The Irish republic. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1867-18??, 1867-12-28
Citizenship.
THE GREAT MEETING IN CHICAGO.


One of the largest and enthusiastic meetings
held in Chicago came off the 18th, in Farwell Hall.
Mayor Rice presided and opened the meeting with the fol-
lowing remarks:
GENTLEMEN rejoice in having the privilege of address
ing you tonight This vast number is assembled here to-
night to hear discussion upon subject which is of the
greatest Importance to all people OF America believe
there is difference of opinion upon it anywhere in
land 1t has been agated long can remember. The
agitation consisted however, in complaints in circumstances
and in diplomacy whatever that mean 1t has been
thought by great many earnest of country although
well decided in the public mind to what just and right
be DONE that the United States, from its youth and
paratve weakness not prepared to make demand upon
the powerful governments of Europe unless she thought
she had the strength enforce that demand 1t is believed
by great many that the United States tonight has that
power. (Appause.)
1t has been said by one of distinguished states
that of foreign birth shall become
naturalized in the United States of America nat he is
American citizen possessing all the rights that any other
American citizen possesses cheers and that whenever he
shall visit any other portion of Europe he does it
American citizen appause and that his rights would be
respected there andeverywhere where the flag of America
his countrys fag-shall
The discussion tonight elicit expression of opinion
in this city of Chicago the representative city of the North
and that that opinion expressed here tonight and sent
Representatives in Congress help them to achieve
this desired end that all seeking That is what the
meeting is for to night as understand it,
FROM GOVERNOR oGLEsBY.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
SPRINGFIELD, ILL, Dec II, 1867.
Secretary Committee of Arrangement:
attend meeting in behalf of natraized citizens to be
held Wednesday, the 18th instant at Farwell Hail.
not received until to-day
shall not be able to attend the meeting but heartily
sympathze with any movement to place upon basis the
rights of our citizens, naturalzed Or native-born
There be distinction between the rights of either
for except the instance stated in the constitution they
one and ought to be the Our Government cannot
afford have misunderstanding with foreign nations upon
this subject yield any claim of jurisdiction
naturazed citizens to foreign governments based upon
right arising from both under such government all
foreign nations may assert and exercise authority the
liberty of the individual within their jurisdiction before the
subject has abandoned his country severed his allegiance
but within lines, and clothed with the rights of
citizenship thewhoe question his privileges changed
he is say born again and clothed the habiments
nationality. is the obligation of our laws to stand by
him and with him perpetual shield $50 long as the
citizen adheres to his allegance wherever he may
travel think there can be great diversity of opinion
in this country upon the rights of our citizens
1t the right of every citizen to have voice In making
the laws and is his duty to obey them. Our laws must
distinctly proclaim that citizen of the United States
not be made allegiance to any other nation upon or
under any pretense claim whatever.
| have only moment to write and cannot say what
might with tme feel disposed to suggest upon this
! important subject.
and that natnrazed citizens will have just occasion to
continue their attachment the United States and where it
is hoped they may forever find happy homes and the full
protection of the laws Very respectfully your obedent
servant (Slgned,) X. j. OGLESBY.
We call the attention of readers to the remarks of
Edward Schlaeger, editor of the Stats Zeig We have
always endeavored to impress people the cuvang
of friendly relations with the Germans who liberty
loving people Mr. Schaeger of the leading writers
and thinkers among the German Americans
Edward Schaeger then introduced by the Chairman
as representing the German interest Mr.. Schlaeger said
The Germans and the Irish the great foreign element
1t fortunate when they united 1t tit that the natu
rallied citizens of Chicago where they were in the majority
should meet and discuss concerning their rights Many
great inventions had been made at different points at the
time. Philosophers had explained it by saying that
they sprung up different points at the same time.
So without consultation meetings had been held at New
York. Cincinnati But Chicago should be the first to
present grand front of united nationaes They
going to demand that American citizen should go unmo-
Tested where he pleased protected by that very name In
zens. When they became American citizens their old
shackles of military duty fell to the ground.
1t had always been the of the United States to get as