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 Medicine Crow to Senator Langer Regarding US Senate Bills 2875 and 2151, March 14, 1956
Medicine Crow
This handwritten letter dated March 14, 1956, from Medicine Crow to United States (US) Senator William Langer, thanks Langer for his letter regarding support for US Senate Bill 2875 (S. 2875) and asks Langer to also support US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151). Medicine Crow says the people [of the Three Affiliated Tribes] need the money badly.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Medicine Crow Informing that US Senate Bill 2151 Passed the Senate, March 20, 1956
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Letter from Wesley D'Ewart to Martin Cross Regarding Tribal Council Election, July 23, 1956
Wesley D'Ewart
This letter dated July 23, 1956, from United States (US) Secretary of the Interior Wesley D'Ewart to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, addresses the election issue on the Fort Berthold Reservation. D'Ewart makes reference to the June 20, 1956 opinion of the Solicitor which found that the use of absentee ballots in tribal elections should be permitted.
A note on this letter says that copies were sent to Jackson Ripley, B. J. Youngbird, and Carl Whitman, Jr. The letter was copied to US Senator William Langer.
See also:
Letter from Wesley D'Ewart to Senator Langer Regarding Election Request, July 23, 1956
Collection of Correspondences Related to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council Elections, July 31, 1956
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Letter from Wesley D'Ewart to Senator Langer Regarding Election Request, July 23, 1956
Wesley D'Ewart
This letter dated July 23, 1956, from Secretary of the United States (US) Interior Wesley D'Ewart to US Senator William Langer, informs Langer that D'Ewart advised the US Commissioner of Indian Affairs to have the Solicitor re-examine the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Constitution and other regulations in order to resolve the election issue on the reservation. D'Ewarts says that he can furnish Langer with a copy of the letter that he wrote to the Tribal Business Council dated June 20, 1956.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Wesley D'Ewart Regarding Election Request, May 24, 1956
Letter from Wesley D'Ewart to Martin Cross Regarding Tribal Council Election, July 23, 1956
Memorandum from the Solicitor of the Department of the Interior to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs Regarding Proposed Elections on the Fort Berthold Reservation, June 20, 1956
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Letter from Wesley D'Ewart to Senator Langer Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, May 10, 1956
Wesley D'Ewart
This letter dated May 10, 1956, from Assistant Secretary of the United States (US) Department of the Interior Wesley D'Ewart to US Senator William Langer, clarifies information about US Senate Bill 2151 and the segregation of funds held in trust for the Three Affiliated Tribes. D'Ewart informs Langer that any individual per capita payments need to be approved by the Tribal Council before the Interior will consider a distribution.
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Letter from Irene Duckett to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments, February 29, 1956
Irene Duckett
This handwritten letter, dated February 29, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Irene Duckett to United States (US) Senators William Langer and Milton Young and to US House Representatives Usher Burdick and Otto Krueger asks for support with the plan for per capita payment distribution to members of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Duckett says she needs the money in order to build a comfortable home. A note at the top of the letter reads, "S. 2151."
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Irene Duckett Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, March 9, 1956
Letter from Senator Langer to Irene Duckett Informing that US Senate Bill 2151 Passed the Senate, March 19, 1956
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Telegram from Patrick Gourneau to Senator Langer Requesting that Langer Assist Martin Cross on His Present Mission in Washington, D.C., April 24, 1956
Patrick Gourneau
This telegraph dated April 24, 1956, from Patrick Gourneau of Turtle Mountain to United States Senator William Langer, asks Langer to assist Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross on his present mission in Washington, D.C.
There are some shorthand notes on the telegram.
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to Patrick Gourneau Stating that Langer is Helping in Every Way Possible, April 25, 1956
Telegram from Patrick Gourneau to Representative Burdick Asking that Burdick Support Martin Cross, April 24, 1956
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Letter from Grace Grinnell to Senator Langer Asking for Support of US Senate Bill 2151, February 1, 1956
Grace Grinnell
This handwritten letter dated February 1, 1956, from Three Affiliated Tribes member Grace Grinnell to United States (US) Senators William Langer and Milton Young and to US Representatives Usher Burdick and Otto Krueger, indicates Grinnell's support for US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151).
