The Union. [volume] (Georgetown, Del.) 1863-1866, 1863-12-18

uncertain state of information questions teuch-
ing the rights of foreigners in this country
and Of ths United States citizens abroad. In
regard to some Governments, these rights are,
at least partially defined by treaties. In no
instance, however, is it expressly stipulated
that, in the event of civil war, foreigner re-
siding in this country within the lines of the
insurgents, is to be exempted from the rule
which classes him as a beligerent, in whose
behalf the Government of his country cannot
express any privileges or immunities distinct
from that character. l regret to say, how
ever that such claims have been put forward,
and, in some instances, in behalf of foreigners
who have lived in the United States the great
er part of their lives
There is reason to believe that many per-
sol-s born in foreign countries who have de-
clared their intention to become citizens, or
who have been fully naturalized, have evaded
the military duty required of them by deny
ing the fact, and thereby throwing upon the
Government the burden of proof. 1t has
been found difficult or impracticable to obtain
this proof from the want of guides to the
proper sources of information. These might
be supplied by requiring the clerks eff courts
where declarations of intention may be made,
or naturalization effected, to send periodically
lists OF the names of the persons naturalized
or declaring their intention to become citi-
zens, to the Secretary of the Interior, in whose
department these names might be arranged
and printed for general information. There
is also reason to believe that foreigners FIRE,
quently become citizens of the United States
for the sole purpose of evading the duties im-
posed by the laws of their native country, to
which, ON being naturalized here, they at
once repair, and, though never returning to
the United States, they still Claim the inter.
position of this Government, as citizens
Many alterations and great prejudices, have
heretofore arisen out of this abuse. 1t is
therefore submitted to your serious considera
ton. 1t might be advisable to fix limit
beyond which no citizen of the United States,
residing abroad, may claim the interposition
of his Government The right of suffrage has
often been assumed and exercised by aliens,
under pretences of naturalization, which they
have disowned when drafted into the military
service submit the expediency of such an
amendment of the laws as will make tn; fact
of voting an estoppel against any plea of ex-
emption from military service, on other civil
obligation, on the ground Of alienage.
In common with other Western Powers,
our relations with Japan have been brought
into serious jeopardy through the perversS
opposition of the hereditary aristocracy of the
empire to the enlightened and liberal policy
Of the Tycoon, designed to bring the country
into the society of nations. 1t is hoped, al
though not with entire confidence, that these
difficulties may be peacefully overcome 1
ask your attention to the claim of the minis
ter residing there for the damages he sustain-
ed in the destruction by fire Of the residence
of the legation at Yeddo.
Satisfactory arrangements have been made
With the Emperor Of Russia, which it is be-
lieved will result in effecting a continuous
line of telegraph through that empire from
our Pacific coast. / recommend to your IA
vorable consideration the subject of an inter-
national telegraph across the Atlantic ocean,
and also of telegraph between this capital
and the national forts along the Atlantic sea-
board and the Gulf of Mexico, Such COM
munication, established with any reasonable
outlay, would be economical as well as effect
i've aids to the diplomatic, military, and ma
val service.
The consular system of the United States,
under the enactmeuts of the last Congress,
begins to be selfsustaining, and there is rea.
son to hope that it may become entirely SO,
with the increase of trade which will ensue
whenever peace is restored.
Our ministers abroad have been faithful in
defending American rights. In protecting
our commercial interests, our consuls have
necessarily had to encounter increased labors
and responsibilities, growing out of the war,
These they have, for the most part, met and
discharged with zeal and efficiency. This
acknowledgement justly includes those con-
suls who, residing in Morocco, Egypt, Tur-
key, Japan, China, and other Oriental coun-
tries, are charged with complex functions and
extraordinary powers.
The condition of the several organized Ter
ritorics is generally satisfactory, although the
Indian disturbances in New Mexico have not
been entirely suppressed. The mineral re-
sources of Colorado, Nevada, Idaho, New
Mexico, and Arizona, are proving far richer
than has been heretofore understood. / lay
before you communication ON this subject
from the Governor of New Mexico | again
submit to your consideration the expediency
of establishing a system for the encourage
ment of immigration. Although this source
of national wealth and strength is again
flowing with greater freedom than for several
years before the instruction occurred, there
is still great deficiency of laborers in every
field Of industry, especially in agriculture,
and in our mines, as well of iron and coal as
of the precious metals. While the demand
for labor is thus increased here, tens Of thou
sands of persons, destitute of remunerative
occupation, are thronging our foreign consul
lates and offering to emigrate to the United
States II essential but very cheap assistance
can be afforded them. 1t is easy to see that,
under the sharp discipline of civil war, the
nation is beginning new life. This noble
effort demands the aid and ought to receive
the attention and support of the Government
Injuries unforeseen by the Government, and
and unattended, may, in some cases, have
been inflicted upon the subjects or citizens of
foreign countries, both at sea and on land,
by persons in the service of the United States
As this Government expects redress from
other Powers when similar injuries are in
fiicted by persons in their service upon citi-
zens of the United States we must be pre-
pared to do justice to foreigners. If the ex-
listing judicial tribunals are inadequate to this
purpose, a special court may be authorized,
with power to hear and decide such claims of
the character referred to as may have arisen
under treaties and the public law. Conven-
tions for adjusting the claims by joint COM
mission have been proposed to some Govern
ments, butno defnitive answer to the propo-
sition has yet been received from any.
In the course of the session shall proba-
bly, have occasion to request you to provide
naturalization to claimants where DEGREES of
restitution have been rendered and damages
awarded by the Admiralty courts. And in
other cases where this Government may be