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.
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Letter from Ben Youngbird and Carl Whitman Jr. Requesting Meeting, February 1955
Ben Youngbird
This letter likely written in February of 1955, based on the visit described, from Ben Youngbird and Carl Whitman Jr. to United States (US) Senator William Langer, written from the Madison Hotel in Washington, D.C., refers to unsuccessful attempts to contact Langer.
Youngbird and Whitman refer to a desperate situation and write that the US Bureau of Indian Affairs refuses to help due to regulations. They ask to see Langer before he leaves for North Dakota or to accompany him to North Dakota. They write they don't know who to turn to.
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 John Zagurski to Senator Langer Regarding Pool Level, April 7, 1955
John Zagurski
This handwritten letter dated April 7,1955, from John Zagurski to United States Senator William Langer, asks for support for the government purchase of private lands in the Lewis and Clark Project. Zagurski notes that the raising of the reservoir level will flood the land and make it unusable for farming. Zagurski also states that the delegate sent from the Lewis and Clark Project was not selected by the landowners.
See Also:
Letter from Senator Langer to John Zagurski Regarding Pool Level, April 22, 1955
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Letter from Senator Langer to Fred Aandahl Regarding the Telegram from Martin Cross Requesting the Leasing of Oil and Gas on Fort Berthold Reservation Lands, June 9, 1954
Fred Aandahl
This letter dated June 9, 1954, from United States (US) Senator William Lange to Assistant Secretary of the US Department of the Interior Fred G. Aandahl, encloses a telegram from "North Dakota Indian tribes" in reference to oil and gas leases on land belonging to the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation. Langer asks Aandahl if he can handle the matter. The telegram referenced here is likely the one sent from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross on June 5, 1954. The telegram is not enclosed with this document.
See also:
Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Asking Langer to Prevent Leasing of Oil and Gas from the Fort Berthold Reservation Lands June 5, 1954
Letter from Orme Lewis to Senator Langer Regarding the Inquiry about the Leasing of Oil and Gas on Fort Berthold Reservation Lands, June 15, 1954
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Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Enclosing Transcripts of Notes from July 15-17 Meeting, August 10, 1954
Martin Cross
This letter dated August 10, 1954, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer encloses two copies of meeting notes from the July 15-17 meetings on releasing tribal funds from the US Treasury. Notes were taken by the Tribal stenographer and by Superintendent Ralph Shane. Cross says the majority of speakers did not favor the plan put forth by the US Bureau of Indian Affairs as a means of distributing funds held in trust for the tribes. Cross asks Langer for his opinion. Copies of the enclosed transcripts are included with this document. The notes include a resolution.
See also:
Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing Transcripts of Notes from July 15-17 Meeting, August 10, 1954
Telegram from Martin Cross to William Langer Inviting Langer to a Meeting Regarding Release of Tribal Funds in US Treasury, July 13, 1954
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Letter from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding the Invitation of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Send Representatives to Fort Berthold, with Enclosures, June 8, 1954
Martin Cross
This letter, dated June 8, 1954, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer encloses a copy of a letter Cross has sent to the US Commissioner of Indian Affairs, a copy of a telegram Cross sent through the Area Office in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and a copy of tribal resolutions inviting the Commissioner to send representatives to the Fort Berthold Reservation in order to explain the Bureau's plan for release of the funds held in trust for the tribe.
This correspondence to the Commissioner is in response to an unsuccessful effort to appeal the Bureau's rejection of a plan put forward by the Tribes.
There are some handwritten notes on these documents.
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Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Asking Langer to Prevent Leasing of Oil and Gas from the Fort Berthold Reservation Lands June 5, 1954
Martin Cross
This copy of a telegram dated June 5, 1954, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, urgently requests that Langer prevent oil and gas leases on lands taken from the Three Affiliated Tribes under US Public Law 437 (The Taking Act) for the construction of the Garrison Dam. Cross indicates that oil companies are looking to lease these lands through the US Bureau of Land Management, and Cross requests that these applications be held without action until US Senate Bill 2812 (S. 2812) passes.
