who were moved from their homes in the bottom lands of the Missouri River due to construction of the Garrison Dam. Many who were relocated struggled to establish themselves in their new area, in part due to a lack of natural resources in that area.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Oscar Burr Regarding Aide Given to the Three Affiliated Tribes Following their Relocation due to Construction of the Garrison Dam, April 2, 1956

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  Letter from Commissioner to Benjamin Reifel Regarding Public Law 553 and Per Capita Payments, July 13, 1956

  Commissioner

  This unsigned letter, dated July 13, 1956, from "Commissioner" to United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs Aberdeen Area Director Benjamin Reifel is in reference to US Public Law 533, which provides for per capita payments to members of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Since the per capita payment authorized by this US Public Law is effectively the last of the funds held in trust for the tribes, the Commissioner would like to ensure that the Secretary is careful to "facilitate the spirit of the act." The Commissioner would like Reifel's views on the matter. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "per capita."

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing Copies of Affidavits Regarding US Senate Bill 2663, March 21, 1956

  Martin Cross

  This letter, dated March 21, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick encloses copies of affidavits sent to US Senator William Langer in regard to US Senate Bill 2663 (S. 2663). The affidavits are meant to be used for a March 26 hearing. Cross assumes that Burdick may need the same material on the house side. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "S. 2663." Three affidavits signed by Martin Cross are enclosed with this document.

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council April 6 Tribal Resolution, April 11, 1956

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten note, dated April 11, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick refers to an enclosed tribal resolution, adopted on April 6, 1956. The resolution referred to was not found with this note in Burdick's papers.

  See also:

  Resolution Passed by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council Regarding US Senate Bill 2151 and the Conflict Within the Tribe Regarding the Bill, April 6, 1956

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding Per Capita Payment and the Current Tribal Conflict, April 17, 1956

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding House Resolution 9324, May 12 1956

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter, dated May 12, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick asks for Burdick's support of US House Resolution 9324 (H. R. 9324).

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding the Group Opposed to US Senate Bill 2151 with Enclosures, March 26, 1956

  Martin Cross

  This letter, dated March 26, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick makes reference to the group of tribal members who oppose US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151). Cross claims that this group is opposed to the bill because of the wording that says that the secretary may require that a person use their share to pay a debt." Cross indicates that the people in this group have debts and encloses ledgers to that effect. Cross expresses his support for the bill, even though it is imperfect.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding $200 Per Capita Payments, March 22, 1956

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, March 28, 1956

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding the Passing of US Senate Bills 2151 and 1528, March 20, 1956

  Martin Cross

  This letter, dated March 20, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick expresses satisfaction at the news that US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) and US Senate Bill 1528 (S. 1528) passed the US Senate. Cross conveys the Tribal Council's displeasure at Burdick's support of an amendment allowing for a small per capita payment of $200 and urges Burdick to 'push this Bill through the House so fast that no one will have the pleasure of tearing it down."

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding $200 Per Capita Payments, March 22, 1956

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Correcting January 12 Telegram, January 17, 1956

  Martin Cross

  This telegram, dated January 17, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick corrects Cross's January 12 telegram and requests that Burdick oppose (not approve) the confirmation of Wesley D'Ewart (as Assistant Secretary of the Interior).

  See also:

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding a Voting Request, January 12 1956

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Amendment to US House Resolution 5566, February 23, 1956

  Martin Cross

  This telegram, dated February 23, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick asks Burdick to oppose any amendment to US House Resolution 5566 (H. R. 5566) which proposes to extend the US Indian Claims Commission.

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding a Voting Request, January 12, 1956

  Martin Cross

  This telegram, dated January 12, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick requests on behalf of the Tribal Council that Burdick vote favorably on US Senate Bill 51 (S. 51) which would amend US Public Law 280 and that Burdick approve the confirmation of Wesley D'Ewart for Assistant Secretary of the Interior. Cross sends a correction telegram on January 17, 1956 that requests for Burdick to vote against, not for, the confirmation of Wesley D'Ewart.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding a Voting Request, January 13, 1956

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Correcting January 12 Telegram, January 17, 1956

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Establishment of Loan Enterprise, April 17, 1956

  Martin Cross

  This telegram, dated April 17, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick informs Burdick that the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council has established a loan enterprise to help tribal members who do not qualify under the regular loan program. Cross says that this enterprise will not necessitate a small per capita payment.

  See also,

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Regarding Establishment of Loan Enterprise, April 18, 1956

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Regarding Unauthorized Delegation in Washington, D.C., March 5, 1956

  Martin Cross

  This telegram, dated March 5, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick indicates that a delegation from the reservation consisting of Frank Heart, Carl Whitman, and Ben Young Bird are headed to Washington, D.C. and that this group does not have the authorization of the Tribal Council. Cross says that this group is not supported by any group of people and that the vast majority of people are opposed to their views.

  See also:

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Delegation from Fort Berthold to Washington, D.C. that is Largely Unsupported by the Tribal Council, March 5, 1956

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Requesting that Burdick Attend May 17 Meeting to Support US House Resolution 9324, May 16, 1956

  Martin Cross

  This telegram, dated May 16, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick urges Burdick to attend a May 17 hearing in support of US House Resolution 9423 (H. R. 9423). Cross cannot attending hearing.

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  Letter from Representatives of the Three Affiliated Tribes to Glenn Emmons Summarizing Meeting on Legislation and Enclosing a Resolution of the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council, April 26, 1956

  Martin Cross, William Deane, Q. R. Schulte, and Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council

  This letter, dated April 26, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council Chairperson Martin Cross, William Deane of the tribal council, and tribal attorney Q. R. Schulte to Commissioner Glenn Emmons of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs provides a summary of a meeting regarding US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) and corresponding US House Resolution 10221. The information provided outlines a plan for executing the per capita payment bill, once enacted. A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "Copy Martin Cross."

  The letter is accompanied by a resolution passed by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council on May 4, 1956. The resolution rejects the amendment proposed to US Senate Bill 1523 (S. 1523). S. 1523 allows enrolled members to acquire trust interests in Tribal lands of the reservation. The resolution is signed by Samuel B. Matthews and Martin Cross.

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing Letter to the Secretary of the Interior Regarding Delay of Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Elections, June 22, 1956

  Matin Cross

  This letter, dated June 22, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick encloses a letter that Cross sent to the Secretary of the Interior regarding tribal elections.

  The enclosed letter, dated June 22, 1956, from Cross to Secretary of the US Interior, Fred Seaton, explains the reasons behind the delay of tribal elections. Cross requests that the Secretary set an election date for the proposed amendments to the tribal constitution so that an election of new Tribal Council members can be called. A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "Copy--To: Usher L. Burdick."

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Martin Cross Acknowledging Receipt of June 22 Letter, June 26, 1957

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  Letter from Medicine Crow to Representative Burdick Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, May 22, 1956

  Medicine Crow

  This handwritten letter, dated May 22, 1956, from Medicine Crow to United States (US) Representative Usher Burdick asks Burdick to support US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) when it comes through the House of Representatives. S. 2151 provides for per capita payments to Three Affiliated Tribes members. Medicine Crow says that this money is badly needed by tribal members, particularly the elderly.

  See also:

  Letter from Representative Burdick to Medicine Crow Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, May 25, 1956