The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-04-02
CoNCERNING AMERICAN CITIZEN
SHIP.

prehension and ill-will.
CONCERNING AMERICAN CITIZEN
SHIP.
Dispatches referring to the war news
from Italy report some very signif-
cant utterances by prominent Italians Of
Chicago. Durantc. the editor of T. Italia,
for instance, while discrediting the prob
ability Of war. is quoted as saying: "As
to what the Italian citizens would do in
case of war, can not say. l would not
be willing to take up arms against my
native country, nor would / fight against
my adopted one"
The closing words indicate that Mr.. Du-
rante is naturalized citizen, and justify
conclusion that the words italian citi-
zens," previously used, referred not to cit
liens of italy but to citizens of the United
States of italian birth or extraction His
vocation would imply that Mr.. Durante is
q man of some education, some knowledge
of affairs, and with probable apprecia-
ton of the meaning of language and the
obligations of an oath.
He should, if he does not, remember
that American citizenship was not forced
upon him or those other OF his compatriots
to whom he refers. They sought it, and
went through several solemn formalities
to obtain it. Among other things, of
their own voluntary motion, but as an es-
sentiaI to the end they sought, they took
IN oath. By that oath they solemnly re-
nounced allegiance to every foreign poten-
tate or power, but especially to the sover-
eign of Italy, and pledged devotion and
true allegiance to the constitution and
laws of the United States.
The taking of this oath, and their yolun-
tary, eager compliance with certain other
requirements, endowed them with Ameri-
can citizenship, with all of its rights, priv
ileges and immunities to the fullest extent
that these are enjoyed by native-born citi-
zens, with the one sole exception of eligi-
bility to the presidency of the United
States. With this exception the highest
positions in the army, the navy, on the
bench, in the executive offices and in the
making of our laws are open to them the
same as to native citizens.
Can there be any doubt about the clear
implication of all this? Is it comprehen-
sible that men have been made eligible to
high command in our army or navy, and
to make. execute or judicially interpret
our laws, about whose obligation to defend
the country in case of war-no matter
against what enemy-and to abide by its
laws and its authority, there can be any
doubt? Editor Durantess remarks indi-
cate that there is this uncertainty in his
mind. In direct condict with his oath,
which more specifically renounced ale
glance to Italy than to any other country,
be claims the right to make reservation
III her favor.
The reported remarks of DR.. Volini, pre-
s,imably also an educated and well-in-
formed man, are confirmatory of this posi-
ton. The Doctor thinks that "in case Of
war most of the Italians in the United
States would return to Italy," He, too,
and those for whom he assumes to speak,
evidently misapprehend the obligation Of
their oath. They, too, evidently think
that they renounced allegiance to all other
country in particular.
1t is not believed that these men voice
| the sentiments Of all American citizens of
Italian origin. 1t is believed that many
of these are to the fullest extent, and with
out reservation, true to every obligation of
their citizenship, whether expressed or
implied. But it would be distinct gain,
without the slightest offsetting loss, if all
| who entertain the feelings or doubts ex-
| pressed by Editor Durante and Doctor
| Volini would take the course indicated by
| the latter, and return to Italy. If they
love that country better than this, there
| they should have remained, there they
properly belong and thithcr they should
return. If they entertain that sentiment
of greater love for and superior allegiance
tn their native land, to the extent that
| this is true and would interfere with the
falhllment of their obligations as Amer
lean citizens, their naturalization was q
| fraud upon this country.
1t must not be supposed that the incor.
roration into our naturalization laws OF
the especial remuneration" clause was
accidental or . mere matter of form. II
was wisely conceived, and is the prime
essential Of the contract. The balance
except sworn devotion to the principles o.
our constitutions to n large extent
surplusage. Ii is little more than for
mality that an Italian seeking naturaliza
ton shall renounco allegiance to England
france, Germany. Russia or other foreign
countries than that from which he came
and to which he has held allegiance.
1t is well to know that We are all Amer
leans, entitled to the same rights anC
bound by the same obligations, with nj
reservations in one case that do not appl,
| 10 all others. or we had better proceed Il
find out just where the line is to bt
drawn. II naturalization confers full
rights and only exacts limited obligations
it is time and may be vitality important Il
| understand just where those limits ar,
fixed. 1t might be disastrous to be dc
pending upon citizens whose services IL
case of war or other dire emergency woule
depend upon their regard for or fcrme,
relations TO our enemy.
|
THE WATER DEPARTMENT.