William Langer Papers

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Informing that the Delegation Headed to Washington, D.C. Do Not Represent the Tribal Council, February 16, 1955

  Martin Cross

  This telegram dated February 16, 1955, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States Senator William Langer, informs Langer that the delegation in Washington D.C., consisting of Carl Whitman Jr. and Ben J. Young Bird from the Fort Berthold Reservation, do not represent the Tribal Council and that they are an unauthorized delegation. Cross indicates that they are not authorized to conduct tribal business.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Acknowledging February 16, 1955 Telegram, February 21, 1955

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Burdick Regarding Unauthorized Delegation to Washington, D.C., February 16, 1955

  Letter from Ben Youngbird and Carl Whitman, Jr. Requesting Meeting, February 1955

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  Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Resignation of Superintendent Shane, June 27, 1955

  Martin Cross

  This telegram dated June 27, 1955, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, informs Langer that Superintendent Shane of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency has resigned from his position effective August 1st. This is likely a reference to Ralph M. Shane who was superintendent of the Fort Berthold Agency from 1953 to 1955. Cross says that the council should offer recommendations for a replacement and asks Langer for his advice and support.

  There are some handwritten notes on the telegram.

  See also:

  Letter from Dorothy Gwinn on Behalf of Senator Langer to Martin Cross Acknowledging Receipt of Cross's June 27 Telegram, June 29, 1955

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Burdick Regarding the Resignation of Superintendent Shane, June 27, 1955

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  Letter From Louis L. De Noya to Senator Langer Regarding Erosion Downstream of the Garrison Dam, March 30, 1955

  Louis L. De Noya

  This letter, Dated March 30, 1955, from Lieutenant Colonel Louis L. De Noya of the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers to US Senator William Langer acknowledges receipt of Langer's letter of March 25, including an enclosed letter Langer had received from a group of farmers along the Missouri River downstream of the Garrison Dam who are losing farmland to erosion due to factors related to the construction of the dam. De Noya writes that the matter is receiving attention and that Langer "will be advised thereon at an early date."

  See also:

  Letter from Nate Olds et al. to Senator Langer Regarding Erosion Along Missouri River Downstream of Garrison Dam, February 1, 1955

  Letter from Senator Langer to Samuel D. Sturgis, Jr. Regarding Erosion Downstream of Garrison Dam, March 25, 1955

  Letter from E. C. Itschner to Senator Langer Regarding Erosion Downstream of the Garrison Dam, May 2, 1955

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  Letter from Irene Martin Edwards on Behalf of Senator Langer to Martin Cross Forwarding a Report from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, AUgust 8, 1955

  Irene Martin Edwards

  This letter dated August 8, 1955, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, forwards a report from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs. The mentioned report is not enclosed with this document.

  A handwritten note on the letter reads, "Cross, Martin."

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  Letter from Dorothy Gwinn on Behalf of Senator Langer to Martin Cross Acknowledging Receipt of Cross's June 27 Telegram, June 29, 1955

  Dorothy F. Gwinn

  This letter dated June 29, 1955, from Dorothy F. Gwinn on behalf of United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, acknowledges Cross's June 27th telegram. Gwinn says that it will be brought to the Senator's attention as soon as he returns.

  There are some handwritten notes on the letter.

  See also:

  Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Resignation of Superintendent Shane, June 27, 1955

  Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Resignation of Superintendent Shane, July 7, 1955

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  Telegram from Earnest Haugen to Senator Langer Asking Langer to Assist Cross, March 19, 1955

  Earnest Haugen

  This telegram dated March 19, 1955, from Earnest Haugen, President of the Parshall Civic Association, to United States (US) Senator William Langer, expresses sympathy for the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council, headed by Martin Cross. Haugen requests that Langer help Cross in his efforts to share information regarding the situation with the Three Affiliated Tribes. There are shorthand notes on the telegram.

  See also:

  Telegram from Senator Langer to Earnest Haugen Responding to March 19 Telegram, March 21, 1955

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  Letter from H. L. Hille to Senator Langer Regarding Construction Bids for the Garrison Dam Project, January 31, 1955

  H. L. Hille

  This letter, dated January 31, 1955, from Colonel H. L. Hille of the United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers, Garrison District, to US Senator William Langer, informs Langer of the planned invitation for bids for two components of the the Garrison Dam Project taking place on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation: lawn construction in New Town, North Dakota, for which bids will be opened on or around March 1, 1955, and the construction of the East Abutment Grout Curtain, for which bids will be opened on or about March 15, 1955.

  The letter includes more detailed descriptions of the two projects, and enclosed with it are advance notices for each of the two projects. Advance notices, Hille writes, have been sent to all parties who are known to be interested in bidding on the work.

