William Langer Papers

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  Letter from Ben Reifel to Senator Langer Regarding Outline of Contract, The United States of America with the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold Reservation, September 24, 1947

  Ben Reifel

  This letter, dated September 24, 1947, from Fort Berthold Indian Agency Superintendent Ben Reifel to United States (US) Senator William Langer, conveys to Langer two copies of the document, "Outline of Contract, The United States of America with the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold Reservation," prepared by Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation general counsel Ralph H. Case.

  Only one copy of the Outline of Contract was found with this letter in Langer's papers.

  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 Vincent J. Ryan to Senator Langer Regarding Inadequacy of Proposed Lieu Lands, February 19, 1947

  Vincent J. Ryan

  This letter dated February 19, 1947, from Bishop Vincent J. Ryan to United States Senator William Langer, expresses Ryan's disapproval for the proposed lieu lands to the "Indians of the Elbowoods Reservation" as compensation for taking their land. Ryan argues that if flooding will destroy any opportunities for ranching, there must be adequate compensation for the loses. The letter includes handwritten notes, including "Indians" and some other illegible writing.

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

  J. E. Sullivan

  This letter dated February 11, 1947, from J. E. Sullivan, of Garrison Real Estate Company in Garrison, North Dakota, to United States Senator William Langer, asks Langer to write to John F. McDermott, who holds an option on a few lots with the intent to build a hotel in Garrison.

  Sullivan says that due to the [O'Mahoney] amendment to the appropriation bill funding construction of the Garrison Dam, McDermott is no longer "on the same" as there is "no telling when the Indians will be removed" and requests that Langer write to McDermott to "explain the matter in full as to the Indians and money."

  This letter contains a handwritten signature from Sullivan.

  See also:

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

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  Letter from J. E. Sullivan to Senator Langer Regarding Post Office and Hotel Development in Garrison, February 10, 1947

  J. E. Sullivan

  This letter dated February 10, 1947, from J. E. Sullivan, of Garrison Real Estate Co. in Garrison, North Dakota, to United States Senator William Langer, Sullivan asks whether a "presentation" might soon be made for a post office building, and whether appropriations for such a building would be made at the same time.

  Sullivan goes on to complain that Langer's proposal "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."

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to J. E. Sullivan Regarding Post Office and Hotel Development in Garrison, February 14, 1947

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  Letter fom C.E. Van Horne on Behalf of Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Reimbursement Funds to Three Affiliated Tribes for Lands Flooded by Garrison Dam, October 11, 1947

  C.E. Van Horne

  This letter dated October 11, 1947, from C.E. Van Horne on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, informs Cross that the US Congress authorized a payment of more than five million dollars to reimburse the Three Affiliated Tribal members for lands that would be flooded by the Garrison Dam.

  A handwritten on the letter is a note that says, "See Indians."

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  Letter from C. E. Van Horne on Behalf of Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Cross' September 11 Letter, September 16, 1947

  C.E. Van Horne

  This letter dated September 16, 1947, from C.E. Van Horne on behalf of United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, acknowledges the receipt of Cross's letter of September 10th (likely an error referring to Cross' letter of September 11th) regarding appropriations for the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council expenses. Van Horne indicates that he will ensure that Langer sees Cross's letter as soon as Langer returns to Washington, D.C.

  A handwritten note on the letter says, "Ralph Case."

  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 Letter, October 1, 1947

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  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

  C.E. Van Horne

  This letter dated October 9, 1947, from C.E. Van Horne on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross, answers Cross's inquiry from his September 11, 1947 letter regarding the source of funds appropriated for the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council expenses. Van Horne informs Cross that the $38,000 appropriated to the Three Affiliated Tribal Council for expenses came from the $400,000 held in the US Treasury for the Three Affiliated Tribes.

  See also:

  Letter from Ralph Case to Senator Langer Regarding Appropriations for Tribal Council Expenses, October 7, 1947

  Letter from Senator Langer's Office to Ralph Case Thanking Him for the Information Regarding the Source of Tribal Council Expense Funds, October 9, 1947

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  Letter from Walter V. Woehlke to J. E. Campbell Regarding Treaties Covering Forth Berthold and Standing Rock Reservations, July 9, 1947

  Walter V. Woehlke

  This letter dated July 9, 1947, from Walter V. Woehlke from "Forestry and Grazing" (Full Department Name not supplied) to J. E. Campbell, Deputy Commissioner of the North Dakota (ND) Game and Fish Department (Bismarck, ND), explains that United States (US) Senator William Langer has asked him to furnish Campbell with "a copy of the treaty covering the Standing Rock and Forth Berthold Indian Reservations in North Dakota."

