William Langer Papers

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, January 31, 1947

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter dated January 31, 1947, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States Senator William Langer, informs Langer that the Gros Ventre (Hidatsa) people plan to send delegates to Washington D.C. regarding the Garrison Dam. Cross indicates that the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council will not send him to Washington as a delegate although he has support from the tribes and that Floyd Montclair was refused by the tribes' attorney Ralph Case. Cross reports on a riff with the tribal council and asks Langer for information regarding the Garrison Dam.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Garrison Dam, February 7, 1947

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding the Establishment of the Claims Legislative Council, July 10, 1947

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter dated July 10, 1947, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States Senator William Langer, informs Langer of the establishment of a Claims Legislative Council for the Fort Berthold Reservation. Memorial and establishing articles of the Claims Legislative Council are enclosed with this letter.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding the Proposed Establishment of a Claim Legislative Council, August 5, 1947

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  Letter from F. L. Etherington to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, March 15, 1947

  F. L. Etheringson

  In this letter dated March 15, 1947, from F. L Etherington to United States (US) Senator William Langer, Etherington poses a number of questions about the Garrison Dam project and makes his own recommendation that the tribes not be displaced, and that rather than purchasing the land from them, the US Government should rent the land from them.

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  Memorandum from Fort Berthold Indian Corporation Tribal Business Council to Senator Langer Regarding $400,000 Appropriation, Undated

  Fort Berthold Indian Corporation Tribal Business Council

  This memorandum, undated and unsigned, on the Fort Berthold Indian Corporation Tribal Business Council letterhead and addressed to United States (US) Senator William Langer, makes reference to an appropriation of $400,000 included in the Interior Department Appropriation Act of 1947 for the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, North Dakota, and requests that an amendment be made to the pending bill to authorize the expenditure of $300,000 of the appropriation by the Tribes.

  Attached to the resolution (visible in the first page of the PDF scan of the document) is a note saying, "This is the amendment Mr. Case was interested in" (likely referring to Ralph Hoyt Case, legal council for the Three Affiliated Tribes).

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  Letter from WF Gierke to Senator Langer Regarding Fort Berthold Reservation, December 22, 1947

  WF Gierke

  This letter dated December 22, 1947, from WF Gierke to United Stated Senator William Langer, Gierke states that he is a rancher who has been around the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation for thirty years. He goes on to say that the Reservation is in poorer condition than when he first encountered them. He explains his belief that the tribal members are capable but must be taught the ways of market economies and the Reservation should be run like a giant ranch.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to WF Gierke Regarding Fort Berthold Reservation, January 6, 1948

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  Letter from George Gillette to Senator Langer Requesting Langer to Ignore Eli Perkins Concerning Tribal Affairs, March 20, 1947

  George Gillettte

  This letter dated March 20, 1947, from the Tribal Business Council Chairperson George Gillette to United States Senator William Langer, requests that Langer ignore Eli Perkins's concerns regarding tribal matters. Gillette writes to Langer, “it has come to my attention that you have been corresponding with Mr. Eli Perkins concerning the abolishment of the Indian Bureau.” Gillette affirms that he is in a better position to convey anything “concerning the general sentiment of the Indians of this Reservation.”

  This letter contains some handwriting and Gillette's signature.

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  Letter from James Hall to Senator Langer Regarding FHA Interest, January 24, 1947

  James Hall

  This letter dated January 24, 1947, from James Hall to United States Senator William Langer, is a response to a January 4, 1947 letter from Langer. The letter includes a request for the cancellation of interest owed to the Farm Security Administration by members of the Three Affiliated Tribes affected by the Garrison Dam project.

  See Also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to James Hall Regarding FHA Interest, January 27, 1947

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  Letter from Frank O. Homme to Senator Langer Regarding Lieu Lands, January 9, 1947

  Frank O. Homme

  This letter dated January 9 1947, from Frank O. Homme of Minot, North Dakota (ND) to United States (US) Senator William Langer, expresses Homme's opinion that the proposed lieu lands below Garrison do not represent a good deal for the members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, ND. Homme offers his opinions regarding possible ways to compensate the tribes for the land they are losing due to the Garrison Dam project, and his observations and speculations on what is important to different generations of tribal members. Homme explains that he has been involved in large scale farming on reservation land and living there since 1915, and does not want any publicity regarding his letter and suggestions. Homme closes his letter urging Langer to "Do the best you can for them....."

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Frank O. Homme Regarding Lieu Lands, January 16, 1947

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  Address from Senator Langer to a Town Meeting Regarding Giving American Indians A Square Deal, August 21, 1947

  William Langer

  This written address dated August 21, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to the town meeting of the Air Program in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on the subject of “Are We Giving Our American Indians a Square Deal” is a twelve point, two page address where Langer expresses the American Indian has “been pushed around for many years” and is “getting no square deal from his Government in granting him rights as a citizen and not as a ward of the nation.” The address is marked with the handwritten annotation “Indians.”

