The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-06-24

The RIGHTS or NATURALTzED CTnENs.-On
the question Of how far o naturalized American
citizen is under political obligations to his native
land on returning thereto we have published
two letters from Mr. Cass and one from Mr. Bolts.
We now publish another letter from Mr.. Bolts,
and one from General Gushing, who sustains Mr..
Cas- in his views.
The question resolves itself ultimately into one
Of debt; and IL man, at the time of leaving his
country, owes any debt, civil or military, he is
liable for it on his return, no matter how long
the period may be which bias elapsed since he
Quilted his native land. If he did not owe
military debt at that time, and becomes citizen
of the United States, he cannot afterwards be
made military debtor by any constructive law,
and could not be legally arrested on returning to
his native country. If he owed military service
by the laws under which he was born the fact OF
his forswearing allegiance to his government on
coming here does not absolve him from the obi
cation any more than it would from the payment
Of money which he had borrowed from some
friend. But his government cannot touch him
here, nor touch him in any other country but his
own--not ifhe was only one foot outside of its
boundary. II cannot touch him if captured in
war. But if he goes back voluntarily to his ma
tive land that alters the case, and he is then
liable, and our government cannot interpose
Now under these circumstances, we do not see
why people, knowing that they have incurred
the obligation Of military service for seven years
in their own country, should be anxious to re-
turn in time Of war, unless they want to fight
If they are very DESTROYS of seeing their native
land before they die, or if business calls them
they ought to wait till the war is over. when
there will not be 30 great demand for soldiers
and when emigrants will not be required. But
it Is rather too much of good thing that they
should 20 back with their eyes open, and then
ask our government to take them out Of the trap
into which they have voluntarily walked. In
such cases our government very properly will
not interfere and ought not to do 50.
Many foreigners come here without dollar.
and after they have amassed fortunes they desire
to return to spend the money in their own conn.
try, and to live there with all the consequence
Of the aristocratic postioA which wealth gives
them there, but would not confer upon them
here. They would gladly get rid Of all obi
cations in both countries, and live like Prus-
slams or Austrians or Frenchmen, till the eues.
ton arises whether they do not owe duties
in return for the political rights and pro-
lection which they enjoy for themselves and
their property. Then they are Immediately
transformed into American citizens, and call on
Our government to interpose for their deliye
rance. This is neither reasonable nor fair. and
there can be very little sympathy here for those
who place themselves in such predicament
Let them live here, spending their money in the
country where they made it, and fulfil the
obligations which they owe our governments
and there will be no danger Of their arrest
The couatry is good enough for us-it ought to
be good enough for them. IF they don't think
30, then let them take their own course. and
with it the responsibility.