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 Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding US Senate Bill 797, January 6, 1948
Martin Cross
This handwritten letter dated January 6, 1948, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, informs Langer that Cross has been designated as a delegate to represent the Three Affiliated Tribes in support of US Senate Bill 797 (S. 797). Cross indicates that he will be in Washington, D.C. January 12-16 and would like to appear before the US Senate Public Lands Committee during his visit.
-
Letter from Bartley C. Crum to Senator Langer concerning the Mundt BIll, May 27, 1948
Bartley C. Crum
This letter dated May 27, 1948 from Bartley C. Crum to Senator William Langer contains an attached letter written to Senator Alexander Wiley regarding the Mundt-Nixon BIll. Bartley urges Senator Wiley and his committee to defeat the Mundt Bill for the sake of America's freedom.
-
Letter from R.J. Doebler to Senator Langer Regarding Medical Care for Indians of the Fort Berthold and Turtle Mountain Reservations, February 19, 1948
R.J. Doebler
This letter dated February 19, 1948, from R.J. Doebler to Senator William Langer explains that Indians who came to Minot during the war for employment are now out of work following the war. Doebler asks for clarification from Langer if these Indians have gained residence in Ward County or if they are eligible to return to their respective reservations. Most of the Indians, says Doebler, come from Fort Berthold and the Turtle Mountain Agency. A few Indians are getting sick, Doebler continues, and do not want to return home to receive treatment as they are not receiving adequate treatment at their reservations. Doebler surmises that the doctor at the Turtle Mountain Agency should be investigated because, although the Indians are eligible for medical care on reservations, they do not want to receive care there. Ward County is unable to take care “of all these Indians,” concludes Doebler, without being reimbursed by either the Federal or local government.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to R.J. Doebler Regarding Medical Care for Indians of the Fort Berthold and Turtle Mountain Reservations, February 25, 1948
-
Telegram from Lillian Endom to Senator Langer Regarding Settlement and Reclaimed Lands, May 23, 1948
Lillian Endom
This telegram dated May 23, 1948, from Lillian Endom to United States (US) Senator William Langer, urges that "North Dakota Indians" be given monetary settlement and free choice of reclaimed lands. Endom also argues that the US Soil Conservation Service improve reclaimed lands' soil. This letter contains shorthand notes at the bottom.
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to Lillian Endom Regarding Settlement and Reclaimed Lands, May 24, 1948
-
Letter from Gierke to Senator Langer Regarding Fort Berthold Reservation, January 13, 1948
WF Gierke
This letter dated January 13, 1948, from WF Gierke to United States Senator William Langer, Gierke discusses the economic and social conditions of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. He states that there has not been much trouble on the Reservation and that Langer should contact the Tribes personally for a more authentic report. Gierke also states that taxpayer's money should not be given directly and that instead, the Tribes should be given proper "instruction."
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to WF Gierke Regarding Fort Berthold Reservation, February 12, 1948
-
Letter from George Gillette to Senator Langer Regarding Unauthorized Tribal Representatives, January 9, 1948
George Gillette
This letter dated January 9, 1948, from Chairperson George Gillette to United States Senator William Langer, explains that there is a small group from the Three Affiliated Tribe Reservation who are planning on sending representatives to Washington, D.C. without proper authorization. Gillette notes that anyone from the Reservation appearing at the Washington, D.C. meeting should be asked to present their credentials.
This letter contains handwritten notes.
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to George Gillette Regarding Unauthorized Tribal Representatives, January 17, 1948
-
Telegram from George Gillette to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments for Minors, May 6, 1948
George Gillette
This telegram dated May 6, 1948, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council Chairman George Gillette to United States (US) Senator William Langer, urges 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.
This telegram contains shorthand notes at the bottom.
See also: Telegram from Senator Langer to George Gillette Regarding Per Capita Payments for Minors, May 8, 1948
-
Letter from Peggy Harris to Senator Langer Regarding Working Conditions on the Garrison Dam Project, November 14, 1948
Peggy Harris
This letter, dated November 14, 1948, Peggy Harris of Riverdale, North Dakota (ND) to United States (US) Senator William Langer describes the conditions Harris has been working under during her employment with the Cafeteria Concession at the construction site of the Garrison Dam project. She writes of working long hours with no overtime pay, receiving no additional pay for working the seventh day of the week, and of paychecks being two weeks late, and urges Langer to take prompt action.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Peggy Harris Regarding Working Conditions on the Garrison Dam Project, December 4, 1948
Letter from Senator Langer to Peggy Harris Regarding Working Conditions on the Garrison Dam Project, December 20, 1948
-
Letter from Irene Edwards for Senator Langer to the Reverend H. W. Case Regarding Forth Berthold Members, March 12, 1948
William Langer
This letter, dated March 12, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to the Reverend H. W. Case of the Fort Berthold Mission in Elbowoods on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota, makes reference to a recent letter from Case. Langer writes that it was a pleasure to hear from Case and assures him that he will do all he can to "help rehabilitate the Indians." He adds that he is "contacting the Chief of the Soil Conservation Service, Mr. Hugh Bennett, and asking him to send you an aerial photograph of the Fort Berthold Reservation direct."
