Speech #490108286

D. 1884. the party or person so purchasing any of said lands. his heirs and assigns. shall have the right to the lands so purchased to the extent of 320 acres. upon making proof of the fact of such purchase before the register at the local land office of the district where said land may be located. and upon proof as above within twelve months of the passage of this act patents shall issue to the parties entitled thereto for the land. and in any case of purchase or settlement. as contemplated in this act. of more than 320 acres by each settler. the 320 acres to each settler may be selected by him within one year from the passage of this act. he filing the description of such selection at the properland office orwith the Commissioner of the General Land Office. SEc. 2. That all persons who have made actual settlement or have made valuable improvements upon the oddnumbered sections adjacent to the said road or branch thereofwith or without contract of purchase thereforwith a bonafide intent to secure title thereto by purchase from said Northern Pacific Railroad Company when the said company had earned thesame by compliance with the conditions and requirements of said act. or to acquire title to the same under tile publicland laws of the United States. and being a citizen of the United States. or having declared his intention to becomeone in compliance with the naturalization laws of the United States. shall be entitled to enter onequarter section of 160 acres each. of the lands so settled upon or improved by such person. under the preemption or homestead laws of the United States. and in case such person has exhausted his or her right under said laws. then and in that case such person may enter onequarter section. of 160 acres. of the land so settled upon or Improved. by paying therefor $1.25 per acre. SEC. 3. That the following words in act of July 2.1864. section 2. "and the right of way shall be exempt from taxation within the Territories of the United States" are hereby repealed.