Mr. Sherman to Mr. Porter.
Washington, June 15, 1897.
Sir: I inclose, for your information, a copy of a letter of the 12th instant from the Hon. Henry Cabot Lodge, a Senator from the State of Massachusetts, in relation to the case of Arthur D. Hubinoit, otherwise called Arthur D. Bennett, a naturalized American citizen who was born [Page 145] in France but was brought to the United States when he was an infant, where he has ever since resided, until, having recently returned to France on a visit, he was arrested and is now held in a military prison in Châlon, France, the French Government claiming that he is a citizen of France, and, therefore, liable to military duty in that Republic.
There can be no question as to the exemption of a person so brought to the United States when an infant of 2 years, and continually residing here until formally admitted to citizenship at the age of 24 years.
The only question seems to be the identification of this Arthur D. Hubinoit with Arthur D. Bennett, whose certificate of naturalization has been produced. The mother’s affidavit seems to fully establish the identity, taken in connection with the other paper submitted.
You are instructed to take prompt steps to secure the young man’s release.
Respectfully, yours,