The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1912-07-31
EXPLAINS HOMESTEAD LAW.

Instructions issued by the secretary
of the interior for the administration
of the new three-yesr homestead Law
will be of interest to the settlers af-
fected. The following synopsis gives
the substance of the regulations:
l.. Period of residence reduced from
five to three years, to count from the
time actual residence is established.
Proof must be submitted within five
years of date of entry.
2. Cultivation of not less than one.
sixteenth beginning with the second
year and not less than one-eighth be.
ginning with the third year and until
final proof. Mere breaking is not suf-
~icient; seed must be planted in good
faith. Grazing not accepted a. to
certain lands opened to entry under
special acts providing therefor.
3. Secretary will not reduce the re-
quired area of cultiv alton because of
any physical or financial disabilities
of the entrymao, but only where ex-
action of the statutory area is unrea-
sonable on account of peculiar condi-
tions of soil; applications for such
reduction must be made during the
fret year on forms furnished by local
land Offices. These applications are
passed upon by the commissioner,
with right of appeal to the secretary.
4. Soldiers and sailors must reside
on entries one year before receiving
credit for service; must show cultiva.
ton of not less than one.eighth for at
least one year.
s.. Entrymen cannot receive consid-
er alton from the commissioner of ap.
plications to extend beyond the ordin-
airy period of six months, the period
allowed for establishment of residence,
but the homesteader's rights will be
adjudicated when the question is
raised. Homestesders must go upon
the land IS soon a. hindering cause is
removed.
g.. Absence for five months in each
year allowed, but continued residence
as to the other seven must be shown.
Two ave-months period of absence,
although in different years of the en-
try, will not be allowed; six months
absence renders entry subject to con
test. Extended periods of absence
only respected In final proof, or con-
tests where notice of such absences
have been given, both at beginning
and upon return. Former laws IS to
absence not repealed.
I. Communication where it hereto
fore existed not affected, except that
entrymau must be q citizen of the
United States.
8. Where an entrymsn dies his
widow or legal successor may make up
the three'year period, residence not
being required of the widow or other
heir, and only Guilty alton being nee.
essary. Proof Of noncompliance
made against the entryman before his
death will cancel the entry, however.
3. Unless an application to make
proof under the old law is made on or
before Oct. 4, 1912, the entryman be-
comes subject to the provisions of the
new law; the required residence is thus
reduced to three years, but specific
GUILTY. alton requirements of the new
law must be shown. Proof must be
made within five years.
10. Any hardship resulting from the
above is eliminated by the ruling tina,
one having an entry under the old law
may show GUILTY. alton of required areas
named in the new law for any two
successive years. Other hardships
possible to arise under failure to cleo,
are to be adjudicated by the secretary
of interior and attorney.general.
IL, Where the price OF q tr act ia re.