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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Herbert Hoover to Edwin Ladd on arrest of Powers Elevator Agent, 1917
Herbert Hoover
In 1917, North Dakota Attorney General William Langer called for the arrest of a Powers Elevator Agent for complying with a United States Food Administrations guideline that forbid the storage of wheat for more than thirty days. In this letter dated September 7, 1917, Herbert Hoover, Director of the Food Administration, wrote to Dr. Edwin Ladd, an administrator of North Dakota's food laws, to ask Ladd to intercede with Governor Lynn Frazer and the Attorney General to stop the prosecution. Hoover quoted extensively from a letter he recently sent to Representative George Young regarding the situation.
Herbert Hoover was the 31st President of the United States and served one term from 1929 until 1933.
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Letter from F. H. Huggins to Attorney General Langer Regarding What Malt Beverages May Legally Be Sold, July 16, 1917
F. H. Huggins
In this letter, dated July 16, 1917, from F. H. Huggins, proprietor of Haynes Pool Room and Barber Shop in Haynes, North Dakota (ND) to ND Attorney General William Langer, Huggins asks "what kind of malt isn't to be sold in North Dak [sic]," adding that he always tries to be a law-abiding citizen.
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Letter from Salvation Army Ensign to Ensign Marshall Requesting that Marshall Find and Speak to Oscar Lindstrom, November 15, 1917
Illegible
This letter, dated November 15, 1917, from J. Arthur [Illegible, possibly "Young"] to Ensign Marshall of the Salvation Army asks Marshall to travel to Noonan, North Dakota (ND) to speak with ND Senator Oscar Lindstrom, or, alternatively, to speak with Lindstrom when he returns to Bismarck, in order to persuade Lindstrom to contact his wife in Norway and send money for her return voyage to ND, and to "secure his word that he will support his wife as becomes a man of his station in life."
Arthur also suggests that there may be another woman involved in the case and that he should look into this possibility.
See also:
File of Correspondence About the Oscar Lindstrom Case from 1917 and 1918
Letter from Oscar Lindstrom to Attorney General Langer Regarding a Time to Meet, December 3, 1917
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Letter from Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd to Attorney General Langer Regarding Beverage Analysis, July 20, 1917
E. F. Ladd
Letter dated July 20, 1917 from North Dakota (ND) State Food Commissioner and ND Agricultural College president E. F. Ladd to ND Attorney General Langer replying to letter sent to W. C. Heath concerning various beverages. Ladd indicates he would be "very glad" to have an analysis made of the beverages, and encloses a copy of a recent analysis of various soft drink beverages currently on sale in the state, adding that there are a few that he has not been able to acquire, among them a product sold as Bevo.
The list of soft drinks mentioned as being enclosed was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.
See also:
Letter from Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd to Attorney General Langer Regarding Malta Test Results, July 19, 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Regarding Feasibility of a Lawsuit Barring Sale of Malta and "Kindred Drinks," July 23, 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Asking Whether Ladd Has Examined the Sample Langer Has Sent Him, July 23, 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Asking for Names of Manufacturers of Beverages Ladd Has Analyzed and Listed for Langer, July 23, 1917
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Letter from Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd to Attorney General Langer Regarding Malta Test Results, July 19, 1917
E. F. Ladd
Letter dated July 19, 1917 from North Dakota (ND) State Food Commissioner and ND Agricultural College president E. F. Ladd to ND Attorney General Langer regarding analysis of samples of malt beverage "Malta." Ladd explains that earlier samples showed as high as 0.45% alchohol content, but that more recent samples have shown around 0.10%, leading him to believe that the manufacturer has been cutting down that alcohol in their manufacturing process.
Ladd adds that he "should be very glad to make analysis of any samples that you might submit because of the variations that have been found in the the samples [...] during the past three months."
See also:
Letter from Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd to Attorney General Langer Regarding Beverage Analysis, July 20, 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Regarding Feasibility of a Lawsuit Barring Sale of Malta and "Kindred Drinks," July 23, 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Asking Whether Ladd Has Examined the Sample Langer Has Sent Him, July 23, 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Asking for Names of Manufacturers of Beverages Ladd Has Analyzed and Listed for Langer, July 23, 1917
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Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner Herbert Hoover, 1917
William Langer
Letter from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer to Herbert Hoover, Director of the United States Food Administration, dated August 21, 1917. Noting that one cannot "expect patriotism on an empty stomach," Langer asks for a higher price for wheat. The Food Administration set the price of wheat on the United States market during the First World War.
