The San Francisco call., 1896-02-16

not extend to the land upon which the crops
are grown or TO the buildings in which they
are stored, or TO the private residence Of the
grower?
Mr.. Yorke says that "church property in
California has been always taxed, and there
fore there is no need for that plank in the A,
7. A. platform" Is Mr.. Yorke ignorant that
there are other States besides California in the
Union? Or upon what does he base his asser-
ton that there is no need for this plank in
what is the National platform OF the A. P. A,
formulated as have heretofore explained, by
the Supreme Council of the United States?
Mr.. Yorke also declares that he knows that
certain people who advocate eXempting church
property from taxation "pay more taxes than
the whole A. P. A. put together" Inasmuch
as Father 4orke ostensibly objects to the A. P.
A. upon the ground of its secrecy, it is passing
strange how intimately he is acquainted Ito
hear him talk) with the Individuals who COM
pose its membership and with their private
affairs. His all-containfng knowledge of the
affairs of the tax collectors and the assessors
Offices of every county of every State in the
Union so nearly approaches the infinite as TO
be appalling. He declares he can prove all his
statements. VIII he kindly, for the edifcation
OF the public, prove this one concerning the
comparative amount of taxes paid by Meth
oaist Bishops and preachers and by members
As q matter OF fact, this principle goes far TO
explain the animus of the Catholic hostility to
the A. P. a. The church's pocket-book is
touched, and her champions rage accordingly.
1t is matter of finance-a question of dollars
and cents and not of religion.
QUESTION II.
'Does Mr.. Yorke favor the enlistment in the mill,
tary arm of the Government OF any one not act
ually citizen OF the United States?"
YoRKE's ANswER-Any man who is willing to
offer his life in the defense of our Government and
who swears allegiance to the flag, is fit to be an
American soldier. In the War of the Revolution
and OF the Rebellion, men who were not citizens
earned their citizenship at the price of their blood
CTlrade.)
Father Yorke, you beg the question. ask
you ii you favor the enlistment of non-citi-
zens in the United States army and navy, and
you say that certain men are fit for American
soldiers. viii you answer my question? And
in future In this discussion please keep just a
trifle nearer the point at issue and not go wan
dering away to the times of the American
revolution, when this country had not yet per-
feeted its permanent form of government nor
enacted its naturalization laws.
QUESTION Is.
"Does Mr.. Yorl<e object to requiring some
proof of the ability and honest intention to be
come sef-supporting American citizens from all
immigrants?''
YoRKE's REPLy-I think such proof is neces-
sary 10 protect ourselves against pauper immigra-
Iion. Besides (rirade)
If Father Yorke thinks such proof is neces
sary he can scarcely condemn those who advo.
vate its requirement.. Therefore, he approves
this principle of the A. p. A.
QUESTION l9.
"Would Mr.. Yorke object to the repeal Of the ACT
authorizing the naturalization OF minors without q
previous declaration OF intenton and is he hostile
W q PIOSlSiOu Dy law tnat persons 10 be natural
lied must speak the language of the land and must
prove seven years continuous residence in this
country from the date of the declaration of inen.
tion?"
YoRKE's ANSwER-I am of the opinion that
minors who have been raised and educated in
America are just as competent to become citizens
as the Canadian or scandinavian VINO has been
here Tor seven. consider it good thing that all
candidates for citizenship should know English,
but Iwould- Grirade}.
The supple activity with which Father
Iorke lodges about a question or passes over
II, touching only the high spots, is amusing.
l ask him II he has any objection to requiring
a declaration of intention from minors pre-
y1ous to their naturalization, and If he objects
10 raising the required time of previous resi-
dence TO seven years. He remarks that he
thinks that minors raised in this country are
lust as competent to become citizens as
members OF certain nationalities '.who have
been here for seven years" But that is no
reply to the question, and here again he has
lodged an issue.
QUESTION 20.
"Does Mr.. Yorke object to protest against the
iaxity with which present naturalization laws
are administered"
YoRKE's ANswER-Like the purifcatfon Of poi-
tics, this is a matter which depends much on the
Judge who administers the law. No law should be
administered with laxity. But when (Tirade
against the A. p. Al
How plainly Father Yorke ehas not, ad.
ministered my question: l asked If he per
sonally "objects to protest against laxity.
ETC." In return he quotes sonorous gener-
ality, mo law should be administered with
laxity." Score one more dodge for the priest,