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 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.
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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.
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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
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Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Contract Between the Three Affiliated Tribes and Attorney Ralph Case, January 26, 1946
John E. Hamilton
This letter dated January 26, 1946, from John E. Hamilton, President of the National Indian Defense Association, Inc., to United States (US) Senator William Langer, inquires on behalf of Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross as to why the US Indian Bureau has not yet approved the contract between the Three Affiliated Tribes, and attorney Ralph H. Case. Hamilton also informs Langer that he will be taking some time away from his position for health reasons.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Acknowledging Letter of January 26, January 30, 1946
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Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam and Floyd Montclair Correspondences, July 29, 1946
John E. Hamilton
This letter dated July 29, 1946 from John Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association Inc. to United States Senator William Langer, inquires about the Garrison Dam Project. Hamilton indicates that Floyd Montclair had written about a recent council meeting and asks if Langer has heard anything since then.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Garrison Dam, August 3, 1946
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Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Martin Cross and the Three Affiliated Tribes' Support for Langer in Next Election, February 2, 1946
John E. Hamilton
This letter dated February 2, 1946, from John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association, Inc. to United States Senator William Langer, assures Langer that Three Affiliated Tribes member Martin Cross is a big supporter of Langer and that Cross will likely be able to garner votes from the Three Affiliated Tribes for Langer in the upcoming election.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Acknowledging Letter of January 26, January 30, 1946
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Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Navajo Tribe, Letters from Martin Cross, and US House Resolution 4386, May 29, 1946
John E. Hamilton
This letter dated May 29, 1946, from John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association Inc., to United States (US) Senator William Langer, references the May 14, 1946 hearing before the US Senate Committee on Indian Affairs regarding the Navajo Nation. Hamilton indicates that he did not get an opportunity to speak at the hearing and was disappointed in how he was treated. Hamilton also indicates that Martin Cross of the Three Affiliated Tribes recently wrote and that Cross is pulling for Langer in the upcoming election. Hamilton mentions a "big fight" with Langer over the "so-called Indian problem." Hamilton refers to American Indians as the last enslaved people in this land, and he wishes to see them emancipated. Hamilton asks Langer to help kill US House Resolution 4386 (H.R. 4386), "An Act to Facilitate and Simplify the Administration of Indian Affairs." A copy of H.R. 4386 and a report attached to the resolution are enclosed in this document.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding the Conditions of the Navajo Tribe, April 29, 1946
Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Acknowledging Letter of May 29 and Will Reply Soon, June 7, 1946
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Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Possible Appearance Before US Senate Committee, April 17, 1946
John E. Hamilton
This letter dated April 17, 1946, from John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association, Inc., to United States (US) Senator William Langer, thanks Langer for his letter from April 5, 1946 and expresses his eagerness to appear before the Committee on Indian Affairs of the US Senate "when that bill goes to that Body."
Hamilton also asks whether Langer received the letter he wrote in reference to Floyd Montclair and adds that "he might be of assistance to us in your upcoming campaign."
Hamilton closes by saying he is glad to know that Langer will run for the US Senate in the fall.
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Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding the Conditions of the Navajo Tribe and Letters from Floyd Montclair and Gaining Support for Upcoming Election, April 10, 1946
John E. Hamilton
This letter dated April 10, 1946, from John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association Inc., to United States (US) Senator William Langer, discusses a few ongoing matters of business between Hamilton and Langer. Hamilton indicates that he's still waiting on Langer regarding Hamilton's desire to appear before the US Senate Committee on Indian Affairs regarding the conditions of the Navajo Tribe. Hamilton encloses two letters from Floyd Montclair of Elbowoods, North Dakota and says that Montclair may be a useful person for Langer's re-election. The referenced letters are enclosed with this document.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding the Conditions of the Navajo Tribe, April 29, 1946
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Telegram from Hensler Helpful Club to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, December 12, 1946
Hensler Helpful Club
This telegram dated December 12, 1946, from the Hensler Helpful Club of Oliver County, North Dakota, to United States Senator William Langer, states that the Club is against the proposed relocation site for the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation as a result of the Garrison Dam. The letter goes on to state that the Club would favor an alternative land resettlement plan or a cash reimbursement for the Fort Berthold residents.