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Grace Grinnell Regarding Request for Support of US Senate Bill 2151, February 7, 1956
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Letter from Dorothy F. Gwinn for Senator Langer to Frank F. Jestrab Regarding the Handling of Native Records, August 24, 1956
Dorothy F. Gwinn
This letter, dated August 24, 1956, from Dorothy F. Gwinn on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer to Frank F. Jestrab of Bjella, Jestrab & Neff in Williston, North Dakota (ND) informs Jestrab that Langer's office has "received a copy of the Archivist's letter to [Jestrab] concerning the handling of Indian records."
Gwinn adds that the ND Bar Association has sent Langer a copy of their recent resolution in connection with the same matter.
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Telegram from James Hall to Senator Langer Asking for Opposition to US Senate Bill 2151, February 15, 1956
James Hall
This telegram dated February 15, 1956, from James Hall Sr. of the Western Segment Civic Club to United States (US) Senator William Langer, urges Langer to oppose US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151).
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Letter from John B. Hart to Senator Langer Regarding Editorial in Devil's Lake Journal, August 13, 1956
John B. Hart
This letter, dated August 13, 1956, from John B. Hart, Executive Director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, to United States (US) Senator William Langer references an enclosed ditto copy of an editorial appearing in the August 8 issue of the Devils Lake Journal. Hart writes that Langer might want to file the article for future reference.
The editorial, titled "It's Time for Clarification," argues that, since the Supreme Court affirmed the position of the State of North Dakota that it "could not legally accept jurisdiction over Indian reservations within its borders," the time has come for the US Bureau of Indian Affairs and state agencies to clarify areas of confusion, particularly in areas of law enforcement and welfare, and start to co-operate rather than working at cross purposes, and that inconsistent treatment has caused tribal members to lose respect for the government.
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Letter from John B. Hart to Senator Langer Regarding US Senate Bill no. 2663, July 31, 1956
John B. Hart
This letter dated July 31, 1956, from North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission Executive Director John B. Hart to United States (US) Senator William Langer, expresses Hart's thanks for a telegram Langer sent advising Hart that Senate Bill 2663 passed the US Senate. Hart laments that the bill "will be bogged down in the House of Representatives" but maintains it will be "good propaganda" and "good agitation" for the development of industries on reservations. Hart concludes by saying he hopes Langer will have the opportunity to visit the plant at Rolla that summer.
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Telegram from Frank Heart to Senator Langer Regarding Questions, January 25, 1956
Frank Heart
This telegram dated January 25, 1956, from Frank Heart to United States (US) Senator William Langer, indicates Heart has questions for Langer to answer and that Heart has been trying to get a hold of Langer. Heart says he will call a meeting once he gets a letter from Langer. There is a note attached to the top of this telegram, dated January 24, 1956 that says "Mr. Youngbird Calling Bismarck OPR 12."
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Collection of Correspondences Related to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council Elections, July 31, 1956
William Langer
These correspondences dated July 31, 1956 were sent from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Carl Whitman, Jr., B. J. Youngbird, and Jackson Ripley enclosing information regarding election problems on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Enclosed with these letters is a copy of US Assistant Secretary D'Ewart's letter to the Tribal Council chairperson and the Solicitor's Opinion on tribal elections and the use of absentee ballots.
There are some handwritten notes on the letters.
See also:
Letter from Wesley D'Ewart to Martin Cross Regarding Tribal Council Election, July 23, 1956
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Form Letter from Senator Langer to Petitioners Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, May 17, 1956
William Langer
This form letter, dated May 17, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to an unnamed recipient, acknowledges and thanks the recipient for petitioning Langer to urge his support for various measured before the US Congress, and informs the recipient of the recent passage in the US Senate of Senate Bill 2151, "which would provide for per capita payments to members of your tribe on the basis of membership roll[.]" Langer explains that the bill, having passed the Senate, will now go to the US House of Representatives, and urges the recipient to contact US Representative Usher Burdick and ask for his support of the bill.
