Chapter IX: Section 8: of the Naturalization Law gives still further requirements

That no alien shall hereafter be naturalized or admitted as a
citizen of the United States who cannot speak the English language:
_Provided_, That this requirement shall not apply to aliens who
are physically unable to comply therewith, if they are otherwise
qualified to become citizens of the United States: _And provided
further_, That the requirements of this section shall not apply to
any alien who has, prior to the passage of this Act, declared his
intention to become a citizen of the United States in conformity
with the law in force at the date of making such declaration:
_Provided further_, That the requirements of section eight shall
not apply to aliens who shall hereafter declare their intention
to become citizens and who shall make homestead entries upon the
public lands of the United States and comply in all respects with
the laws providing for homestead entries on such lands.

The final hearing must be public, in open court, and the judge must pass upon the petition personally: