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 Martin Cross Updating on Various Business, May 22, 1946
William Langer
This letter dated May 22, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, covers various topics. Langer says that he mailed some pictures to Cross in a separate letter. Langer apologizes about Mr. Beauchamp and Mr. Levings (likely referring to Peter Beauchamp and Martin Levings who both served on the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council). Langer says he is glad that Cross saw Jim Thornburg. Langer says that he is writing to Mr. D'Arcy McNickle of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs about an affidavit.
See Also:
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Political Support and Opponents and Agency Hospital Affidavit, April 4, 1946
Letter from Senator Langer to D'Arcy McNickle on Behalf of Martin Cross Regarding Agency Hospital Affidavit, May 22, 1946
Letter from Senator Langer to Jim Thornburg Thanking him for Putting in a Good Word for Him, May 22, 1946
Letter from Senator Langer to Marin Cross Regarding a Report from the Office of Indian Affairs, June 6, 1946
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Letter from Senator Langer to Ralph Hoyt Case Regarding Possibly Speaking to Tribal Members, May 2, 1946
William Langer
This letter dated May 2, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Ralph Hoyt Case, Attorney for the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, North Dakota (ND), acknowledges receipt of Case's letter "of the 30th" and says he will be ND on May 30th, and would be "glad to meet" with tribal members on the 31st.
See also:
Letter from Ralph Hoyt Case to Senator Langer Regarding the Tribal Business Council, April 30, 1946
Letter from Ralph Hoyt Case to Senator Langer Regarding the Tribal Business Council, May 10, 1946
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Letter from Senator Langer to Richard Auras Regarding Interment Status Decision, March 11, 1946
William Langer
In this letter, dated March 11, 1946, from United States Senator William Langer to interned German National Richard Auras, Langer writes that he has reviewed Auras's case with the U.S. Attorney General, and that because of Auras's involvement with the Deutsch-Amerikanische Berufsgemeinschaft (DAB) in San Francisco, and other activities, he must be repatriated to Germany according to standards set by the Attorney General. Langer vows to "persist" in his efforts to have the Attorney General reverse the decision, but does not feel he will do so.
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 Richard Auras to Senator Langer Thanking Langer for His Help and Correcting Factual Errors, April 2, 1946
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Letter from Senator Langer to Unspecified Recipient Regarding Garrison Dam, May 21, 1946
William Langer
This letter dated May 21, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to an unspecified recipient, makes reference to his long friendship with the tribes of North Dakota as the reason for him making a speech on the floor of the US Senate--the text of which he mentions is enclosed with this letter. (However, no enclosure was present with this letter when it was found in the Langer Papers).
Langer describes the message of the speech "as long as I was in the Senate they would never get this land unless they either paid for it or changed it for land that was satisfactory to the Indians."
Langer pledges his protection should the recipient "have any trouble about this land in connection to the Garrison Dam" and urges the recipient to write him about it.
This letter contains several handwritten notes, including "Indians," "Indian Speech," and others.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Ward F. Boyd Regarding Garrison Dam, December 5, 1946
William Langer
This letter dated December 5, 1946, from United States Senator William Langer to Pastor Ward F. Boyd of the First Presbyterian Church of Fargo, North Dakota (ND), Langer replies to Boyd's letter from November 26, 1946 where Boyd laments the proposed eviction of members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berhold, ND and asks whether it is too late to move the site of the dam nearer to Sanish, ND.
In his reply, Langer thanks Boyd for his letter. Langer suggests that Boyd would be interested to know that Langer has taken this matter up himself and gave a speech on the floor of the Senate in June of 1945 on the very same matter, and he has secured hearings for the tribes, met with them, and will do everything he can to assist in the matter.
See also:
Letter from Ward F. Boyd to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, November 26, 1946
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Telegram from Senator Langer to Carl Sylvester Regarding Garrison Dam, December 9, 1946
William Langer
This telegram dated December 9, 1946, from United States Senator William Langer to Carl Sylvester of Elbowoods, North Dakota, replies to a November 30, 1946 letter in which Sylvester had urged Langer to oppose the Garrison Dam project. In this telegram, Langer assures Sylvester that "nothing will be left undone that I can do to protect their [i.e. the tribe's'] interests."
See also:
Letter from Carl Sylvester to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, November 30, 1946
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Telegram from Senator Langer to Colonel WW Wannamaker Regarding Relocation, December 6, 1946
William Langer
This telegram dated December 6, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Colonel of the Army Corps of Engineers WW Wannamaker, asks Wannamaker to wire him regarding a statement on the relocation of members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation to Oliver County as a result of the Garrison Dam.
