New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1874-10-25
THE JURISDICTION OF THE SECOND
COURT.

We publish this morning the able, and.
in our Judgment. conclusive opinion of
Attorney General Field upon tie question.
Of the legal authority Of the Second Dis
trict. or Probate Court. to grant naturaliza-
ton papers. We learn the Attorney Gent
eral has consulted with many able law
yers in the matter. and that his opinion
is supported by theirs. 1t is undoubtedly
an important question, demanding solu-
ton. The fact that We have been in the
habit of making citize in that court
for years does not sanctify the custom if
it is wrong in itself. The sooner an error
is discovered and corrected. the better for
all concerned. The statute Of limitations
does not run in favor Of acts null in them.
selves, nor does time consecrate wrong.
We notice the White League papers are
fearfully exercised in consequence Of the
prevalence Of reports which foreshadowed
this opinion. It seems TO be assumed
that every one Of these illegally natural
lied people would vote the Republican
ticket. which is very likely, if permitted
to vote at all. and that the law officers OF
the State have made the movement against
it in consequence. which is unjust and
untrue. The crowds that have thronged
the Second Court during the pas. few
weeks have naturally attracted the public
n&borC
who Is sound jurist wrote to Colonel
Wright. raising this question. The State
registrar deemed the case OF sufficient i'm.
portance to consult superior legal authori-
ty. which he did with the result stated.
There is no force in the charge that the
officers of the State government have beep
actuated by sinister motives. They have
taken an oath to support the laws. and
discharge the duties Of their offices with
fidelity. They are not responsible for the
1aches Of their predecessors. though they
would be for their own. 1t should be re.
membered that this is the first election
under the present administration. and
free recourse has been made to all the laws
relating to registration. franchise and citi.
zenship. There have been many rulings
by the registrar. without consulting the
Attorney General. The cases seemed so
plain such course was not deemed neces.
sary. In some instances other counse,
have been consulted by the Democratic
committee. bu: 10 serious controversy
arose. until these naturalization cases
came up.
# any man shall think himself 40.
grieyed, he can offer bis vote On election
day, and. upon refusal, appea! 70 the
courts. Doubtless the Seven League Law.
yers will give the benefit Of their ,eoa,
| services. or ladies' fair or benefit per.
sormance at the Academy Of Music can he
be given TO raise money TO pay court ex.
penses. The "cause Of the people" has
been banded abou: rather freely Of ,a,o
! in the aims soliciting business. and Tho
, dispute about naturalization will make a
| good enough Morgan 70. those engaged -
the patriotic enterprise. But howe1o- ~,
that may be, this opinion of the Attorne ~,
General is equivalent to an ordar =.
Colonel Wright to erase from the no1l rs ~
the names of oil claiming citizensh;n sS
virtue Of naturalization in the Second
District Court. Judge Hawkins will
probably be here during the reet -
! whom application cap be made for - -.os ~