The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1874-12-11

The part OF the other Powers n matter Of
plf-neccSsity,
] had confidently hoped at this time
to bc able to announce the arrangement
OF some of the important questions
between this Government and that of
spain, but the negotiations have been
protracted. The unhappy intestine dis
Sensions of Spain, command our profound
sympathy, and must I've accepted a., per-
haps, cause Of some delay. An early
settlement in part, ut least, Of the ques-
ions between the Governments is hoped.
In the meantime, awaiting the results Of
immediately pending negotiations. de-
fer further and full communication on
the subject Of the relations Of this country
and Spain.
have again tocall the attention Of
Congress to the unsatisfactory condition
of the existing laws with reference to
patriation and the election Of nationality.
Formerly amid conflicting opinions and
decis ions it was difficult to exactly de-
tcrminc how far the doctrine of per-
petual allegiance was applicable to
citizens Of the United States. Congress
by the act Of the 9th Of July, 1865, as
serted the abstract right of expatriation
as fundamental principle OF this Gov
ernment. Notwithstanding such asser-
tion, and the necessity Of the frequent
application OF the principle, no legisla-
ton has been had defining what acts or
formalities shall work expatriation, or
when citizen shall be deemed to have
renounced or to have lost his citizenship.
The Importance Of such definition is OBJ
vious. The representatives of the
/ United States in foreign countries are
continually called upon To lend their aid
and the protection Of the United States
to persons concerning the good faith or
! the reality Of whose citizenship there is
Mt least great question. In some cases
[ the provisions of the treaties furnish
some guide, in Others il seems left TO the
/ persons claiming the benefit of citizen
/ ship, while living in foreign country,
contributing in mo manner to the per-
iormance of the obligations and duties of
n citizen of the United States, simply rs
n shield from the performance of the OBJ
/ legations of citizens elsewhere. The
status Of children born Of American par
ents residing in foreign country, of
aliens, of American citizens residing
T obroad, where such question is not regi-
lated by treaty, are all sources of fire.
{ quent difficulty and discussion. Legis-
lation on these and similar questions,
aud particularly defining when and un-
| der what circumstances expatriation can
I've accomplished or is to be presumed, is
/ especially needed.
I In this connection | earnestly call the
attentiol of Congress To the difficulties
arising from fraudulent naturalization.
The United States wisely, freely. and
literally offers its citizenship TO all who
may come in good faith To reside within
its limit on their complying with certain
prescribed reasonable and simple formal
tiles and conditions. Among the highest
duties OF the Government is that to af-
ford firm, efficient and equal protection
to all its citizens, whether native born or
naturalized. Care should be taken that
a right carrying with it such support
from the Government should not be
fraudulently obtained, and should he
bestowed only upon full proof of COM
plance with the law. There are frequent
instances of illegal and fraudulent nat
uralization, and of the unauthorized Use
of certificates thus Improperly obtained.
In some eases the fraudulent character of
the naturalization has appeared upon
the face Of the certifcateitself; in others,
examination discloscs that the holder
had not complied with the law, and in
others certificates have been obtained
where the persons holding them not only
were not entitled to be naturalized, but |
had nOt.even been within the United |
States at the time Of the pretended nat |
uralization. Instances Of each Of these
Glasses of fraud are discovered at our
legations, where the certificates of nat |
uralization are presented either for the |
purpose of obtaining passports or in de- |
manding the protection of the Lega- |
tion. When the fraud is open on |
the face of such certificates, they are
taken mp by the representatives of the |
Government and forwarded to the De- |
partment OF State. But even the record
Of the Court in which the fraudulent /.
naturalization occurred remains, and du-
plicate certificates are readily obtaina-
Die upon the presentation of these, for
the issue of passports or demanding the
protection of the Government. The l
fraud sometimes escapes notice, and such
certificates are not unirequently used in
transactions of business, Io the injury OF
innocent parties. Without placing any
additional obstacle in the way of the
obtainmeat of citizenship by the worthy
and well-intcntioned foreigner, who
comes in good faith, | would earnestly
recommend further legislation to punish
fraudulent naturalization, and to secure
the ready cancellation OF the record of
every naturalization made in fraud.
Since my last annual message the ex-
change has been made of the ratification
of treaties of extradition with Belgium,
Ecuador, Peru. and Salvador; also, of
treaty of commerce and navigation with
Peru, aud one of commerce and consular
privileges with Salvador, all of which
have been duly proclaimed, rs has also
declaration with Russia, with reference
to traCh marks,
The report Of the Secretary of the
Treasury, which by law Is made direct TO
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