  Woehlke goes on to explain that the relevant treaties, statutes, decisions, and rulings are bound in the Statutes at Large and other volumes and are not available for distribution and suggests the State Law Library and the State Attorney General of ND as resources.

  For reference citations, Woehlke recommends Felix Cohen's Handbook of Federal Indian Law and gives page numbers for sections related to Forth Berthold and Standing Rock reservations.

  Woehlke also provides some general information and guidelines regarding how laws may or may not apply to tribal members and non-members on tribal and non-tribal lands.

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  Letter from Richard Auras to Senator Langer and Attorney General Clark Requesting "Parole" from Internment to Complete Chiropractic Course, April 3, 1946

  Richard Auras

  In this letter, dated April 3, 1946, from interned German national Richard Auras to United States Senator William Langer and U.S. Attorney General Tom Clark, Auras explains that he is interned at Ellis Island awaiting repatriation to Germany under the Alien Enemy Act of 1798, but that such repatriations are currently halted pending court action to test the validity of the Act.

  Given these circumstances, and the possibility that the court action will take a long time, Auras proposes that he be allowed to return to San Francisco to complete the course of study in chiropractic at Sierra States University that was interrupted when he was arrested and interned in December of 1942.

  See also:

  Petition and Affidavit By Curt Benedict for Release of Richard Auras from Internment, August 1946

  Letter from Richard Auras to William Langer Regarding Internment Status Decision, January 27, 1946

  Letter from Senator Langer to Richard Auras Regarding Interment Status Decision, March 11, 1946

  Letter from Richard Auras to Senator Langer Thanking Langer for His Help and Correcting Factual Errors, April 2, 1946

  Letter from Richard Auras to Senator Langer Regarding Involvement with D.A.B., April 2, 1946

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  Letter from Richard Auras to Senator Langer Regarding Involvement with D.A.B., April 2, 1946

  Richard Auras

  In this letter, dated April 11, 1946, from interned German national Richard Auras to United States Senator William Langer Auras further clarifies his Auras's involvement in the Deutsche-Amerikanische Berufsgemeinschaft, referred to in this letter as the D.A.B, in San Francisco. Auras encloses a letter written to him by Emil Schneider, last president of the disbanded D.A.B., dated April 6, 1946, certifying that Auras was a member of the D.A.B in San Francisco and detailing his activities and involvement in the organization.

  Auras was arrested on December 8, 1941 by the US government under the Alien Enemy Act of 1798 and interned at Fort Lincoln, south of Bismarck, ND.

  See also:

  Letter from Richard Auras to William Langer Regarding Internment Status Decision, January 27, 1946

  Letter from Richard Auras to Senator Langer Thanking Langer for His Help and Correcting Factual Errors, April 2, 1946

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  Letter from Richard Auras to Senator Langer Thanking Langer for His Help and Correcting Factual Errors, April 2, 1946

  Richard Auras

  In this letter, dated April 2, 1946, from interned German national Richard Auras to United States Senator William Langer, Auras replies to Langer's letter of March 11, 1946, writing from Ellis Island to thank Langer for his informative reply and his efforts on Auras's behalf. Auras also takes the opportunity to correct some errors in the information Langer had detailed in his letter.

  Auras was arrested on December 8, 1941 by the US government under the Alien Enemy Act of 1798 and interned at Fort Lincoln, south of Bismarck, ND.

  See also:

  Petition and Affidavit By Curt Benedict for Release of Richard Auras from Internment, August 1946

  Letter from Richard Auras to William Langer Regarding Internment Status Decision, January 27, 1946

  Letter from Senator Langer to Richard Auras Regarding Interment Status Decision, March 11, 1946

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  Letter from Richard Auras to William Langer Regarding his Internment Status Decision, January 27, 1946

  Richard Auras

  In this letter, dated January 27, 1946, from interned German national Richard Auras to Governor William Langer, Auras writes that he is not satisfied with the decision to deny his request to be released from Fort Lincoln. He argues that due process has not been followed, and describes his time in the United States as a member of society in his personal and professional lives.

  Auras was arrested on December 8, 1941 by the US government under the Alien Enemy Act of 1798 and interned at Fort Lincoln, south of Bismarck, ND.

  See also:

  Letter from William Langer to Richard Auras in Reply to Auras's Letter Regarding His Interment Status Decision, 1946

  Petition and Affidavit By Curt Benedict for Release of Richard Auras from Internment, August 1946

  Letter from Richard Auras to William Langer Regarding Internment Status Decision, January 27, 1946

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  Letter from C. H. Beitzel to Joseph C. O'Mahoney Regarding Resolution from Three Affilliated Tribes Thanking Him for Amendment, February 5, 1946

  C. H. Beitzel

  This letter dated February 5, 1946, from Fort Berthold Agency Superintendent C. H. Beitzel to United States Senator from Wyoming Joseph C. O'Mahoney, Beitzel informs O'Mahoney that the Tribal Council of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, North Dakota has passed a resolution thanking him for his amendment to the First Deficiency Appropriation Bill of 1946, which stipulated that no funds appropriated for the construction of Garrison Dam may be used until the members of the Three Affiliated Tribes had been satisfactorily compensated for the loss of their land.

