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 John Hart Regarding Medical Treatment for the Affiliated Tribes of Berthold Reservation et al., February 18, 1955
William Langer
This letter dated February 18, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Executive Director of North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission John Hart encloses a letter that Langer describes as “certainly intriguing and we might be able to work out some way to do this all over the country,” along with a copy of Langer's reply. Langer asks Hart to return the letter.
The letter and copy referred to as enclosed were not found with this letter in Langer's papers.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Donald Eagles Regarding Medical Treatment for the Affiliated Tribes of Berthold Reservation et al., February 17, 1955
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Letter from Senator Langer to Joseph C. O'Mahoney 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 US Senator Joseph C. O'Mahoney, Chairperson of the Subcommittee on Indian Affairs, refers to an enclosed letter from J. B. Smith of New Town, North Dakota, in which Smith inquires about taxes on income from oil leases held by tribal members. Langer asks O'Mahoney to advise him on the matter and return the enclosure with his reply.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to J. B. Smith Regarding Income Tax on Oil Leases Held by Tribal Members, February 25, 1955
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Acknowledging February 16 Telegram, February 21, 1955
William Langer
This letter dated February 21, 1955, from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks him for his telegram of February 16th regarding the delegation in Washington D.C. consisting of Carl Whitman, Jr. an Ben J. Young Bird.
There are some handwritten notes on the letter.
See also:
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
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Enclosing Copies of Senate Bills 852 and 853, February 3, 1955
William Langer
This letter dated February 3, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, encloses copies of US Senate Bill 852 (S. 852) and US Senate Bill 853 (S. 853) which related to "certain Indian matters in North Dakota." The copies of these bills were sent per the request of Miles Brandon of the National Conference of American Indians.
There are some handwritten notes on this letter.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Superintendent Shane, July 8, 1955
William Langer
This letter dated July 8, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross for his telegram regarding the resignation of Superintendent Shane. This is likely a reference to Ralph M. Shane who was superintendent of the Fort Berthold Agency from 1953 to 1955. Langer asks Cross to keep him advised of any further recommendations from the Tribal Council.
A handwritten note on the top of the letter reads, "Cross, Martin."
See also:
Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Resignation of Superintendent Shane, July 7, 1955
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
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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
William Langer
This letter dated July 22, 1955, from United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross for his letter and enclosed Tribal Council resolution endorsing Frank Gordon to be Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency.
There are some handwritten notes on the letter.
See also:
Resolution of the Governing Body of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation Recommending Frank Gordon as Superintendent, June 29, 1955
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
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Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Fox Regarding Supreme Court of North Dakota Decision, January 25, 1955
William Langer
This letter dated January 25, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Martin Fox of New Town, North Dakota, on the Fort Berthold Reservation, acknowledges Fox's January 21 letter.
In reply, Langer encloses a letter he received from J. H. Newton, Clerk of the Supreme Court of North Dakota, in which Newton advises Langer the court "has not decided the question."
Langer says until the matter is decided, the Attorney General has ordered the United States Attorney not to file any papers. Meanwhile, "Governor Brunsdale has kept his promise to have the legislature consider the entire problem at this session and Joe Wicks is keeping his promise to do what he can to see that it is properly presented to the Legislature."
Langer adds he has had four days of hearings "to get the material that may be properly presented," but that they can't go further until they know what the Supreme Court of North Dakota will do. He invites Fox to share any suggestions he has.
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Letter from Senator Langer to R. C. Sannes Regarding Funding to Move Buildings from Areas to be Flooded by Garrison Dam, February 9, 1955, January 24, 1955
William Langer
This letter, dated February 9, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to R. C. Sannes acknowledges Sannes's recent letter inquiring about legislation passed two or three years prior related to government funding for the moving of buildings from river bottoms on lands taken for the construction of the Garrison Dam and its reservoir. Langer writes that Sannes may be referring to the Civil Functions Appropriation Act of October 21, 1951, which provided for reimbursements to non-landowners for improvements they had made on land taken for the Garrison Dam project.
Langer adds that those owning land and improvements were supposed to have received reimbursements for both the land and the improvements.
See also:
Letter from R. C. Sannes to Senator Langer Regarding Funding to Move Buildings from Areas to be Flooded by Garrison Dam, January 24, 1955
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Letter from Senator Langer to Samuel D. Sturgis, Jr. Regarding Erosion Downstream of Garrison Dam, March 25, 1955
William Langer
This letter, dated March 25, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Major General Samuel D. Sturgis, Jr., Chief of Engineers for the Department of the Army, refers to an enclosed letter Langer has received from a group of farmers downstream of Garrison Dam who have lost substantial acreage to erosion due to factors related to the construction of the dam. Langer asks Sturgis to provide a report on the erosion described by the farmers and any measures planned to remedy the situation. The letter mentioned as enclosed was not attached to this letter in Langer's papers.
