William Langer Papers

Follow

• 

  Letter from Women's Society of Christian Service to Senator Langer Regarding the Relocation of Fort Berthold Indians, Undated

  Women's Society of Christian Service of the Methodist Church of Center, North Dakota

  This handwritten letter that is undated, from the Women's Society of Christian Service of the Methodist Church of Center, North Dakota to United States Senator William Langer, registers "a vigorous protest against the proposed relocation of Fort Berthold Indians in a portion of Oliver County on the grounds that it would be an injustice to the tribes affected as well as to homeowners in Oliver County who thereby be forced to vacate their farm and ranch homes that have been established thru [sic] long years of toil and sacrifice."

• 

  Letter from Assistant Commissioner of Indian Affairs Zimmerman to Senator Langer Regarding Distribution of Payments to the Fort Berthold Indians, September 13, 1946

  William Zimmerman

  This letter dated September 13, 1946, from Assistant Commissioner of Office of Indian Affairs William Zimmerman to United States Senator William Langer is a response to Floyd Montclair’s letter to Langer where Montclair asks for $400,000 per capita payments to the Fort Berthold Indians. Zimmerman clarifies that the Interior Department Appropriation Act does not “contain a provision for a per capita payment to the Fort Berthold Indians.” The letter is enclosed as a copy from the United State Department of Interior Office of Indian Affairs. The enclosure is entitled “Enc. 393.” Both Langer and Commissioner of Indian Affairs Brophy William Brophy are noted as recipients of the enclosure.

  See also:

  Letter from Floyd Montclair to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments, August 19, 1946

• 

  Richard Auras "Career of Life," Undated

  Richard Auras

  This document, undated but likely written in 1945 or 1946 based on internal references and related correspondence, is interned German national Richard Auras's self-authored "Career of Life," in which he chronicles his immigration and life in America as a student of chiropractics at Sierra State University in San Francisco, as well as his career both in America and in Germany. Auroas also includes several references attesting to his character.

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

• 

  Letter from C. H. Beitzel to Senator Langer Regarding November 6 Resolution Passed by Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council, November 13, 1945

  C. H. Beitzel

  This letter dated November 13, 1945, from Fort Berthold Agency Superintendent C. H. Beitzel to United States (US) Senator William Langer, thanks Langer for his letter of October 31 in which Langer enclosed copies of a committee report and a speech that he gave to the US Senate regarding the Garrison Dam construction. Beitzel says members of the Three Affiliated Tribes would likely want to see a copy of the speech to know that Langer is working for their interests. Beitzel encloses a copy of a resolution passed on November 6 by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council extending gratitude to Langer and others for the courtesy they extended to delegates who went to Washington, D. C. recently. A copy of this resolution is enclosed. The resolution is signed by Martin Cross, George Gillette, and C. H. Beitzel.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to C. H. Beitzel Regarding Resolution Passed by Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council, November 27, 1945

• 

  Letter from William A. Brophy to Senator Langer Regarding Native Veterans and the Serviceman's Readjustment Act of 1944, December 17, 1945

  William A. Brophy

  This letter, dated December 17, 1945, from Commissioner of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs William A. Brophy to US Senator William Langer calls Langer's attention to a circular Brophy has sent out to Agency Superintendents and other personnel of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs regarding the rights of Native veterans to credit under the US G.I. Bill of Rights. Brophy encloses a copy of the circular with this letter and notes that "some of the new instructions liberalize and modernize the regulations on the giving of security by Indians."

  The enclosed circular, identified as "Circular No. 3610," has as its subject, "Loan Guaranty Provisions of Serviceman's Readjustment Act of 1944," and encourages the utilization by Native Veterans of loan guaranties provided for US veterans. The circular explains further that, while "an Indian is a citizen," and that Native status does not disqualify one from from entering into a contract or owning property, there are certain US statutes that "place limitations on the individual Indian with respect to the alienation of property held in trust for him by the United States, or which is subject to restrictions against alienation. The individual Indian can not sell or mortgage his interest in such property, although there are means by which the Secretary of the Interior may enable him to sell such property."