Herbert Hoover was the 31st President of the United States and served one term from 1929 until 1933.
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Letter from Assistant Attorney General to Sheriff T. V. Meinhover of Linton Requesting Investigation of Alcohol Use in Braddock and Linton, and Enforcement of the Laws, June 30, 19171917
William Langer
Letter, dated June 30, 1917 from Assistant Attorney General to Sheriff T. V. Meinhover of Linton, ND regarding indications that Braddock is planning a 4th of July celebration and assembling quantities of intoxicating liquor for the celebration.Furthermore, there are indications that liquor is being freely used in that communuty and in Linton. Langer tasks Meinhover specifically with investigating the situation and enforcing the laws.
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Bowman County Sheriff Alex Norem to Attorney General Langer Regarding Legality of Certain Brands of Tobacco, July 10, 1917
William Langer
Letter dated July 10, 1917 from Attorney General William Langer to Bowman County Sheriff Alex M. Norem regarding legality of certain brands of tobacco. Langer is replying to Norem's letter of July 3 asking for clarification regarding the legality of certain brands of tobacco and the need for a peddler's license, and addresses the questions Norem has asked.
See also:
Letter from Bowman County Sheriff Alex Norem to Attorney General Langer Requesting Clarification Regarding Legality of Certain Brands of Tobacco, July 3, 1917
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Cavalier County Sheriff regarding Enforcement of Liquor Laws, July 5, 1917
William Langer
In this letter, dated July 5, 1917, from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer to Cavalier County Sheriff Fred Thompson, Langer acknowledges Thompson's letter of July 3 and thanks him for his cooperation "in the enforcement of the laws on the liquor question."
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Deputy Sheriff E. M. Prentiss Regarding Limitations on the Shipping in of Alcohol, May 15, 1917
William Langer
Letter dated May 15, 1917 from Attorney General William Langer to Deputy Sheriff E. M. Prentiss of Robinson, ND replying to Prentiss's inquiry of May 14 regarding limitations on the shipping in of alcohol. Langer says that prior to July 1, 1917, there is no specific amount that can be shipped in, and gives Prentiss some guidelines on which to base his individual judgment regarding whether amounts being shipped in are excessive.
See also:
Letter from Deputy Sheriff E. M. Prentiss to Attorney General Langer Requesting Information on Limitations on the Shipping In of Alcohol, May 14, 1917
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Asking for Names of Manufacturers of Beverages Ladd Has Analyzed and Listed for Langer, July 23, 1917
William Langer
Letter dated July 23, 1917 from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to ND State Food Commissioner and ND Agricultural College president E. F. Ladd regarding the list of 43 beverages analyzed by Ladd. Langer encloses the list and asks Ladd to "put down after each one the name of the manufacturer which is absolutely in these cases [sic] as far as this office is concerned."
The list of beverages mentioned as enclosed was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.
See also:
Letter from Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd to Attorney General Langer Regarding Malta Test Results, July 19, 1917
Letter from Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd to Attorney General Langer Regarding Beverage Analysis, July 20, 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Regarding Feasibility of a Lawsuit Barring Sale of Malta and "Kindred Drinks," July 23, 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Asking Whether Ladd Has Examined the Sample Langer Has Sent Him, July 23, 1917
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Asking Whether Ladd Has Examined the Sample Langer Has Sent Him, July 23, 1917
William Langer
Letter dated July 23, 1917 from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General Langer to ND State Food Commissioner and ND Agricultural College president E. F. Ladd explaining that Langer has decided to arrest everyone who sells W. B. chewing tobacco, provided that Ladd has examined the sample Langer has sent him. Langer calls Ladd's attention to a recent Supreme Court case involving a tobacco called W. B. Right Cut chewing tobacco, whereas the sample Langer sent to Ladd is called W. B. Cut chewing tobacco. Langer asks Ladd whether he has examined the sample and whether in his opinion it is the same as snuff.
