American citizen., 1881-06-04
The Case Of Michael Boyton-Rerort Of
Secretary Blaine.

WASHINGTON, May 20.
THE report of the Secretary of State in the
case of Michael p. Boyton is addressed to the
President and reviews the correspondence
which passed between Boyton, Minister Lowell
and Consul Barrows. 1t sets forth the follow
ing facts:
ION tho I'd of March last the British Parlia
ment passed the measure known as
the Coercion act Under that statute, the
warrant of arrest of Michael p. Boyton,
of Kildare, issued, and Boyton was
arrested on the Sth OF March. He ut
once telegraphed Minister Lowell, demanding
the protection of the United Suites. Minister
Lowell thcreupon had several interviews with
the British Secretary of State for Foreign Ar.
fairs In regard to Boyton's complaint, aud also
Instructed Barrows to visit the prisoner and
obtain proof in regard to his American citi-
zenship, and, If the fact of such citizenship
was sufficiently ascertaincd, TO take energetic
steps for his protection. Burrows visited Boy
ton and received from him circumstantial
declaration that he was born in Ireland in 1885,
and his father emiRruted to the United States
in 1859, aud he tthe younger Boytom served in
the United States navy in 1854 and 1855. There
upon Minister Lowell endeavored to remove
the doubt suggested by the discrepancy be-
tween Boyton's statement and the state
Departments record in the matter OF his
application for passport. and to that
end wrote directly to Boyton, asking an ex-
statement to Consul BarrOws, denying the rec
ord in regard to his passport. alleging his
fathers full naturalization while he was
minor, but without assigning date to that
act, and reasserting his claim to American cit
cizenship. He also advanced a new CLAIM to
citizenship on the ground that he had become
a citizen by service in the United States navy
Meanwhile the State Department gave 10 Boy
toms case the urgent attention due to its
exceptional gravity. The question of United
States citizenship being the essence of any
successful appeal to- the British Government
for clemency or immediate Justice in Boy
toms behalf, every effort has been made
to substantate the status claimed for him. 1t
is however, no more apparent-to the Depart
ment at the present time than it wHs a mouth
ago that Boyton is entitled to protection as d
citizen of the United states. That Michael p.
Boyton has for years Honestly believed HIM
self TO be a citizen OF the United States, and
that he has lived and acted in that belief with
out troubling himself to verify the law and
facts iii his oase, IS, to My mind. perfectly
clear. Unfortunately, however, the questions
of naturalization and citizenship depend on
law and facts, and not on sentiment and be-
lief''
The report concludes as follows: ~ vicw
Boyton's case in all these lights of
hardship, and no means have been spared to
relieve him. Were 1 in possession Of proof of
the naturalization of the father during his mi
nOrity, or of the performance Oh any legal
act of the son whereby the latter's citizenship
would be established, would not hesitate to
take every step warrantable by International
law and justice in his behalf. Even as it is, SO
strongly does his case appeal to my sympathy
that, If the sense of the Senate should favor
such course. would cheerfu,ly counsel the
President to. appeal to the friendly benevO
lence of the British Government, represent
ing Boytons position as that of a man who,
secure for years in the self-conviction of his
rights as a citizen, has failed to verify them,
he could have done by law long.ago, and
urg ng his Immediate trial, If evidence exists
against him to warrant such proceeding, or
country, here to acquire the status aud fulfill
the oblie ations of a faithful and law-abiding
citizen.
az he official correspondence in the case, and
the evidence possessed rs to Boyton's allegi-
ance, are herewith transmitted as evidence of
the widespread interest incite d in this country
by the arrest of Boyton. also have pleasure
Senate selections of the appeals which have
been addressed to the Administration by
societies aud individuals throughout the Un-
ion. Respectfully submitted,
JAMES G.. BLAINE"
AS stated in the conclusion of the report, It
Is accompanied by number OF voluminous
documents, the greater part beng appeals to
the Government to protect Boyton on the
ground that he is an American citizen.