  See also: Letter from Senator Langer to H. L. Hille Regarding Construction Bids for the Garrison Dam Project, February 8, 1955

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  Letter from E. C. Itschner to Senator Langer Regarding Erosion Downstream of the Garrison Dam, May 2, 1955

  E. C. Itschner

  This letter, dated May 2, 1955, from Brigadier General E. C. Itschner, Assistant Chief of Engineers for Civil Works, United States (US) Army Corps of Engineers to US Senator William Langer, refers to Langer's letter of March 25 and its enclosed letter from a group of farmers concerned about the loss of farmland to erosion due to factors related to the construction of the Garrison Dam. Itschner writes that the lands in question have been inspected by representatives of the US Army Corps of Engineers, and gives some background on the nature of the lands in question and the rates of erosion prior to the construction of the Garrison Dam. Included with this letter is a map of the area in question with markings indicating erosion during prior periods.

  Itschner explains that, while the reduced peak flows and more stable flows resulting from the near-term operation of the dam may serve to reduce downstream erosion, there are other effects from the reservoir that may tend in the opposite direction, so that it is impossible to say whether the dam will ultimately increase or decrease downstream erosion. "In any event," Itschner claims, "there is no basis at present to conclude that the operation of Garrison Dam is accelerating downstream erosion rates." He states furthermore that "the Corps of Engineers has no authority at present whereby they could expend federal funds for construction of the suggested remedial work," a reference to a suggestion by the downstream farmers that the riverbanks in question be protected by extensive "rip rapping."

  See also:

  Letter from Nate Olds et al. to Senator Langer Regarding Erosion Along Missouri River Downstream of Garrison Dam, February 1, 1955

  Letter from Senator Langer to Samuel D. Sturgis, Jr. Regarding Erosion Downstream of Garrison Dam, March 25, 1955

  Letter From Louis L. De Noya to Senator Langer Regarding Erosion Downstream of the Garrison Dam, March 30, 1955

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  Letter from Henry Lahaug to Senator Langer Regarding Health Insurance for Fort Berthold Tribal Members, February 19, 1955

  Henry Lahaug

  This letter dated February 19, 1955, from Henry Lahaug to United States (US) Senator Langer, states the “Fort Berthold Indians are trying to set up a prepayment group insurance plan to cover their doctor and hospital bills.” The letter informs Langer that North Dakota Blue Cross offered coverage to the Fort Berthold Tribal Members at a reasonable cost and this coverage would be high quality. The letter states hospitals in North Dakota have recommended this type of insurance arrangement and that Fort Berthold Tribal Members will set up health plans where the US federal government pays a share of the insurance costs with the balance paid by tribal funds. The letter concludes by asking Langer for assistance in obtaining approval of this health plan.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Henry Lahaug Regarding Health Insurance for Fort Berthold Tribal Members, February 22, 1955

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Donald Eagles Regarding Medical Treatment for the Affiliated Tribes of Berthold Reservation et al., February 17, 1955

  W Langer

  This letter dated February 17, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Executive Director of North Dakota Hospital Service Donald E. Eagles marks the receipt of Eagles' correspondence and states that Eagles' idea of “taking care of the three affiliated tribes at Fort Berthold” is intriguing and interesting and “might work not out only at Fort Berthold, but also at Fort Totten, Belcourt, and Fort Yates.” Langer writes that he will take the matter up with those in authority and that Eagles will hear from him shortly.

  The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation “Fort Berthold.”

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to John Hart Regarding Medical Treatment for the Affiliated Tribes of Berthold Reservation et al., February 18, 1955

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  Letter from Senator Langer to John Zagurski Regarding Pool Level, April 22, 1955

  Willam Langer

  This letter dated April 22, 1955, from United States Senator William Langer to John Zagurski acknowledges the letter Zagurski sent regarding the level of the Garrison Dam reservoir. Langer states he is familiar with the situation Zagurski raised and that the matter is ongoing. A handwritten note on the letter says, "Garrison Dam level."

  See Also:

  Letter from John Zagurski to Senator Langer Regarding Pool Level, April 7, 1955

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  Letter from Irene Martin for Senator Langer to H. W. Case Regarding the Location of Medical Centers for the Fort Berthold Reservation, June 14, 1954

  William Langer

  This letter dated June 14, 1954, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer, marks the receipt of H. W. Case’s June 2, 1954 letter “concerning the location of medical centers for Fort Berthold Indians.” Martin writes that Case’s letter will be brought to Langer’s attention when he returns from North Dakota.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Henry Lahaug Regarding Health Insurance for Fort Berthold Tribal Members, February 22, 1955

  Letter from Senator Langer to H.W. Case Regarding the Location of Medical Centers for the Fort Berthold Reservation, June 28, 1954

  Letter from Senator Langer to Glenn Emmons Regarding the Location of Medical Centers for the Fort Berthold Reservation, June 28, 1954

  Letter from Senator Langer to H.W. Case Regarding the Location of Medical Centers for the Fort Berthold Reservation, July 20, 1954

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  Letter from Irene Martin on Behalf of Senator Langer to John Hart Regarding Industrial Development Meetings, September 22, 1955

  William Langer

  This letter dated September 22, 1955, from Irene Martin on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer to John Hart marks the receipt of Hart’s correspondence concerning industrial development meetings near reservations in North Dakota.

