William Langer graduated from UND in 1906 and had a long career in politics. He was North Dakota Attorney General from 1917 until 1920 and served twice as Governor: from 1933 to 1934 and from 1937 until 1939. Elected to the United States Senate in 1941, he served until his death in 1959.
The digitization of these papers has been made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this website, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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A Notecard of Notes Filed in William Langer's Papers, Likely 1950s
author unknown
This note card, filed with United States (US) Senator William Langer's papers along with other documents from the 1950s, contains several handwritten notes and some shorthand writing.
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Senate Memoranda Regarding Martin Cross and Hearing on US Senate Bill 2151, January 20, January 21, and February 8, 1956
author unknown
These notes dated January 20, January 21, and February 8, likely from 1956, pertain to a hearing for United States (US) Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151). These were filed with US Senator William Langer's papers along with other correspondences from this time on the topic of S. 2151.
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Memorandum from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Several Bills that Cross Wants to See Though the Committee, Likely 1955
Martin Cross
This undated memorandum, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, lists five US Senate Bills that Cross would like to see: US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151), US Senate Bill 1528 (S. 1528), US Senate Bill 746 (S. 746), US Senate Bill 1530 (S. 1530), and US Senate Bill 1956 (S. 1956).
There are some handwritten notes on the memorandum.
See also:
Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Senate Bills 2151 and 1528, February 23, 1956
An Act to Provide for the Segregation of Certain Funds of the Fort Berthold Indians on the Basis of Membership Roll Prepared for Such Purpose
Authorizing Enrolled Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, N. Dak to Acquire Trust Interests in Tribal Lands of the Reservation
Return to Former Owners of Mineral Interests Acquired in Connection with the Garrison Dam Project
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Article from Daily Compass, Mundt Bill Is Threat To U.S., Says Langer, ca.1950
Daily Compass
This article from Daily Compass dated ca.1950 titled "Mundt Bill Is Threat To U.S., Says Langer" states Senator William Langer's opposition to the Mundt-Ferguson Bill. Senator Langer claims it is "the greatest threat to American civil liberties since the Alien and Sedition Laws of 1798".
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Letter from Marie R. Deane to Senator Langer Regarding the Acquisition of Tribal Lands
Marie R. Deane
This undated letter, from Marie R. Deane to United States (US) Senator William Langer, states that Deane, as someone of Arikara descent, does not believe attorney Ralph RH Case or the Tribal Council at Elbowoods are doing a good enough job representing The Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation.
See also :
Letter from Senator Langer to Marie R. Deane Regarding the Acquisition of Tribal Lands, August 5, 1949
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Letter from Barton Greenwood to Senator Langer Regarding Recommendation of Frank Gordon for Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Reservation, August 4, 1955
W. Barton Greenwood
This letter dated August 4, 1955, from acting Commissioner W. Barton Greenwood of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs to US Senator William Langer, acknowledges Langer's July 22th letter on behalf of Commissioner Glenn Emmons. Greenwood informs Langer that tribal members from the Three Affiliated Tribes recently visited to discuss the recommendation of Frank Gordon for superintendent of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency. Greenwood says that they were informed that Gordon would be given every consideration.
See also:
Resolution of the Governing Body of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation Recommending Frank Gordon as Superintendent, June 29, 1955
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Thanking Cross for Sending the Resolution Endorsing Frank Gordon for Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Reservation, July 22, 1955
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Letter from Senator Langer to Glenn L. Emmons Conveying Joseph Packineau's Request That Ralph W. Shane Be Appointed Superintendent of Fort Berthold Indian Agency, February 17, 1954
William Langer
This letter, dated February 17, 1954, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Glenn Emmons, Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, makes reference to an enclosed letter Langer received from Joseph Packineau of Elbowoods, North Dakota, on the Forth Berthold Reservation, in which Packineau asks Langer to do what he can to see that Ralph W. Shane is appointed the new Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency. Langer requests that Emmons return the letter with his reply.
