William Langer Papers

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding the Garrison Dam, December 19, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter dated December 19, 1945, from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, informs Cross that Langer is doing all he can to help on the Garrison Dam issue and that he will keep Cross informed of any developments. Langer assures Cross that they will not build the dam before compensating the tribes for the taken land.

  See also:

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

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

  William Langer

  This letter dated November 7, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, asks Cross to let Langer know when Cross will be in Washington, D. C. so they can meet. A handwritten note reads, "Indians."

  See also:

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

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

  William Langer

  This letter, dated December 28, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Fort Berthold Agency Superintendent William R. Beyer, call Beyer's attention to a document titled, "Loan Guaranty Provisions of Serviceman's Readjustment Act of 1944," a copy of which was sent to Beyer, and which Langer has been alerted to by Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs William A. Brophy. The document in question is a circular sent by Brophy to Agency Superintendents and other 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. The circular both encourages the utilization of the loan guarantee provisions of the Serviceman's Readjustment act of 1944 and provides information specific to the utilization of those provisions by Native veterans.

  Langer writes that "this is a very important matter and for that reason I bring it to your attention again."

  See also:

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

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  Letter from Senator Langer to William R. Beyer Regarding Rueben Ducket's Application for Fort Berthold Chief of Police, November 13, 1945

  William Langer

  This letter, dated November 13, 1945, from United States (US) William Langer to Fort Berthold Agency Superintendent William R. Beyer makes reference to Langer's knowledge that Rueben Ducket of the Fort Berthold Reservation has applied for the position of Chief of Police on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Langer writes that he is sure Ducket would do a good job in the position and that he would appreciate very much any consideration Beyer would see fit to give Ducket's application for the position.

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  Statement from Senator Langer Regarding Restoration of Funds for the Missouri River Basin, Undated

  William Langer

  This statement that is undated, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to an unspecified committee, argues for the restoration of funds to the US Bureau of Reclamation for the Missouri River Basin in the US Interior Department Appropriation Bill. From the $23,783,600 originally recommended by the US Bureau of the Budget, the US House Committee on Appropriations has recommended a reduction of $13,470,915 leaving only $10,312,685 to fund the Bureau of Reclamation work in the Missouri River basin.

  Langer argues that the reductions will endanger the goals of irrigation and low-cost power and needlessly delay projects that are only in their beginning stages.

  This statement includes a handwritten note that says "Garrison." This document, while undated, was located among documents dated 1945 and 1946.

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  Telegram from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Floyd Montclair’s Visit to Washington, October 5, 1945

  William Langer

  This telegram dated October 5, 1945, from National American Indian Defense League President John Hamilton to United States (US) Senator William Langer, alerts Langer to a visit from Fort Berthold Tribal Council Secretary Floyd Montcair to Washington D.C. The telegram advises Langer to “look out for delegation.”

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Thanking Him for His Correspondence, September 26, 1945

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  Telegram From Senator Langer to John E. Hamilton Regarding Upcoming Meeting, October 24, 1945

  William Langer

  This telegram, dated October 24, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to John E. Hamilton, President of the National American Indian Defense Association, indicates that Langer "would like to have you come tomorrow."

  See also:

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

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  Telegram from Senator Langer to John Hamilton Regarding Floyd Montclair’s Visit to Washington, October 13, 1945

  William Langer

  This telegram dated October 13, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to National American Indian Defense League President John Hamilton, alerts Hamilton that Fort Berthold Tribal Council Secretary Floyd Montcair did not show up to meet with Langer in Washington D.C. but other Fort Berthold Tribal Members did. It states it is important for Hamilton to call Langer. The telegram is marked with the handwritten annotation “Indians.”

  See also:

  Telegram from John Hamilton to Senator Langer Regarding Floyd Montclair’s Visit to Washington, October 5, 1945

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

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

  William Langer

  This telegram dated December 17, 1945, from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, informs Cross that the legislation authorizing the construction of the Garrison Dam has passed with the provision that the tribes must be adequately compensated and/or provided with satisfactory lieu lands prior to construction.

