The record-union., 1891-07-01
A MODEL CITIZEN.

"A hODEI
Colonel William Forsythe of Fresno
was selected by the late Governor Water
man to be National Commissioner for
California to have in charge on behalf of
the people of America the Worlds Ex-
position. Colonel Forsythe's appoint
ment affords an excellent illustration OF
the manner in which selections are made
when political methods are considered.
Just exactly what qualification the re-
doubtable Colonel had for the position to
which he was chosen is not and perhaps
never will be fully explained. When he
sought still more honorable and lucra-
tive position the question Of his citizen
ship arose. 1t twas asserted with some con-
fdence that he was not citizen of the
United States and therefore not citizen
of California; but on the contrary was a
subject of the British Crown. This he
denied Indignantly, declaring that he had
been naturalized by court in San Fran
cisco. Notwithstanding this assertion of
citizenship on his part, he was naturalized
in the Superior Court of San Francisco
County on last Friday.
This action establishes two things.
First, that Colonel Forsythe did not tell
the truth when he claimed to have been
previously naturalized; and, second, that
his conception of the rights and duties of
American citizenship were held in such
light esteem that he did not choose to as
sumo them until fat office was in sight
Great Britain, and the purchase price
was and honorable office at $4,000 a
year. We presume that many citizens
may be purchased with like honors and
emoluments. Perhaps one-half of the
population of Great Britain would accept
American citizenship on the terms pro-
posed to be accorded to Colonel Forsythe
In this they would resemble the South
Sea Islander who, shortly after his con-
version to Christianity, said: 81 would
like to be an Englishman If there is a
vacancy" Most Englishmen would like
to be American citizens if there are posi-
tions vacant paying $4,000 per year and
having within the purview of their func-
tions the appointment of about thirty-six
persons to first-class positions. 1t is
doubtful whether Colonel Forsythe could
find thirty-six Englishmen in America
to take all the positions within his gift,
should he be confirmed, who like himself
have held their citizenship at such dis
count that they seek naturalization only
when there is fat office in sight
The worst feature connected with this
matter is the time which Colonel For
sythe has held his citizenship in abey-
snce. he is about 60 years of age and
claims to have invaded American terri
tory in his minority. He must, there
fore, have been a resident of America
a period covering about forty years.
during which time he enjoyed all the
protection, privileges and immunities
guaranteed to citizens of this country and
yet remained a subject of the British
Crown. The fact convicts him of at least
constructive contempt for American in
stitutions and citizenship. The man who
can reside in country forty years, COW
ering the entire period of his manhood,
and remain an alien in allegiance is un-
deserving public trust, honor or emolu-
ment. This closes the case against Colo
mel William Forsythe. If any Board of
Control shall confirm his nomination
after this exhibition of contempt for
American institutions and citizenship
we shall rather favor the tactics of the
South and want to play the part of seces-
sion.
Perhaps there are no American citizens
in California d deserving of the honors or
emoluments of the great office which Mr..
Forsythe seeks. Perhaps there is no
horticulturist here who is not an English
man who could be suggested for
the Office. We are disposed to think,
however, that there are Americans,
be selected for this place, and that COM
mon decency or ordinary modesty would
suggest to Colonel Forsythe that he now
withdraw. This is not, however, to be
hoped for. Colonel Forsythe does not
belong to the category of men who are
noted for their modesty in matters of this
kind. he urged Maxwell when he knew
that he had no qualification A modest
man would have been ashamed of his
candidate. Colonel Forsythe is not mod
est. He remains a resident of America
forty years and is appointed to a highly
honorable and very lucrative office.
Finding his character as an alien militat-
ing against his nomination, he rushes in
and becomes a citizen. His naturaliza-