See also:
Letter from Joseph Packineau to Senator Langer Asking That Ralph Shane be Appointed Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency, February 2, 1954
Letter from Senator Langer to Joseph Packineau Regarding Packineau's Request That Ralph W. Shane Be Appointed Superintendent of Fort Berthold Indian Agency, March 15, 1954
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Telegram from Senator Langer to George Gillette Regarding Per Capita Payments for Minors, May 8, 1948
William Langer
This telegram, dated May 8, 1948, from United States (US) Senator Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council Chairperson George Gillette is a reply to Gillette's telegram of May 6 urging Langer to request that the "Indian Office" authorize that per capita pay shares for minors under the age eighteen be allocated to heads of families.
See also:
Telegram from George Gillette to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments for Minors, May 6, 1948
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US Army Corps of Engineers Pamphlet "Garrison Dam on the Missouri," Undated
US Army Corps of Engineers
This undated pamphlet, titled "Garrison Dam on the Missouri," issued by the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers, Garrison District, in Bismarck, North Dakota, uses text, maps, diagrams and illustrations to explain the history, capacities, construction and recreational possibilities of the Garrison Dam and Reservoir Project.
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Stump Speech regarding the Accomplishments of Attorney General Langer
Unknown
This three page, undated and untitled speech regards the accomplishments of William Langer, who served as North Dakota Attorney General from 1916 until 1920. Langer is praised as relentless opponent of graft and corruption, a true American patriot, and a moral crusader in support of prohibition and temperance.
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Cartoon: The Langer Ship of State
Leland T. Larson
This undated cartoon by Leland Larson depicts "North Dakota" unloading cargo from the "Langer Ship of State" onto the "N.D. Pier." The cargo is identified as "Tax Free Homes," "Old Age Pension," "Sales Tax," "School Aid," "Security Program," "Moratorium," "Effective Management of State Industries," and "Corp. Tax in Full." While unloading, North Dakota remarks "I've waited a long time for that cargo - but I always knew she'd make port with Captain Langer at the helm!"
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Poster Regarding Senator Langer's Old Age Pension Plan
Old Age Pension Committee
Undated broadside in support of Senator William Langer's old age pension plan. North Dakota Governor John Moses and State Senator Arthur Fowler are both identified as not being supportive of the plan. The poster was published by members of the Old Age Pension Committee: Langer, O.E. (Oscar) Erickson, and P.G. Head.
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"Come Out and Hear Bill Langer" Poster
Unknown
Undated poster for an appearance by William Langer in Bartley Township in Griggs County, North Dakota. Langer promises straight talk in response to A.C. Townley, founder of the Nonpartisan League.
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The Dakota Maverick: the Political Life of William Langer, also known as "Wild Bill" Langer by Agnes Geelan
Agnes Geelan
Agnes Geelan, the first woman mayor of a town in North Dakota and the first woman State Senator in North Dakota, wrote this biography of William Langer in 1975. The book examines Langer's personal life and political career.
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Memorial services held in the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, together with remarks presented in eulogy of William Langer, late a Senator from North Dakota, 1960
United States Congress
The text of addresses delivered in the United States Congress following the death of Senator William Langer on November 8, 1959.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Fred Seaton Regarding Petition from Peter Starr, April 22, 1959
William Langer
This letter, dated April 22 from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Secretary of the Interior Fred Seaton, refers to a petition Langer has received from Peter Starr of the Fort Berthold Reservation regarding alleged violations of tribal bylaws. Langer asks Seaton to advise him on what action he plans to take on the matter.
See also:
Letter and Copies of Petition and Resolution from Peter Starr to Senator Langer, April 14, 1959
Letter From Senator Langer to Peter Starr Regarding Petition, April 22, 1959
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Letter from Senator Langer to James Hall, Sr. Regarding Tribal Resolution and Land Program, February 4, 1959
William Langer
This letter dated February 4, 1959, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Fort Berthold Tribal Chairperson James Hall, Sr., expresses Langer's thanks for Hall's recent letter and its enclosed Tribal Resolution and Land Program.
Langer goes on to say that he has gone over the material very carefully and discussed it with the US Bureau of Indian Affairs and will do everything he can to help Hall with his program.
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Letter From Senator Langer to Peter Starr Regarding Petition, April 22, 1959
William Langer
This letter, dated April 22, 1959, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Peter Starr of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, North Dakota, makes reference to a copy of a petition Starr has recently sent to Langer. Langer replies that he has contacted Secretary of the US Department of the Interior Fred A. Seaton and Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs Glenn L. Emmons regarding the matter, and will advise further as soon as he has received a report from them.
