New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-10-07
INSPECTORS OF REGISTRATION AID
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MSPECT0RS OF BEH1HTkAI1UN AMI
ELECTION. ard
We publish in another column to-day,
the names of the citizens just appointed
by Judge Woods to be inspectors of reg
istration and election. These appoint
ments are made under the provisions OF
the fifth section of an act of Congress
entitled "An act to amend the naturaliza-
ton laws, and to punish crimes against
the same" approved July IA, 1870 The
act referred to was published officially in
the REPUBLICAN on the eighteenth of Au-
gust, but as it contains important provis-
ions for the government of officers and
voters in elections, We republish it this
morning.
A careful reading of this law will con-
vince the most superficial reader that Con-
gress has set the seal and condemnation
upon every manner and all forms of lille
gal and fraudulent naturalization certifi-
Gates, whether heretofore or hereafter
issued or made, and expressed in clear
and unn,istakable language the nature Of
the evil which is sought to be abated or
provided against, and the punishment
that offenders may expect as the logical
result of disobedience, when convicted.
We commend to all persons interested a
careful examination of the penal provi-
sions of this act, and call their attention
to the fact that paramount jurisdiction IS
given to the United States courts Of all
offenses under it.
1t appears to be the duty of the inspec-
tors thus appointed to attend at the regis
tration of voters as well as at the cleo
tons and the counting of the votes. Their
functions appear to be simply to observe
what is going on, to challenge suspicious
persons offering to register or vote, and to
indorse on the register or certificate OF
election any statement of facts deemed ne
cessary or proper to be made. In case of
q contest, these official statements Of the
inspectors will, doubtless, be received in
evidence by the courts before which the
contest is brought, or by the House of
Representatives in case of dispute about
the seats in that body. These inspectors
should be impartial men, with sufficient
with the naturalization laws
to advise the registers upon doubtful
points and to assist the commissioners Of
election in the discharge of their duties.
For though no express authority is given
them to direct either the registers or the
commissioners, the inference is reason
able one that their report will be favorable
in proportion to the influence their advice
may have in disputed or doubtful cases.
The time is approaching when the
registry books will close. Before then,
however, these inspectors should visit
each ward, in company with each other if
practicable, and examine the books care
fully, with the view of curing IRREGULAR
ties before it is too late to correct them.
The appointment Of the inspectors has
been somewhat tardy, but this will be
readily accounted for when it is remem-
bered that the opening Of registration IN
his State followed SO rapidly the appro-
val of the act. Some questions have
already been raised, which possibly the
Inspectors can settle with the aid Of legal
advice. Papers purporting to be natural
zation certificates, have been presented
which bear primo fGcie evidence Of having
been irregularly, if not fraudulently, OBJ
aimed. Under the instructions received |
rom superior authority, the registers
lave in some instances been constrained |
o deny registration to parties who have |
presented such papers. There is, evil |
lently, a conflict Of opinion on the sub
ect One side contends that no certifi- |
ate, purporting to be issued in pursuance
# Judgment of State court, can be in
Luired into except judicially, while the
tringent penalties denounced by the law
S well against those who present as those
Tho receire these fraudulent papers are
Irged upon the registers as a reason why
hey should exercise caution. To know
ngly receive certificate of naturalization
Which has been obtained through false
wearing, or by imposing upon the court
which granted it, OF by corrupting the
udge, is declared to be penal ohense.
he safer way will probably be to reject
d doubtful cases, as the worst that can
efall the register in that case will proba-
ly be suit for civil damages. 1t looks
cry much as though our friends the
egisters were liable to be placed between
xo possible evils, with the option re-
erved to them to choose the least.