  The letter states Langer will contact Commissioner Emmons to make sure Emmons keeps him informed of the meetings, as Hart suggests. The letter concludes by stating that Langer will keep in touch with Hart.

  See also:

  Letter from Dorothy Gwinn on Behalf of Senator Langer to John Hart Regarding Indian Welfare, August 17, 1956

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Adrian Foote Regarding Meeting with Delegation, March 23, 1955

  William Langer

  This letter, dated March 23, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Adrian Foote of Raub, North Dakota, makes reference to Foote's letter of March 19. Langer assures Foote that he has met with Foote's delegation and is "doing everything possible to help and see that these people get their money."

  Langer adds that he has been in touch with Commissioner Emmons of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs and will continue to do everything he can.

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Carlyle Onsrud Regarding Medical Care for Fort Berthold Tribal Members, January 31, 1955

  William Langer

  This letter dated January 31, 1955, from United States (US) Senator Langer to Executive Director of North Dakota Public Welfare Board Carlyle Onsrud encloses “copies of letter I have just received from Deputy Attorney General William P. Rogers and Acting Attorney Commissioner Greenwood of the Bureau of Indian Affairs relative to the problems of medical care for the Fort Berthold Indians at New Town.” The letter states that Langer would have sent the originals but he is going to use them on the United States Senate floor. The letter encloses two copies of letters.

  The first enclosed letter dated January 25, 1955, is from the United States Deputy Attorney General William P. Rogers. This first enclosure marks the receipt of a letter from Langer which encloses a telegram from Executive Director of the North Dakota Welfare Board Carlyle Onsrud, relative to the hospitalization and medical care for “Indians in North Dakota.” This enclosed letter from Rogers further explains to Langer that Rogers understands the medical care issue “is being handled by the Department of Interior in its administration over Indian affairs” which is why Rogers has taken the liberty to refer the issue to Acting Assistant Solicitor of Indian Legal Activities William Kastler. This first enclosed letter from Rogers refers Langer to continue communication with Kastler over this issue.

  The second enclosed letter dated January 27, 1955 is from Bureau of Indian Affairs Acting Commissioner Marlon Greenwood. This second enclosure marks the receipt of a letter from Langer which encloses a telegram from Executive Director of the North Dakota Welfare Board Carlyle Onsrud, relative to the hospitalization and medical care for “the Fort Berthold Indians at New Town, North Dakota.” This second enclosed letter states that responsibility for medical care is defined in “Federal Regulations, Title 25, Indians, Parts 84 and 85, is limited to enrolled members of recognized Indian tribes resigning on Indian reservation lands who are unable to provide such needs for their own purposes. Expenditure of appropriated funds is likewise limited for care of eligible indigent Indians.” This second enclosed letter further states its process for distribution of appropriated funds from the United States Congress for health purposes. This second enclosed letter informs Langer that the entire Aberdeen area is receiving a detailed study to determine the Indian Bureau’s obligations and what financial adjustments need to be made. This second enclosed letter closes by assuring Langer that “the Bureau is willing and anxious to provide needed medical services to all eligible indigent Indians.”

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to William Mills Regarding Medical Care for Fort Berthold Tribal Members, January 31, 1955

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  Letter from Senator Langer to City of Grafton Regarding Pool Level, March 22, 1955

  William Langer

  This letter dated March 22, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Earl F. Machart, the city auditor of the City of Grafton, North Dakota, responds to the city's resolution regarding the Garrison Reservoir's pool level. A handwritten note at the top of the document reads "Garrison Dam Level"

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  Letter from Senator Langer to E. C. Wieland Regarding His Resolution, April 26, 1955

  William Langer

  This letter dated April 26, 1955 from United States Senator William Langer to E. C. Wieland is a response to Wieland's letter regarding pool level at the Garrison Dam and the resolution passed by the North Dakota Farmer's Union that Wieland had sent. Langer indicates that he is very interested in this issue that that he will keep this matter in mind. The letter has a hand-written note that says "Garrison Dam level."

  See also:

  Letter from E. C. Wieland to Senator Langer Regarding the North Dakota Farmer's Union, April 19, 1955

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Glenn Emmons Enclosing a Letter from Martin Cross Regarding an Endorsement of Frank Gordon for Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Reservation, July 22, 1955

  William Langer

  This letter dated July 22, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Commissioner Glenn Emmons of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, encloses a letter from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross which includes a resolution from the tribal council endorsing Frank Gordon as the new superintendent of the Fort Berthod Reservation. Langer asks Emmons for any information he may have about the selection of the new superintendent for the agency. Cross's letter and the resolution are not included with this document.

