Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1876-03-04
VIRGINIA FREE PRESS.
l. J. &E. V.B. GALLlHEl. EDITORS.
Charlostown, Jefferson Co., w. Va.
OFFICE IN JEFFERSON BUILDING"
Saturday, March 4, 1875.
Mr.. Faulkner on the German Treaty.

The speech of HoY. c. j. FAULKNER, dellv-
cred in the House of Representatives February
10th, in opposition to a resolution introduced
by Hon. s. S. Cox, seeking TO terminate the
Naturalization Treaty, now in force between
the United States and the German Empire,
was al able aud exhaustive argument on his
sile Of the question, containing a great
deal of information iu relation TO our naturali-
z.tion laws and treaties Mr. Faulkners po-
silion on the Committee Of Foreign affairs az
fords him a fine opportunity to examine these
questions. aud his views are worthy Of consid-
Grafton. In concluding lis speech, Mr.. 7.
says:
at seems to me, then,so faras Ihave looked
into this question, that there are two, aud but
two, classes OF persons who are opposed to The
continuance Of the present treaty. They are,
frs, the enemies Of the Uuited States in Ger
many do not charge this class as being
governed by any improper OF nnpatriotic feel
ing; indeed, i might rather class them rs the
Jealous friends of their own country; they see
and know that this treaty has operated bower
fully as d premium upon emisra ION from their
country, aud, feeling that this drain upon their
most useful population seriously impairs the
strength Of the empire, they are disposed to az
rest it.
:" The second class who are hostile to this
treaty are those who have enigrated here with
no bona flc purpose or intent of contributing
to the growth or promoting the advancement
of our country, and who remain here only long
enough TO acquire citizenship in our country,
and then expect TO return to their native land
TO live the balance of their lives free from the
obligations that would otherwise attach TO
them AS citizens of their original country.
! 1T was to guard against this abuse Of our
! law of naturalization that one OF the provisions
/ to which have before referred was Inserted
! in this treaty II Is they who prnc paIly
want 1t teru4iuatet Tor It opposes lu lnvincible
/ obstacle to the qualification OF their selfish
views. 1t is provision cui.neutly just to the
! German government, just to ourselves, just to
! that honest elias, 6 our Gatum!ized citizens
who place proper value op'n American citl-
/ zeuship aud Dire dispostd To conform 10 The
/ true spirit ui the treaty.
Whatever Is viiu4hle w.ll have lis coGn-
| tcrfcit. Il Is therefore not surprising that our
naturalization laws should he rcsorted 10 for
selfish and unworthy purposes 1t is indeed
! 4 hish aud glorious privilege 90 hc an Amen-
can citizen, to feel that you are part and par
/ Gel Of a great Repuhlic which commands the
/ admiration and respect alike OF the civilized
/ and barbarian world. There is not nnw a
mower on earth TINT does not acknowledge our
/ greatness aud solicit our friendship. More
/ ar.reaching than the boosted protection Of
! Roman citizenship, there is not portion Of tn"
earth where the name of this Republic does not
assure prntection 90 its citi1eus u matters
not into what nation or tribe his fate or iur-
/ tune NAV carry him, into what gulf or ocean
! he NAV wander. he feels, as he coutemplates
! our national flag. that he may say of 1t IN the
| language of the PSaimist -" II take the
/ wings of the morning, aud dwell in the utter
! most parts of the sea, even there shall Thy
! hand lead me, aud Thy right haud shall hold
! me"
Sir. il IS because value this great priyl-
leoe Of American citizenship that | am unwil-
linz to see it made the instrument OF fraud and
imposture. If a man becomes an American
citizen by adoption, let him show 10y his resi-
dence among us that he values the country that
has made him one Of its children let him live
here and discharge all Of the drties which his
country demands of him. II he revisits the
country of his origin for the purposes Of busi-
ness or pleasure, let him do SO with the intent
Of return within reasonable time but will
never agree to change modify, OF terminate a
treaty which is only Objectionable because it
refuses to recognize as citizens those who a.
bandon OR c,rntry aud virtually renounce
our Government"
The motion Of Mr. Faulkner was agreed to.