David Josiah Brewer

“ There is no longer a contract, no longer an entry, and the land is as free for disposal by the land department as though no entry had ever been attempted. The term used in the section, 'confirmed.' implies existing contracts, which, though voidable, have not been avoided, and not contracts which once existed, but have long since ceased to be. If the act is not limited to existing entries, existing contracts, then it must apply to all entries, all contracts, no matter when made, or how long since canceled, or what rights have been acquired by others since the cancellation. ”