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 Grace Grinnell Regarding Request for Support of US Senate Bill 2151, February 7, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated February 7, 1956, from United States (US) William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes member Grace Grinnell, thanks Grinnell for her letter showing support for US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151). Langer assures her he is in support of the bill. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "S. 2151."
See also:
Letter from Grace Grinnell to Senator Langer Asking for Support of US Senate Bill 2151, February 1, 1956
Letter from Senator Langer to Grace Grinnell Informing that US Senate Bill 2151 Passed the Senate, March 19, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to Herbert Brownell Regarding Indian Claims Commission, July 16, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated July 16, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to US Attorney General Herbert Brownell, refers to an enclosure of pages 10497 through 10800 of the Congressional Record of July 6, 1956. Langer asks Brownell to read this material, which expresses Langer's views "on the importance of concluding Indian Claims at an early date."
Langer explains while there have been needed reforms in the matter of law enforcement, the matter of Indian Claims remains unsatisfactory, with tribes all over the country dissatisfied with the slowness of the US Indian Claims Commission in disposing of claims, and the blame is being placed on the US Department of Justice.
Langer names several factors he feels require improvement, among which are a trial procedure in which department attorneys are unprepared to "put on their cases and close the record, as is required in ordinary litigation," but instead "delay the cases and keep the record open for them to accumulate and present evidence," which precludes the preparation of findings of fact and rendering of decisions.
Langer reports tribes are advising him the US Department of Justice has opposed settlement of any kind, and argues that "often both sides can profit from a settlement dispensing with long and involved trials and appeals," which, in this case, would benefit both taxpayers and tribes.
In closing, Langer writes he would appreciate hearing from Brownell at an early date and would be interested in any proposals he has "as to how these cases may be concluded promptly."
The enclosed pages Langer refers to were not found with the letter.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Irene Duckett 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 Irene Duckett, informs Duckett 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 Irene Duckett 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 Irene Duckett, informs Duckett that US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151), which provides for the segregation of funds for the Three Affiliated Tribes, passed the Senate. Langer suggests Duckett 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 Irene Duckett to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments, February 29, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to Irene Duckett Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, March 9, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated March 9, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Irene Duckett, thanks Duckett for her letter concerning US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151), which will provide per capita payments to members of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Langer informs Duckett that S. 2151 was reported favorably on by the US Senate Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "S. 2151."
See also:
Letter from Irene Duckett to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments, February 29, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to James Black Dog Informing Him that the House Passed US Senate Bill 2151 and it Will Soon Become US Public Law, May 24, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated May 24, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to James Black Dog, thanks Black Dog for sending him the Fort Berthold Indian Agency News Bulletin and informs him that US House Resolution 10221 (H. R. 10221)/US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) has gone to the president for signature which will make it law. Langer clarifies the Secretary of the Interior will release funds to individuals once they show the funds will be used for rehabilitation. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "S. 2151."
See also:
Letter from James Black Dog to Senator Langer Inquiring about Per Capita Payments, May 2, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to James Black Dog Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, February 13, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated February 13, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to James Black Dog Sr., thanks Black Dog for his letters concerning US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151). Langer indicates the bill has gone to committee already but he will submit Black Dog's letter as part of the record.
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Letter from Senator Langer to James Black Dog Regarding US Senate Bill 2151, June 14, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated June 14, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to James Black Dog, encloses a copy of US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151) and informs Black Dog that the bill became US Public Law on June 4, 1956. Langer says the plan for fund distribution is not yet complete, so he is not sure when or how that will occur. A handwritten note reads, "S. 2151."
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Letter from Senator Langer to James E. Murray Enclosing Letters from James Black Dog and Frank Heart, February 13, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated February 13, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to James E. Murray, chairperson of the US Senate Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, encloses letters from James Black Dog, Sr. and Frank Heart, both in opposition to US Senate Bill 2151 (S. 2151), for inclusion in the committee record. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "S. 2151." The enclosed letters are not present in this document.
