The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1903-12-10
ing the attention OF the secretary
commerce and IabOr.
Naturalization rauda.

The special Investigation OF the subject
OF naturalization under the direction OF
the attorney general. and the consequent
prosecutions. reveal condition OF al
fairs calling for the Immediate attention
OF congress. Forgeries and perJurleS OF
shameless and fragrant character have
been perpetrated, not only in the dense
centers Of popula ton, but throughout the
country; and IT Is established beyond
doubt that very many so-called citizens
of the United States have no title what
ever to that right. and are asserting and
enjoying the benefits OF the same through
the grossest frauds. 1t Is never to be
forgotten that citizenship is, TO quote the
words recently used by the supreme
Unable heritage" whether 1t proceeds
from birth within the country, or Is OBJ
tained by naturalization: and we poison
the sources of our national character and
strength at the fountain, II the privilege
is claimed and exercised without right.
and by means of fraud and corruption.
The body polite cannot be sound and
healthy II many of It's constituent mem
bers claim their standing through the
prostitution of the high right and calling
Of citizenship. 1t should mean something
10 become citizen Of the United States,
and In the process no loophole whatever
should be left open to fraud.
The methods by which these frauds-now
under fun investigation with view to
melting out punishment and providing ade-
quate remed!es-are perpetrated include
many variations Of procedure by which
false certificates of citizenship are forged
in their entirety; or genuine certificates
iraudulenty or collusiveiy obtained in
blank are filled in by the criminal con
spirators, or certificates are obtained on
fraudulent statements as to the time OF
arrival and residence In this country, or
imposition and substitution of another
party for the real petitioner occur in court;
or certificates are made the subject Of bar
ter and sale and transferred from the
rlghtfui holder to those not entitled to
them; or certificates are forged by erasure
Of the original names and the insertion OF
the names OF other persons not entitled to
the same.
1t is not necessary for me to refer here
at large TO the causes leading to this state
Of affairs The desire for naturalization Is
heartily to be commended where 1t springs
from a sincere and permanent intention TO
become citizens, and "A real appreciation
Of the privilege, But 1t is a source Of un-
told evil and trouble where 1t is traceable
to selfish and dishonest motives, such as
the effort by artificial and improper means
In Wholesale fashion to create voters VINO
are ready made tools OF corrupt politicians,
or the desire to evade certain labor Jaws
creating Determinations against alien la
Dor All good citizens, whether natural
lied or native born, are equally interested
In protecting our citizenship against fraud
in any FORM and on the other hand, III
to those who In good faith desire to share
alike our privileges and our responsible
tiles.
The federal grand jury lately in session
In New York city dealt with this subject
and made "A presentment which states the
situation briefly and forcibly and contains
important suggestions for the Considera-
ton OF the congress This presentment is
included as an appendix to the report OF the
attorney general