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  Letter from Harris Grotte to Senator Langer Regarding Fence Cutting, August 26, 1947

  William Langer

  This letter dated August 26, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to Harris Grotte, reports that he has received a reply from the superintendent of the Fort Berthold Agency in Elbowoods, North Dakota to his inquiry on Grotte's behalf regarding fence cutting. Langer quotes a section of the reply. The gist of which is that apparently "both Indians and white operators" have occasionally been involved in fence cutting, and those experiencing property damage must identify the "wire cutters" and file charges against them in court. The superintendent goes on to offer further help if desired.

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  Letter from Irene Martin on Behalf of Senator Langer to R.D. Kollman Regarding Discrimination in Employmenton at the Garrison Dam Project, May 25, 1950

  William Langer

  This letter dated May 25, 1947, from Irene Martin, Secretary to United States (US) Senator William Langer, to R.D. Kollman, acknowledges Kollman’s correspondence about “what you call discrimination” in employment at the Garrison Dam project. Martin writes that Langer has taken the matter to General Pick of the US Army Engineers. Martin says she has enclosed a copy of a speech that Langer gave on Brannan Plan, which “will help explain this program." However, the enclosure was not found with the letter.

  The handwritten annotation of “Garrison Dam” marks the top of the letter.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to General Lewis Pick Regarding Discrimination at the Garrison Dam Project, May 25, 1950

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  Letter from Senator Langer to A.F. McMaster Regarding Lieu Lands Questions, April 9, 1947

  William Langer

  This letter dated April 9, 1947, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to A.F. McMaster, addresses the requested information regarding lieu lands. Langer follows up by informing McMaster that their request will be forwarded to the US Department of Agriculture and sent once received. This letter contains handwritten initials.

  See also:

  Letter from A.F. McMaster to Senator Langer Regarding Lieu Lands Questions, April 3, 1947

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Anna Corbin Regarding Garrison Dam Project, May 29, 1947

  William Langer

  This letter dated May 29, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to Anna (Mrs. George) Corbin, Langer replies to Corbin's letter of May 9, 1947, in which Corbin expresses her opposition to the Garrison Dam Project and argues that no one in North Dakota (ND) will benefit from the project.

  In his reply, Langer argues that ND will indeed enjoy benefits from the dam, including cheap power, irrigation and flood control. He cites as examples the Boulder and Grand Coulee dams, which he argues no one would now say shouldn't have been build, even though there were dislocations and inconveniences related to their construction.

  See also:

  Letter from Anna Corbin to Senator Langer Opposing the Garrison Dam Project, May 9, 1947

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Ben Reifel Regarding Trouble with Stray Horses, August 6, 1947

  William Langer

  This letter dated August 6, 1947, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Acting Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Agency Ben Reifel brings to Reifel’s attention Harris Grotte’s letter of August 5, 1947, regarding stray horses grazing on Grotte’s land. Grotte believes that someone is deliberately cutting his fences allowing stray tribal horses to get into his fields.

  Langer asks Reifel for further information in regard to this matter, and for any steps that can be taken to protect Grotte’s fields. Grotte's letter, which Langer refers to as being enclosed, was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.

  See also: Letter from Senator Langer to Harris Grotte Regarding Trouble with Stray Horses, August 5, 1947

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Earl W. Bateman Regarding Status of Garrison Dam Project, May 13, 1947

  William Langer

  This letter, dated May 13, 1947, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Earl W. Bateman of Elbowoods on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota, acknowledges and thanks Bateman for his recent letter requesting information on the current status of the Garrison Dam project. Langer explains that he is doing everything he can to get additional appropriations for the construction of the dam, and that the bill providing the funds is expected to report out of the US House Committee on Appropriation shortly. Langer expresses his hope that the project can proceed without interruption, warning that there is a move afoot in the US Congress to reduce funding for public works projects.

  Langer adds that he has caused an investigation to be made of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, and that he wants to see the Bureau abolished and will in fact introduce legislation to do so in the next few days, in hopes of safeguarding Native rights and removing Indians from "under the yoke of the Indian Bureau."

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Earl W. Bateman Regarding the Granting of Citizenship Rights to Certain Tribes, October 2, 1947

  William Langer

  This letter dated October 2, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to Earl W. Bateman of Elbowoods, North Dakota, acknowledges and thanks Bateman for his recent letter and says that he is sending, under separate cover, copies of bills related to the "grant of full citizenship rights to certain Indian tribes."

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Frank O. Homme Regarding Lieu Lands, January 16, 1947

  William Langer

  This letter dated January 16, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to Frank O. Homme of Minot, Langer, replies to Homme's previous letter of January 9, 1947, expressing the opinion that the lieu lands below the Garrison Dam being offered as compensation to the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold for lands they would lose to the Garrison Dam project represented a bad deal for the Tribes.

  Langer thanks Homme for his letter and assures him that he "shall do every [he] possibly can to be of help to the Indians."