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Letter from Senator Langer to James Murray Regarding US House Resolution 5566, February 25, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated February 25, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Chairperson James E. Murray of the US Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs regarding US House Resolution 5566 (H.R. 5566) which would extend the life of the US Indian Claims Commission. Langer writes in support of extending the commission. Langer is opposed to the US Department of Justice's suggestion to modify the scope of the commission so that all claims based on original title would be thrown out. Langer says that this would defeat the purpose of the commission. Langer writes that the integrity and good name of the US Government is at stake.
There are some handwritten notes on the letter.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding US House Resolution 5566, March 1, 1956
United States Indian Claims Commission Final Report
Indian Land Areas Judicially Established
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Letter from Senator Langer to John B. Hart Regarding Employment of Tribal Members, July 18, 1956
William Langer
This letter, dated July 18, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission Executive Director John B. Hart, makes reference to an enclosed copy of a letter from Arthur Fleming along with a memorandum from the assistant director of the Office of Defense Mobilization. Langer notes that "he ducks entirely the matter of giving Indians employment," adding: "However, I received a letter from the Manager of the mica plant at Custer, South Dakota. . . [saying] he can employ 100 more Indians if he can get a market from the Government for the mica."
The letter and memorandum Langer mentions enclosing were not found with this letter in Langer's papers.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Mark Mahto 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 Mark Mahto, informs Mahto 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 Senator Langer to Mark Mahto Regarding US Senate Bill 2151 and Per Capita Payments, January 21, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to Mark Mahto Regarding US Senate Bill 2151 and Per Capita Payments, January 21, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated January 21, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Mark Mahto, thanks Mahto for his thoughts on US Senate Bill 2151. Langer informs Mahto that any changes to the wording of the bill will be done when a hearing is called. There are handwritten notes on the letter.
See also:
Letter from Mark Mahto to Senator Langer Regarding US Senate Bill 2151 and Per Capita Payments, December 30, 1955
Letter from Senator Langer to Mark Mahto Informing that US Senate Bill 2151 Passed the Senate, March 19, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Acknowledging Cross's Request for Langer to Approve Confirmation of Wesley D'Ewart, January 18, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated January 18, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross for his telegram and expresses appreciation for Cross's correspondence regarding the appointment of Wesley D'E'wart as US Assistant Secretary of the Interior. Langer says that he will listen to all of the testimony and do the best that he can.
There are some handwritten annotations on the letter.
See also:
Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Asking Langer to Vote Favorably on Senate Bill 51 ad to Approve the Confirmation of Wesley D'Ewart for Assistant Secretary of Interior, January 13, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Indicating that Langer Voted for Senate Bill 51, January 13, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated January 13, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, informs Cross that Langer voted for US Senate Bill 51 (S. 51) which Langer refers to as "your bill" to Cross. US Senate Bill 51 aimed to amend US Public Law 280, also known as "An Act to Confer Jurisdiction on the States of California, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, and Wisconsin, with Respect to Criminal Offenses and Civil Causes of Action Committed or Arising on Indian Reservations Within Such States, and for Other Purposes." US Senate Bill 51 did not become US Public Law, though.
A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "Cross, Martin."
See also:
An Act to Confer Jurisdiction on the States of California, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, and Wisconsin, with Respect to Criminal Offenses and Civil Causes of Action Committed or Arising on Indian Reservations Within Such States, and for Other Purposes
Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Asking Langer to Vote Favorably on Senate Bill 51 and to Approve the Confirmation of Wesley D'Ewart for Assistant Secretary of Interior, January 13, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross 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 Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, informs Cross that US Senate Bill 2151 passed the US Senate. Langer says that he will update Cross once the bill is voted on in the US House of Representatives. Langer suggests that Cross contact US Representative [Usher] Burdick regarding the bill.
There are some handwritten notes on the letter.
US Senate Bill 2151 became US Public Law 84-553 on June 4, 1956. US Public Law 84-553 is 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."
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Informing that US Senate Bill 2151 Passed the Senate, March 19, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Informing that US Senate Bill 2151 was Signed Into Law, June 5, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated June 5, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, informs Cross that US Senate Bill 2151 was signed into law on June 4th. Langer says that he is contacting other tribal members with the news and that he is very happy the bill was signed into law.