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Stating that Langer Will do Everything He Can Regarding the Leasing of Oil and Gas on Fort Berthold Reservation Lands, June 9, 1954
Letter from Senator Langer to Fred Aandahl Regarding the Telegram from Martin Cross Requesting the Leasing of Oil and Gas on Fort Berthold Reservation Lands, June 9, 1954
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross With a Reply from the Department of the Interior Regarding the Extraction of Oil and Gas from the Fort Berthold Reservation Lands, July 29, 1954
An Act to Vest Title to Certain Lands of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation, North Dakota, in the United States and to Provide Compensation Therefor (The Taking Act)
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Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Regarding Proposed Amendment to US Public Law 280, July 6, 1954
Martin Cross
This telegram dated July 6, 1954, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, requests that Langer appear at a hearing on July 8 to support a bill providing for consent in proposed amendment to US Public Law 280. There are shorthand notes on the telegram.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding Proposed Amendment to Public Law 280, July 20, 1954
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 Public Law 280)
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Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Requesting that Langer Oppose House Resolution 4985, June 10, 1954
Martin Cross
This telegram dated June 10, 1954, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, urgently requests that Langer oppose US House Resolution 4985 (H.R. 4985) which Cross refers to as the competency bill. Cross notes that recent hearings with the US House Subcommittee of Interior and Insular Affairs, the committee recommended excluding Arizona, Oklahoma, and New Mexico and that in July 1953 a bill was stopped by Carl Albert and Victor Wickersham of Oklahoma.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Regarding House Resolution 4985, June 21, 1954
Telegram from Martin Cross to Senator Burdick Asking Burdick to Oppose US House Resolution 4985, June 10, 1954
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Telegram from Martin Cross to William Langer Inviting Langer to a Meeting Regarding Release of Tribal Funds in US Treasury, July 13, 1954
Martin Cross
This telegram dated July 13, 1954, from Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross to United States (US) Senator William Langer, invites Langer to a meeting held in New Town, North Dakota from July 15-17 regarding the release of funds held in the US Treasury to the credit of the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Martin Cross Declining Invitation to a Meeting Regarding Release of Tribal Funds, July 14, 1954
Telegram from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Inviting Burdick to Meeting July 15-17 Regarding Release of Tribal Funds Held in Trust in US Treasury, July 13, 1954
Letter from Martin Cross to Representative Burdick Enclosing Transcripts of Notes from July 15-17 Meeting, August 10, 1954
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Letter from Irene Martin Edwards on Behalf of Senator Langer to Martin Cross Thanking him for Sending the Resolution Adopted by the Tribal Business Council, September 1, 1954
Irene Martin Edwards
This letter dated September 1, 1954, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross, thanks Cross for sending the resolutions recently passed by the Tribal Business Council.
A handwritten note on the letter says, "Cross, Martin."
See also:
Three Affiliated Tribes Resolutions sent from Martin Cross to Senator Langer Pertaining to Redistricting and Per-Capita Payments, August 18, 1954
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Letter from Irene Martin Edwards on Behalf of Senator Langer to Martin Fox in Response to June 5 Letter, June 16, 1954
Irene Martin Edwards
This letter, dated June 16, 1954, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer to Three Affiliated Tribes elder Martin Fox responds to Fox's June 5 letter in which he enclosed a letter sent to Glenn Emmons, Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs. Edwards informs Fox that the US Bureau of Indian Affairs said that the request came too late, but there are plans to have someone out to the reservation by mid-July. A handwritten note on the letter reads, "Fort Berthold Reservation."
See also:
Letter from Martin Fox to Senator Langer Regarding Treaties and Promises Made to the Tribes, June 5, 1954
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Telegram from Irene Edwards on Behalf of Senator Langer Acknowledging the Receipt of Martin Cross's Telegram, June 14, 1954
Irene Martin Edwards
This telegram dated June 14, 1954, from Irene Martin Edwards on behalf of United States (US) Senator William Langer, acknowledges receipt of Cross's telegram. Edwards says that she will hold Cross's telegram for when Langer returns. There are some handwritten notes and shorthand notes on the telegram.
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Letter from Martin Fox to Peter Chumbris Regarding Funds to be Paid to the Three Affiliated Tribes for their Land for Construction of the Garrison Dam, November 18, 1954
Martin Fox
This letter dated November 18, 1954, from Three Affiliated Tribes Elder Martin Fox to Peter Chumbris, Assistant Counsel to the United States (US) Senate Committee on Juvenile Delinquency, complains about the outcome of the requests for per capita payments. Fox reports that tribal members were expecting a payment per person and instead the money held in trust for the tribes was turned over to the US Bureau of Indian Affairs in Aberdeen where the money is set to be used as part of a Loan Program. Fox says these loans only benefit the prosperous and that those who need help are left in poverty. Fox complains that Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross promised tribal members would receive per capita payments, and that does not now seem to be the case. Fox also mentions the issue of oil and mineral rights on the land owned by the Three Affiliated Tribes. Fox appeals to Chumbris for $200 per capita payments to help tribal members resettle in their new location and to fix their homes.
