Mr. Hay to Mr. Tower.
Washington, May 15, 1899.
Sir: I have acknowledged the receipt of your No. 30, of the 25th ultimo, reporting the application of Mr. M. W. Pipping, a Russian subject, for United States passports for his two minor sons, aged 13 and 11 years, respectively.
It appears that Mr. Pipping resided from 1883 to 1896 in the United States, during which period the boys were born at Altoona, Pa. He was, however, never naturalized as an American citizen, and has returned to the country of his allegiance carrying his minor children with him.
Your action in refusing the passports is approved.
Whether the boys shall elect United States citizenship and prove their election of it by returning to this country to reside is a matter for the future.
I am etc.,