Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-02-12
s. y. ROW, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.
CLEARFIELD. PA. FEB. II, 1868.
Naturalization.

The evidence in the contested election
case, Robson VS.. Shugart, has clearly de-
monstrated the necessity of greater safe
guards against frauds III elections; and: In
views of this fact, Senator MeConaughey as
introduced bill to remedy the evil 10 some
extent at least. This proposition is to make
it the duty of clerks of elections, in cases of
persons offering to vote as naturalized clti
zens to keep registers of the name, date of
certificate of naturalization, the time and
place of the court granting the same, and
the name of the officer certifying thereto.
This is step in the right direction, and it
is to be hoped, the bill may become law.
But, does this strike at the foundation?
We think not
The constitution of the United States pre-
scribes that a uniform system of naturaliza-
tion should be established by Congress.
This was accordingly done, and the power OF
issuing the naturalization certificates com
mitted to the care Of the several State
courts, as the more affective, speedy, and less
expensive mode of granting such certificates
of naturalization. To this there is no OBJ
lection But this privilege is abused, By
evil disposed persons Fraudulent papers
are issued by the thousands every year
And why? Because of the style and Simpii-
city of the blank certificates, and the facili-
ty with which they can be procured-they
being printed with the plainest type, and in
nearly every printing Office throughout the
length and breadth of the land. And, in our
opinion. so long as this state of facts exists,
more or less fraudulent naturalization pa
pers will be issued
But, how shall these frauds be preven-
ted? Congress having delegated the power
of issuing the certificates to the State courts,
now let it provide uniform series of pa
pers. Jet blank certificates be printed from
an engraving Of the very finest character,
and upon the best of paper, with the seal of
the United States attached, and furnished
to the courts in the several States at q mod
crate price-such certificates to be issued up
on proper application ; to be sealed with the
legal seal of the court by whose authority
granted, and countersigned and numbered
and registered in book by the clerk OF
said court, and the facility for obtaining and
issuing of fraudulent papers will be so cir
cumscribed as to entirely prevent the COM
mission Of this class OF frauds, unless through
the venality, connivance or perjury OF the
officers of the court, who have the blanks
and seals in their care and keeping
No doubt, some will say, this procedure
would increase the expenses OF naturaiiza-
ton. Grant that it would but, if citizen
ship is a boon worth enjoying it is worth ali
1t costs and he who is unwilling TO lay
therefor is unworthy OF its privileges and
enjoymenis.
Now, in view of the immense frauds that
are committed yearly uDon the ballot box
BY means of forged naturalization papers,
We would suggest the propriety ofthe Penn
sylvania Legislature making u move in the
direction we have above indicated, as, in
our opinions uniform series of blank certiG-
Gates for all the States in the Union, and
which are not readily counterfeited, is, per
baps, the most affeetige safeguard against
the violation of our naturalization laws, by
the issuing Of forged certificates