  The circular provides information specific to issues and questions faced by Native veterans who seek to utilize the loan guarantee programs provided by the Serviceman's Readjustment Act of 1944, and includes as its last page a form titled, "Assignment of Income from Trust Property," by which a lender may be granted rights to income derived from trust lands in the event of a failure of the lendee to repay the loan under the agreed-upon terms.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to William R. Beyer Regarding Native Veterans and the Serviceman's Readjustment Act of 1944, December 28, 1945

• 

  Letter from Felix Cohen to Joseph O'Mahoney Regarding Chief of Army Engineers Statement on Inundation of Fort Berthold Lands, December 14, 1945

  Felix S. Cohen

  This letter, from Felix S. Cohen, Associate Solicitor for the United States (US) Department of the Interior Office of the Solicitor, to US Senator from Wyoming Joseph O'Mahoney, is a response to O'Mahoney's telephone inquiry regarding the meaning and effect of comments made in a statement from the Chief of Engineers, US Army, concerning arrangements to be made where Indian lands are inundated by proposed reservoirs.

  Cohen offers the opinion that the wording of the statement does not limit the powers of federal agencies to carry out condemnation proceeding to the particular manner described in the the statement.

  In other words, while the statement describes a process for land transactions with Indians based on agreement and subject to the approval of the US Secretary of the Interior, it does not actually afford the tribes any assurance that they will be consulted regarding the disposition of their lands.

• 

  Memorandum from Felix Cohen to US Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Regarding Nature of Land Title and Possible Means of Protecting Land from Garrison Dam Project, October 17, 1945

  Felix S. Cohen

  This memorandum, dated October 17, 1945, from Felix S. Cohen, Associate Solicitor for the United States (US) Department of the Interior Office of the Solicitor, to the US Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, was submitted to supplement his statement of October 9 of that year, and deals specifically with the character of the title held by the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota, and the legal means available to the Tribes for the possible protection of their land. References on page 4 of the document make it clear that the threat from which the Tribes might seek protection is the proposed construction of the Garrison Dam.

  The memorandum gives a brief history of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, starting with the Treaty of Fort Laramie, while also detailing violations of that treaty by the US government and the resulting legal actions taken by the Tribes in the US Court of Claims, arriving at a conclusion that the United States has no right to enter upon the territory of the Tribes.

  Cohen then explains that, since treaty obligations may be violated by act of Congress, the Tribes desire to know in what ways they can challenge the legality of such an action, should Congress choose not to respect the treaty obligations of the United States and instead appropriate funds to construct the Garrison Dam on the Tribes' land. He suggests two methods available to the tribes for presenting objections to the taking of their land for the construction of the dam, and cites cases to establish that the Tribes have the same right to employ legal counsel and to seek injunction against unlawful interference with their property as any non-Indian citizen.

  Note: In the last paragraph of the memorandum, Cohen mistakenly refers to the Tribes as the "Three Affilliated Tribes of Fort Belknap Reservation," though he does refer to them by their correct name elsewhere in the document.

• 

  Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Following-Up from a Trip to Washington, D. C., October 13, 1945

  Martin Cross

  This letter dated October 13, 1945, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, informs Langer that Cross is back home and feels that their time was spent well (a reference to a recent trip to Washington, D. C.). Cross says he feels he stood up for the tribes' rights and that he will be giving a report on their trip on October 18 to the General Council.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding a Speech, October 22, 1945

• 

  Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding the Garrison Dam, December 7, 1945

  Martin Cross

  This letter dated December 7, 1945, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, discusses the Appropriation Committee's action on a Deficiency Bill and the height of the Garrison Dam. Cross mentions that Commissioner Brophy (likely William Brophy, US Commissioner of Indian Affairs 1945-1948) recently visited the tribes, to no conclusive accomplishment. Cross says that the Tribal Council has decided to hire attorney Ralph H. Case to represent the tribe in the ongoing fight over the Garrison Dam.