  See Also:

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

  Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding the Garrison Dam, December 19, 1945

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

  William Langer

  This telegram dated October 26, 1945, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, informs Cross that the US House Appropriation Committee is meeting now and that the results are satisfactory. A handwritten note at the top of the telegram reads, "Indians."

  See also:

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

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  Telegram from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Requesting Cross Come to Washington, October 29, 1945

  William Langer

  This telegram dated October 29, 1945, from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, states that Langer advises Cross to come to Washington D.C. as soon possible.

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

  Floyd Montclair

  This 28-page pamphlet, dated June 16, 1945, written by Three Affiliated Tribes Floyd Montclair, includes an introduction laying out four “fundamental facts” regarding the bad faith and lack of principle shown by the United States government in its dealings with Native peoples, especially in projects such as the Garrison Dam. Also includedf are several resolutions personal statements denouncing the Garrison Dam project, including statements from Montclair, Thomas S. Wolf, James Thornberg, and US Representative Usher Burdick. The pamphlet includes two poems, one authored by Langston Hughes and one authored by Myrtle K. Cherryman, and concludes with a 1941 petition signed by over 250 enrolled members of the Fort Berthold Americans Incorporated urging the United States Congress to pass the Tribes' $400,000 claim.

  The pamphlet is marked on its cover with the handwritten annotation, “To U.S. Senator William A. Langer with compliments - Martin Cross.”

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  Letter from Floyd Montclair to John Hamilton Regarding the Endorsement of a Bill for Citizenship, August 30, 1945

  Floyd Montclair

  This letter dated August 30, 1945, from Floyd Montclair to John E. Hamilton, informs Hamilton that Montclair has received his correspondence and Hamilton should expect to receive the names of 101 tribal members who endorse Hamilton’s bill “for proposed citizenship for Indians which I am hoping will be harmonious.” The letter states that Montclair has mailed Hamilton a booklet that reveals “the full text of why we are opposed to the Garrison Dam.” The letter informs Hamilton that a delegation “from this place” will attend a session of the United States Congress in early September and Montclair would like Hamilton to attend the session with Montclair’s delegation. The letter concludes by stating Montclair is one of the four official delegates to oppose the Garrison Dam. This letter is marked with the typed annotation “A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL LETTER” and the handwritten annotation “Indians.”

  See also:

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

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  Letter from John Rasmussen "To Whom It May Concern" Regarding Richard Auras's Character, August 12, 1945

  John Rasmussen

  In this letter, dated August 12, 1945, from John Rasmussen, special investigator for Richmond, CA Shipyard Number Two, addressed "To Whom It May Concern," Rasmussen refers to German national Richard Auras, who is now interned as an alien enemy at Fort Lincoln, near Bismarck, ND. Rasmussen writes that he knows Richard Auras and has not known him to voice any opinion that would suggest he is an enemy alien. Rasmussen gives his opinion that in fact Auras "if given the opportunity, would make a loyal American 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:

  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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  Letter from William Rehker to Assistant Attorney General Herbert Wechsler Regarding Richard Auras, August 10, 1945

  W. Rehker

  In this letter, dated August 10, 1945, from R. Rehker, secretary of San Francisco's Eureka Lodge, to U.S. Assistant Attorney General Herbert Wechsler, Rehker writes that Richard Auras joined Eureka Lodge No. 6 on October 14, 1937, after the lodge had investigated his character and found him to be "upright and honest," adding his belief that Auras would be a "loyal and faithful" citizen of the United States.

  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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  Resolution from Watford City Association of Commerce Regarding Garrison Dam Pool Level, Undated

  Leland M. Stenehjem and Erven W. Day

  This resolution that is undated, from the Board of Directors of the Watford City (North Dakota) Association of Commerce, argues that a pool level of 1850 feet behind the Garrison Dam will "imperil or destroy" the Lewis and Clark and Buford-Trenton irrigation projects, thus resulting in permanent loss of productions from effected agricultural units, as well as the displacement of many farm families, whereas a pool height of 1830 feet will result in less destruction without interfering with the primary purpose of power generation and water storage.

