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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Letter from Senator Langer to J. E. Sullivan Regarding Post Office and Hotel Development in Garrison, February 14, 1947
William Langer
This letter dated February 14th, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to J. E. Sullivan of Garrison, North Dakota, Langer replies to a letter from Sullivan in which Sullivan asked about the possibility of a post office building being built in Garrison, and complained that a proposal he attributes to Langer "whereby the Indians must be carred [sic] for first" is interfering with Sullivan's efforts to recruit a firm to build a hotel in Garrison and has "delayed activities in many ways."
Langer explains that building materials are being prioritized for veteran housing at the time, and until the veteran housing issue is addressed, the construction of post offices would be "held in abeyance."
In response to the other complaints. Langer says that the proposal Sullivan refers to is the O'Mahoney amendment, for which Langer says he is not responsible. Langer does say that the "indian problem" must be addressed sooner or later, and that he hopes legislation is passed soon to address the issues raised by the trades. Langer laments that this is affecting a hotel development Sullivan is involved in and acknowledges that other similar project will also be affected.
See also: Letter from J. E. Sullivan to Senator Langer Regarding Post Office and Hotel Development in Garrison, February 10, 1947
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Letter from Senator Langer to J. J. Belik, Sr. Regarding Public Welfare Board Report, February 19, 1947
William Langer
This letter, dated February 19, 1947, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to J. J. Belik, Sr. of Stanley, North Dakota, makes reference to an enclosed report from the Public Welfare Board of North Dakota, which Langer writes should be self-explanatory. The letter included the handwritten notation:
X Gillette, George
X Hall, James
X Gahley, ElmerNote: while the referenced report was not found with this letter in Langer's papers, "A Tentative Proposal for the Rehabilitation of the Fort Berthold Indians," February 4, 1949, issued by the Public Welfare Board of North Dakota, was found in the same folder as this letter. Since that proposal is dated February 1949 and this letter is dated February 1947, one of the dates would have to be incorrect for that proposal to be the report referenced in this letter.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding American Legion Resolution, April 8, 1947
William Langer
This letter dated April 8, 1947, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, thanks Cross for sending a copy of a recently adopted resolution from Cross's "post." This resolution came from Cross's American Legion, Joseph Young Hawk Post No. 253.
A handwritten note the letter says "See Indian Bureau."
See also:
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding American Legion Resolution, April 3, 1947
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Appropriations for Tribal Council Expenses, October 1, 1947
William Langer
This letter dated October 1, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, acknowledges Cross's September 11th letter and indicates that Langer has written to pertinent officials in order to answer his inquiry regarding the source of funding for the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council expenses.
See also:
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Asking for the Source of Tribal Council Expense Funds, September 11, 1947
Letter from Senator Langer to Ralph Case Regarding Inquiry Made by Martin Cross in September 11, 1947 Letter, October 1, 1947
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Garrison Dam, February 7, 1947
William Langer
This letter dated February 7, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, thanks Cross for his recent letter and says that the Fort Berthold delegates in Washington have been working hard to get everybody a "square deal." Langer says he will continue working to help solve the problem. A hand-written note on the letter says, "Garrison Dam."
See also: Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, January 31, 1947
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Per Capita Payments, April 8, 1947
William Langer
This letter dated April 8, 1947 from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross thanks Cross for writing in regard to Tribal funds. Langer agrees with Cross that distribution of funds received by the Tribes from the Garrison Dam project should be per capita. Langer says that a copy of a bill he recently introduced in the US Senate is inclosed in the letter. A handwritten note on the letter says, "Indians." This bill was not included with this letter.
See also:
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Making Comments on Per Capita Payments, March 20, 1947
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding the Establishment of a Claims Legislative Council, August 5, 1947
William Langer
This letter dated August 5, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, thanks Cross for sending a copy of a proposal from the Three Affiliated Tribes to establish a claims legislative council. Langer says that he is happy to work with Cross and the tribes on the matter.