  See also:

  Resolution by Tribal Council of Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, North Dakota Regarding O' Mahoney Amendment, January 10, 1946

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  Letter from C. H. Beitzel to Senator Langer Regarding a List of Enrolled Members of Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, May 6, 1946

  C. H. Beitzel

  This letter, dated May 6, from Fort Berthold Indian Agency Superintendent C. H. Beitzel to United States (US) Senator William Langer, makes reference to Langer's letter of April 23 requesting the names and addresses of all enrolled members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation.

  Beitzel says he is sending a list of "voters as listed September 1, 1944" and explains his markings and emendations on the list.

  Beitzel ends by saying that he is sure "the Indians of the Fort Berthold Reservation will appreciate any help you can give them in their opposition to the construction of the Garrison Dam."

  See Also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to C. H. Beitzel Requesting List of Enrolled Members of Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, April 23, 1946

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  Letter from C. H. Beitzel to Senator Langer Requesting a Copy of Hearings on US House of Representatives Resolution 5400, March 29, 1946

  C. H. Beitzel

  This letter, dated March 29, 1946, from Forth Berthold Indian Agency Superintendent C. H. Beitzel to United States (US) Senator William Langer conveys Beitzel's request for a copy of the hearings before the US Senate Subcommittee on Appropriation, 79th Congress, second session, on US House Resolution no. 5400.

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  Letter from Curt Benedict to William Langer Regarding the Internment of Richard Auras, February 26, 1946

  Curt Benedict

  In this letter, dated February 26, 1946, from Curt Benedict to United States (US) Senator William Langer Benedict refers to Richard Auras's internment at Fort Lincoln as an alien enemy. Benedict writes that Auras's internment is a result of "hysteria," and that he is appealing the decision to repatriate Auras to Germany. Benedict refers to an attached "petition and affidavit." That document exists as a separate manuscript in this collection, but is linked below.

  Auras was arrested on December 8, 1941 by the US government under the Alien Enemy Act of 1798 and interned at Fort Lincoln, south of Bismarck, ND.

  See also:

  Petition and Affidavit By Curt Benedict for Release of Richard Auras from Internment, August 1946

  Letter from Richard Auras to William Langer Regarding Internment Status Decision, January 27, 1946

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  Petition and Affidavit By Curt Benedict for Release of Richard Auras from Internment, August 1946

  Curt Benedict

  In this petition and affidavit, dated August 1946, Curt Benedict seeks to overturn the decision not to release German national Richard Auras from his internment as an enemy alien.

  Benedict writes that Auras has been a loyal member of American society while residing in the United States, in both his personal and professional lives. Benedict assures that Auras has never been a member of the Nazi Party while residing in the United States, and, if released, Auras plans to become a citizen.

  Auras was arrested on December 8, 1941 by the US government under the Alien Enemy Act of 1798 and interned at Fort Lincoln, south of Bismarck, ND.

  See also:

  Letter from Richard Auras to William Langer Regarding Internment Status Decision, January 27, 1946

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  Letter from Ward F. Boyd to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, November 26, 1946

  Ward F. Boyd

  This letter dated November 25, 1946, from Pastor Ward F. Boyd of the First Presbyterian Church of Fargo, North Dakota (ND) to United States Senator William Langer, Boyd laments the forthcoming eviction of members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, ND and asks whether the project has gone to far to change the location of the dam to one nearer the town of Sanish, ND.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Ward F. Boyd Regarding Garrison Dam, December 5, 1946

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  Letter from Adorah Carson to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, August 9, 1946

  Adorah Carson

  This letter dated August 9, 1946 from Adorah Carson, a member of the Federated Cavalier Civitas Club of Cavalier, to United States Senator William Langer asks to delay the construction of the Garrison Dam until further consideration can be given to the alternate plan proposed by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council. Carson asks that the tribes be left in peace in their homes lest North Dakota create a permanent "blot" on its history due to its treatment of the Indigenous people of this land.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Adorah Carson Regarding Garrison Dam, August 20, 1946

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  Letter from Ralph Hoyt Case to Senator Langer Regarding the Tribal Business Council, April 30, 1946

  Ralph Hoyt Case

  This letter dated April 30, 1946, from Ralph Hoyt Case to United States Senator William Langer, is in regards to a meeting of the Fort Berthold Tribal Business Council to discuss the Garrison Dam. In the letter, Case writes that the council will meet at Elbowoods with any members of the Three Affiliated Tribes who wish to attend. He also states that he will arrive at Elbowoods on May 23, 1946.