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 Louis L. De Noya to Senator Langer Regarding Erosion Downstream of the Garrison Dam, March 30, 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 Senator Langer to Sheila C. Robinson Regarding Naming Garrison Reservoir "Lake Sakakawea," April 7, 1955
William Langer
This letter, dated April 7, 1955, from United States (US) Senator Langer to Sheila C. Robinson of Coleharbor, North Dakota, acknowledges Robinson's letter of March 24 regarding US Senate Bill 1530, introduced by Langer and fellow US senator from North Dakota Milton Young, to name the Garrison Reservoir "Lake Sakakawea."
Langer expresses his pleasure that Robinson agrees that "Lake Sakakawea" would be a fitting name for the reservoir and pledges to do everything he can to get the bill passed.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Walter Plenty Chief Regarding Per Capita Payments, March 23, 1955
William Langer
This letter dated March 23, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Walter Plenty Chief, thanks Plenty Chief for his letter of March 19 regarding per capita payments. Langer says he has been doing everything he can to help the tribes and that he will continue to work on their behalf. A handwritten note at the top of the letter reads, "N.D. Indians."
See also:
Letter from Walter Plenty Chief to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments, March 19, 1955
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Letter from Senator Langer to William Mills 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 Assistant US Attorney William Mills encloses “copies of letters 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 Langer would send the originals but he is going to use them on the United States Senate floor. The letter encloses Rogers's and Greenwood's 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 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.”
The letter is marked with the handwritten annotation "N. Dak Indians [Fort Berthold]."
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 Sentator Langer to Hazel Webster Byrnes Regarding Naming Garrison Reservoir "Lake Sakakawa," April 12, 1955
William Langer
This letter, dated April 12, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Hazel Webster Byrnes, Director of the State Library Commission in Bismarck, North Dakota, acknowledges Byrnes's letter of April 6 regarding US Senate Bill 1530, introduced by Langer and fellow US Senator from North Dakota Milton Young to name the Garrison Reservoir "Lake Sakakawea." Langer writes that he is glad to note that Byrnes approves of the idea, and pledges so do everything he can to see that the legislation is passed.
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Telegram from Senator Langer to B. D. Connerly et al. Regarding Sale of Indian Lands, September 2, 1955
William Langer
This telegram, dated September 2, 1955, from United States (US) William Langer to the recipients listed below, is a reply to their telegrams opposing a sale of Indian lands to take place in New Town, North Dakota on the Forth Berthold Reservation. In his reply, Langer states that the US Department of the Interior advises that it is impossible to stop the sale because it has already been advertised. He adds that the US Bureau of Indian Affairs Area Director and the Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Reservation have been notified to hold up on awarding bids until the US Bureau of Indian Affairs can investigate the objections to the sale and allow everyone to be heard.
See also:
Telegrams from B. D. Connerly Et Al. to Senator Langer Opposing Sale of Indian Land, September 1, 1955
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Telegram from Senator Langer to Beck Shervin, July 18, 1955
William Langer
This telegram dated July 18, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Beck Shervin, Post No. 290 of the American Legion, is a reply that reads, "name will be taken off." This telegram was filed in the "Cross, Martin" folder.
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to New Town Kiwanis and Civic Club, July 18, 1955
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Telegram from Senator Langer to Earnest Haugen Responding to March 19 Telegram, March 21, 1955
William Langer
This telegram dated March 21, 1955, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Earnest Haugen, President of the Parshall Civic Association, responds to Haugen's March 19 telegram saying that Langer will do everything he can. There are handwritten annotations on the telegram.
See also:
Telegram from Earnest Haugen to Senator Langer Asking Langer to Assist Cross, March 19, 1955
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Telegram from Senator Langer to Minnkota Power Regarding Pool Level, March 11, 1955
William Langer
This telegram, dated March 11, 1955, is from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Minnkota Power Cooperative. In it, Langer acknowledges Minnkota Power's previous telegram. Handwriting at the top of the document reads, "Garrison Dam; Reservoir; Level"
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Telegram from Senator Langer to New Town Kiwanis and Civic Club, July 18, 1955
William Langer
This telegram dated July 18, 1955, from United States Senator William Langer to the New Town Kiwanis and Civic Club, is a reply that reads, "will remove name as requested." This telegram was filed in the "Cross, Martin" folder.
