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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Letter from Senator Langer to Floyd Montclair Regarding Abusive Language, May 26, 1949
William Langer
This letter dated May 26, 1949, from United States Senator William Langer to Floyd Montclair, is in response to Montclair’s charge of abusive language from Superintendent Quin. Langer has received a statement from the Committee of Interior and Insular Affairs regarding Montclair’s charge and enclosed that statement, written by Chief Clerk Mills Astin, which expresses that, “it is a problem of administration and not under the legislative purview of this Committee.” The letter includes the handwritten note, “Indians.”
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Letter from Senator Langer to Floyd Montclair Regarding Per Capita Payments, August 23, 1946
William Langer
This letter dated August 23, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Floyd Montclair, marks Langer’s receipt of Montclair’s letter from August 19, 1946. Langer clarifies that the “$400,00 awarded to your tribe in full settlement of all claims of the Indians of the Fort Berthold Reservation” are now on deposit in the US Treasury. Langer points out that any further distribution of money requires an act of legislation, including a per capita distribution.
The letter includes the handwritten note, “Indians.”
See also:
Letter from Floyd Montclair to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments, August 19, 1946.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Floyd Montlcair Regarding Per Capita Payments to the Fort Berthold Indians, September 11, 1946
William Langer
This letter dated September 11, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Floyd Montclair of the National American Indian Association, marks the receipt of Montclair’s letter from August 27, 1946. Langer calls Montclair’s attention to the distribution of “the four hundred thousand dollars awarded to the Fort Berthold Indians” by citing the Interior Appropriation Bill (US Public Law 478) along with the provision of HR 1095 (US Public Law 467), along with how this money will be distributed through the US Treasury. Langer says there “is no provision by law” that would distribute this money per capita, although he will be “glad to introduce a bill” that distributes the sum per capita. Langer mentions three enclosures, US Public Laws 467, 478, and 143; only US Public Law 467 is included.
See also:
Letter from Floyd Montclair to Senator Langer and William Brophy Regarding Per Capita Payments to Fort Berthold Indians, August 27, 1946
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Letter from Senator Langer to Jim Thornburg Thanking him for Putting in a Good Word for Him, May 22, 1946
William Langer
This letter dated May 22, 1946 from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Jim Thornburg thanks Thornburg for putting in a good word for Langer to Martin Cross, Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairman.
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 John Hamilton Acknowledging Letter of January 26, January 30, 1946
William Langer
This letter dated January 30, 1946, from United States Senator William Langer to John E. Hamilton, the President of the National American Indian Defense Association, Inc., acknowledges Hamilton's letter and expresses regret that Hamilton is not in good health.
A handwritten note on the document says, "Indians."
See also:
Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Contract Between the Three Affiliated Tribes and Attorney Ralph Case, January 26,1946
Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Martin Cross and the Three Affiliated Tribes' Support for Langer in Next Election, February 2, 1946
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Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Acknowledging Letter of May 29 and Will Reply Soon, June 7, 1946
William Langer
This letter dated May 29, 1946, from United States Senator William Langer to John Hamilton, President of the American Indian Defense Association Inc., acknowledges Hamilton's May 29th letter and states that Langer will reply around July 1st when he returns to Washington, D.C. from North Dakota.
See also:
Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Navajo Tribe, Letters from Martin Cross, and US House Resolution 4386, May 29, 1946
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Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Garrison Dam, August 3, 1946
William Langer
This letter dated August 3, 1946 from United States Senator William Langer to John Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association Inc., indicates that there is no news on the Garrison Dam project.
A handwritten note on the letter says, "Indians."
See also:
Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam and Floyd Montclair Correspondences, July 29, 1946
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Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding the Conditions of the Navajo Tribe, April 29, 1946
William Langer
This letter dated April 29, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association Inc., acknowledges Hamilton's April 10th letter and indicates that Langer has been trying to connect with US Senator from Wyoming Joseph O'Mahoney regarding the Navajo Tribe.
A handwritten note on the letter says, "Indians."
See also:
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
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Letter from Senator Langer to Marin Cross Regarding a Report from the Office of Indian Affairs, June 6, 1946
William Langer
This letter dated June 6, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, encloses a report received from the US Office of Indian Affairs in response to a matter pertaining to Cross. The report concerns an affidavit from Cross regarding a nurse at the Agency Hospital at Elbowoods, North Dakota. In the report, Field Representative D'Arcy McNickle indicates that he referred the matter to Dr. Snavely and that he will write back when he has additional information.
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 Martin Cross Acknowledging Recent Note from Cross, February 14, 1946
William Langer
This letter dated February 14, 1946, from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross for his recent letter and indicates that Langer is glad that the tribes appreciate the help Langer has offered in "their matter."
A handwritten note on the letter says, "See Garrison Dam" which is likely the matter Langer references in this letter.