The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-06-19
SEATTLE, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10.
rSpreSrTIEs TO AMERICANS.

TgDIGNfTIEs TO AMERICANS.
THE arrest of an American citizen in
Germany and his imprisonment as one
who had shrked military duty in that
country has aroused certain newspapers
20 a frenzied denunciation of the United
States government. We are told that
Americans are not treated with respect by
foreign governments as the subjects OF
Great Britain are. It Is very patriotic to
uphold the right of an American citizen 10
the protection OF the Stars and Stripes,
but il is not necessary for that purpose TO
belittle ourselves.
The truth is that no American citizen
has ever been wantonly insuled ~ the
authorized agents of any other govern
ment. Occasional instances of petty off,
oiousness have caused a temporary an
noyance, but even these instances are ex-
trerne;y rare. Tho announcement that en-
American citizen has been molested is al
ways followed by the explanation that he
Is a foreign-born citizen who has re-
turned to his own country and failed In
ordinary circumspection.
A very notable illustration OF this is
found In The case of John Benieh, an
American cit4zen who was arrested in
Croatia for evasion OF military duty. The
United States minister TO Vienna pro-
tested. and on the strength OF Benich' $
representations. claimed that Bench In
1856. when not quite IL years of age. mi
grated to America, and on reaching ma
turity, I'm 1892. was admitted TO citizen
ship. In 1893 he returned 20 Austria, where
he received a passport. A month after
ward he went to Croatia. where he was
held as subject TO military duty. The
Austrian government replied with proofs
that he had been in Austria from Novem-
Der. 1888. 10 February, 1859. and that he
then secured an Austrian passport for
Bosnia and Herzegovina. whore he was
traced until APRIL. 1889. lie had not there
fore resided unintcrruptedly for five years
IN tho United States when he became a
citizen. Il was. therefore. held by the
Austrian government that he had az
CURED naturalization fraudulentiy, as
under the treaty OF 1870. he was stin a
subject of Hungary.
Tho Austrian government admitted tia,
the local authorities had done wrong in
questioning tho validity Of papers issued
by the competent authorities OF another
government. but asked this government "a
have the naturalization certificate can
ceilei. Tho local officials were reprl-
manded. and Bartlett Trip the Amer
can minister. intimated that the matter
would be brought before tho superior
court OF Cook county. Illinois.
During thu year 1899 Edgar w. Mix vas
arrested for taking photographs and su.-
fered damages to the extent. ne said. Of
300 francs. bat wanted tho United Staecs
governments 20 demand III. 900 francs from
the Austrian government our minister
investigated the case. told Mr.. Mix his ar
rest was due 10 his own imprudcnce aud
the matter was dropped. Ca5etan Kari
was arrested for evading military duty
but on producing his certificate OF natural
izatton WAS Eber3ted.
The most important case occurring r.
1894 was that or David Hormann. lie r..
visited austria after acquiring American
citizenship. lie was not called upon to u
military duty. but his evasion ~ It by be
coming an American was considered hN
the Austrian government as bad exampl,
and he was ordered 70 leave the country
his presence being reran3ed as "eontrar,
% public peace and crler." The r-nl.e1
States government recognized the righs q
eNPel HIM snd Minister Trip Justified q
lie wrote - Secretary Gresham that
many pseC3o-Awericar were LOUD N thei
defiance ~ the military power. and or,anIx
and shamelesSly boastcd OF thesr smart
ness IN be.nS able 20 ENJOY all the prsvt
lesos Of a govcrrment without besnr
Obliged 10 share SO burdens Or respoasL
bllstles.
Il have seen" ne says. very much a
these 'Amer.Can' citizens during cha rast
year. Many OF them are IN business he4e
they have no intention - rc,uruine &
America. their citizenship IS q fraua. a
fraud against their adopted as Wen rs
their native country"
American citizenship IS privilege whics
ans man should prize. bat >; should mo- ?,
made a cloak for snlso,l-ef- making. sra
prudence 81 tmpu3enee. Il m.sht Be W
II We could 50 modify our LAWS that nj
only these prctenders Should % shat oat
hut also tae>e sham Americans wbo Ayt
abroad ana forfeit every elalra 10 our p-o-
teeilon ana consideration uutl they sci
into trouble. when they ara exceed uz.,
vocEerous aeout bong ~ American c.tt
ssn and about ugao--4as tae dignity q
the American 2As.