  For these reasons, the Board of Directors, "respectfully urges the joint session of Governors, the representatives of the Bureau of Reclamation, and the officers of the U. S. Army Engineers Corps meeting at Omaha, August 16, 1945 to plan the construction of the Garrison Dam at a pool level which will cause the least possible property damage consistent with the purpose of the integrated plan for the development of the Missouri River Basin."

  While this resolution is undated, it references a meeting that will take place on August 16, 1945. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that this resolution dates around 1945. In this resolution, there are handwritten signatures from the two authors, Leland M. Stenehjem and Erven W. Day.

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  Letter from Herbert O. Weber "To Whom It May Concern" Regarding Richard Auras's Character, August 8, 1945

  Herbert O. Weber

  In this letter, dated August 8, 1945, from Herbert O. Weber of Drugless Health Service in San Francisco, Weber describes interned German national Richard Auras as trustworthy, reliable, studious, painstaking in his work and of good 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:

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

  Anna Wilde

  This letter dated December 18, 1945, from Anna D. Wilde, a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of Fort Berthold to United States (US) Senator William Langer, refers to the "small pamphlet" setting forth the Tribes' reasons for protesting the construction of the Garrison Dam. She lists many virtues of the un-flooded Missouri Slope, naming, for example the role of the rich farmlands in "feeding the starving citizens of the recently liberated countries."

  Wilde writes she is in contact with an engineer who says a diversion could be implemented by placing smaller dams on the Yellowstone and Little Missouri rivers and canals used to control the overflow, thus sparing residents the loss of their homes.

  See also:

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

  Pamphlet from Floyd Montclair to Senator Langer Regarding the Fort Berthold Indians of North Dakota, June 16, 1945

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  Joint Resolution from the Williston Township Farmer's Union Regarding Garrison Reservoir Pool Level, October 14, 1945

  Williston Township Farmer's Union

  This joint resolution dated October 19, 1945, from the Williston (North Dakota) Township Farmer's Union, lists several reasons why the Union is "unalterably opposed" to the operation of the pool of the Garrison Dam at a maximum level that exceeds 1830 feet above sea level. Reasons include the flooding of bottomlands, the loss of local revenue from farming, and a lack of impartial hearings conducted within the affected areas.

  This resolution contains handwritten signatures and dates.

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  Speech by Representative Usher Burdick, "What Can Be Done for the American Indian?" April 25, 1944

  Usher L. Burdick

  This speech, delivered April 25, 1944 in the United States House of Representatives by US Representative Usher L. Burdick, is titled "What Can Be Done for the American Indian." Burdick begins by noting that "the Indian tribes were in possession of this country when the white man landed," and catalogues many injustices against them, including dispossession through repeated violations of treaties and other examples of bad-faith dealings, eventually arriving at the current situation in which tribes have been placed under the guardianship of the US Government.

  Burdick goes on to explain that tribes have been denied justice in US courts due to the need for an act of congress to allow them to go before the US Court of Claims, and that the scope of their claims is unreasonably limited by the language of the jurisdictional act. In rare cases where tribes are actually able to establish their claims, Burdick says, they are subjected to "set-offs" and "counterclaims" that cancel out or even exceed their established claims, so that despite winning their suit, they receive nothing or, worse yet, owe the government.

  Burdick mentions the Wheeler-Howard act of 1934 and the fact that it is supported by some Indians and opposed by others, and that "the attempt to force this act on all Indians has created bad blood and ill-feeling and generally has disrupted the peace and quiet of more than one reservation."

  In conclusion, Burdick calls for all the claims of Indians against the US government to be "rounded up and finally settled," and when this is accomplished for the "Indian Bureau" to be abolished and for Indians to "take their proper place among other citizens of their State with all the rights, privileges, responsibilities, and duties of any other citizen."

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  Resolution from the Fort Berthold Americans to the United States Congress Regarding Disagreement with Law Over Indian Property, April 3, 1944

  Jackson Dancing Bull

  This document contains a resolution passed by an organization called "Fort Berthold Americans, Incorporated," a record of proceedings of a meeting, presumably held by this same organization, dated April 3, 1944, and a United States Senate memorandum slip indicating that these items are to be inserted in the United States (US) Congressional Record.

