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.
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Justin Spotted Bear Regarding a Per Diem for Tribal Delegates Visiting Washington, May 3, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated May 3, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Chairperson Justin Spotted Bear, encloses a report from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs regarding a $20 per diem for tribal delegates while they are in Washington, D.C. The report from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs is not included with this document. Langer says that he was happy to obtain this information.
There are some handwritten annotations on the letter including "Cross, Martin" and "CR--Fox, Martin."
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Apologizing for Not Being Able to Visit Earlier in the Month, April 25, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated April 25, 1952, from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, offers an apology that Langer didn't get a chance to visit Cross and friends when they were in Washington D.C. earlier in the month. Langer offers his best wishes.
Handwritten notes on the letter read, "Cross, Martin" and "CR-Wells, Ralph."
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Forwarding the Congressional Record for February 7 which Contains the Resolution Adopted by the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee, February 8, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated February 8, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, encloses a copy of the February 7th US Congressional Record. The record contains a copy of the resolution adopted by the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee regarding medical care for tribal members following the closing of the Indian Service hospital in Elbowoods, North Dakota. Langer says that he is pleased to have submitted the resolution to the US Congressional Record. A copy of the record is not included with this document.
The letter contains some handwritten annotations.
See also:
Congressional Record (Senate), February 7, 1952 Vol. 98, Part 1--Bound Edition
Letter from John Hart to Senator Langer Enclosing an April 7 News Bulletin Regarding the Fort Berthold Health Program, April 23, 1951
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding a Resolution adopted by the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee Concerning the Indian Service Medical Program, February 3, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated February 3, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, acknowledges a letter sent from Cross on January 29th which enclosed a copy of a resolution adopted by the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency committee. The resolution concerns the Indian Service Medical Program and was passed at the committee's December 7, 1951 meeting. Langer thanks Cross for sending the resolution and lets him know that he will be entering it into the US Congressional Record. Joseph Blonigan, Chairperson of the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee is cc'd on the letter.
The letter includes some handwritten annotations.
Another copy of this letter was filed in Langer's papers and is posted as:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee Resolution, February 3, 1952
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding a Resolution Adopted by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council and US Senate Bill 2424, July 14, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated July 14, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, acknowledges Cross's message of congratulations to Langer. Langer also thanks Cross for sending a copy of the resolution adopted by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council which Cross has requested to be part of the record for US Senate Bill 2424 (S. 2424). Langer thanks him for the information.
The letter contains some handwritten annotations.
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee Resolution, February 3, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated February 3, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross for sending a copy of a resolution adopted by the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee on December 7, 1951 regarding the US Indian Service Medical Program. Langer says that he will insert a copy into the US Congressional Record.
There are some handwritten notes on the letter. Joseph Blonigan is copied on the letter.
See also:
Report of the Second Meeting of the Fort Berthold Inter-Agency Committee, December 7, 1951
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding February 7 Congressional Record, February 8, 1952
Congressional Record (Senate), February 7, 1952 Vol. 98, Part 1--Bound Edition
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Oscar Chapman Regarding Resolution Demanding Audit of Tribal Funds, February 14, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated February 14, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Secretary of the Interior Oscar Chapman, informs Chapman of the recent visit Langer received from Fort Berthold tribal member James Black Dog who showed Langer a copy of a resolution demanding an audit of all tribal monies collected and spent in a number of categories, as well as interest accrued on monies received for tribal land sold to the US Government in connection with the construction of the Garrison Dam.
Langer asks for Chapman's attention in the matter and expresses his appreciation for any information Chapman will be able to provide.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to J. Howard McGrath Regarding James Black Dog's Request for FBI Investigation of Tribal Funds, January 18, 1952
"Voice of the People" from Justin Spotted Bear et al., Demanding an Audit of Tribal Funds, January 28, 1952
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Ralph Harris Requesting Additions to the Congressional Record Mailing List, April 4, 1952
William Langer
This letter, dated April 4, 1952, from United States (US) William Langer to US Congressional Record Clerk Ralph Harris, asks that Harris add R. R. Church of Chicago, Illinois and R. W. Quinn, Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency, to the US Congressional Record Mailing List.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to R. W. Quinn Regarding Quinn's Addition to the US Congressional Record Mailing List, April 4, 1952
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Reginald J. B. Page Regarding Federal Funding for Road Construction, December 10, 1952
William Langer
This letter, dated December 10, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Lt. Col. Reginald J. B. Page of the Garrison District, conveys to Page a resolution from the McKenzie County, North Dakota Board of County Commissioner regarding federal funding for the construction of a road to to connect the Fort Berthold Reservation to Highway No. 23.