  See also:

  Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Resignation of Superintendent Shane, July 7, 1955

  Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Thanking Cross for Sending the Resolution Endorsing Frank Gordon for Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Reservation, July 22, 1955

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Glenn Emmons Regarding $200,000,000 appropriation for American Indians, May 18, 1955

  William Langer

  This letter dated May 18, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Glenn Emmons, Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, includes an enclosed statement of justification for a proposed $200,000,000 appropriation "for the American Indians."

  Langer writes that a detailed report on hearings held throughout the country will soon be prepared, and he asks Emmons "go into this carefully because of the great need of assistance."

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Glenn Emmons Regarding Mary Wheeler Gas Lease Sale, March 7, 1955

  William Langer

  This letter dated March 7, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Commissioner of US Bureau of Indian Affairs Glenn L. Emmons, referes to an enclosed letter Langer received from Mary Wheeler of Parshall, North Dakota regarding the outcome of her gas lease sale.

  In his accompanying letter, Langer asks Emmons to advise him regarding the case and to return the enclosed letter with his reply.

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Glenn L. Emmons Regarding Industrial Development Meetings Near North Dakota Reservations, September 22, 1955

  William Langer

  This letter, dated September 22, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Glenn L. Emmons, Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, makes reference to a series of three industrial development meetings held at Dunseith, New Town and Devils Lake, North Dakota, at which, Langer has been informed, there was "an extreme amount of enthusiasm" expressed by attendees for the development of an electronics industry in these reservation-adjacent communities, and that Emmon's assistant Carl Beck told those present of active prospects in the electronics industry for those communities.

  Langer asks Emmons to keep him informed of any further developments in this area.

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  Letter from Senator Langer to Henry Lahaug Regarding Health Insurance for Fort Berthold Tribal Members, February 22, 1955

  William Langer

  This letter dated February 22, 1955, from United States Senator Langer to Henry Lahaug, marks the receipt of Lahaug’s February 19, 1955 letter and states “some of the Indians have previously taken this matter up with me.” The letter informs Lahaug that Langer has been in touch with Don Eagle of the North Dakota Blue Cross and that Langer has been “doing everything I possibly can to get this adopted.” The letter concludes by thanking Lahaug and mentions if Lahaug has any further requests to inform Langer. The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation of “N. Dak Indians.”

  See also:

  Letter from Henry Lahaug to Senator Langer Regarding Health Insurance for Fort Berthold Tribal Members, February 19, 1955

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  Letter from Senator Langer to H. F. Gierke, Jr. Regarding Law Enforcement Jurisdiction on North Dakota Reservations, February 25, 1955

  William Langer

  This letter, dated February 25, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to H. F. Gierke, Jr., acknowledges and thanks Gierke for his recent letter regarding his land near the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota.

  Langer writes that the previous week the Supreme Court of the State of North Dakota ruled that "the State of North Dakota could not assume jurisdiction over offenses committed by or against lndians in Indian country and further that the state must amend its Constitution to assume such jurisdiction as was granted to the state by1946 Federal Law. "

  Langer adds that US Public Law 280 made the way clear for North Dakota to assume jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters "involving Indians and Indian country," and that if North Dakota amends its constitution to permit the assumption of such jurisdiction, than the problems Gierke mentioned in his letter will be solved.

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  Letter from Senator Langer to H. L. Hille Regarding Construction Bids for the Garrison Dam Project, February 8, 1955

  William Langer

  This letter, dated February 8, 1959, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Colonel H. L. HIlle of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Garrison District, is Langer's reply to an earlier letter from Hille in which Hille informs Langer of the imminent opening of bids and projects associated with the construction of the Garrison Dam and Reservoir.

  In this reply, Langer thanks Hille for the letter and expresses his appreciation for the information contained therein.

  See also:

  Letter from H. L. Hille to Senator Langer Regarding Construction Bids for the Garrison Dam Project, January 31, 1955

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  Letter from Senator Langer to J. B. Smith Regarding Income Tax on Oil Leases Held by Tribal Members, February 25, 1955

  William Langer

  This letter dated February 25, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to J. B. Smith of New Town, North Dakota, refers to a letter from Smith inquiring about taxes on income from oil leases held by tribal members.

  Langer replies he has take the matter up with US Senator Joseph C. O'Mahoney, Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Indian Affairs, and will write Smith as soon as he has more information.

  See also:

  Letter from Senator Langer to Joseph C. O'Mahoney Regarding Income Tax on Oil Leases Held by Tribal Members, February 25, 1955