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Ben Reifel Regarding Joe Wicks’s Proposal for Various Indian Reservations, April 26, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated April 26, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Ben Reifel, alerts Reifel that Joe Wicks will be coming to see him with a proposal for various Indian reservations. Langer writes that Wicks’s proposal already has the approval of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs and asks Reifel to “go over this matter very carefully” with Wicks. The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Ft. Berthold Indian Agency.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Joe Wicks Regarding a Meeting with Ben Reifel, May 21, 1948
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Ben Reifel Regarding Theodore Baker, March 10, 1948
William Langer
This letter, dated March 10, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Forth Berthold Indian Agency Superintendent Ben Reifel, expresses Langer's thanks for the copy Reifel has sent of a letter Reifel wrote the US Commissioner of Indian Affairs regarding a matter involving Theodore Baker. Langer also expresses his appreciation for Reifel's advice in the matter.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Theodore Baker Relaying Copy of Letter from Ber Reifel, March 10, 1948
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Ben Reifel Regarding the Selling of Fort Berthold Reservation Land, April 16, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated April 16, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Fort Berthold Indian Agency Superintendent Ben Reifel refers to an enclosed copy of a letter from Three Affiliated Tribes member Evan Baker who would like to sell 160 acres of his land on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Langer asks Reifel to “look into this matter for me and advise me what can be done to help Mr. Baker out.” The heading of the letter begins with the word “CONFIDENTIAL.” The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Fort Berthold Agency.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Evan Baker Expressing Delight in Helping to Sell Fort Berthold Reservation Land, April 16, 1948
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Carl Whitman Regarding Possible Dates for Meeting in North Dakota, October 25, 1948
William Langer
This letter, dated October 25, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Carl Whitman, Chairperson of the Tribal Business Council of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, acknowledges receipt of Whitman's letter of October 18.
In this reply, Langer explains that he will be tied up during his visit to North Dakota until November 15 and 16. He goes on to list functions he will be attending those days and says that if Whitman can arrange to have Langer's other colleagues present at the meeting, he would be glad to meet in Elbowoods on November 17th.
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Evan Baker Expressing Delight in Helping to Sell Fort Berthold Reservation Land, April 16, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated April 16, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Evan Baker, acknowledges receipt of Baker’s letter of March 31, 1948 informing Langer of his plans to sell 160 acres of his land on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Langer writes that he is “delighted to have this opportunity to be of assistance to you and am today writing to the proper authorities” to see what can be done to allow Baker to sell his land.
See also:
Letter from Evan Baker to Senator Langer Regarding the Selling of Fort Berthold Reservation Land, March 31, 1948
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Evan Baker Regarding Selling of Fort Berthold Land, May 17, 1948
William Langer
This letter, dated May 17, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Evan Baker of Elbowoods, North Dakota on the Fort Berthold Reservation conveys the contents of a report Langer has received from the Fort Berthold Indian Agency in response to an inquiry Langer made regarding Baker's desire to sell 160 acres of land he owns on the Fort Berhold Reservation.
Langer quotes from the report he received, the gist of which is that Baker should wait until the resettlement issue associated with the construction of the Garrison Dam and eventual inundation of a significant portion of the Fort Berthold Reservation has been clarified. Reference is made in the quoted portions of Langer's letter to an attached contract, but no contract was found with this letter in Langer's papers.
Langer recommends that Baker follow the recommendations of the quoted report.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Ben Reifel Regarding the Selling of Fort Berthold Reservation Land, April 16, 1948
-
Letter from Senator Langer to H.W. Case Regarding Procedures for Moving Church Building Due to the Garrison Dam, July 31, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated July 31, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to H.W. Chase, marks the receipt of Case’s letter from July 25, 1948, where Case requested a pamphlet that outlines the procedures for “the Indian” to retain church buildings due to the Garrison Dam. Langer thanks Case and encloses the US War Department’s statement on the Garrison Dam. No enclosure is included.
The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Garrison Dam.”
See also:
Letter from H.W. Case to Senator Langer Regarding the Acquisition of Churches on Reservation Land for the Garrison Dam, July 25, 1948
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Joe Wicks Regarding a Meeting with Ben Reifel, May 21, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated May 21, 1948, from United States Senator William Langer to Joe Wicks of Cannon Ball, North Dakota, informs Wicks that Ben Reifel is happy to meet with him. Langer quotes Reifel as writing, “I have your letter advising me that Mr. Joe Wicks, of Cannon Ball, N.D., plans on visiting this jurisdiction within the next few weeks. I am personally acquainted with Mr. Wicks and you may rest assured that I will be pleased to go over his proposition with him at any time that is convenient to him.” The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Fort Berthold Indian Agency.”
