Iditarod pioneer., 1915-07-10
CITIZENSHIP
 APPLICATIONS

Tuesday evening last at 7 80, was the time set by Judge BunneIl for the hearing of naturalization petitions, and it is note worthy that of the five applications heard, not one was granted at that particular time on account of lack of proof of five years continuous residence in the United States immediately prior to the filing of the peti tions In two instances the petitions were declared to be irregular because of the fact that an attempt was made to change the names of the applicants by means of the naturalization proceedings.
 The applicants who presented themselves before Judge Bunnell, with their witnesses, were as follows: Charles Boyd, Peter Dahl Chris Teltans, John H. Jensen and Mahmoud Khan.
 The first case called was that of Mahmoud Khan, native of Hindustan. He was un- able to prove continuous residence for five years as part of that period had been spent outside of Alaska, and no dispositions or evidence could be adduced covering that period. His papers were also irregular be cause of the fact that an attempt had been made to change the name of the applicant the original application being made out in his native name and the final papers in the AngEcized form. Judge Bunnell and Dis trict Attorney Roth both stated they were sorry that the application must be dened and advised Khan as to how to proceed fur ther in the matter.
 Peter Dahl was the next applicant exam ined. C. A. Duffy and Chris Anthomeson were his witnesses, but they could not swear to the exact whereabouts for period ot eighteen months spent Outside by MT. Dahl The hearing was ordered continued
 In the matter of the application of John H. Jensen, who also had spent period on the Outside, and covering which no proof was offered dismissal was ordered. The same objection was made in MT. Jensen s case as that in the Khan case-an attempt had been made to change the name of the applicant.
 The application of Charles Boyd also was continued because of the fact that contlnu- ous residence for five years could not be proved.
 In continuing the cases Judge Bunnell said it was ''too bad' that such action must be taken but it was not discretionary with him. He advised the applicants not to be- come discouraged, but to perfect their proof and again come before him at any time when court was in session and he would arrange to hear the applications.
 Persistence Rewarded
 On Wednesday evening Peter Dahl again appeared before the court with two more witnesses Jerry Ford and E. B. King who swore to being in communication with Dahl while he was Outside.
 The applicant was questioned closely by District Attorney Roth and Judge Bunnell, and the answers given relative to American government and institutions showed that the applicant had schooled himself pretty thor oughly in these matters. He demonstrated familiarity with legislative procedure, both national and territorial, and answered one question which many of the persons in the court room would have failed to answer. The question was, Who are territorial sen ators and representatives of the Fourth dlvl- sion of Aaska?' The witness answered cor rectly. He also stated in answer to ques- tons that he was not an anarchist nor believer in that cult, and that he did not favor polygamy.
 The application was granted and Peter took the oath of allegiance.