Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1858-05-27

affirmed. But, sir, | am met by the assertion
that lie Is not a citizen OF the United States
BY this provision in the constitution of Min
nesoia, but on ly citizen Of that State
Permit me 10 say, in the language OF Sena-
tor Houston, that lit is an absurdity 10 say
that man can be citizen Of State with
Federal relations, who is not a citizen of the
United States; and that an alien can have a
right; by virtue Of State authority, TO vote
for members of Congress and presidential
electors, because the State confers upon him
the power 10 vote for the most numerous
branch of the Legislature" Are not the
right 10 hold office and the exercise of
the elective franchise, both guaranteed 10
aliens under this State constitution, the high.
est possible element of citizenship that can
be conferred. Is not the exercise of this
power on the part Of the people Of Mime
sofa in direct conflict with the power and
authority Of Congress, expressly granted by
the Constitution OF the United States? Both
cannot exercise it. Either one or the other
possesses it exclusively. Can there be any
doubt as 10 which? None, l apprehend, ex-
cept with those who permit their zeal for
State rights" to warp their minds and bias
their judgments.
l, sir, profess TO be an unyielding adyo-
cate for all the rights that can be fairly and
nationally claimed BY the States Of this Con-
federacy. But, when the States have clearly
and unquestionably parted with rig!l., let us
yield it up. Can any one doubt that it was
designed and intended by the trainers of the
Constitution of the United States that there
should be uniformity throughout the whole
Confederacy in the naturalization of for
eigners? that the power should be exercised
alone by the national Legislature? Congress,
in the exercise Of its power-for the mr.
pose Of guarding cur institutions against the
influence Of foreign sentiments, principle,
and prejudices, which might be impressed
upon our laws and government through the
ballot -box-has declared that probation Of
five years residence in our midst. and un.
der the influence of our institutions, is ne
cessary on the part of a foreigner to qualify
him for citizenship; and yet the people of
Minnesota, in violation of the express will
Of Congsess, declared by virtue of and in
conformity TO the Constitution Of the United
States. assume the authority TO say that for
.igners after one years residence shall be
permitted to exercise the right of suffrage;
shall 60 TO the polls and nuIlilv the votes Of
native born and nsturalized citizens, and
mould, to some extent, the institutions Of
he State, and control its future destinies.
warn gentlemen from the South Of the
that must result from main
aiming the right of unnaturalized foreigners
o vote in the formation of State constitu-
ions. The whole of the Territories Of this
Union are rapidly filling up with foreigners.
The great body Of them are opposed 10
slavery. Mark my word: ii you do it, an
,ther slave State will never be formed out
,f the Territories of this Union. They are
he enemies Of the South and her insii.u-
ions.
desire TO call the attention Of the mem
'ers OF this House to the following extracts
rom a speech o! the illusirious statesman OF
South Carolina, J ohm C. Calhoun, delivered
IL the Senate OF the United States, upon the
application OF Michigan for admission into
he Union. The principal objection urged
" Mr.. Calhoun TO the admission Of Michi-
ran, was that her constitution conferred
lpon aliens the righ Of suffrage. He said
"The Constitution oonfers on Congress
he authority TO pass uniform laws Of natu-
alization. This will not be questioned; nor
viii 1t be, that the effect of naturalization is
o remove alienage." ITO
emove aiienaSe, is SIMPLY 10 put lne ior- I
igner in the condition of native born. To
his extent the act OF naturalization goes;
md 10 further"
"The next position l assume is no less
ertain: that when Congress has exercised
is authority BY passing uniform law Of
as ii has, it excludes the
light OF exercising a similar authority OH
he part Of the State. To suppose that the
lates could pass naturalization acts of their
Urn, after Congress had passed uniform
1r Of naturalization, rould be 10 make fhe
rou.sion ffhe Constitution nugGiOry."
Il have shown that citizen
5 not an alien, and that alienage is an insu-
'erable barrier, till removed, to citizenship;
nd that it can only be removed by comply
ng with the act OF congress. 1t follows Of
curse, that q State cannot, Of its own au-
hority, make an alien citizen without such
omplianoe. To suppose it can, involves,
n my opinion, confusion Of ideas, which
,ust lead to innunerabls absurdities and
Whatever difference Of opinion there may
e ss to what other rights appertain TO
iti1ap al rnust st least a,vaa that ha has /