This telegram contains the handwritten words "Indians" and "Oliver."
See also:
Letter from Colonel WW Wannamaker to Senator Langer Regarding Lieu Lands Related to the Garrison Dam, December 4, 1946
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Telegram from Senator Langer to Elbowoods "Indian Agent" Regarding Land Trade, December 6, 1946
William Langer
This telegram dated December 6, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Elbowoods "Indian Agent," Langer states that he has heard the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation have agreed to trade land on the reservation with the US Government for land in Oliver County. Langer asks for any details, including the satisfaction of both sides and any future hearings.
The telegram has a handwritten note at the top that reads "Indians."
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Telegram from Senator Langer to Floyd Montclair or Charles Berger Regarding Land Trade, December 6, 1946
William Langer
This telegram dated December 6, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Floyd Montclair or Charles Berger, states that either recipient should wire Langer regarding the status of the land trade between the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation and the US Government.
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Telegram from Senator Langer to Hensler Helpful Club Regarding Garrison Dam, December 12, 1946
William Langer
This telegram dated December 12, 1946, from United States (US) Senator Langer to Hensler Helpful Club, responds to their telegram from that same day. In the telegram, Langer states that as member of the Public Lands Committee he is giving the matter of relocation of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fert Berthold Reservation as a result of the Garrison Dam his careful consideration.
See also:
Telegram from Hensler Helpful Club to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, December 12, 1946
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Telegram from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Indicating Meeting with Senator O'Mahoney, February 18, 1946
William Langer
This telegram dated February 18, 1946, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, states that Langer will be in North Dakoka on February 24th meeting with US Senator [Joseph] O'Mahoney in order to give Cross the opportunity to protest. Langer is likely referencing Cross's desire to speak about the Garrison Dam.
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Letter from Floyd Montclair to Senator Langer and William Brophy Regarding Per Capita Payments to Fort Berthold Indians, August 27, 1946
Floyd Montclair
This letter dated August 27, 1946, from Floyd Montclair of the National American Indian Association to United States (US) Senator William Langer and US Commissioner of Indian Affairs William Brophy, draws attention to Langer and Brophy to the “per capita payment to each individual Indian entitled thereto,” as called forth by the US Congress and introduced by US Congressperson Usher Burdick. The payment is a $400,000 award. Montclair proposes this money could be drawn from the US Treasury or the First National Bank for remittance to the Fort Berthold Indians along with how a Tribal Council represents the will of the registered districts for payment.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Floyd Montclair Regarding Per Capita Payments to the Fort Berthold Indians, September 11, 1946
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Letter from Floyd Montclair to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments, August 19, 1946
Floyd Montclair
This handwritten letter dated August 19, 1946, from Floyd Montclair to United States (US) Senator William Langer, is written on the letterhead of the National American Indian Defense Association, Inc., which lists Montclair as "second vice president." Montclair writes that “the majority of Fort Berthold Indians want immediate per capita payment of the $400,000 claim now placed to their credit."
A note stapled to Montclair's letter, dated August 23, 1946, on US Senate letterhead, addressed to "Mr. Grorud, Clerk Committee on Indian Affairs" and signed by Langer, asks Grorud to prepare a reply for Langer’s signature.
The letter includes a handwritten note of “Indians.”
See also:
Letter from Floyd Montclair to Senator Langer and William Brophy Regarding Per Capita Payments to Fort Berthold Indians, August 27, 1946
An Act for the Relief of the Indians of the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota
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Letter from Myrtle E. Russell to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, December 12 1946
Russell E. Myrtle
This letter dated December 12, 1946 from Myrtle E. Russell to United States Senator William Langer protests the taking of lands where she and her family live to be offered as lieu lands for the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation whose lands were to be flooded by the construction of the Garrison Dam. Russell appeals to Langer, describing her family's history on the land from 1903 to the present. Russell does not find the compensation offered by the government for their land to be adequate. The letter has a handwritten note at the top.
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Letter from Senator Langer's Office to Martin Cross Acknowledging June 12 Letter, June 19, 1946
Office of Senator William Langer
This letter dated June 12, 1946, from the office of United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, acknowledges Cross's June 12th letter and says that when Langer returns, Cross's letter will be brought to Langer's attention.
A handwritten note on the letter says, "Indian."
