New-York tribune., 1901-02-11
NEW PASSPORT PRACTICE.
MEASURES TAKEN To PROTECT NATU.
RALLIED AMERICANS RETURNING To
THE LAND OF THEIR BIRTH.
Inr TELEGRAPH TO THE TRrBrSEI

tBV TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBuSEl
Washington. Feb. lO.-The State Department has
Just adopted a new policy in issuing passports 70
American citizens of foreign birth which is de-
signed 20 prevent OF the arrests OF those who
hereafter return to the country OF their origin
Heretofore it has been the practice 20 grant pass
ports TO all Americans who proved their citizenship
ana allow them 10 go wherever they chose with
out any warning 20 the risks they might run
hut according 10 the official explanation of the IN
noVation, IL has been found that many people OF
foregn birth suppose that the mere acquisition of
american citizenship and the security of an Amer-
can passport render them immune from the on
Grafton Of the laws or regulations of the country
of which they formerly subjects or citizens II
they return. Such however. is very far from
nelhs the case In all countries a person who Sc
cures naturalization IN another country is still
liable 20 punishment on his return for offence
committed before his emigration and in some
countries emigration and naturalization without
permission are themselves offences. The Depart
inent has taken a simple way OF preventing Ameri-
cans from unwittingly running into danger by pre-
pairing series OF notices which II now sends with
all passports 10 applicants foreign birth. II is
brief and tells him in words that any can COM
prehend just what the laws and regulations that
may affect him As the notices relate TO the
policy or foreign countries. they official,
but they believed to be correct and have been
compiled with great care in the Department after
consultation with American Ministers abroad.
In announcing this important change in its
parture is intended from the attitude dissent OF
this Government from the policy of certain for
eign countries in their treatment of their former
subjects or citizens, and the Department. has from
abundance of caution. 20 instructed American dplo-
matte agents abroad The new plan is almost
Identical with that OF England and those chiefly
affected by II natives of Germany Russia
France. Austria and Turkey. although all foreign
born American citizens more or less Interested
except former British subjects outside of native
ports cannot he issued. As indicating the scope of
the policy. the following extracts are made from
the notice 10 American citizens formerly subjects
OF Germany who contemplate returning 20 that
country
German who emisrates before he is seven
teen years old. before he has been actually
ealled upon 10 appear before the military authori-
TIES, may after residence in the United states OF
tve years ana after due naturalization return 70
sg Esrnlshg on a visit. but his right in his
he expelled after brief sojourn. on the ground
vice II IS not safe for person Who has once
Leen expelled 10 return Germany without OBJ
who has completed his military service and has
Ieached his thirty-hrst year and become an Ameri-
- The treaties between the United states and the
Is man eoo SIaIes provide that German subjects who
Recognized as such upon their return TO Germany
But naturalized American of German 'G big,b
liable 10 trial and punishment upon return 70 Ger
many for an offence against German law commit
ted before emigration, saving always the nita-
lions or the laws of Germany. II he ad
after he vas enrolled recruit in the standing
army. II he emigrated while in service or while
on leave Of absence for limited time: r. having
an unlimited leave or being in the reserve he emf
grated after receiving call into service after
a public proclamation requiring his appearance or
after war broke OUT, he is liable trial and punish
ment return.
Alsace-Lorraine having become part Of Ger
many since naturalization treaties with the
other German States were negotiated, American
citizens, natives Of that province under existing
( circumstances may be subjected TO Inconvenience
I and possible detention by the German authorities
( II they return without having sought and obtained
permission 10 do so from the Imperial Governor at
Strasburg.
The authorities Of WJrtemberg require that the
evidence OF the American citizenship of a former
subject OF Wurtemberg which is furnished by a
passport shall be supplemented by duly authen-
tcated certificate showing FIVE years residence IN
the United States in order that fulhluent OF the
treaty condition Of Eve years residence may ap-
pear separately as a fact Of record.
. The dangers incurred by n former Frenchman
returning 10 France shown by the following
Frenchman naturalized abroad without the
; consent or his Government and who at the time
4 or his naturalization sti subject to military
service In the active army in the Of the
i active army is held o be amenable 20 the French
tice calling him 10 accomplish his military service
he Is placed on the list of those charged with non
compliance with rhe military laws and II he re-
turns 10 France he is liable 10 arrest trial and
upon conviction is turned 10 the army active
reserve or territorial. according his aEe Long
absence from France and old age do not prevent
this action.