Langer asks that Page inform him on this matter "with such comments and suggestions as you care to make."
See also:
Letter from Arne Tollefson to Senator Langer Regarding Federal Funding for Road Construction, December 2, 1952
Letter from Reginald J. B. Page to Senator Langer Regarding Federal Funding for Road Construction, December 17, 1952
-
Letter from Senator Langer to R. W. Quinn Regarding Quinn's Addition to the US Congressional Record Mailing List, April 4, 1952
William Langer
This letter, dated April 4, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Fort Berthold Agency Superintendent R. W. Quinn makes reference to Quinn's request to be added to the US Congressional Record mailing list. Langer apologizes for the delay and writes that he has been trying to find a vacancy so that he could have Quinn's name added to the mailing list, and that he is now happy to advise that a spot has turned up and that he has requested that the US Government Printing Office send him a copy of the Record Immediately.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Ralph Harris Requesting Additions to the Congressional Record Mailing List, April 4, 1952
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Senator Young, Representative Burdick, and Representative Aandahl Regarding the A. N. Winge’s Treatment During the Condemnation Proceedings, March 3, 1952
William Langer
These three letters dated March 3, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Senator Milton Young, US Representative Usher Burdick, and US Representative Fred Aandahl are identical except for the addressees. The letters refer to a letter, dated March 3, 1952, Langer has received from Van Hook, North Dakota resident A. N. Winge. Langer explains that Winge “feels that the Army Engineers have not treated her fairly and she suggests we call a halt to the finishing of the dam until a settlement is made.” Langer writes that he has contacted the Chief of Engineers, who has agreed to contact Winge to see “what can be done to help her.” All three letters include the handwritten annotation “Garrison Dam.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to A. N. Winge Regarding Condemnation Proceedings, March 3, 1952
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Thomas H. MacDonald Regarding Federal Funding for Road Construction, December 10, 1952
William Langer
This letter, dated December 10, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Thomas H. MacDonald, Commissioner of the US Bureau of Public Roads, conveys to MacDonald a resolution from the McKenzie County, North Dakota Board of County Commissioner regarding federal funding for the construction of a road to to connect the Fort Berthold Reservation to Highway No. 23.
Langer asks that MacDonald inform him on this matter "with such comments and suggestions as you care to make."
See also:
Letter from Arne Tollefson to Senator Langer Regarding Federal Funding for Road Construction, December 2, 1952
Letter from Thomas H. MacDonald to Senator Langer Regarding Federal Funding for Road Construction, December 16, 1952
-
Letter from Senator Langer to W. E. Pike Regarding the Moving of Graves in the Area to be Covered by the Garrison Dam, April 30, 1952
William Langer
This letter dated April 30, 1952, is from United States Senator William Langer to Mr. W. E. Pike, who is interested in the job of moving the graves that will be covered by the Garrison Dam. Langer refers to an enclosed report from Dillon S. Myer, Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, in response to Pike’s inquiry about relocating the graves. Langer writes, “You may be assured it has been a pleasure to obtain this information to you.”
The report mentioned as being enclosed was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.
The letter includes the handwritten annotation “Garrison Dam.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Dillon Myer Regarding the Moving of Graves in the Area to be Covered by the Garrison Dam, April 16, 1952
-
Letter from William Langer to Dillon S. Myer Regarding Evelyn B. Mendez's Per Capita Payments, October 6, 1952
William Langer
This letter, dated October 6, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Dillon S. Myer, Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, makes reference to an an earlier inquiry Langer made with Myer on April 24, 1952 in the interest of Evelyn B. Mendez, who, on behalf of her children, did not receive the $1000 per capita payment made to enrolled members of the Forth Berthold Reservation. Langer writes that he has now received a letter from Mendez, pertinent portions of which Langer quotes in this letter.
In the portions quoted, Mendez explains that her six children had been enrolled prior to the 1948 per capita payments, had received roll numbers and appeared in two Indian Census Roll Books belonging to the Fort Berthold Reservation, and did indeed receive that per capita payment. She then asks by whose authority her children's names were removed from the Census Roll when it was made up for the $1000 per capita payment in 1951. Mendez acknowledges that her children were born off the reservation, in California, but writes that she knows of other children born off the reservation, and having a lesser degree of Indian blood than her children, who were admitted for enrollment.