See also:
Letter and Copies of Petition and Resolution from Peter Starr to Senator Langer, April 14, 1959
Letter from Senator Langer to Fred Seaton Regarding Petition from Peter Starr, April 22, 1959
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Memorandum from the Three Affiliated Tribes Regarding Credit Programs for the Fort Berthold Reservation, February 24, 1959
Harry Malloy
This memorandum dated February 24, 1959, from the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, gives account of the history of the Tribal Credit Program imposed by the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs upon the Tribes. The memorandum covers issues such the unreasonable collection of outstanding loans, the revolving credit program of US Bureau of Indian Affairs, the freezing of new loans, the inability of the Three Affiliated Tribes to receive loans from places other than the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, the practice of garnishing per capita payments, the effects of the Garrison Dam on holding land, the policy of US Bureau of Indian Affairs to grant loans based on blood quantum, disregard for reasons of delinquency, unfair practices of the Farmers Home Administration (FHA), and the need for the US government to take responsibility for these dilemmas. The memorandum makes three requests to change the credit practices imposed against Three Affiliated Tribes. The memorandum is signed by Legal Counsel Harry L. Malloy on behalf of the Three Affiliated Tribes.
The memorandum is marked with the handwritten annotation “Fort Berthold.”
See also:
Letter from Glenn Emmons to Senator Langer Regarding the Credit Program for the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, April 18, 1958
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Letter and Copies of Petition and Resolution from Peter Starr to Senator Langer, April 14, 1959
Peter Starr
This letter, dated April 14, 1959, from Peter Starr to United States (US) William Langer, expresses the faith held by "group of voters and electors of the Fort Berthold Reservation" in Langer's commitment to the poor, and in the influence he has on the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and includes enclosed copies of a petition and a resolution.
The petition, which is a copy of one sent to Secretary of the US Department of the Interior Fred Seaton, with copies also sent to "the top officials of the Bureau of Indian Affairs," states that the Tribal Business Council of the Three Affiliated Tribes has ignored, and acted contrary to, the provisions and regulations set out in the constitution and bylaws of the Three Affiliated Tribes, and has also ignored a proposed revised constitution presented by the US Bureau of Indian Affairs for the Tribes' consideration, and that the Tribal Business Council "continues to refuse to take any action in regard to the revised constitution and by laws [sic]."
Meanwhile, the petition states, the members of the Tribal Business Council "pay themselves wages and per diem, enriching themselves without benefit to the said tribes."
As a result, the petitioners "respectfully urge the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Secretary of Interior [sic], and the Area Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs to immediately freeze the wages and per diem of the said Tribal Business Council members[.]"
The attached resolution cites the petition and also urges that the wages and per diem of the Tribal Business Council members be frozen.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Fred Seaton Regarding Petition from Peter Starr, April 22, 1959
Letter From Senator Langer to Peter Starr Regarding Petition, April 22, 1959
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Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding US Senate Bill 809, March 19, 1958
Martin Cross
This letter dated March 19, 1958, from Three Affiliated Tribes tribal member Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, discusses US Senate Bill 809 (S. 809). Cross is encouraged that US Senator [Richard] Neuberger says that his committee will consider the bill. Cross shows strong support for the bill and believes that it will provide the necessary relief some of the economic problems experienced by many Indigenous people living on reservations.
There is a handwritten note at the top of the letter.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding US Senate Bill 809, March 5, 1958
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding US Senate Bill 809, March 26, 1958
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Letter from Commissioner Emmons to Area Director Reifel Regarding Farm Loans for Members of the Fort Berthold Reservation, April 17, 1958
Glenn Emmons
This letter dated April 18, 1958, from United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs Commissioner Glenn Emmons to US Bureau of Indian Affairs Area Director Benjamin Reifel, calls to Reifel’s attention that five Fort Berthold council members have signed an agreement to vote for a resolution that will “pay the salary and expenses reservation credit officer for 1958, not later than May 10.” The letter states this resolution “also provides for reopening credit program through June 15. Proceed with applications for loans immediately in order members will not be handicapped in undertaking spring operations. Detailed letter follows.” The letter does not include this detailed letter. The letter is written on a teletype and copied to US Senator William Langer.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Vincent Malnouri Regarding Farm Loans for Members of the Fort Berthold Reservation, April 18, 1958
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Letter from Glenn Emmons to Senator Langer Regarding the Credit Program for the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, April 18, 1958
Glenn Emmons
This letter dated April 18, 1958, from United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs Commissioner Glenn Emmons to US Senator William Langer, informs Langer on matters regarding the credit situation of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. The letter states it is copying Langer in this correspondence in accordance by request of Mr. Chumbris. The letter from Emmons to Langer describes the contents of the it and the enclosures as “self-explanatory.” There are four enclosures in this letter which provides over three years of communication of the credit standing of the Three Affiliated Tribes from the perspective of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs.
