Weekly Trinity journal., 1875-08-21
JUAN BIDwELL.
Is ITe an American Citizen 80

One of the largest and most enthusiastic
meetings of the campaign was held at Sac
ramento, Friday evening, August 18th.
Senator Sargent, the principal speaker OF
the evening, delivered one OF his charac-
teristic addresses, carrying conviction to
his auditors by the incontrovertlble facts
enunciated and the logical conclusions
drawn. The vulnerable Gubernatorial
candidate of the Peoples Independent
party was penetrated in new and very
weak spot-his citizenship and patri-
otism. This is what Mr.. Sargent said,
and we Coubt not that he is fully prepared
to substantiate his utterances, in this as
in all other charges which he has made
during the campaign
object to John Bidwell for Governor
of this State because OF his want OF patri-
otism. [Applause.l In 1874 Commo-
dore Jones took possession OF California
for the United States. Next day he
learned that the information on which he
had acted was erroneous, and that there
was no war between United States and
Mexico. 80 he pulled down his flag, sur
rendered his possession to the Mexicans, ,
and apologized for his actions. But this
shows that the Americans then In Calitor-
mia desired to see the stars and stripes
| floating over this fair land, which would
result ii the war had taken place between
these countries as anticipated. But while
this feeling Of patriotism, and this anx-
| ous desire ON the part OF loyal Americans
to see the possessions Of the U nlted States
extended, generally prevailed among the
| Americans here, .he following expressive
document was flied with Governor Mich :
eltorena, Of Mexico:
Most Excellent Sir, Governor Juan
Bidwell, IA native Of the United States
and resident in this Department about
three years, presents himself before your
! Exccllency, with most profound respect,
and sets forth that, desiring to attach his
country to the Mexican Republic, and To
| fix his residence in this Department, he
begs your Excellency to have the goodness
to concede to him certificate OF naturali
zation, and give effect to his desires in the
meantime in regard to certain property
aud he begs that it may please your Ex-
cellency to decree the same to him, pro-
testing all that is required, etc, etc. y -
JUAN BIDwELL.
Monterey, 23d April, 1914"
In accordance with this petition GER
tlficate of naturalization was issued t.
Juan BidwelI, and he became Mexican
citizen. He threw away his country, the
hand of his birlh-sold il out to get land
[Applau.e.l He threw away the proud
distinction of American citizen hip, at n
time when his fellow Americans were
moved by the most patriotic emotions.
The name Of American citizen is one OF
the most illustrous and the noblest which
any mar could wear. [Appause.l 1t
John Bidwell ever again became n citizen
of the United States it was by virtue of Il
treaty somewhat doubtful in its interpret
alton. 1t would be difficult for him to
prove he was attached to the principles
of the Constitution. He bartered his
country for II cattle range. Applause
This document says that he protested all
that is required. New what did he pro
test? To become an American citizen
you must ahjure allegiance to all foreign
powers and swear allegiance to the United
States, and defend her against all enemies
to become Il Mexican citizen | pre-, ume
the same thing is necessary. John Bic
well became II Mexican citizen. There
was danger then OF war between Mexico
and the United States. John Bidwel
therefore must have protested that he
would take up arms against the United
States in behalf of the Mexican Govern
ment [Appause.l 1t seems TO me thai
the man who would renounce his country
deliberately, ought not, when he agai;
becomes resident of that country, to be
elevated to the highest gift Mt the hand.
OF patriotic people. [Applausc.l