Mendez writes that she has now moved back to Forth Berthold and would like to present her case to the newly elected council and asks that Langer provide her with some kind of statement regarding the 1948 Census Roll.
Following the quoted portions of the Mendez's letter to Langer, Langer refers to Myer's response to Langer's previous inquiry, in which Myer had indicated it would be necessary to obtain a report from the field to answer the inquiry. Langer writes that he is hopeful that Myer has now received this report, and would like further information and recommendations on this matter at Myer's earliest convenience.
See also:
Letter from Irene Edwards for Senator Langer to Evelyn B. Mendez Regarding Per Capita Payments, October 6, 1952
-
Telegram from Senator Langer to Justin Spotted Bear Indicating that Langer has Contacted the US Indian Commission and Will Advise, March 31, 1952
William Langer
This telegram dated March 31, 1952, from United States Senator William Langer to Justin Spotted Bear, acknowledges receipt of Spotted Bear's telegram and says that Langer has contacted the US Indian Commission and will advise.
A handwritten note at the top of the telegram reads, "Cross, Martin."
-
Telegram from Senator Langer to Justin Spotted Bear Responding to March 21 Telegram, March 31, 1952
William Langer
This telegram dated March 31, 1952, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Justin Spotted Bear, informs Spotted Bear that his telegram of March 21st awaited him upon his return from North Dakota. Langer says that he has contacted the US Indian Commission and will follow up.
There are handwritten notes on the telegram including "Cross, Martin" and "Reelection."
See also:
Telegram from Justin Spotted Bear to William Langer Requesting Stop to Per Diem for Martin Cross, March 21, 1952
Letter from Senator Langer to Dillon Myer Regarding Request from Justin Spotted Bear to Stop Per Diem for Martin Cross, March 28, 1952
Letter from Senator Langer to Justin Spotted Bear Enclosing Report from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs Regarding Request to Stop Per Diem for Martin Cross, May 3, 1952
-
Letter from Acting Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Lee to Senator Langer Regarding Relocations Problems Due to the Garrison Dam Project, July 11, 1952
Rex Lee
This letter dated July 11, 1952, from Acting Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Rex Lee to United States Senator William Langer marks the receipt of Langer’s letter from June 27, 1952. The letter acknowledges “a communication from Bertha Driver and others of the Fort Berthold Reservation relating to relocation problems.” The letter states that Lee is requesting John Cooper to look into this matter to “take any action which might be justified by the circumstances.” The letter concludes by stating that Lee will advise Langer further once Cooper’s report is received. The letter is marked with the handwritten annotations “Hold for Report” and “Garrison Dam.”
See also:
Letter from Dorothy Gwin on Behalf of Senator Langer to Marjorie Slocum et al. Regarding the Relocation Problem Due to the Garrison Dam Project, June 25, 1952
-
Letter from Rex Lee to Senator Langer Regarding Relocation Problems Due to the Garrison Dam Project, June 11, 1952
Rex Lee
This letter dated July 11, 1952, from Acting Commissioner of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs Rex Lee to US Senator William Langer acknowledges receipt of Langer’s letter of June 27, 1952, which enclosing “a communication from Bertha Driver and others of the Fort Berthold Reservation relating to relocation problems due to the Fort Garrison Dam project.” Lee writes that he is requesting the Area Director of Aberdeen Office for the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs John Cooper to look into the circumstances of these problems and provide a report to Langer. The letter is marked with the handwritten annotations “Garrison Dam” and “Hold for Report.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Dillon Myer Regarding Relocation Problems Resulting from the Garrison Dam Project, June 27, 1952
-
Letter from Thomas H. MacDonald to Senator Langer Regarding Federal Funding for Road Construction, December 16, 1952
Thomas H. MacDonald
This letter, dated December 16, 1952, from United States (US) Commissioner of Public Roads Thomas H. MacDonald to US Senator William Langer, is a reply to Langer's letter of December 10, in which Langer enclosed a copy of a resolution prepared by the McKenzie Country, ND Board of Commissioners, in which the Commissioners asked that a proposed road connecting the Fort Berthold Reservation to Highway no. 23 be constructed at federal expense.