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Letter from Dorothy Gwinn on Behalf of Senator Langer to John Hart Regarding Indian Welfare, August 17, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated August 17, 1956, from Dorothy Gwinn on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer to John Hart, marks the receipt of Hart’s correspondence concerning Indian Welfare. The letter refers to an enclosed editorial, but this enclosure is not enclosed included with the letter. The letter affirms to Hart that Gwinn will bring Hart’s correspondence to Langer's attention when Langer returns. The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Indian Affairs”
See also:
Letter from Irene Martin on Behalf of Senator Langer to John Hart Regarding Industrial Development Meetings, September 22, 1955
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Letter from Senator Langer to Anson Baker Informing Him that US Senate Bill 2151 is now US Public Law, June 5, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated June 5, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Anson Baker, informs Baker that US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) was signed by the president and is now US Public Law. A handwritten note on the top of the letter reads, "S. 2151."
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Letter from Senator Langer to Anson Baker Informing that US Senate Bill 2151 Passed the Senate, March 19, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated March 19, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Anson Baker, informs Baker that US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151), which provides for the segregation of funds for the Three Affiliated Tribes, passed the US Senate. Langer says he will provide an update once the US House of Representatives acts on the bill. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "S. 2151."
See also:
Letter from Anson Baker to Senator Langer Asking for Support of US Senate Bill 2151, January 31, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to Anson Baker Regarding Request for Support of US Senate Bill 2151, February 13, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated February 13, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Anson Baker, thanks Baker for his letter in support of US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151). Langer assures Baker the bill has his full effort and support. A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "S. 2151."
See also:
Letter from Anson Baker to Senator Langer Asking for Support of US Senate Bill 2151, January 31, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to B. J. (Ben) Youngbird Regarding US Senate Bill 2151 and Enclosed Report from Secretary D'Ewart, June 11, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated June 11, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal member Ben (B. J.) Youngbird, encloses a report from Assistant Secretary of the Interior Wesley A. D'Ewart concerning US Senate Bill 2151, which is now US Public Law 84-553 (also known as "An Act to Provide for the Segregation of Certain Funds of the Fort Berthold Indians on the Basis of Membership Roll Prepared for Such Purpose"). Langer directs Youngbird to the last paragraph of the report. The report is enclosed.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Carl Whitman Jr. Regarding US Senate Bill 2151 and Enclosed Report from Secretary D'Ewart, June 11, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated June 11, 1956 from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal member Carl Whitman Jr. encloses a report from Assistant Secretary of the Interior Wesley A. D'Ewart concerning US Senate Bill 2151, which is now US Public Law 84-553 (also known as "An Act to Provide for the Segregation of Certain Funds of the Fort Berthold Indians on the Basis of Membership Roll Prepared for Such Purpose"). Langer directs Whitman to the last paragraph of the report. The report is enclosed with this document. A note at the top of the document reads "S. 2151."
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Letter from Senator Langer to Carlyle Onsrud Enclosing Two Copies of US Senate Bill 2151, May 8, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated May 8, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Executive Director of North Dakota Public Welfare Board Carlyle Onsrud, encloses requested copies of US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151).
See also:
Letter from Carlyle Onsrud to Senator Langer Requesting Two Copies of US Senate Bill 2151, May 1, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to Douglas McKay Regarding the Estate of Richard Wolf, March 22, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated March 22, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Secretary of the Interior Douglas McKay, encloses a letter from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross regarding the estate of Richard Wolf. Langer asks McKay for comments or suggestions on the matter. The letter from Cross was not included with this document.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding the Funds of Mary Edith Good Bear and Fannie Wolf, March 22, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to Frank Heart Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, February 13, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated February 13, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Frank Heart, thanks Heart for his letter informing Langer that the Three Affiliated Tribes General Council held a meeting on January 9 and voted 37 to 0 against US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151). Langer indicates he will pass this information on to the US Senate Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Grace Grinnell Informing Her that US Senate Bill 2151 is now US Public Law, June 5, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated June 5, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Grace Grinnell informs Grinnell that US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) was signed by the president and is now US Public Law. A handwritten note on the top of the letter reads "S. 2151."
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Letter from Senator Langer to Grace Grinnell Informing that US Senate Bill 2151 Passed the Senate, March 19, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated March 19, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Grace Grinnell, informs Grinnell that US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151), which provides for the segregation of funds for the Three Affiliated Tribes, passed the Senate. Langer suggests Grinnell follow up with US House Representative Usher Burdick as the bill moves through the US House of Representatives. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "S. 2151."
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Grace Grinnell Regarding Request for Support of US Senate Bill 2151, February 7, 1956