Mr. Adee to Mr. Storer.
Washington , July 23, 1897 .
Sir: I have to inform you that the passport applications for the quarter ending June 30 last, which accompanied Mr. Ewing’s dispatch No. 235, have been received.
With regard to the case of Edward Otto Beyer, it is observed that the passport was granted without the production of his naturalization certificate, Mr. Ewing being “satisfied the above-named Edward Otto Beyer is the identical person,” etc. Only under exceptional circumstances should a passport be issued to a naturalized citizen without a previous inspection of his naturalization certificate. Occasionally, when the good faith of the applicant is palpable and the refusal to issue the passport might work hardship, the fact that he has lost or left behind him his certificate may not operate to cause the minister to refuse him his passport, but the circumstances of the case should be always set forth and the applicant’s sworn statement of them should be required. This was not done in this case.
Respectfully, yours,
Acting Secretary.