  See also:

  Letter from Frank O. Homme to Langer Regarding Lieu Lands, January 9, 1947

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Fred Graham Regarding "Outline of Contract, the United States of America with the Three Affiliated Tribes of Forth Berthold Reservation," September 30, 1947

  William Langer

  This letter, dated September 30, 1947, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Fred Graham of Ellendale, North Dakota, is accompanied by a cover letter from Ben Reifel, Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Reservation of North Dakota, over a copy of a document called "Outline of Contract The United States of America with the Three Affiliated Tribes of Ft. Berthold Reservation North Dakota," the latter document having been prepared and submitted by "Ralph H. Case, General Counsel, Three Affiliated Tribes, Fort Berthold Reservation."

  The Outline of Contract contains the conditions and provisions under which the Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota will, in exchange for the sum of $5,105,625, surrender a portion of their reservation to be used in the construction of the Garrison Dam and reservoir. Among these provisions are such headings as, "General Provisions," "Land Provisions," "Improvements," "Timber, Lignite, etc.," "Cemeteries," "Operating Provisions," "Agency Provisions," and "ratifications."

  See also:

  Outline of Contract, The United States of America with the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold Reservation, September, 1947

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  Letter from Senator Langer to George Gillette Regarding Garrison Dam, May 30, 1947

  William Langer

  This letter, dated May 30, 1947, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council Chairperson George Gillette, expresses Langer's regrets that the pressures of work have prevented him from replying sooner to Gillette's recent letter. Langer thanks Gillette for sharing his views regarding the abolishment of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs. Langer assures Gillette he is doing everything he can to have the bureau abolished, and urges Gillette to share any suggestions he has for accomplishing this.

  On the subject of the Garrison Dam project, Langer writes that he "cannot agree" with Gillette's stand on the matter. Langer writes that he is "in favor of this project and hope[s] to see it progress favorably."

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  Letter from Senator Langer to George Gillette Regarding Request for Full Hearing on Garrison Dam, July 22, 1947

  William Langer

  This letter, dated July 22, 1947, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to George Gillette, Chairperson of the Tribal Business Council of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Forth Berthold Reservation, expresses Langer's thanks for Gillette's recent telegram and his apologies that his workload at the time of the telegram's arrival has prevented him from giving it more time. Langer assures Gillette that he is doing everything he can to "see that the Indians get a square deal on their land.

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  Letter from Senator Langer to G. Lyman Regarding Lieu Lands, February 5, 1947

  William Langer

  This letter dated February 5, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to G. Lyman of Stanton, North Dakota (ND), is a reply to Lyman's previous letter who wrote Langer on January 28, 1947 to express opposition to the proposal to use lands along the Missouri River near Stanton as lieu lands to compensate members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, ND for lands they were losing as a result of the Garrison Dam project.

  Langer assures Lyman that he is "doing everything possible to give everyone a square deal."

  See also:

  Letter from G. Lyman and Einar Alderin to Senator Langer Opposing Lieu Lands, January 28, 1947

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Harris Grotte Regarding Trouble with Stray Horses, August 5, 1947

  William Langer

  This letter dated August 5, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to Harris Grotte acknowledges receipt of Grotte’s recent letter concerning trouble Grotte and his neighbors are having with stray horses in their fields. Langer writes that if Grotte’s fences are being deliberately cut, Grotte should ask the sheriff to make an investigation. Langer pledges to take the matter up with the Indian agency at Elbowoods to see if there is anything that can be done to keep these horses out of Grotte’s fields. Langer promises to get in touch with Grotte as soon as he hears from the Superintendent.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Ben Reifel Regarding Trouble with Stray Horses, August 6, 1947

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  Letter from Senator Langer to James Hall Regarding FHA Interest, January 27, 1947

  William Langer

  This letter dated January 27, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to James Hall, responds to Hall's January 24, 1947 letter regarding FHA interest, and Langer says he will pass it along to a "Mr. Maddock" (likely Walter Maddock, former North Dakota (ND) Governor and Head of the ND Farm Security Administration Office from 1937-1950).

  This letter contains the handwritten notes, "Hall, James" and "P."

  See Also:

  Letter from James Hall to Senator Langer Regarding FHA Interest, January 24, 1947

  Letter from Senator Langer to James Hall Regarding FHA Interest, March 6, 1947

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  Letter from Senator Langer to James Hall Regarding FHA Interest, March 6, 1947

  William Langer

  This letter dated March 6, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to James Hall, states that Langer has enclosed a reply from the Farmers Home Administration to Hall's query. Langer also invites Hall to contact him for any further assistance needed.

  This letter contains the handwritten notes, "Ind Bur" and "Reg - *Indian Bureau."

  See Also:

  Letter from James Hall to Senator Langer Regarding FHA Interest, January 24, 1947

  Letter from Senator Langer to James Hall Regarding FHA Interest, January 27, 1947

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  Letter from Senator Langer to J. E. Sullivan Regarding Hotel Development in Garrison, February 18, 1947

  William Langer

  This letter dated February 18, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to J. E. Sullivan of Garrison Real Estate Company in Garrison, North Dakota, thanks Sullivan for his letter from February 11th regarding the hoped-for construction of a hotel in Garrison, and Langer assures Sullivan that he giving the matter his most careful attention and doing the best he can.

  A handwritten note on the letter says, "Indians."

  See also:

  Letter from J. E. Sullivan to Senator Langer Regarding Hotel Development in Garrison, February 11, 1947