The sun., 1872-10-03


Our adopted citizens will recollcct the
Arm stand taken by the American Government
for the protection Of their rights in the case OF
MARTIN KOsZTA, a Hungarian by birth but enti-
tied to the protection Of the United States, who
was released from imprisonment on board an
Austrian vessel OF war at Smyrna In 1853 by the
decided and energetic action Of Capt. IsGRA-
HAM, Of the sloop-of-wr st. Louis. KosZTA had
not completed his naturalization, but was in pos
session Of legalized copy of a declaration Of his
Intention to become an American citizen; and
on the strength of this declaration Capt. IHGRA-
HAM demanded his surrender, which was con-
coded. The course which Capt. INGRAHAM pur-
sued in this important matter was subsequently
fully approved by the Government, Congress
voting him medal evidence Of its appro-
baton.
In humiliating contrast to our manly policy on
that occasion has been the conduct of GRANTS
Administration where the rights Of American
citizens whether OF native or foreign birth, have
been outraged by foreign powers. A noteworthy
instance Of the criminal Indifference Of our
weak and trucking State Department to the
rights Of American nationality was recently
brought to light 10y the Hon. ELI 5. SHORTER Of
Alabama in a speech delivered at Louisville. 1t
appears that in 1884 BrRNARD BERNSTEIN, for
rallied citizen Of tho United states, received
from Secretary SEWARD a passport to enable
him to visit his father, who then resided in
lzbiea, Russian Poland. While in I1bica he was
arrested and confined In a Jail under the charge
Of Russian Cossacks, where lac remained until
lac was bailed out 10y his friends. He was then
detained undor bonds some six months, after
which his passport was returned To him and he
was permitted to depart. No charge was made
against him to account for his arrest and inn
prisonment except that he was born ON the sci
Of Poland and had cNpatriated himself In order
to become an American citizen. After his re-
turn To this country Mr.. BERNSTEIN hlcd fun
statement Of his case In the Office Of the Secre-
retary of state, with a demand for indemnity for
the outrage. Secretary SEWARD promised to see
that j"sti"o wa. dome him: but GRANTS Admin
istration coming into power his case fc,linto the
hands of llAMiLTuN FisH, who has never condo
sccndCd even to notice HE petitions for redress.
40 all the edoris 81 Mr BENSsIEIN and his co.n-
sci, though supported by the influence Of the
member Of Congress from his district, failed to
secure a word OF recognition from the head Of
the state Department who Is as supcrrilous as
he Is inefficient, the matter was brought to the
attention II Congress by Senator SUMNER, and
referred to the Committee ou Foreign Kcil, ons.
But a. Mr. SUMNEE was soon after removed from
the Craftsmanship OF that committee through
the intrgues Of GRANT, no further action
has been taken In this very important matter.
Adopted citizens will see from this how little
regard for their rights Is entertained by the ox-
sting Administration. 1t il not probable,
eithcr, that this di-graceful condition II att irs
would be materially improved by the election IL
the huow-NOthing fLsuN 10 the second high
est Office ia the nation