  See also:

  Letter from Ralph Hoyt Case to Senator Langer Regarding the Tribal Business Council, May 10, 1946

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  Letter from Ralph Hoyt Case to Senator Langer Regarding the Tribal Business Council, May 10, 1946

  Ralph Hoyt Case

  This letter dated May 10, 1946, from Ralph Hoyt Case to United States Senator William Langer, Hoyt writes in response to a previous letter sent by Langer regarding a Tribal Business Council meeting. Hoyt also states that he will be in Warsaw on May 30, 1946 and that his train reservation will leave from Mandan the morning of the May 30th.

  See also:

  Letter from Ralph Hoyt Case to Senator Langer Regarding the Tribal Business Council, April 30, 1946

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  Letter from Felix Cohen to Joseph O'Mahoney Regarding Possible Impacts of House Amendments to US House Resolution 5400, March 4, 1946

  Felix S. Cohen

  This letter, dated March 4, 1946, from Felix S. Cohen, Acting Solicitor of the United States (US) Department of the Interior Office of the Solicitor, to US Senator from Wyoming Joseph C. O'Mahoney, reports on a conference arranged earlier the same day by O'Mahoney between Cohen, representatives of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, and Ralph H. Case, legal counsel for the Three Affiliated Tribes, held for the purpose of exploring the possible impacts of a US House of Representatives amendment to the pending US War Department's Civil Appropriation Bill, also known as US House Resolution (HR) 5400, on the Garrison Dam project.

  Cohen notes that the proposed resolution as currently written would supersede the proviso, commonly known at the O'Mahoney Amendment, included in the First Deficiency Appropriation Act of 1946 passed earlier that year, stipulating that no part of the appropriation for construction of Garrison Dam could be expended on actual construction until suitable lands had been identified to replace the land to be inundated on the Fort Berthold Reservation, a change that would put the Tribes in a very difficult position for a number of reasons, on which Cohen elaborates. He then describes some possible ways for the tribes and their allies to prevent the loss of the protections afforded by the O'Mahoney Amendment.

  See also:

  An Act Making Appropriations to Supply Deficiencies in Certain Appropriations for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1946, and for Prior Fiscal Years, to Provide Supplemental Appropriations for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1946, and for Other Purposes

  An Act Making Appropriations for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1947, for Civil Functions Administered by the War Department, and for Other Purposes

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  Letter from Felix Cohen to Senator Langer Regarding Memorandum Copies, February 27, 1946

  Felix S. Cohen

  This letter, dated February 27, 1946, from Felix S. Cohen, Acting Solicitor of the United States (US) Department of the Interior Office of the Solicitor, to US Senator William Langer, expresses Cohen's apologies for "being so slow in getting these extra copies to you." The nature of the copies is not explained here, though Langer in his reply refers to them as copies of "the memorandum concerning arrangements to be made where Indian lands are inundated by proposed reservoirs."

  The memorandum copies mentioned were not found with this letter in Langer's papers.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Felix Cohen Regarding Memorandum Copies, February 28, 1946

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding a Resolution Passed by Three Affiliated Tribes Business Council, June 12, 1946

  Martin Cross

  This letter dated June 12, 1946, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, encloses a resolution passed by the Three Affiliated Tribes requesting that the Garrison Dam not be built below their reservation which will flood their homelands. The council proposes instead for the tribes to gift the necessary land to build the dam north of the reservation. This resolution includes a recommendation for the proposed plan which estimates a savings of about $100,000,000.

  A handwritten note on the letter says, "PS--looking for you in Elbowoods on June 22."

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer's Office to Martin Cross Acknowledging June 12 Letter, June 19, 1946

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  Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Political Support and Opponents and Agency Hospital Affidavit, April 4, 1946

  Martin Cross

  This letter dated April 4, 1946 from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairman Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer discusses a few topics with Langer. Cross informs Langer that Mr. Beauchamp and Mr. Levings (likely referring to Peter Beauchamp and Martin Levings who both served on the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council) are political opponents of Langer. Cross informs Langer that he took an active part in the non-partisan league convention where he had a resolution concerning the Garrison Dam adopted. Cross requests a photograph and a copy of recent hearings from Langer. Cross informs Langer that he had a conversation with Jim Thornburg. Cross asks Langer to contact D'Arcy McNickle regarding an affidavit concerning the head nurse at the Agency Hospital.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Updating on Various Business, May 22, 1946