Speech #560060363

It is proposed to strike out sections 72 and 73. on page 469 of the bill. and insert: That nothing in this act contained shall be construed as changing the existing mining laws of the United States. but in any suit. action. or proceeding hereafter commenced involving the validity of a mining location hereatter made in the district or Alaska. any party allegingaui interest in such location may put tee competency of the locator in issue. and the court shalideterinine wiiether the locator was a citizen or had declared his intention to become a citizen of the United States at the time the location was made: Proidd. That persons who have heretofore declared their intention to become citizens of the United States before a United States commissioner in the district of Alaska shall be deemed to have legally declared their intention to become citizens of the United States as fully. and for all purposes. as if the said declaration had been made and taken in strict conformity with the naturalization laws of the United States.