In MacDonalds reply, he explains that a four-mile portion of the proposed road is in the Federal-aid highway system approved for North Dakota, but the state has not requested funding for it, and the remaining three miles are not included in the Federal-aid system, and thus not eligible for federal funding.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Thomas H. MacDonald Regarding Federal Funding for Road Construction, December 10, 1952
-
Letter from Irene Martin Edwards for Senator Langer to Dillon S. Myer Regarding John Chase's Coal Contract, August 7, 1952
Irene Martin Edwards
This letter, dated August 7, 1952, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer to Dillon S. Myer, Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, makes reference to a contract to haul coal to Fort Berthold held by John W. Chase of Elbowoods on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota. Edwards writes that Chase submitted the lowest bid to win the contract and that he has been owed a sum of $200 for his work since approximately the middle of March.
Edwards asks Myer to look into the matter and expedite final settlement.
Note: while Irene Martin Edwards is not listed as the author anywhere on this letter, a letter to Chase informing him of the sending of this letter to Myer states that Langer is currently in North Dakota and that "we have taken up this claim with the authorities in the Senator's name to see what can be done to expedite payment."
See also:
Letter from Irene Martin Edwards for Senator Langer to John Chase Regarding his Coal Contract, August 7, 1952
-
Letter from Irene Martin Edwards for Senator Langer to Earl Bateman Regarding the Purchase of Liquor by Fort Berthold Tribal Members, March 21, 1952
Irene Martin Edwards
This letter, dated March 21, 1952, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States (US) Senator Langer to Earl Bateman makes reference to an inquiry Bateman has made to the US Commissioner of Indian Affairs regarding the purchase of liquor by members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold in North Dakota. Edwards notes that since Langer is in North Dakota, she is taking the liberty of writing Bateman. She notes that Bateman has undoubtedly read the Commissioner's reply by now, and writes that Langer would be glad to have any comments he has.
-
Letter from Irene Martin Edwards for Senator Langer to John Chase Regarding his Coal Contract, August 7, 1952
Irene Martin Edwards
This letter, dated August 7, 1952, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer to John W. Chase of Elbowoods on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota, makes reference to a recent letter from Chase explaining that he held a contract to haul coal to the Fort Berthold Reservation and had been owed a sum of $200 for his work since approximately the middle of March.
Edwards explains that, while Senator Langer is currently in North Dakota, she is replying on Langer's behalf, and that "we have taken up this claim with the authorities in the Senator's name to see what can be done to expedite payment."
See also:
Letter from Irene Martin Edwards for Senator Langer to Dillon S. Myer Regarding John Chase's Coal Contract, August 7, 1952
-
Letter from Dillon Myer to Senator Langer Regarding Request from Justin Spotted Bear to Stop Per Diem for Martin Cross, April 22, 1952
Dillon Myer
This letter dated April 22, 1952, from Commissioner of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs Dillon Myer to US Senator William Langer, replies to Langer's inquiry on behalf of Justin Spotted Bear about stopping the per diems for Martin Cross and other delegates to Washington, D.C. Myer writes that the delegates sent to Washington were chosen by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council and that the area director in Aberdeen, South Dakota was aware of the trip. Dillon indicates that the Three Affiliated Tribes have funds in reserve for tribal council business.
-
Letter from Reginald J. B. Page to Senator Langer Regarding Federal Funding for Road Construction, December 17, 1952
Reginald J. B. Page
This letter, dated December 17, 1952, from Lt. Col. Reginald J. B. Page of the United States (US) Army Corp of Engineers, Garrison District, to US Senator William Langer, makes reference to Langer's letter of December 10, in which Langer enclosed a copy of a resolution prepared by the McKenzie Country, ND Board of Commissioners, in which the Commissioners asked that a proposed road connecting the Fort Berthold Reservation to Highway no. 23 be constructed at federal expense.
In his reply, Page explains that, because the proposed road lies outside the boundaries of the reservation, he has no funding or authority to include such a road in the Fort Berthold road construction project.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Reginald J. B. Page Regarding Federal Funding for Road Construction, December 10, 1952
-
Telegram from Justin Spotted Bear to William Langer Requesting Stop to Per Diem for Martin Cross, March 21, 1952
Justin Spotted Bear
This telegram dated March 21, 1952, from Justin Spotted Bear to United States (US) Senator William Langer, requests that Martin Cross and others' $20 per diem in Washington, D.C. be immediately stopped. Spotted Bear claims that tribal funds are being used without approval from the people nor from the area office. Spotted Bear says that no one knows why the delegation is in Washington, D. C.
See also:
Telegram from Irene Martin Edwards for Senator Langer to Justin Spotted Bear in Reply to March 21 Telegram Regarding Martin Cross, March 22, 1952
Telegram from Senator Langer to Justin Spotted Bear Responding to March 21 Telegram, March 31, 1952