Declaration of intention

A declaration made by an alien, as a preliminary to naturalization, before a court of record, to the effect that it is bona fide his intention to become a citizen of the United States, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty whereof at the time he may be a citizen or subject.

Rev. St. § 2165 (U. S. Comp. St. 1901, p. 1329).