  See also:

  Telegram from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Indicating that Legislation Authorizing the Garrison Dam Passed, December 17, 1945

• 

  Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Trip to Washington and Desire for a Meeting with John Hamilton, October 30, 1945

  Martin Cross

  This handwritten letter, dated October 30, 1945, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, thanks Langer for his letter of October 22 in which he enclosed a speech inspired by Cross's recent visit to Washington, D. C.. Cross notes he read the speech in a Tribal Council meeting and it was enjoyed by all. Cross reports that he and Peter Beauchamp will be in Washington, D. C. to work on hiring an independent lawyer for the tribes. Cross says he received a letter from John E. Hamilton and would like to meet with him.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Following-Up from a Trip to Washington, D. C., October 13, 1945

  Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Trip to Washington, D. C., November 7, 1945

• 

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Appropriation Committee Meeting, October 24, 1945

  Martin Cross

  This telegram dated October 24, 1945, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, informs Langer the Tribal Council approved hiring an independent lawyer. Cross says he will be in Washington, D. C. next week and would like to know when the Appropriation Committee will meet.

  See also:

  Telegram from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Appropriation Committee Meeting, October 26, 1945

• 

  Letter from Helene Dietz to "Hearing Board" Requesting Reconsideration of the Arrest and Internment of Richard Auras, August 10, 1945

  Helen Dietz

  In this letter, dated August 10, 1945, from Helene Ilse Dietz, fiancée of interned German national Richard Auras, to the Chairman of the "Hearing Board," writes in "evidence that [Auras] is not dangerous to the public peace and safety of the United States," asking the Board to reconsider his case. She explains that she plans to marry Auras once he is released, that he was almost ready to take his final exams to become a chiropractor, and that he possesses in every way the qualities of a good citizen, factors, she notes, that were taken into consideration by the previous hearing board, which had recommended his release. This decision, however, had been set aside by order of the United States Attorney General.

  Dietz adds that she herself is a loyal United States (US) citizen and the widow of a US WWI veteran.

  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 Helene Ilse Dietz to US Immigration Services Regarding Richard Auras, January 20, 1942

  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 Lt. Col. Delbert Freeman To Senator Langer Regarding Name of Town Created for Construction of Garrison Dam, November 14, 1945

  Delbert Freeman

  This letter dated November 14, 1945, from Lieutenant Colonel Delbert Freeman of the United States (US) War Department to US Senator William Langer, Freeman acknowledges receipt of Langer's November 9, 1945 letter, and a letter enclosed with it from E. E. Koenig of Underwood, North Dakota, regarding the name of the name of the construction village to be created at the construction site of the Garrison Dam. Freeman explains that the name for the village is under consideration, and the Koenig's suggestion of "Ashville" will be given full consideration.

  See also:

  Letter from E. E. Koenig to Langer Regarding Name of Town Created for Construction of Garrison Dam, November 7, 1945

  Letter from Langer to E. E. Koenig Regarding Name of Town Created for Construction of Garrison Dam, November 17, 1945

• 

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding a Radio Script Used for American Indian Day, September 24, 1945

  John Hamilton

  This letter dated September 24, 1945, from President of National American Indian Defense Association John Hamilton to United States Senator William Langer, encloses a “radio script in reference to American Indian Day in Connecticut which is September 28th.” The letter suggests Langer wants to use this radio address in conjunction with the petition Hamilton sent Langer on September 21, 1945. The letter concludes by thanking Langer for “all you are doing for the interest of the Indians in your state as well as those in other States throughout the country.”

