Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-05-06

maintain foreign sentiment This, as
Justice Strong says, sis illustrated in the
conduct of some Irish immigrants, who
have exhibited readiness to violate our
versy with England for the sake of their
native land, and this though they are our
naturalized citizens Naturalization does
not necessarily change the affections or
expel an old love-"
1t will be remembered that this journal
has frequently taken occasion to enter lis
protest against the spirit OF "clan," and
the preservation among naturalized citi-
zens of distinctive political affiliations
foreign to our system, and also of the dis
position to vote together, and act together
because of original nationality. To the
citizen thoroughly imbued with the
American spirit, nothing is more offensive
than the propositions in political contests,
| to do this, that, or the other thing to Con
ciliate" or "catch the German vote"
or "Irish vote" The genesis of such
schemes is in the spirit OF the naturalized
| foreigners Of given nationalities to "pull
together" rs foreigners, rather than as
American citizens. 1t may well be con-
sidered whether increasing the difficulties
| of naturalization, and extending the pro-
stationary period, will not tend to break
down the evil complained OF, and which no
broadly intelligent foreigner we have ever
met has excused or defended. A govern
ment is what its citizens make it, For the
government of the United States of Amer
lea, therefore, we need the highest develop
ment Of the American spirit, and the mini
mum of foreign feeling and attachment
Returning to Justice Strong's essay we
find him declaring that there is no ma
tionaI need any longer for hasty naturali-
cation. We must measure the greatness
of our nation, the benefcent working of
It's institutions and the well-being of its
people by intelligence, conscientiousness
I
and obedience to law and no longer by our
numbers. To prolong the foreigners pro-
baton will in no wise prevent his incom-
ing or limit his opportunities to improve
his condition. The oppressed will be by it
in no wise hindered from seeking our house
of refuge, or limited in the possibilities of
civil and religious liberty. 1t will take
from them no right, because suffrage is not
right. 1t is so popularity spoken of, but
error. In no less than fourteen States,
however, the alien is allowed to vote for
State officers after declaration of intention.
The schools are open to the alien as to the
citizen, and so, too, are the Courts. Many
of our most intelligent citizens became
citizens after but five years residence, but
these exceptions prove nothing against the
claim for extended probation
The Judge insists that the residence
necessary TO citizenship should not be
rowing, but such as to prepare the candi-
date. The family should be here, or at
least the settled home, or preparation for
it. The proceedings on admission should
not be ex parte, as now. They are mostly
had in large cities where foreigners mainly
congregate, and generally just prior to an
election. There is then all the more reason
for cross-examination and the opportunity
to introduce counter testimony; in short,
the Government should be represented as
in other cases-a reasonable suggestion
certainly. Hurried proceedings invite
fraud, and at best are likely to be merely
formal and not conducive to the public well
fare. There should elapse period, as in
California, between naturalization and the
exercise of the elective franchise. In Mas
sachusetts it is extended two years. There
should be some means of revoking a ma
EQUALIZATION fraudulently obtained, and
this President Grant frequently called to
the attention of Congress. This is due to
the honest naturalized citizen that his Ger
titicate may be the better guarded against
invalidity. There are other evils of our
loose system, but enough have been cited
to emphasize the necessity of reform of the
naturalization laws generally.