The first enclosed letter from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs demands that the Tribal Business Council of Three Affiliated Tribes engage in two acts to continue receiving credit from the Bureau. The first demand is to lift Resolution 57-59 to permit emergency and farm loans to be made during the period April 10, 1957 through May 10, 1957. The second demand is to authorize the payment of a salary and expenses of a reservation credit officer assigned to the Three Affiliated Tribes.
The second enclosed letter dated August 18, 1958 details the history of the credit program extended to Three Affiliated Tribes from the perspective of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs and includes the requirement of the Three Affiliated Tribe to pay the salary and expenses of a reservation credit officer to participate in the Bureau’s credit offerings. This second enclosed letter includes an agreement to the terms and history outlined by the US Bureau of Indian Affairs which is signed by five Three Affiliated Tribe council members, those being Ben Youngbird, Samuel Mathers, Charles Fox, Bill Dean, and Pete Star.
The third enclosed letter dated December 26, 1956 summarizes the discussions of the Three Affiliated Tribes council members and the US Bureau of Indian Affairs on November 19, 1956 where the unfavorable factors from the Three Affiliated Tribes are voiced, including the political nature of loans. In this third letter, a memorandum summarized by the Bureau from November 23, 1958 describes three areas Three Affiliated Tribes list for future discussion which include a longer repayment schedule with different interest rates, alterations on how tribal members are considered for loans, and a general review of the Bureau’s credit policy.
The forth enclosed letter dated December 20, 1957 outlines the demand that either a reservation credit officer be retained by Three Affiliated Tribes by payment of this officer’s salary and expense for the fiscal year of 1958 or the US Bureau of Indian Affairs will liquidate the credit program for Three Affiliated Tribes, in which case $150,000.00 on contract will be immediately due. This letter is signed by Deputy Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs Barton Greenwood.
See also:
Letter from Commissioner Emmons to Area Director Reifel Regarding Farm Loans for Members of the Fort Berthold Reservation, April 17, 1958
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Letter from Senator Langer to Ben J. Youngbird Regarding Farm Loans for Members of the Fort Berthold Reservation, April 22, 1958
William Langer
This letter dated April 22, 1958, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Ben J. Youngbird, states that Langer has contacted US Commissioner Emmons who has just wired the area director in Aberdeen, so the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation shall have the authority to approve spring loans up to $1,500. The letter states that the area director of the Aberdeen Office is advising the superintendent. The letter concludes that Langer “was happy to be of service to the Indians of Fort Berthold Reservation.”
The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Fort Berthold Indian Res.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Vincent Malnouri Regarding Farm Loans for Members of the Fort Berthold Reservation, April 18, 1958
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Letter from Senator Langer to Ben Youngbird Regarding Youngbird's Recent Trip to Washington, August 6, 1958
William Langer
This letter dated August 26, 1958, from United States (US) William Langer to Fort Berthold Tribal Business Council Treasurer Ben Youngbird, expresses Langer's pleasure visiting and working with Youngbird on Youngbird's recent trip to Washington, D.C. as part of a delegation of the Tribal Business Council of the Fort Berthold Reservations.
Langer also includes a copy of a letter dated August 19, 1958 he sent to Robert Fox of the Eastern Segment of the Fort Berthold Reservation in which Langer praises the work the delegation did during their time in Washington and singling out Youngbird for special praise for his "energetic" work "on behalf of Indian people," his contacts in Washington, and his thorough preparation of facts and information with which to "state fully the case of the Indian from the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation."