New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-20
NATURALIZATION FRAUDS
To Prevent Countefeiting of Ger
tlfcates-Change of La7cs Urged.

TSNNIIo NHAHS6 " AnICS CISCu'
To the Editor of The Tribune
SIT; The President In his recent Message called
'le artention OF Congress TO the recently discov-
eieu frauds tn the manufacture. issue and sale Of
counterfeit and altered naturalization certificates
These frauds have become so bold and extensive
as 10 render an immediate change in the law as
Imperative
me President concluded his remarks and recon-
words:
9oTs City dealt with this SUBJECT and made
forcfbiT which states the situation briefly and
49, 'ls presentment is included as al appendix to
80 'ePoFt OF the Attorney General.
me federal grand jury referred to, Of which
n9 1Huerssned was member. brought true bills
- I'ld4cInnent against a number Of parties en-
t" N this shameful business which. II al
49, 70 continue, might well become & menace TO
10 a9Iety Of the commonwealth.
DeeF4y impressed by these disclosures and also
win the necessity for the prompt adoption of
Measures 10 render their continuance impossible
was impeled to prepare and submit for the
oohS'uefation Of the grand jury preaTnbIes and
'iois which with the amendment that they
'N0IilIIteo by a committee to MEN,
0VIS OF Congress from New York City, were unaui-
HI0us4y adopted without debate. They form the
PteSehtnent alluded to by the President in his
A1essage' inclose a copy, and think that their
puOAcaton at this time will be serviceabIe in
bringing this vital matter directly before the pub
ne "hlch Is probably generally ignorant even of
'4Ie existence Of thess frauds. to say nothing Of
lhelr character and extent
IN this connection is It not pertinent 10 ask
ourselves as American citizens. whether a change
20 4tgLiIouellng OF the laws OF this land in regard
10 ne naturalization OF Aliens suit present
e15naIiuops would not be timely? May it not
SLo ~ De absolutely necessary for the safety and
welfare OF the republic and its institutions?
~ Mlla q small and homogeneous population and
tne gil OF citizenship after short residence might
longer potent and with the character of the emf
saG4on changed from the good standard Of the
grants came from Great Britain and Northern
hoTdes from Southern Europe, is it not Incumbent
upon US 10 stop and think-to call halt and. at
wise the terms Of admission to the rights and
pT5yieges Of american citizenship?
raise my voice and loudly demand a change in
would respectfully urge that as the law must
De changed 10 meet the fraudulent issue OF nata-
to formulate public sentiment to change the law
as TO the conditions Of citizenship to aliens. Let
but most certainly at the very least Ienethen the
time Of residence before giving them the franchise
An educated American waits twenty-one years
TO vote; an ignorant foreigner Of Of agel five
perience good policy? With TIE hope that the
attention Of all who are interested in the welfare
Of our country and the preservation OF its instiu,
tons may be directed 10 this vital subject, and
that It's discussion may lead TO some concerted
S2R on the Pf 6 Of bBS t 69d fme an IS
ripe. make this communication.
New-York. Dec, 8, 1905,
The following is the presentment referred to by
Mr.. Crosby:
Whereas, There have been exhibited 10 this
grand jury numerous examples Of spurious Ger
tineates OF naturalization IN some cases forgerles
others with the original name removed ana a new
Whereas. The present certificate Of naturaIza-
ton issued by the United States government Is
easily be counterfeited and has been in number
Whereas, As all applicants for positions in the
service Of the municipal government OF New \ oTk
Whereas In the case of foreigners a certificate
Of naturalization Is the accepted proof thereoIi
Whereas, The Secret Service agents Of the United
States government have discovered the existence
OF thriving business IN the nlanuIIac1qFFe 7lf q
sale by foreigners or citizens OF foreign birth OF
counterfeit and altered certificates OF natu+alza-
ton. for which great demand was 1ound 10 e6s s
list resulting in the issue and sale OF hundreds or
have secured the arrest and conviction Of the lead
ers in this nefarious business; and . ...,,-o
Whereas. The present certificates OF naturatllza-
ton are so crude, and the method Of their issue
so careless as TO invite irGg ana arefaIs il
Resolved. That II is the sense of this grand jury
tiheates is obsolete, Inadequate and a direct in
viatiOn opportunity Tor dlshohesty, anu liz
emf law are imperative and should at once he
enacted with the following provisions at least as
essential: ---.--
First-Uniformity Of practice in each and every
district or State where the certlhcates are no"
issued. 800. ..1 - o.
Second-That the same or AZ least equal safe-
p7Iards as are now used by the United States gov
srnn1e1t In the issue Of its bonds and currency,
including the highest style Of engraving ana scte
tifcates hy another department than mat or thels
fssne and a1v other precautions that experience
can suggest. should be used ,, - =
Resolved That a copy OF these prearnbles angl
resoutious properly attested by the foreman 9 M
eeo~etarv Of this grand Jury, be presented 10 the
houora bic court and sent 70 the DePaFtmeBt o.
80 ~ The tinted states and that committee or
thres he appointed by the foreman to suoILL me
shove r-earnbles and resolutions 10 oIc or !lOie
$3.50 -,t - - ~ CONGRESS- from New-York City