The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-12-29
The Proposed Naturalization Law-Its EMects
Upon our Volunteer Military Organizations.


We are among those who fully concur in the belief
that the time has arrived when Is absolutely requisite
that very important changes should be made in
regard the facilities Of to the rights and pvi
leges of citizenship but must not lose sight Of the
Importance Of the interests Of the various
military corps Of the several States, which may suffer
serious injury through ignorance want Of due
sideration
To show the importance OF the subject let instance
the First Division N. Y. s. ~, commanded by Major
Gen. c. W. Sandford-a corps which all who have wit
messed its movements, its onward progress, and is
strength admit to be worthy Of the title Of ths
Grand Division the United States. The very and
snew of this division it is well known adopted citi-
zenshence the question is forced upon u.s. wha. effect
will the twenty years naturalization law passed.
upon the ranks of this corpsg Let examine the
organization Of this division 1t Is composed Of sixteen
regiments as follows
The 1st Col Ryer-one fourth American and the rest
adopted citizens
Cd Col. Bogart-about the same.
Sd Hussars-all adopted citizens except Col Postey.
(This is the strongest mounted corps in the United
States)
4th, Col Hincken--about the same.
5th, Col. Schwarswelden-all adopted citizens.
9th, Col Peers-one. third American.
7th, Col Duryea-two-thirds American.
Sth, Col Lyons-about the same.
9th, Col Riley-all adopted.
10TH Col Halsey-one- third American.
1lth Col Van Buren-abou the same.
18th Col. Stebbns-three .fourths American, one
fourth adopted.
69th Col Roe-al adopted citizens except the Colonel
and one or two staff officers
list, Col. vanburg-an American
Staten Island Regment-one fourth American, three
fourths adopted.
This statements Of facts shows the magnitude Of the
interest which all military bound take in the
subject An individual Of foreign BIRTH after becoming
naturalized naturally wishes to acquire the privilege
and the exemption to which all citizens entitled He
joins military company-perhaps from the love OF the
art OF war-perhaps from desire toescape military nes
and jury duty and thus ranks in filed.
The statement made above shows how great Is the
proportion of the foreign element. Ought shut out
by negecng to attend to and inspect the provisions of
the naturalization law We think not II win not answer
to weaken-perhaps destroythe future efficiency Of the
First division BY discouragng the enrolment OF mem
ready join; and the remark is applicable 10
all the military organizations OF all the principal cities
Of the United States. II nducement Il presented to
the of foreign birth to enrol himself q soldier
under the stars and stripes he as matter of course
being deprived Of the rights OF citizenship until long
probation has been passed-becomes q dangerous mem-
Der Of society. Having interest In the nstitu-
tions Of the country except such derived from
the fact OF protection and not being permitted 10 de-
rive the least personal benefit by bearing arms he
in such event, uselessf not traitorous-member
Of the community The preventive against this evil II
by inserting In the naturalization Law q provision
allowing the service required by law TO be
who passed his probation, Citizen and
has also in the meanwhile served full term in the
military may at enjoy exemption from militia and
jury duty This provision would in prevent
the falling oil from cur ranks which must otherwise o.
cur and also tend to at the candidate for naturalization
to become good and faithful citizen, by encouraging
him feel interest In the welfare of the country =
which be has cast his lot.