A handwritten notes on the letter say "Cross, Martin" and "See Indians."
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Thanking Cross for Letter Regarding the Establishment of the Claims Legislative Council, August 5, 1947
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Letter from Senator Langer to M. Ferne Chilson Regarding Garrison Dam Project, May 13, 1947
William Langer
This letter dated May 13, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to M. Ferne Chilson, Langer pledges to do everything within his power "to see that the rights of the Indian who lose their homes are properly safeguarded." In a previous letter, Chilson urged Langer to use his influence to reopen study of the Garrison Dam Project, and to have the dam sited where the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, North Dakota wish for it to be sited rather than displacing them.
In his reply, Langer adds that "the final decision on this question has not been reached, and the matter is still under consideration by the War Department and the Department of the Interior." He closes by saying that he will "leave no stone unturned to see that the Indians get justice."
See also:
Letter from M. Ferne Chilson to Senator Langer Urging Restudy of Garrison Dam Location, May 1, 1947
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Letter from Senator Langer to Mrs. Fred Brengle Regarding Location of Garrison Dam, April 14, 1947
William Langer
This letter, dated April 14, 1947, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Mrs. Fred Brengle of Denver, Colorado, acknowledges and thanks Brengle for the letter she wrote him on behalf of the Amerind Council.
In this reply, Langer explains that "the engineers have already decided on the construction site for the Garrison Dam, so there is not much I can do about that."
He assures Brengle, however, that he has been doing everything he can to see that the tribes "get a square deal in the matter of their lands which will be used for the reservoir."
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Letter from Senator Langer to Ralph Case Regarding Inquiry Made by Martin Cross in September 11 Letter, October 1, 1947
William Langer
This letter dated October 1, 1947, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to attorney Ralph H. Case, follows up on the inquiry that Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross made in his September 11, 1947 letter. Cross inquired as to the source of funds for the Tribal Council expenses, specifically if the funds came out of the $400,000 held in the US Treasury for the Three Affiliated Tribes. Langer's letter to Case requests this information.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Appropriations for Tribal Council Expenses, October 1, 1947
Letter from Ralph Case to Senator Langer Regarding Appropriations for Tribal Council Expenses, October 7, 1947
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Letter from Senator Langer to Ralph H. Case Regarding Outcome of Recent Vote on Fort Berthold Reservation, December 11, 1947
William Langer
This letter, dated December 11, 1947, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Ralph H. Case, general counsel for the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, North Dakota, makes reference to a proposition submitted to the members of the Three Affiliated Tribes by their tribal council.
Regarding the proposition, Langer asks Case whether the members voted to accept it or not.
Langer closes by wishing Reifel a happy holiday season.
See also:
Outline of Contract, The United States of America with the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold Reservation, September, 1947
Letter from Ralph H. Case to Senator Langer Regarding Questionnaire Regarding Creation of Contract to Receive Compensation in Return for Land Taken for the Garrison Dam Project, October 3, 1947
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Letter from Senator Langer to Sahnish Marshall C.N. Gardner Regarding Rosalie Elk, April 16, 1947
William Langer
This letter dated April 16, 1947, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Sanish, North Dakota Marshall C. N. Gardner, regarding the case of Rosalie Elk, says that in the opinion of the agency at Garrison, "the Indian office has no authority to force an Indian to stay on the reservation against his will." The agency will, however, write to Rosalie Elk to warn her of potential serious trouble.
Langer refers to a letter Gardner has requested he return from Fort Berthold Agency Superintendent Beitzel, and saying that he is attaching that letter to this one. No letter was attached to this copy when it was found in the Langer Papers.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Verner E. Hansen Regarding a Report from the US Department of the Interior, June 25, 1947
William Langer
This letter, dated June 25, 1947, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Dunn Country, North Dakota Auditor Verner E. Hansen makes reference to an enclosed copy of a report from the US Department of the Interior. The referenced enclosure was not found with this letter in the Langer papers, however.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Walter Maddock Regarding James Hall's Letter Regarding FHA Interest, January 27, 1947
William Langer
This letter dated January 27, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to Walter Maddock, directs Maddock's attention to a letter Langer received from James Hall regarding Farmers Home Administration interest for Elbowoods residents.