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Letter from Martin Fox to Senator Langer Regarding Treaties and Promises Made to the Tribes, June 5, 1954
Martin Fox
This letter, dated June 5, 1954, from Three Affiliated Tribes elder Martin Fox to United States (US) Senator William Langer expresses frustration over claims made against the US Government by the tribes that remain unpaid. Fox requests that Langer come in person to straighten out any misunderstandings, that Langer provide a truthful answer to the misunderstandings alluded to rather than a "smooth story" from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, and that Langer forward this letter to "Claims Commissioners" and secure a prompt reply.
See also:
Letter from Irene Martin Edwards on Behalf of Senator Langer to Martin Fox in Response to June 5 Letter, June 16, 1954
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Telegram from Patrick Gourneau to Senator Langer Requesting Langer Assist Martin Cross on his Mission in Washington, D.C., May 19, 1954
Patrick Gourneau
This telegram dated May 19, 1954, from Turtle Mountain Advisory Committee Chairperson Patrick Gourneau to United States Senator William Langer, asks Langer to support Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross in every way possible "on his mission there" which is likely a reference to a trip to Washington, D.C..
There are some shorthand notes on the telegram.
See also:
Telegram from Senator Langer to Patrick Gourneau Letting him Know that Martin Cross Arrived in Washington and Langer will Help him Every Way Possible, May 21, 1954
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Letter from W. Barton Greenwood to Senator Langer Regarding Packineau's Request That Ralph W. Shane Be Appointed Superintendent of Fort Berhold Indian Agency, March 11, 1954
W. Barton Greenwood
This letter, dated March 11, 1954, from Acting Commissioner of the United States (US) Bureau of Indian Affairs W. Barton Greenwood to US Senator William Langer, is Greenwood's reply to a letter sent to Greenwood's predecessor, Glenn Emmons regarding a request Langer received from Joseph Packineau of Elbowoods, North Dakota, on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, requesting that Ralph Shane be appointed Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency
In his reply, Greenwood informs Langer that Shane has indeed been appointed Superintendent of the Fort Berthold Indian Agency and will assume the position effective March 14. As requested by Langer, Greenwood includes the letter Langer received from Packineau, which Langer had included with his inquiry.
See also:
Letter from Senator Langer to Glenn Emmons Regarding Joseph Packineau's Request to Have Ralph Shane Appointed Superintendent of Fort Berthold Indian Agency
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Letter from Beulah R. Hale to Senator Langer Regarding Fort Berthold Hearing in US Court of Claims, February 25, 1954
Beulah Rose Hale
This letter dated February 25, 1954, from Beulah Rose Hale of New Town, North Dakota, to United States (US) Senator William Langer, expresses Hale's desire for the Fort Berthold hearing in the US Court of Claims to take place as soon as possible.
See also:
Letter from Beulah R. Hale to Senator Langer Regarding Fort Berthold Hearing in US Court of Claims, February 25, 1954
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Letter from Leona Hale to Senator Langer Regarding Fort Berthold Hearing in US Court of Claims, February 25, 1954
Leona Hale
This letter dated February 25, 1954, from Leona Hale of New Town, North Dakota to United States (US) Senator William Langer, expresses Hale's desire for the Fort Berthold hearing in the US Court of Claims to take place as soon as possible.
See also:
Letter from Beulah R. Hale to Senator Langer Regarding Fort Berthold Hearing in US Court of Claims, February 25, 1954
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Letter from John B. Hart to Senator Langer Regarding Illegitimacy Cases on the Fort Berthold Reservation, December 17,1954
John B. Hart
This letter, dated December 17, 1954, from John B. Hart, executive director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission to United States (US) Senator William Langer, makes reference to a letter Langer has forwarded him from Fort Berthold Social Worker Pansy Pawson regarding illegitimacy cases on the Fort Berthold Reservation.
In her letter to Langer, Pawson had referred to a request she received to make a report on illegitimacy cases on the reservation, and explained why she was unable to make such a report, due to a lack of necessary information. She wrote that she had repeatedly and unsuccessfully requested a list of the illegitimacy cases on the Fort Berthold Reservation from Hart. In this reply to Langer, Hart says that his initial information about the level of illegitimate births on the reservation came from Dr. Herbert J. Wilson, Medical Officer for the Fort Berthold Agency. Hart adds that according to Wilson, the identity of the father is known in six of the cases but these fathers have not been willing to take responsibility, and that there are also several cases of child neglect on the reservation.
Hart writes that he has "constantly" asked the agency superintendent for information on what was being done to establish parentage in cases of illegitimate births, and in every case was told the superintendent had not had time to compile the information.
Hart writes also that, if Pawson was interested in knowing about the cases of illegitimate births on the reservation, she could get the information from Dr. Wilson. Hart writes that he has not requested the names of the mothers himself, and doesn't intend to so because, he says, "If I am going to do the Social Worker's work at the Fort Berthold Reservation, I intend to be paid for it. I'm not paid for that and consequently I'm not going to do it.
