Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1873-12-03

ment to exercise protcctorato over that Re
public,
Nn, rnErfs.
Since the adjournment OF Congress tho fol-
lowing treaties with foreign powers have been
proclaimed \ Naturalization Convention
with Denmark a Convention with Mexico for
renewing the Claims Commission "a Conven-
ton Of Friendship, Commerce and Tradition
with the Orange Free State, and q Naturaliza
ton Convention with ECUADOR,
AMERICANS ABROAD.
invite the cnrnest attention OF Congros, 60
the existing laws OF the United States respect
ing eXpatriuti0n and the election Of nationality
by individuals. Many citizens Of the United
States reside permanently abroad with their
families under the provisions Of the act approx
ed Feb. 10, 1855, the children OF such persons
are to be deemed and taken to be- citizens OF
the United States, but the rights Of citizenship
are not to descend 10 persons whose fathers
never resided in the United States. 10 thus
happens that persons who have never resided
within the United States have been enabled 10
put forward a protcnsiOn TO the protection OF
the United States against tho claim OF military
service Of the Government under whose pr0tcc-
ton they were born and have been reared in some
cases naturalikcd citizens Of the United states
| have returned 10 the land of their birth with
/ intent u remain there, and their children, thc
issue OF marriage contracted there alter their
return, and who have never been in the United
States, have laid claim % our protection when
| the lapse Of many years has imposed upon them
| the duty of military service tu the only Govern
meut which bad ever known them personally.
/ Until the year lsGs il was lclt embarrassed hy
! conflicting opinions oi courts and 10 iut-ts DO
determine how hr the doctrine of perpetual al-
/ legioucc. derived from our former colonial re-
] l.ff ia ltri
| American citizens. Congress then wisely
swept these doubts away hy cnactiug tlmi amy
declaration, instruction, opinion, Ordcr Or dee
ci-i1n OF any officer of this Government which
denies, restricts impairs OF questions the right
OF cXpatriation, is inconsistent with the lunda-
mental principles of this government; bat
] Congress did not indicate In that statute. nor
has it since done 50, what nets are 20 be deemed
to work cxpatriation. For my own guidance boz
determining such questions, required under
| the provisions oG tio Constitution, / obtained
/ the opinion. in writing, ~ the principal OH
Gers in each of the executive departments
upon certain questions relating to this -ul iect.
/ The result SATISFIED me that further legislation
/ has become necessary therefore commend the
subject % The careful consideration ol Congress.
and transmit herewith copies 90 tho several
opinions OF the principal officers of the cxccn-
| tive departments. together with other CORES
{ pundencc and u-e'ui information ou the shine
subject
The nitc3 States. which lrI tlo way iu tIc
overthrow vt the lcult doctrine Of perpetual
InIleoionco. are among the lsst r, ind'e,fc how
/ their own citizens may elect another national.
Iiy. The paper. submitted herewith Indicate
what is necessary 20 place us on Cd par with
other nations iu nbrr,lty of rs..lro, 90
this international question.
/ We have already loo our treaties as-euiel 90
the principles which would need Go hc om-
bodied in thc laws intended uacclmpli-h such
results We have agreed that citizens of tLc
/ United states mas cease % be- citizcns and may
I voluntarily render allegiance % other power.
/ We have agreed thar residence in a foreign
| land without intent O. return shall % itself
work expatrintilu we hayc agreed in some
instance. on tire ieueih of limo necessary ir
such intent invite Congrcs. now % nuke
out and define when and how expauatllu can