  See also:

  Petition Regarding the the American Indian Emancipation Act, September 21, 1945

• 

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Correspondence from Martin Cross Informing that the Tribes have Decided to Hire Ralph H. Case as Tribal Attorney, November 25, 1945

  John Hamilton

  This letter dated November 25, 1945, from John E. Hamilton to United States (US) Senator William Langer, informs Langer that Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross informed him the tribes have decided to hire Ralph Hoyt Case to represent them in their case against the US Government in regard to the construction of the Garrison Dam. Hamilton speaks highly of Case and says he is also writing a letter to Case. Hamilton encloses the letter from Martin Cross regarding the tribes' decision to hire Case.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Letter Informing that Three Affiliated Tribes Hired Ralph H. Case as Tribal Attorney, December 12, 1945

• 

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Correspondence from Martin Cross, November 7, 1945

  John Hamilton

  This letter dated November 7, 1945, from John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association, Inc. to United States (US) Senator William Langer, informs Langer that Hamilton corresponded with Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross and Cross said he and Peter Beauchamp have been selected as delegates to go to Washington, D. C. in regard to the construction of the Garrison Dam. Cross told Hamilton the tribes have been authorized to hire an attorney to help with the Garrison Dam conflict.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Martin Cross Visit to Washington, D. C., November 3, 1945

  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Martin Cross Visit to Washington, D. C., November 10, 1945

• 

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Funds Held in Trust for the Tribes, November 2, 1945

  John Hamilton

  This letter dated November 2, 1945, from John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association, Inc. to United States (US) Senator William Langer, thanks Langer for information regarding the Three Affiliated Tribes. Hamilton inquires about a sum of money awarded to the tribes through the Court of Claims. Hamilton hopes to hear from Langer once Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross arrives in Washington, D. C..

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Money in the Department to the Credit of the Tribes, October 29, 1945

  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Martin Cross Visit to Washington, D. C., November 3, 1945

• 

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Reelection, October 14, 1945

  John Hamilton

  This letter dated October 14, 1945, from President of National American Indian Defense Association John Hamilton to United States (US) Senator William Langer, thanks Langer for his recent telegram and refers to “a good case against the Federal Government.” This letter states Hamilton believes that after “we get through this affair, it will spell REELECTION for BILL LANGER.” The letter informs Langer that Hamilton is sending a telegram to Floyd Montclair. It encloses a letter from Chairwoman of the National Congress of American Indians Lorena Burgess who would like Langer to attend a conference in Browning, Montana.

  See also:

  Petition Regarding the the American Indian Emancipation Act, September 21, 1945

  Letter From Senator Langer to John E. Hamilton Regarding Unanswered Telegram, October 14, 1945

• 

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding the Petition for the American Indian Emancipation Act, September 21, 1945

  John Hamilton

  This letter dated September 21, 1945, from John E. Hamilton to United States Senator William Langer introduces an enclosed, signed petition on the behalf of “101 Fort Berthold Indians.” The letter informs Langer that the Fort Berthold petitioners included their names, roll numbers, and that the petition was originally sent to Hamilton by Secretary of the Fort Berthold Tribal Council, Floyd Montclair. The letter describes the petition as “self explanatory” as it involves the “proposed legislation to give the American Indians their emancipation.” The letter types out the names of the signed members but mentions it does not know if it would be “advisable to disclose these names on the petition, because there may be a possibility that if it gets back to the Indian Bureau it may be taken out on their people.” It states that the Indian Bureau will protest any legislation which would give the American Indians their full rights as American citizens. The letter asks Langer to attempt to persuade Senator John Bushfield to take an active part in this “gigantic battle for right” and calls to Langer’s attention Senate Bill 1311, where Bushfield calls himself an Indian. The letter refers to an enclosed letter from Floyd Montclair, but it is not included in this letter. The enclosed petition is entitled the "American Indian Emancipation Act."

  See also:

  Petition Regarding the American Indian Emancipation Act, September 21, 1945

• 

  Petition Regarding the American Indian Emancipation Act, September 21, 1945

  John Hamilton

  This petition dated September 21, 1945, from President of the National American Indian Defense League John E. Hamilton and the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation to United States Senator William Langer, introduces a petition on the behalf of “101 Fort Berthold Indians.” The petition is entitlee "The American Indian Emancipation Act.” This petition argues that “gross injustice has been committed against our people.” The petition states “We American Indians want to be free from the further Federal guardianship control of our person and to be allowed to live under local, State, and Federal laws like any other citizen.” The petition argues for public school education, independence from the reservation system, freedom from the Indian Bureau’s control of property, a just and final settlement of all Indian claims, and equal justice under the law, rather what the petition calls “incompetent wardship.” The petition is signed by 101 Fort Berthold Tribal Members and includes a bill to introduce legislation based on the petition.