Hart continues that he wishes to agree with Pawson's statement that no "mass effort" is made to prove paternity "in each and every case." What he would like to know, he writes is whether any effort is being made at all. He adds that, while it's true that a married man can not be forced to marry the mother of his illegitimate child, that is no reason to "deprive that child of a father's responsibility or the right of the child to inherit from his father."
See also:
Letter from Pansy Pawson to Senator Langer Regarding Illegitimacy Cases on the Fort Berthold Reservation, November 17, 1954
Letter from Senator Langer to John B. Hart Regarding Illegitimacy Cases on the Fort Berthold Reservation, November 19, 1954
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Letter from Senator Langer to Reinhard Kaufman Regarding the Possible Establishment of a Post Office in the Western Part of the Fort Berthold Reservation, June 2, 1954
Willam Langer
This letter, dated June 2, 1954, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to the Reverend Reinhard Kaufman of St. Anthony's Church in Mandaree and New Town, North Dakota on the Forth Berthold Reservation, makes reference to attached material Langer has recently received from the United States Post Office Department in reply to his inquiry concerning the establishment of a post office in the western segment of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
Langer writes that if Kaufman has need for any more assistance after he has filled out the attached forms and sent them to the US Post Office Department, he should not hesitate to let Langer know.
That material mentioned as being attached was not found with this letter in Langer's papers.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Anson Baker Regarding Per-Capita Payment Plan, May 25, 1954
William Langer
This letter dated May 25, 1954, from United States Senator William Langer to Anson A. Baker of Rosebud, South Dakota, thanks Baker for his recent letter regarding the per-capita payments plan that is currently in Washington, D.C. Langer notes that Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Chairperson Martin Cross is representing the tribes, and Langer says that he will do what he can to assist Cross.
A handwritten note on the letter reads, "Cross, Martin."
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Letter from Senator Langer to Benjamin Killsthunder Regarding Juvenile Delinquency Cases, December 21, 1954
William Langer
This letter, dated December 22, 1954, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Benjamin Killsthunder of New Town, North Dakota on the Fort Berthold Reservation, acknowledges receipt of Killsthunder's letter of December 17, in which was enclosed a list of juvenile delinquency cases from July 1, 1953 to July 1 1954.
Langer thanks Killsthunder for the list and writes that he is making it a part of the record of the hearing held at Fort Berhold.
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Letter from Senator Langer to Beulah R. Hale Regarding Fort Berthold Hearing in US Court of Claims, March 5, 1954
William Langer
This letter dated March 5, 1954, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Beulah Rose Hale of New Town, North Dakota, acknowledges Hale's letter regarding her desire for the Fort Berthold hearing in the US Court of Claims to take place as soon as possible.
Langer says he has just finished conferences with her people and is taking early action on claims involved with the US Attorney General and the Commissioner of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, adding his assurance he is doing everything he can.
See also:
Letter from Beulah R. Hale to Senator Langer Regarding Fort Berthold Hearing in US Court of Claims, February 25, 1954
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Letter from Senator Langer to Carl Whitman Jr. Regarding Recent Hearings in North Dakota, November 19, 1954
William Langer
This letter dated November 19, 1954, from United States (US) Senator Langer to Carl Whitman Jr., of Parshall, North Dakota on the Fort Berthold Reservation, refers to Whitman's November 9 letter. Langer addresses a misunderstanding of a comment he made regarding recent hearings in North Dakota. Langer assures Whitman ongoing efforts are being made by the subcommittee staff, including planned conferences with the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, the US Federal Housing Administration, the Banking and Currency Committee of the US Senate, "and various other agencies dealing specifically with the problems that were raised in the four hearings in North Dakota," and that his subcommittee is studying possible legislature to correct the problems.
Langer closes by assuring Whitman that "this Subcommittee will do everything within its power to solve the many problems confronting the Indian people both in North Dakota and throughout the country."
See also:
Letter from Carl Whitman Jr. to Senator Langer Regarding Recent Hearings in North Dakota, November 9, 1954
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Letter from Senator Langer to Carol Redford Regarding Her Son's Tribal Enrollment, March 25, 1954
William Langer
This letter, dated March 25, 1954, from United States (US) Senator William Langer to Carol Redford of Louisville, Kentucky makes reference to an attached report from the US Bureau of Indian Affairs in response to his inquiry regarding her interest in having her son enrolled in the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Forth Berthold Reservation.
He adds that, as soon as he has more information, he will write her again.
The report mentioned as enclosed was not found with this letter in Langer's paper.