See also:
Letter from Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd to Attorney General Langer Regarding Malta Test Results, July 19, 1917
Letter from Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd to Attorney General Langer Regarding Beverage Analysis, July 20, 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Regarding Feasibility of a Lawsuit Barring Sale of Malta and "Kindred Drinks," July 23, 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Asking for Names of Manufacturers of Beverages Ladd Has Analyzed and Listed for Langer, July 23, 1917
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Regarding Feasibility of a Lawsuit Barring Sale of Malta and "Kindred Drinks," July 23, 1917
William Langer
Letter dated July 23, 1917 from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to ND State Food Commissioner and ND Agricultural College president E. F. Ladd asking Ladd's private opinion on whether a lawsuit barring sale of Malta and "kindred drinks" with trace amounts of alcohol would stand up.
See also:
Letter from Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd to Attorney General Langer Regarding Malta Test Results, July 19, 1917
Letter from Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd to Attorney General Langer Regarding Beverage Analysis, July 20, 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Asking Whether Ladd Has Examined the Sample Langer Has Sent Him, July 23, 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Food Commissioner E. F. Ladd Asking for Names of Manufacturers of Beverages Ladd Has Analyzed and Listed for Langer, July 23, 1917
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Golden Valley County Sheriff S. A. Smith Regarding Enforcement of Liquor Laws, July 5, 1917
William Langer
Letter dated July 5, 1917 from Attorney General William Langer to Golden Valley County Sheriff S. A. Smith, replying to Smith's letter of July 2 requesting that Langer appoint some men to help in enforcing liquor laws in his area. Langer pledges his support, provided Smith "exhausts all means" at his disposal in Beach. Langer suggests that Smith "hire a couple of men and pay them $3.00 per day," saying that he thinks he can arrange it if it will suit Smith. Langer mentions that the state "paid out considerable money prosecuting John Smith and it strikes me that you certainly ought to be willing to appoint a few deputies first."
See also:
Letter from Golden Valley County Sheriff S. A. Smith Regarding Enforcement of Liquor Laws, July 2, 1917
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Grand Forks County Sheriff A. F. Turner Requesting Samples of Malta, July 19, 1917
William Langer
Letter dated July 19, 1917 from North Dakota Attorney General Langer to Grand Forks County Sheriff A. F. Turner requesting samples of Malta and several other beverages to be purchased with witnesses present and sent to Prof. E. F. Ladd of Fargo.
See also:
Letter from Grand Forks County Sheriff A. F. Turner to Attorney General Langer Regarding Sales of Malt and Tobacco, July 17, 1917
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Grant County Sheriff Don Stevenson Regarding Enforcement of Liquor Laws, July 5, 1917
William Langer
Letter dated July 5, 1917 from Attorney General William Langer to Grant County Sheriff Don Stevenson replying to Stevenson's letter of July 2 confirming he would enforce liquor laws. Langer expresses his pleasure that Stevenson is "taking every necessary action to enforce the liquor and every other law in your county."
See also:
Letter from Grant Country Sheriff Don Stevenson to Attorney General Langer Confirming That He Will Enforce Liquor Traffic Laws, July 2, 1917
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to J. P. French asking French to Investigate Source of Threatening Letters, 1917
William Langer
Letter, dated January 20, 1917, from Attorney General William Langer to J. P. French asking French to investigate Isaac Vennevick of Bismarck, who has been sending threatening letters to Langer and other officials. In the latest letter, Vennevick has threatened to shoot to kill and to burn down the Grand Pacific Hotel. Langer asks French to investigate throroughly and make a report.
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Kersey Gowin Regarding "Live One," November 8, 1917
William Langer
In this letter, dated November 8, 1917, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Kersey Gowin, Langer replies to Gowin's recent telegram announcing that Gowan had taken a "live one." Langer writes that this is fine and urges Gowin to "keep on getting them."
See also:
Telegram from Kersey Gowin to Attorney General Langer Regarding a "Live One" Taken "Off of No. 4," November 8, 1917
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Oscar Lindstrom About Plans to Meet, December 10, 1917
William Langer
In this letter, dated December 10, 1917, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to ND State Senator Oscar Lindstrom, Langer responds to Lindstrom's letter of December 7 about meeting in Bismarck, expressing gratitude that Lindstrom will arrive shortly.