• 

  Letter from John E. Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Re-Election Campaign, September 29, 1945

  John E. Hamilton

  This letter dated September 29, 1945, from John E. Hamilton, president of the National American Indian Defense Association, Inc. to United States (US) Senator William Langer, expresses Hamilton's approval of Langer reaching out to Floyd Montclair. Hamilton writes that, if they can get Monclair to their side, he doesn't think it will be very difficult to "swing Fort Berthold Indians" to Langer's side in the 1947 election.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Floyd Montclair Regarding a Meeting with John Hamilton, September 26, 1945

• 

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding President Grant's Indian Policy, October 27, 1945

  John E. Hamilton

  This letter dated October 27, 1945, from John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association, Inc. to United States (US) Senator William Langer, encloses material related to President Grant's Indian Policy and termination of treaty making with Indigenous tribes. Hamilton says this information may be useful as Langer proceeds with the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Hamilton comments on a recent hearing which relates to the construction of the Garrison Dam. Hamilton says that it is the responsibility of the US Government to protect the property rights of Indigenous peoples. Hamilton asks Langer to send a copy of a speech that Langer gave in the US Senate, and asks for copies of the Congressional Record from June 1.

  Enclosed with this letter is "The Reforms of President Grant and the American Indian Reservation System: The Termination of Indian Treaty Making, March 3, 1871."

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Money in the Department to the Credit of the Tribes, October 29, 1945

• 

  Letter from E. E. Koenig to Senator Langer Regarding Name of Town Created for Construction of Garrison Dam, November 7, 1945

  E. E. Koenig

  This letter dated November 7, 1945, from E. E. Koenig of Underwood, North Dakota to United States Senator William Langer, Koenig recommends that the "government town" to be built at the Construction site of the Garrison Dam be named "Ashwood," after the man who owns the land on which the town is to be build, whose name is Ash.

  See also:

  Letter from Langer to E. E. Koenig Regarding Name of Town Created for Construction of Garrison Dam, November 17, 1945

  Letter from Lt. Col. Delbert Freeman Regarding Letter from Langer to E. E. Koenig Regarding Name of Town Created for Construction of Garrison Dam, November 14, 1945

• 

  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Letter Informing that Three Affiliated Tribes Hired Ralph H. Case as Tribal Attorney, December 12, 1945

  Wiliam Langer

  This letter dated December 12, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to John E. Hamilton, President of the National Indian Defense Association, Inc., thanks Hamilton for sending news that the Three Affiliated Tribes hired Ralph Hoyt Case as legal counsel. Langer says he wants to help in any way that he can. A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "Indians."

  See also:

  Letter from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Correspondence from Martin Cross Informing that the Tribes have Decided to Hire Ralph H. Case as Tribal Attorney, November 25, 1945

• 

  Letter from Senator Langer to Anna Wilde regarding the Garrison Dam, December 31, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter dated December 31, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Anna Wilde, a member of the Three Affilitated Tribes of Fort Berthold, expresses thanks for Wilde's "interesting and important letter" and includes a copy of the the speech Langer made on the senate floor that shows Langer intends to "leave nothing undone to help the Indians."

  Langer adds: "The dam, as you know, will in all probability be built, but it cannot be built before this land has been paid for."

  A handwritten annotation reads "Indians" and "COPY" is stamped on the document.

  See also: "Fort Berthold Indians of North Dakota," Pamphlet by Floyd Montclair, June 16, 1945

  Letter from Anna Wilde to Senator Langer Regarding A Possible Alternative to the Garrison Dam, December 18, 1945