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to Hensler Helpful Club Regarding Garrison Dam, December 12, 1946
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Letter from Senator Langer to Chief Swimming Eel Regarding Garrison Dam, May 8, 1946
Willam Langer
This letter dated May 8, 1946, from United States Senator William Langer to Chief Swimming Eel, thanks him for his letter and says he is sending the Congressional Record for October 11. Langer further says he will "support the Indians."
See Also:
Letter from Chief Swimming Eel to Senator William Langer, April 11, 1946, Regarding Garrison Dam
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Draft of Letter From Senator Langer "To Indians of North Dakota" Regarding US House Resolutions 4497 and 1095, 1946
William Langer
This undated draft of a letter from United States (US) Senator William Langer "To Indians of North Dakota" announces the favorable US Senate committee report regarding US House Resolution (HR) 4497, which "creates an Indian Claims Commission to settle claims against the United States, of whatsoever nature, of all tribes, bands, or other identifiable groups of Indians of America residing within the territorial limits of the United States or Alaska."
Langer also announces the favorable report out of committee of US HR 1095, which appropriates $400,000 to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation to remedy unfulfilled obligations by the US government "arising out of a treaty negotiated with these Indians on July 27, 1866."
See also:
An Act for the Relief of the Indians of the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota
An Act for the Relief of the Indians of the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota
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Letter from Senator Langer to Adorah Carson Regarding Garrison Dam, August 20, 1946
William Langer
This letter dated August 20, 1946 from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Adorah Carson is a response to her August 9 letter regarding delaying the Garrison Dam construction. Senator Langer says that the US Department of the Interior will compensate the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation the equal value of the land. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "Indian Affairs."
See also:
Letter from Adorah Carson to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, August 9, 1946
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Letter from Senator Langer to Ben Reifel Regarding Request for Minority Report on MVA, November 9, 1946
William Langer
This letter, dated November 9, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Fort Berthold Indian Agency Acting Superintendent Ben Reifel, refers to a recent letter Langer has received from Reifel requesting copies of the minority report on the MVA. Langer says he finds that this report is not yet "off the press," but says he'd be glad to send four copies as soon as it is available.
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Letter from Senator Langer to C. H. Beitzel Regarding Request for Assistance from Mary Goodreau, July 31, 1946
William Langer
This letter, dated July 31, 1946, from United States (US) William Langer to Fort Berhold Agency Superintended C. H. Beitzel makes reference to a letter Langer received earlier the same day, in which Mary Goodreau of Elbowoods, North Dakota asks Langer for assistance in sending her daughter to the Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota. Langer quotes extensively from her letter, in which Goodreau describes her living conditions as very poor, with an old house that is "not fit to live in," with rotten logs and a sod roof that threatens to "come in at any time" and is concerned about the health effects of breathing the dust from the sod roof and "getting wet when it rains."
Goodreau writes of seeking help from Superintendent Beitzel and being told that her daughter will have to attend school on the reservation as a day pupil, adding that Beitzel "never listened to me at all."
Langer writes that he is forwarding this to Beitzel for his "attention and consideration," and asks for Beitzel's advice on the matter.
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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
William Langer
This letter, dated April 23, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Fort Berthold Indian Agency Superintendent C. H. Beitzel conveys Langer's request for the names and addresses of all enrolled members on Beitzel's books. Langer acknowledges that compiling this list will take time, and offers to pay Beitzel for his time.
Langer goes on to explain that he has been "leading the fight down here for the Indians of Elbowoods to get pay for their land, or land in place of what they take that is just as good, and I would like to get their attitude and suggestions."
See also:
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
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Letter from Senator Langer to D'Arcy McNickle on Behalf of Martin Cross Regarding Agency Hospital Affidavit, May 22, 1946
William Langer
This letter dated May 22, 1946 from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Office of Indian Affairs Field Representative D'Arcy McNickle inquires on behalf of Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairman Martin Cross about an affidavit regarding a nurse at the Agency Hospital. Langer requests McNickle's input on the situation.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Updating on Various Business, May 22, 1946
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Letter from Senator Langer to Felix Cohen Regarding Memorandum Copies, February 28, 1946
William Langer
This letter, dated February 28, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Felix S. Cohen, Acting Solicitor of the US Department of the Interior Office of the Solicitor, thanks Cohen for sending Langer copies of "the memorandum concerning arrangements to be made where Indian lands are inundated by proposed reservoirs."
See also:
Letter from Felix Cohen to Senator Langer Regarding Memorandum Copies, February 27, 1946