Perhaps before the bill is read Senators may catch the purport of it better if I make a simple statement. A considerable number of persons were naturalized by Territorial courts where all the necessary requisites for naturalization were complied with. but the certificates of the clerc of the court are defective in form. The court has gone out of existence. so that it now can not amend its record or make a certificate nunc pro tune. Of those thus naturalized a few have taken up land. which they could only do if they were citizens. and all are entitled to vote. This bill. which was drawn by direction of my honorable friend from North Dakota. provides that there may be a hearing before a United States court. and if the judge finds that the requisites were in fact complied with. notwithstanding the defect of the certificate. he may so adjudge. It makes a general bill for all like cases.
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naturalized naturalization