, 1855-09-14

WHICH ought 10 eAClJt our COn0ucHCc ant
affection on."-MadisOn Papers, rOl 3, RP
1856.
Doctor Franklin, it should be noted, had
resided great deal abroad. lie had beer
agent of the colonies in Great Britain
minister to France, and had been grcal
deal among the people on the continent o.
Europe and he was consequently better
acquainted with the sentiments of the peo
pie Of Europe touching this country than
any other man in America.
The next is the speech Of Mr.. Madison
afterwards President of the United States
who is regarded as peculiarly the fathcr1pI
the constitution y
" Mr.. Madison was not averse to some
restrictions on the subject, but could never
agree to the proposed amendment. lie
thought any restriction, however, in the
constitution unnecessary aud improper --un.
necessary, because the national legislature
is to have the right Of regulating naturali-
zation, and can, by virtue thereof, fix dif-
ferent periods Of residence, as conditions Of
enjoying different privileges Of citizenship ;
improper, because il will give a tiuciure Of
illiberality to the constitution, because it
will put it out Of the power of the national
Legislature, even by special acts Of nnturai
zation, to confer the full rank Of citizens on
meritorious strangers, and because it will
discourage the most desirable class Of peo-
pie from emigrating TO the United States
Should the proposed constitution have the
intended effect Of giving stability and rcpu-
tation to our government, great numbers
Of respectable Europeans, men who love
liberty, and wish to partakc its blessings
will 6c ready to transfer their fortunes
hither. All such would feel the mOrticu-
ton Of being marked with suspicious inca.
pacitations though they should not covet
the public honors. He was not apprehen
sivo that any dangerous number of sran-
gers would be appointed by the State leg
islatures, if they were left at liberty TO 10
so nor that foreign powers would make
use Of strangers us instruments for their
purposes. Their bribes would be cxpend-
cd on men whose circumstances would
rather sti1e than excite jealousy and watch
fulness in the public. c."--hddisoa PaPerS,
rcl 3, p. 1874. '- l- l 'z' --
Mr.. Madison, on subsequent occasion,
the same subject being up, made the fol-
lowing speech
"Mr Madison seconded the motion.
He wished to maintain the character Of lib
erality which had been professed in all the
constitutions and publications Of America,
He wished to invite foreigners Of merit and
republican principles among us. America
was indebted to emigration for her settle
ment and prosperity. That part Of Ameri-
ca which had encouraged them most had
advanced most rapidly in population, agri-
culture, and the arts There was posi-
bic danger, he admitted, that men with
foreign predictions might obtain appoint.
ments but it was by no means probable
that it would happen in any dangerous de-
gree. For the same reason that they
would be attached to their native country,
our own people would prefer uatives Of
this country to them. Experience proved
this to be the case. Instances were rare
Of foreigner being elected by the people
within any short space after his coming
among us. If bribery was TO be praciired
by foreign powers, it would not be attempt.
cd among the electors, but among the
\ elected, and among natives having full con.
fdence Of the people, not among strangers
who would be regarded with jealous eyeT
-MadisOai Papers, rOt. S'P 1900. q r1It
Mr.. Edmund Randolph, Of Virginia
gave expression to his opinions on the sub
ject in the following language:
f" Mr. Randolph did not know but il
might be problematieOl whether cmigra
tions to this country were on the whole
useful or not but he could never agret
to the motion for disabling them for four
teen years to participate in the public hon
: ors. He reminded the convention of the
language held by our patriots during the
revolution, and the principles laid down il
all our American constitutions. Many
foreigners may have fixed their fortunes
among us under the faith of these invita-
tions. All persons under this description
with all others who would be affected by
such a regulation, would enlist themselves
under the banner of hostility to the pro
posed system. He would go us far II
seven years, but no farther" r."-Madiso'
! Papers, rol. 8 p. 1915.
Alexander Hamilton, the intimate frienC
gand confidential agent Of Washington al
through the war Of the revolution, the maj
Y whom Washington kept constantly by hi
side and in his military family, spoke IL
follows:
) Colonel Hamilton was, in general
! against embarrassing the government Will
} minute restrictions. There was, on ont
; side, the possible danger that had beer
t suggested. On the other side, the adVan
/ tage Of encouraging foreigners was obvi
, Gus and admitted. Persons in Europe o
/ moderate fortunes will be fond of coming
| here, where they will be on a level. will