The Washington times., 1903-12-07
Attorney General in An
nual Report Shows the
Need of Amendments
to Prevent Gross
Frauds.
VIGOROUS WARFARE
TO BE WAGED AGAINST
ALL POSTAL GRAFTERS

discusses At length the recently discov-
cred frauds I'm connection with the
naturalization of aliens. He says:
The subject Of naturalization has re-
Gently been called to widespread pub
he attention bs, reason of tho scandals
and frauds which have been revealed
al over the country.
The prosecutions which have resulted
In current Investigations have and Will
be vigorously pressed. But I desire TO
emphasize the pressing and grave need
for reforms in the Held OF naturaliza-
ton for amendment and extension OF
the existing laws for more complete
safeguarding OF che admission to citi-
zenship, and for more stringent rene
dies against violations ofs the law. and
therefore bespeaB the earnest con
sideration by Congress OF the subject,
and such prompt actor rs may be
deemed advisable
Every honest citizen is deepiy con-
cerned in repelling and preventing dis
honest claims to that high right.
Would Have Law Enacted.
The Attorney General recommends the
enactment OF law containing the fol-
lowing provisions.
The omission from the statutes as
they noH stand Of the question Of in
tent and guilty knowledge where an Of
fender has in his possession frauda-
lent certificate OF naturalization unlaW-
fully obtained in any manner what
ever. or where q frauo1lent certificate
SO held and obtained is used for any
! purpose whatever.
That the law be amended. 50 as to
/ compel an alien at the time of applying
1 for citizenship to present from the APP
propriate immigration authorities GER
I tiacate showing his age. and the date
/ OF his arrival and containing also his
physical description similar TO that in
I passport
Physical Description.
I The petition and application. al all
certificates should be uniform through
I out the United States, and the final Ger
Z tifcate Of citizenship issued by any
court throughout the country should
( contain physical description IF the
applicant and holder on the back there
( Of for the purpose Of Identification and
/ To avoid substitution.
The certificates should be printed in
/ Washington under Government direc-
! ton containing a water mark similar
/ 10 United States obligations and tho
unlawful possession of or CONTRIBUTING
OF such certificates should be made an
]
/ II should be made crime against the
United States 10 sell or transfer dec
/ Iarations Of intention.
Money for Prosecutions
II is also recommended that the APP
/ preparation Of $4,000 provided by Con-
| gress for expenses connected With the
/ prosecution OF violatOrs Of the anti
trust law be so expended as TO include
prosecutions OF land frauds. postal
! crimes, and naturalization frauds.
I'm respect to these three matters,
SAYS the report "a grave condition of
laffalrs exists. as shown by recent in
vcstigations and developments. Vast
portions OF the public lands have been
dishonesty acquired through frauds.
periuries and forgerics. and by similar
means the laws relating TO the proper
. administration OF tho Postofdce Depart
ment and other branches Of the pub
lie service have been grossly violated.
The attention Of Congress is called
TO the advisa bility OF so amending the
r criminal code so as to extend TO the
Federal Government the right of appeal
In criminal cases. especially when the
! lower court sustains a demurrer to an
5 indictment in order that the Supreme
E Court OF the United States may pass
, upon the question Of law involved
Statute of Limitations.
: The recommendation Isl also made that
! the statue of limitations be amended
{ so as to permit prosecution within
> five years after the date of offense
: instead OF two or three years.
In this connection the report SAYS:
1T seems to me that two or tire
o years. as is ordinarily the case, is not ;
= d
? cipletoterminate certain criminal liabili
ties and condone particular o4enses, es
@ pcciaIIy i'm relation TO offense direetl.
a against the property OF the Governmen
4 or it's administration. as shown by re
. cent revelations respecting postal ara If
: and public lands, and especially wher
T such offenses have been committed b.
s officers or employees of the Government
i i am strongly OF the opinion that tn
q limitations to bar prosecutions in sue
It cases should be az least five years.
/ The fact that such offenders stand j
= a relation of trust to the Government
/ should elicit the highest standards Q
Y patriotism. honor. and honesty. Gov
: eminent officers and employees. by rea
y son OF their positions. are often enable
70 conceal for years course of dishon
s est and criminal dealing in which the
), are participating directly OF mum SCIlS
e All these considerations I say, call 70
d an extension of the period of limita
: ton
e Would Abolish Position.
lie The report also recommends that TN
-, Office. Of Assistant Attorney General 70
J. the Postcfiice Department be abolishe
al and that the law officer for that depart
ment be designated solicitor for n
= Postoffice Department, 10 be appointe
> by the President and to be made an 81
flcer of the Department OF Justice. :
present the Assistant Attorney Gener,
fo. the Postohice Department is appoin
- | ed by the Postmaster General.
- The report then reviews at length Y:
= rious cases decided in the Supreu
Court of the United States inA whiC
: the Government is party
re- The Attorney General urges the n
a cessity of having q new building for n
"a Department Of Justice. At present 4
e. department is divided up as TO qua
AZ ters in seven different buildings, at
+ total annual cost 20 the Government
rental OF 5000.