See also:
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding a Resolution Passed by Three Affiliated Tribes Business Council, June 12, 1946
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Telegram from Ben Reifel to Senator Langer Regarding Lieu Lands, December 7, 1946
Ben Reifel
This telegram, dated December 7, 1946, is from Superintendent Ben Reifel to United States Senator William Langer regarding lieu lands. Reifel states that the members of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation have not agreed to trade and that the council and tribal members are studying the Secretary of War's lieu lands offer. The telegram states that there will be a hearing on the offer on December 16 in Washington between Attorney Ralph Case and the Secretary of the Interior. Hand-written note on the document says, "Indians."
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Letter from Representative Charles R. Robertson to Ernest L. Wilkinson Regarding Indian Claims Commission, August 26, 1946
Charles R. Robertson
This letter dated August 26, 1946, from United States (US) Representative Charles R. Robertson to Ernest L. Wilkinson, Esq., of Washington D.C., refers to the passage of the Indian Claims Commission Bill and expresses thanks on behalf of himself and every member of the Committee on Indian Affairs of the US House of Representatives for Wilkinson's "untiring efforts on behalf of that legislation."
Robertson goes on to describe numerous ways which Wilkinson's efforts were integral the improvement of and eventual passage of the bill, including an excerpt from a letter he has written to a lawyer in the west, in which he claims that, "never in the world would the Bill have passed had it not been for...Wilkinson," and "Mr. Wilkinson is more responsible for it than any member of Congress."
See also:
An Act to Create an Indian Claims Commission, to Provide for the Powers, Duties, and Functions Thereof, and for Other Purposes
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Letter from RR Robinson to Senator Langer, Senator Young, and Congressman Lemke Regarding Garrison Dam, July 19, 1946
R R. Robinson
This letter, dated July 19, 1946, is from RR Robison to United States (US) Senator William Langer, US Senator Milton Young, and US Congressman William Lemke regarding the Garrison Dam. Robinson states that white settlers have only been in the geographic area for fifty years whereas the 2,000 individual members of The Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation have held the area as their ancestral lands for centuries. Robinson states that he does not have a solution to the problem of water conservation, but implores the US Senators and Congressman to do more to consider the desires of the tribal members.
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Letter from Chief Swimming Eel to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, April 11, 1946
Swimming Eel
This letter dated April 11, 1946, from Chief Swimming Eel to United States (US) Senator William Langer, concerns the forced removal of the "Fort Berthold Indians in North Dakota," which Swimming Eel notes is in violation of treaty agreements. Swimming Eel also addresses the high valuation of the land being taken versus the poor quality and low value land being offered in exchange for their removal. The letter petitions the US Congress to honor treaty rights and closes with a note that Swimming Eel is writing on behalf of the "Eastern Regional Area 'Chiefs Grand Council,' League of Nations North American Indians, and eastern affiliate, 'The Federated Eastern Indian League.'"
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Chief Swimming Eel Regarding Garrison Dam, May 8, 1946
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Letter from Carl Sylvester to Senator Langer Regarding Garrison Dam, November 30, 1946
Carl Sylvester
This handwritten letter dated November 30, 1946, from Carl Sylvester of Elbowoods, North Dakota (ND) on the Fort Berthold Reservation of ND to United States Senator William Langer, Sylvester first thanks Langer for the latter's "kind attitude" towards him as an entity in the last election. Sylvester goes on through pages 1-4 to offer his insights on the role of the Republican Party in the leadership of the country over a number of administrations.
On pages 5 and 6, Sylvester raises the issue the of Three Affiliated Tribes' opposition to the construction of the Garrison Dam project, urging Langer to oppose it as well.
With this this handwritten letter, Sylvester has enclosed a typed "writeup" entitled "The Voice of Flood - Threatened Indians" he has written detailing the tribes' attitude regarding the Garrison Dam project.
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to Carl Sylvester Regarding Garrison Dam, December 9, 1946
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Resolution by Tribal Council of Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, North Dakota Regarding O' Mahoney Amendment, January 10, 1946
Three Affiliated Tribes Business Council
This resolution dated January 6, 1946, passed by the Tribal Council of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold, North Dakota and signed by Three Affiliated Tribes Chairman Martin Cross, expresses the council's 100% opposition to the construction of the Garrison Dam.
The resolution also expresses the council's appreciation to United States Senator from Wyoming Joseph C. O'Mahoney for his amendment to the First Deficiency Appropriation Bill of 1946 which stipulates that none of the funds appropriated for the Garrison Dam project may be used until the members of the Three Affiliated Tribes are satisfactorily compensated for their lands lost through the construction and operation of the dam.
