Speech #500032016

I now desire to discuss the pending question. I ask the attention of the House for a moment. and shall briefly call its attention to the character of that amendment. which. as I understand it. relates to lines 5 and 6 of the third section of the bill. Under existing laws there are two entries. if I may use the expression. in reference to homestead settlements. the first being the preliminary entry made at the land office. Under the law as it now exists and has existed for years nativeborn citizens or those who have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States have always been held competent to make the preliminary entry. but the final entry. made after the expiration of the five years of settlement. when the final proof is made and the man appears at the land office and says tha the has complied with the lawin that case. before he can make this final entry and obtain his title. lie must be a fully naturalized citizen of the United States.