See also:
Letter from James Hall to Senator Langer Regarding FHA Interest, January 24, 1947 Letter from Walter
Maddock to Senator Langer Regarding James Hall's Letter Regarding FHA Interest, February 28, 1947
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Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Indicating Cross' Arrival Date to Washington, D.C., May 22, 1947
William Langer
This telegram dated May 22, 1947, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross to United States Senator William Langer, says, "Leaving now will arrive Saturday," presumably to Washington D.C.
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Telegram from Senator Langer to Robert Vogel Regarding the Indian Office Being Closed, May 31 1947
William Langer
This telegram dated May 31, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to Robert Vogel, which informs Vogel that the “Indian Office here closed today.”
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to Superintendent of Indian Agency in Elbowoods Regarding Lease of Grazing Lands, May 31, 1947
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Telegram from Senator Langer to Superintendent of Indian Agency in Elbowoods Regarding Lease of Grazing Lands, May 31, 1947
William Langer
This telegram dated May 31, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer to the unnamed Superintendent of Indian Agency in Elbowoods, inquires “by what regulation of Indian Bureau are grazing lands being leased.” Langer notes there is strong protest against the system being used. Included with the telegram are two handwritten notes. One handwritten note includes the figure $598.50. The other handwritten note asks what regulation is being used for the land being leased.
See also:
Telegram from J.A. Medaris to Senator Langer Regarding the Regulation Being Used for the Lease of Grazing Lands, June 3, 1947
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Letter from G. Lyman and Einar Alderin to Senator Langer Opposing Lieu Lands, January 28, 1947
G. Lyman and Einer Alderin
This letter dated January 28, 1947, from G. Lyman and Einer Alderin of Stanton, North Dakota (ND), to United States Senator William Langer, asks for information regarding the proposal for lands they farm along the Missouri River to be used as lieu lands to compensate members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, ND for lands lost due to the construction of the Garrison Dam. The authors indicate their reluctance regarding any plan for their land to revert back to tribal ownership, and thus "favor a restudy of the 'Missouri River Development Plan' . . . namely for one reason--"Civil Rights" of Indians and white man alike are being infringed upon under [the] present plan."
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to G. Lyman Regarding Lieu Lands, February 5, 1947
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Letter from Walter Maddock to Cal Ward Regarding FHA Loans to Fort Berthold Families Effected by the Garrison Dam, February 28, 1947
Walter Maddock
This letter dated February 28, 1947, from State Farmer’s Home Administration Director Walter Maddock to Regional FHA Director Cal Ward, highlights the notes from a February 17, 1949 United States (US) Department of Agriculture meeting. The February 17, 1947 notes are enclosed within Maddock’s letter from February 28, 1949. The US Department of Agriculture notes from the February 17, 1949 meeting pertain to “a joint meeting between Representatives of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency and the FHA.” The notes from this February 17, 1949 meeting discuss how “there are between 30 and 40 Indian families living on the reservation who need loans,” the average loan each of these families should receive, and the number of livestock each family should have to “make it a go.” Maddock states in the February 17, 1949 notes he cannot make any determination and will have to discuss the matter with regional officials. The February 17, 1949 notes conclude with a list of six details to look into. Attendees of the February 17, 1949 meeting include Ben Reifel, George Gillette, Elmer Gahley, James Hall, Walter Maddock, A.Q. Stine, O. Lenard Orvedal, and Maruice Switzer.
This letter contains handwritten annotations, including “Indians,” “Langer,” and “file.”
See also:
Letter from William Langer to John Wilkerson Regarding Turned Down Application for Family Funds, July 28, 1950.