See also:
Letter from C. H. Beitzel to Joseph C. O'Mahoney Regarding Resolution from Three Affilliated Tribes Thanking Him for Amendment, February 5, 1946
First Deficiency Appropriation Bill, 1946
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Public Relations Press Release from US Army Corps of Engineers Regarding Lieu Lands in Oliver and Mercer Counties, 1946
United States Army Corps of Engineers
This public relations press release dated 1946, from the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers, regarding lieu lands related to the Garrison Dam states that the US War Department and the US Department of Interior have arrived at a proposal. This proposal would give the affected 300 families of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation lieu lands from Oliver and Mercer counties to replace lands that will be flooded by the Garrison Dam. The release states that these lands were selected following a survey of nearly 600,000 acres and that these lands are comparable in quality to the lands that will be flooded. The proposal also give details about the lands that will be used from these two US counties including the names of the relevant towns and the amount of white farmers who will be affected. The release concludes that effected tribal members should expect little hardship from both the quality of the new lands and the relocation process.
A handwritten note at the top of the document reads, "Indians" and "Garrison Dam."
See also:
Letter from Colonel Wannamaker to Senator Langer regarding lieu lands related to the Garrison Dam, December 4, 1946
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Report on Meeting for the Purpose of Obtaining the Views of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation on the Lieu Lands Offered by the Secretary of War, December 16, 1946
United States Department of the Interior
This report documents a meeting that took place on December 16, 1946 in the conference room of the United States (US) Secretary of Interior to obtain the views of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation on the lieu lands offered by the US Secretary of War.
The report includes a roster of attendees, a transcript of the meeting and a number of exhibits submitted, including: a letter from US Under Secretary of the Interior to Attorney Ralph Case; Section 6 of US Public Law 374, 79th Congress 2d session; a memorandum to the US Secretary of the interior from the acting commissioner of Indian Affairs transmitting correspondence from Tribal Chairman George Gillette in which Gillette accepts the Secretary's invitation to have representatives of the Three Affiliated Tribes present at a special hearing; a notice to all tribal members listing a schedule of meetings to discuss the offer of lieu lands; lists of attendees and comments from meetings in various districts; a resolution announcing the rejection of the offer of lieu lands; a formal rejection of the offer; and a telegram from the Hazen Community Club to US Secretary of the Interior J.A. Krug arguing that a restudy of the lands is warranted.
See also:
Report on Second Meeting for the Purpose of Obtaining the Views of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation on the Lieu Lands Offered by the Secretary of War, December 23, 1946
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Report on Second Meeting for the Purpose of Obtaining the Views of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation on the Lieu Lands Offered by the Secretary of War, December 23,1946
United States Department of the Interior
This report contains a transcript of the second meeting held on December 23, 1946 in the office of the United States (US) Assistant Secretary of the Interior C. Girard Davidson for the purpose of obtaining the views of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation regarding the lieu lands offered by the US Secretary of War as compensation for the loss of tribal lands to be inundated by waters of the Missouri River due to the construction of the Garrison Dam. Included in the report is a list of attendees, a transcript of the meeting, in which the Three Affiliated Tribes reject the offer of lieu lands made by the US Department of War to the Fort Berthold Reservation.
See also:
Report of Meeting for the Purpose of Obtaining the Views of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation on the Lieu Lands Offered by the Secretary of War, December 16, 1946
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Letter from Colonel WW Wannamaker to Senator Langer Regarding Lieu Lands Related to the Garrison Dam, December 4, 1946
WW Wannamaker
This letter dated December 4, 1946, from United Stated (US) Army Corps of Engineers Colonel WW Wannamaker to US Senator William Langer, states that he is writing in light of the Washington announcement that the US Secretaries of War and Interior have made a lieu lands offer to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Wannamaker states that the most serious problem of the Garrison Dam was the relocations it required. He states that his department was tasked with finding lieu lands "comparable in quality and sufficient in area" while also an "economical solution to the United States" which would create "minimum hardships on the white population." Wannamaker goes on to state that no plan could achieve both of these aims, and settlers in Oliver and Mercer Counties, as well as tribal members of Fort Berthold, have opposed the dam. He concludes by suggesting that a slow relocation process will help prevent things from stalling.
This letter contains a handwritten signature.
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to Colonel WW Wannamaker Regarding Relocation, December 6, 1946