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Ben Reifel Regarding Joe Wicks’s Proposal for Various Indian Reservations, April 26, 1948
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Joseph Wicks Regarding Plan Between Wicks and Martin Cross for Various Reservations, April 26, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated April 26, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Joseph Wicks, mentions a plan that Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross proposed for several reservations. The plan has the approval of the "Indian Bureau" (likely meaning the US Bureau of Indian Affairs). Langer advises that Wicks submit the plan to the Indian Agencies in North Dakota. Details of the plan are not discussed in the letter.
A handwritten note on the letter says, "See Indians."
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding a Petition Addressed to Congressman Wesley A. D'Ewart, January 31, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated January 31, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, informs Cross that a petition addressed to US Representative from Montana Wesley A. D'Ewart signed by members of the Three Affiliated Tribes arrived in Langer's office and that Langer will forward the petition to D'Ewart and provide any assistance that he can on the matter.
A handwritten note on the letter reads, "Cross, Martin."
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Wesley D'Ewart Forwarding Petition from Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes, January 31, 1948
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Petition to Wesley D'Ewart and Senate Bill 797, February 5, 1948
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Cross's Recent Visit to Washington, D.C. and Cross's Testimony, February 10, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated February 10, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, acknowledges Cross's letter of February 5, 1948 and extends regret that Cross did not return to Langer's office during the visit. Langer also indicates that the US Committee on Public Lands has not yet printed copies of Cross's testimony but once they do, Langer will send a copy.
See also:
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Petition to Wesley D'Ewart and Senate Bill 797, February 5, 1948
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments, February 22, 1948
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Letters Sent from Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes to Senator Watkins and Representative D'Ewart, March 8, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated March 8, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, thanks Cross for sending a copy of letters that members of the Three Affiliated Tribes sent to US Senator from Utah [Arthur] Watkins and US Representative from Montana [Wesley] D'Ewart. Langer expresses regret for not meeting Cross when Cross was visiting but says that he hopes to spend July 4th with Cross in Elbowoods, North Dakota. Copies of the letters referenced were not enclosed with this document.
A handwritten note on the letter says, "See Indians."
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Senate Bill 1133, February 25, 1948
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Recent Decisions of the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council, December 13, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated December 13, 1948, from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, thanks Cross for his recent letter and for the news on the recent decisions of the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council.
Handwritten notes on the letter include, "See-Indians" and "Cross, Martin T."
See also:
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Tribal Council in Washington Working on Garrison Dam Contract, December 8, 1948
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Enclosing a Report from the Tribal Council on their Report to Washington and House Joint Resolution 33, January 13, 1949
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Senate Bill 1133, February 25, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated February 25, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, acknowledges a recent telegram from Cross and informs him that there will be no additional hearings regarding US Senate Bill 1133 with amendment. Langer indicates that the bill is on the US president's desk and that he anticipates favorable news shortly.
A handwritten note on the letter says "see" with a line pointing to "S. 1133."
S. 1133 became US Public Law 80-424, also known as, "An Act Providing for the Per Capita Payment of Certain Moneys Appropriated in Settlement of Certain Claims of the Indians of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota" on February 28, 1948.
See also:
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments, February 22, 1948
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Letters Sent from Members of the Three Affiliated Tribes to Senator Watkins and Representative D'Ewart, March 8, 1948
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Thanking Cross for the Two Resolutions Passed by Tribal Council, May 7, 1948
William Langer
This letter dated May 7, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, thanks Cross for sending the two resolutions passed by the Claims Legislative Council. One resolution proposes that no action be taken on the proposed contract between the US and the Fort Berthold Reservation, and the other relates to the the contract drafted by the US War Department. These resolutions are likely in connection with the construction of the Garrison Dam, but they were not enclosed in this document.
A handwritten note on the letter says, "See Indians."
-
Letter from Senator Langer to Mary Sussex Regarding the Effects of the Garrison Dam on Fort Berthold Residents, July 22, 1948
William Langer
This letter, dated July 22, 1948, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Mary Sussex of Hope, North Dakota, acknowledges receipt of Sussex's recent letter expressing concern for the effects the construction of the Garrison Dam would have on the residents of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Langer thanks Sussex for her letter and informs her that he has been having conferences with tribal representatives, the Chief of the US Army Engineers, and various private citizens and that he has been doing, and will continue to do, everything he can to see that the Fort Berthold members get a square deal.
Langer adds that he thought Sussex would be interested in seeing a copy of US Senate Joint Resolution (SJ Res) No. 209, which he introduced on behalf of the Fort Berthold members.
No copy of the SJ Res 209 was found with this letter in Langer's papers.
See also:
Letter from Mary Sussex to Senator Langer Regarding the Effects of the Garrison Dam on Fort Berthold Residents, July 15, 1948