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Letter from Walter Maddock to Senator Langer Regarding Loans on the Fort Berthold Reservation, January 28, 1947
Walter Maddock
This letter dated January 28, 1947, from North Dakota Farmers Home Administration (FHA) Director Walter Maddock to United States (US) Senator William Langer marks the receipt of correspondence from Langer in regard to a letter from Commissioner of the Office of Indian Affairs Walter V. Woehlke which requests the renewal of the services of the FHA on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Maddock writes that he believes “no action is required on our part, and that we must wait direction from the Washington office with which you are in contact.” Maddock adds that if the FHA “is privileged and directed to renew our loaning activities on the reservation, we will be very happy to give them every possible service this agency may provide.” The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Fort Berthold Reservation.”
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Letter from Walter Maddock to Senator Langer Regarding James Hall's Letter Regarding FHA Interest, February 28, 1947
Walter J. Maddock
This letter dated February 28, 1947, from Walter Maddock to United States Senator William Langer, responds to Langer's previous letter regarding James Hall's inquiry about waiving FHA interest for people in Elbowoods, North Dakota. Maddock notes that he has been in communication with Hall and the Tribal Council on this matter, and Maddock says that due to complicating factors a decision cannot be made at this time.
See Also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Walter Maddock Regarding James Hall's Letter Regarding FHA Interest, January 27, 1947
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Letter from Irene Martin for Langer to Ralph H. Case Regarding Amended Questionnaire, October 6, 1947
Irene Martin
This letter dated October 6, 1947, from Irene Martin on behalf of United States (US) Senator Langer to Ralph H. Case, general counsel for the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, replies to Case's letter and enclosed amended questionnaire. Martin acknowledges Case's letter and enclosure, explaining that Langer is currently in North Dakota, and that his staff is forwarding Case's letter and enclosure to Langer.
See also:
Letter from Ralph H. Case to Senator Langer Regarding Questionnaire Regarding Creation of Contract to Receive Compensation in Return for Land Taken for the Garrison Dam Project, October 3, 1947
Questionnaire Regarding Creation of Contract to Receive Compensation in Return for Land Taken for the Garrison Dam Project, October 1947
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 A.F. McMaster to Senator Langer Regarding Lieu Lands Questions, April 3, 1947
A.F. McMaster
This handwritten letter dated April 3, 1947, from A.F. McMaster to United States Senator William Langer, requests some bulletins from the US Department of Agriculture. McMaster conveys that the farmers feel uncertain about the "Indian question" which is likely a reference to the search for lieu lands for the Three Affiliated Tribes who were moved due to construction of the Garrison Dam. McMaster shares that he has been on his homestead since 1904 and would find it very difficult to pay his bills if he were "pushed off" his land.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to A.F. McMaster Regarding Lieu Lands Questions, April 9, 1947
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Telegram from J.A. Medaris to Senator Langer Regarding the Regulation Being Used for the Lease of Grazing Lands, June 3, 1947
J.A. Medaris
This telegram dated June 3, 1947, from Fort Berthold Agency Chief Clerk J.A. Medaris to United States (US) Senator Langer, cites US Federal Regulations Code Section 71.6, Title 25 as the justification for the lease of grazing lands of Elbowoods.
This telegram includes the handwritten annotation, “Indians.”
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to Superintendent of Indian Agency in Elbowoods Regarding Lease of Grazing Lands, May 31, 1947
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Letter from Senator Langer's Office to Ralph Case Thanking Case for the Information Regarding the Source of Tribal Council Expense Funds, October 9, 1947
Office of United States Senator William Langer
This letter dated October 9, 1947, from United States Senator William Langer's Office to attorney Ralph H. Case, acknowledges Case's letter from October 7th and thanks him for the additional information that he provided.
See also:
Letter from C.E. Van Horne on Behalf of Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding the Source of Tribal Council Expense Funds, October 9, 1947