  The resolution from “Fort Berthold American Inc.” stipulates that "any matter that should arise among our tribe be approved by Congress and giving [sic] our tribe opportunity to discuss among our tribe.” The resolution furthermore opposes unnecessary and confusing laws and states that the organization “cannot agree of this law making [sic] in regard to Indian property.” The resolution asks that Fort Berthold property be put “into same status as that of ather [sic] American people, and condemns "the law making scheme which has been in style to cause confusion among our tribe and dissatisfaction.” Reference is made to an understanding that a Council won't retire at the end of its term, though what council is being referred to here is unclear. The resolution is signed by Joe B. Bear, Adlai Stevenson, Alfred S. Smith, Jackson Dancing Bull, and Francis Stevenson and bears a handwritten annotation, “Ft Berthold.”

  The document titled “Proceedings from this Meeting” contains ten "principles," summarized as follows: 1) to be excluded from the Wheeler-Howard Act; 2) to allow individuals to continue to use their own land and interest; 3) to pay personal tax to the state, but not land tax; 4) to recover the bill known as "$400,000"; 5:) to have anything pertaining to the tribe be considered by the tribe; 6) to have "our tribe" tribe pay a "transpass" fee for livestock grazing on tribal land; 7) to oppose the Bureau of Indian Affairs control of Indian life, including its management of Indian funds; 8) (a number of things are mentioned in this "principle," though it is not clear what the focus is; opposition to the Wheeler-Howard Act is mentioned; 9) the organization is not insulting anyone who wants to continue under the Bureau's program; and 10) to fight for American Ideals and be free from regimentation and bureaucratic control.

  These proceedings are signed by Jackson Dancing Bull and Rufus Stevenson. The document is marked at the heading with the handwritten annotation “Van Hook, No Dak.”

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  Letter from Senator Langer to B. J. Youngbird Regarding Youngbird's Letter to US Subcommittee on Indian Affairs, September 11, 1944

  William Langer

  This letter dated September 11, 1944, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Ben "B. J." Youngbird, member of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, expresses Langer's thanks to Youngbird for sending a copy of the letter Youngbird wrote to the US Senate Subcommittee on Indian Affairs.

  A handwritten annotation on the letter reads "Indians" and "COPY" is also stamped on it.

  See also:

  Letter from B. J. Youngbird to US Senate Subcommittee on Indian Affairs, August 14, 1944

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Earl Bateman Regarding M.E. Pool’s Report, May 6, 1944

  William Langer

  This letter dated May 6, 1944, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Fort Berthold Tribal Business Council member Earl Bateman references an enclosed report from M.E. Pool, secretary for the US Senate Committee on Appropriations. The letter and report are in answer to a request made by Bateman on April 21, 1944. Langer notes that if additional information is received, he will send it to Bateman.

  The report referenced as enclosed was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Earl Bateman Regarding Requests, April 29, 1944

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Earl Bateman Regarding Requests, April 29, 1944

  William Langer

  This letter dated April 29, 1944 from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council member Earl W. Bateman acknowledges the receipt of Bateman’s letter from April 21, 1944. Langer assures Bateman that he will take immediate action.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to M.E. Pool Regarding Indian Matters, April 29, 1944

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Fox et al. Regarding Floyd Montclair’s Role as Representative of Fort Berthold Americans, Incorporated, May 11, 1944

  William Langer

  These eight letters, identical except for addressee, dated May 11, 1944 (except for one dated May 10) from United States Senator William Langer to Martin Fox, Sam Badgun, Walter Young Bear, Robert Lincoln, Phillip Snow, Richard Burr, Phillip Atkins, and Oscar Burr, all members the the organization Fort Berthold Americans, Incorporated, acknowledges Langer's receipt of their letter informing Langer that Floyd Montclair is their representative. Langer writes that Montclair “is down here appearing in behalf of the Fort Berthold American, Inc.” Langer assures the recipients that he is doing his best to help Montclair.

  See also:

  Letter from Fort Berthold Americans Incorporated to Senator Langer Regarding the Authorization of Floyd Montclair to Represent Them, April 21, 1944