The letter contains some handwritten notes.
US Senate Bill 2151 became 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"
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Informing that US Senate Bill 2151 was Signed into Law, June 5, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding the Estate of Richard Wolf, April 12, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated April 12, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, encloses a report from the US Department of the Interior regarding the estate of Richard Wolf. The department has supported two minor children as heirs to the estate. The report from the US Department of the Interior is not enclosed with this document.
There are some handwritten annotations on this letter.
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 Martin Cross Regarding the Funds of Mary Edith Good Bear and Fannie Wolf, March 22, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated March 22, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross for his letter concerning the funds of Mary Edith Good Bear and Fannie Wolf which are being held by the Fort Berthold Agency. Langer says that he is taking the matter up with the US Department of the Interior and will reply to Cross when he has more information.
Handwritten notes on the letter read, "Cross, Martin" and "C--Wolf, Richard (estate of)."
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Douglas McKay Regarding the Estate of Richard Wolf, March 22, 1956
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding the Estate of Richard Wolf, April 12, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding the US Supreme Court Case Squire v. Capoeman, July 5, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated July 5, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, directs Cross's attention to the recent US Supreme Court decision on Squire v. Capoeman which concerns the taxability of produce from allotted land on indigenous reservations. The Court ruled that Indigenous people are protected from income tax payments on the produce because of treaties, trust patents, and the US Allotment Act. Langer anticipates that the US Internal Revenue Service will release a statement holding that Indigenous people are not subject to income taxation on proceeds from the sales of crops, timber, or other fruits of the land from allotted land on Reservations.
A handwritten note on the letter reads, "Cross, Martin."
See also:
An Act to Provide for the Allotment of Lands in Severalty to Indians on the Various Reservations (The Allotment Act/Dawes Act)
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding US House Resolution 5566, April 12, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated April 12, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, provides an update on US House Resolution 5566 (H.R. 5566) which aims to extend the US Indian Claims Commission. Langer reports that the US Subcommittee on Indian Affairs ordered the bill be reported to the US Full Interior Committee without the amendment recommended by the US Department of Justice. Langer encloses a copy of the pertinent US Senate Report (Senate Report 1727), which is not included with this document. Langer says he will keep Cross updated.
See also:
United States Indian Claims Commission Final Report
Indian Land Areas Judicially Established
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding US House Resolution 5566, March 1, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding US House Resolution 5566, March 1, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated March 1, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross for his recent telegram regarding US House Resolution 5566 (H.R. 5566) which seeks to extend the US Indian Claims Commission. Langer says that he has already contacted US Senator [Joseph] O'Mahoney asking that the US Indian Claims Commission be extended.
Handwritten notes on the letter read, "Cross, Martin" and "See Indian Affairs."
See also:
Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Asking for Opposition to Any Amendments to US House Resolution 5566, February 23, 1956
Letter from Senator Langer to James Murray Regarding US House Resolution 5566, February 25, 1956
United States Indian Claims Commission Final Report
Indian Land Areas Judicially Established
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding US Senate Bill 2151 which is now US Public Law 84-553, June 11, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated June 11, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, 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"). There are handwritten notes on the letter.
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Informing that US Senate Bill 2151 was Signed into Law, June 5, 1956
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
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding US Senate Bill 2663, April 17, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated April 17, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross for his statement regarding US Senate Bill 2663 (S. 2663) which pertains to relief for depressed areas. Langer hopes that Cross's statements will help the bill's progress.
There are some handwritten annotations on the letter.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding US Senate Bill 2663, March 2, 1956
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding US Senate Bill 2663, March 2, 1956
William Langer
This letter dated March 2, 1956, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, encloses a copy of US Senate Bill 2663 for relief of depressed areas. Langer informs Cross that US Senator [Paul] Douglas will hold hearings on the measure soon and would appreciate statements or other materials pertaining to the bill.
There are some handwritten notes on the letter.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding US Senate Bill 2663, April 17, 1956