See also:
File of Correspondence About the Oscar Lindstrom Case from 1916 and 1917
Letter from Oscar Lindstrom to Attorney General Langer Regarding Their Plan to Meet in Bismarck, December 7 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Salvation Army Ensign Marshall Regarding Their Upcoming Meeting with Oscar Lindstrom, December 11, 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Oscar Lindstrom, December 30, 1917
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Oscar Lindstrom, December 30, 1917
William Langer
In this letter, dated December 30, 1917, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to ND state senator Oscar Lindstrom, Langer writes that he has an urgent matter to discuss with Lindstrom and that Lindstrom should phone Langer as soon as he receives the letter.
See also:
File of Correspondence About the Oscar Lindstrom Case from 1916 and 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Oscar Lindstrom About Plans to Meet, December 10, 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Salvation Army Ensign Marshall Regarding Oscar Lindstrom, January 25, 1918
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Oscar Lindstrom Regarding Meeting, December 5, 1917
William Langer
In this letter, dated December 5, 1917, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to ND State Senator Oscar Lindstrom in response to Lindstrom's letter of December 3, Langer writes that a complaint has been filed, and due to certain "peculiarities" with the case he thinks it best that the two of them meet to talk over the matter.
See also:
File of Correspondence About the Oscar Lindstrom Case from 1916 and 1917
Letter from Oscar Lindstrom to Attorney General Langer Regarding a Time to Meet, December 3, 1917
Letter from Oscar Lindstrom to Attorney General Langer Regarding Their Plan to Meet in Bismarck, December 7, 1917
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Pembina County Sheriff C. Atkinson Regarding Enforcement of Liquor Laws, July 5, 1917
William Langer
In this letter dated July 5, 1917 from North Dakota Attorney General William Langer to Pembina County Sheriff C. Atkinson Langer replies to Atkinson's letter of July 3, thanking him for his cooperation in "enforcement of the laws on the liquor question."
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Salvation Army Colonel E. Marcussen Regarding the Oscar Lindstrom Case, December 11, 1917
William Langer
In the letter dated, December 11, 1917, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Salvation Army Colonel E. Marcussen regarding the case of ND state senator Oscar Lindstrom, Langer explains that Ensign Marshall in Bismarck has turned the Lilndstrom case over to Langer and that Langer expects to speak with Lindstrom later in the week. He assures Marcussen that they will do the best they can for Mrs. Lindstrom.
See also:
File of Correspondence About the Oscar Lindstrom Case from 1916 and 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Salvation Army Ensign Marshall Regarding Their Upcoming Meeting with Oscar Lindstrom, December 11, 1917
Letter from Salvation Army Lieutenant-Colonel Marcussen to Attorney General Langer Regarding Oscar Lindstrom, December 13, 1917
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Salvation Army Ensign Marshall Regarding Their Upcoming Meeting with Oscar Lindstrom, December 11, 1917
William Langer
In the letter, dated December 11, 1917, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Salvation Army Ensign Marshall, Langer refers to their upcoming meeting with ND state senator Oscar Lindstrom and asks Marshall where to call him when Lindstrom arrives.
See also:
File of Correspondence About the Oscar Lindstrom Case from 1916 and 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Oscar Lindstrom About Plans to Meet, December 10, 1917
Letter from Salvation Army Ensign Marshall to Attorney General Langer Regarding the Oscar Lindstrom Case, December 13, 1917
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Letter from Attorney General Langer to Salvation Army Ensign Marshall Regarding Their Upcoming Meeting with Oscar Lindstrom, December 15, 1917
William Langer
In this letter, dated December 15, 1917, from North Dakota (ND) Attorney General William Langer to Salvation Army Ensign Marshall regarding Langer's upcoming meeting with ND state senator Oscar Lindstrom, Langer writes that Lindstrom should be in Bismarck later in the week and that Langer will phone Marshall when Lindstrom arrives.
See also:
File of Correspondence About the Oscar Lindstrom Case from 1916 and 1917
Letter from Attorney General Langer to Salvation Army Ensign Marshall Regarding Oscar Lindstrom, January 25, 1918
Letter from Salvation Army Ensign Marshall to Attorney General Langer Regarding Oscar Lindstrom's Planned Visit to Bismarck, January 23, 1918