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to Beck Shervin, July 18, 1955
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Letter from Mark Mahto to Senator Langer Regarding US Senate Bill 2151 and Per Capita Payments, December 30, 1955
Mark Mahto
This handwritten letter, dated December 30, 1955, from Mark Mahto to United States (US) Senator William Langer comments on the wording of US Senate Bill 2151, which pertains to per capita payments for members of the Three Affiliated Tribes. Mahto encourages Langer to include language in the bill that specifies that a tribal member must pay their debts before receiving any part of their share of the money held in trust for the tribe. Mahto also mentions the death of his son last November which he believes was a homicide. There are some shorthand notes at the top of this letter.
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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Telegram from Minnkota Power to Senator Langer Regarding Pool Level, March 7, 1955
Minnkota and Central Power Cooperative
This telegram, dated March 7, 1955, is from Minnkota and Central Power Cooperative to United States (US) Senator William Langer regarding the Garrison Reservoir pool level. The telegram states that the board of directors of Minnkota and Central Power Cooperative have adopted two resolutions, the first of which favors 1850 feet for pool level and the second of which supports the conservation of water at Garrison Dam for power purposes rather than navigation.
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Letter from Nate Olds et al. to Senator Langer Regarding Erosion Along Missouri River Downstream of Garrison Dam, February 1, 1955
Nate Olds, Charles W. Russell, Melvin Marline, and Byron Grannis
This letter, dated February 1, 1955, from a group of farmers along the Missouri River downstream of the Garrison Dam to United States (US) Senator William Langer, expresses the authors' concern and frustration over the loss of farmland due to heavy erosion caused by factors related to the construction of the Garrison Dam. In addition to the rapid loss of farmland, they are frustrated by having to pay property taxes on acreage that no longer exists.
The letter is signed by Nate Olds, Charles W. Russel, Melvin Marlines and Byron Grannis.
See also:
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
Letter from E. C. Itschner to Senator Langer Regarding Erosion Downstream of the Garrison Dam, May 2, 1955
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Letter from Walter Plenty Chief to Senator Langer Regarding Per Capita Payments, March 19, 1955
Walter Plenty Chief
This letter dated March 19, 1955, from Walter Plenty Chief to United States (US) Senator William Langer, requests assistance in consulting with representatives of the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Council who are in Washington, D. C. to negotiate for a per capita payment for tribal members. Plenty Chief says the money held in trust for the tribes is theirs to pay for damage caused by construction of the Garrison Dam, and does not want any strings attached to this money. There are handwritten notes at the top of the letter.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Walter Plenty Chief Regarding Per Capita Payments, March 23, 1955
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Letter from R. C. Sannes to Senator Langer Regarding Funding to Move Buildings from Areas to be Flooded by Garrison Dam, January 24, 1955
R. C. Sannes
This handwritten letter, dated January 24, 1955, from R. C. Sannes of Watford City, North Dakota to United States (US) Senator William Langer inquires about legislation passed two or three years prior related to government funding for the moving of buildings from river bottoms on lands taken for the construction of the Garrison Dam and its reservoir. Sannes writes that he feels it is only fair that the US government should pay for buildings to be moved from the taken lands to the new lands purchased to replace them, and that any legislation to do so should apply retroactively to the time the US government began purchasing land for the project.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to R. C. Sannes Regarding Funding to Move Buildings from Areas to be Flooded by Garrison Dam, February 9, 1955, January 24, 1955
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Excerpt from Fort Berthold Agency News Bulletin, May 12, 1955
Ralph Shane
This excerpt from the Fort Berthold Agency News Bulletin, dated May 12, 1955, explains guidelines for the use of per capita funds placed into the Individual Indian Money (IIM) accounts of minors on the reservation.
In this excerpt it is explained that, while a $500 per-capita payment was distributed "to each person living at midnight on March 25, 1955, whose name appeared on the rolls of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold," funds distributed to minors were deposited in their Individual Indian Money (IIM) accounts and their use is subject to strict regulations. The funds may not be used for general family purchases or expenses, or for any other purpose "except...for the benefit of that very child...for his own health, education, and welfare."
The pages excerpted explain the process for using those funds, which involves the minor's parents submitting a written plan for the use of any funds disbursed.
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Resolution of the Governing Body of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation Recommending Frank Gordon as Superintendent, June 29, 1955
Three Affiliated Tribes Business Council
This resolution passed by the Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Business Council on June 29, 1955 acknowledges the resignation of Ralph M. Shane from the superintendent position of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency and recommends Frank Gordon for the position. The resolution is signed by Samuel B. Matthews, Secretary of the Tribal Business Council; Martin Cross, Tribal Chairperson; and Ralph M. Shane, Superintendent. The resolution has a stamp from the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs marking receipt on July 25, 1955.
See also:
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
Letter from Barton Greenwood to Senator Langer Regarding Recommendation of Frank Gordon for Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Reservation, August 4, 1955