The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-12-07

Just been investigated by a committee of
New York citizens of high standing,
Messrs Arthur V. Briesen. Lee X. Frank
el. Eugene A. Phiibin. Thomas w. Hynes
and Ralph Trautnran Their report deals
with the whole situation at length. and
concludes with certain recommendations
for administrative and legislative action.
II is now receiving the attention OF the
secretary OF commerce and labor.
NATURALIZATION FRAUDS.
The special Investigation OF the subject
OF naturalization under the direction OF
the attorney general. and the consequent
prosecutions reveal a condition OF AFFAIRS
calling for the Immediate attention or
the congress. Forgeries and perjuries
OF shameless and fragrant character have
been perpetrated, not only in the
dense centers OF population, but through
out the country; and It is established be-
yond doubt. that the very many so-called
citizens OF the United States have no
title whatever 10 that right. and are as
serting and enjoying the benefits OF the
same through the grossest frauds. II Is
never 10 be forgotten that citizenship is.
TO quote the words recently used by the
Supreme court OF the United States. an
''inestimable heritage whether II pro-
ceeds from birth within the country or Is
obtained 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 can not be sound and
healthy II many OF its constituent mem
! bers claim their standing through the
prostitution OF the high right and calling
OF citizenship. II should mean something
to become a citizen of the United States (;
and In the process no loop-hole whatever
should be left open to fraud.
The methods by which these frauds
now under full investigation with view
to melting out punishment and providing
adequate remedies-are perpetrated, In
clude many variations OF procedure by
which false certificates OF citizenship are
forged In their entirety: or genuine ceru-
| fcates fraudulently or collusively obtained
in blank are filed I'm by the criminal con-
I spirators; or certificates are obtained on
! fraudulent statements as to the time OF
arrival and residence I'm this country: or
imposition and substitution OF another
party for the real petitioner occur in
court. or certificates are made the sub
! tect of barter and sale and transferred
from the rightful holder 10 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.
It Is not necessary for TO refer here at
large to the causes leading 90 this state
OF affairs The desire for naturalization
is heartily to be commended where 1t
springs from a sincere and permanent
intention 10 become citizens. and real
appreciation OF the privilege. But II is
a source Of untold evil and trouble where
IL Is traceable to selfish and dishonest
motives. such as the effort by artificial
and improper means, in whosesae fashion
A. Ia .l1
of corrupt politicians. or the desire to
evade certain labor laws creating dis
ordinations against alien labor. All good
citizens, whether naturalized or native
born, are equally interested in protecting
our citizenship against fraud I'm any form,
and, on the other hand. I'm affordtng every
for naturalization TO- tffoSe who In
good faith desire to share alike our priv
ileges and our responsibilities.
The Federal grand Jury lately In session
In New York city dealt with this sub
ject and made presentment which states
the situation briefly and forcibly and con-
tains important suggestions for the con-
sideration of the congress. The present.
ment is included as an appendix to the re-
port OF the attorney-general.
RECOMMENDS SPECIAL APPRoPRIA-
T1ON.
In my last annual message, I'm connec-
tion with the subject OF the due regula-
tion of combinations Of capital which are
or may become Injurious to the public.
I recommend. "A special appropriation for
the better enforcement of the antitrust
law as IL now stands, to be expended
under the direction of the attorney gen.
eral Accordingly Cby the legislative, ex-
ecutive, and judicial appropriation act OF
Feb. %. 1903. 81 Stat, S54. 300, the congress
appropriated, for the purpose OF enforc-
/ 49,
state-commerce laws the sum OF five hum
dred thousand dollars. to be expended
under the direction of the attorney-gen-
eral i'm the employment OF special counsel
and agents i'm the department OF justice
20 conduct proceedings and prosecutions
| under said laws in the courts OF the
! United States.
/ now recommend, HS nHtter on tne
utmost Importance and urgency, the ex-
| tension OF the purposes OF this appropria-
| tion, so that IL may be available, under
the direction OF the attorney general and
until used. for the due enforcement OF
| the laws OF the United States I'm general
| and especially OF the civil and criminal
laws relating 10 public lands and the laws
| relating to postal crimes and offences and
| the subject OF naturalization. Recent in
vestigations lmve shown a deplorable
state OF affairs in these three matters OF
|
PUBLIC LAND FRAUDS.
By various frauds and by forgeries and
! periuries thousands OF acres Of the public
domain. embracing lands OF different char
actar and extending through various sec
tions OF the country, have been dishonest
! ~ acquired. IL Is hardly necessary 60
urge the Importance OF recovering these
/ dishonest acquisitions, stolen from the
people. and Of promptly and duly punsh-
| ing the offenders. l speak in another part
OF this message OF the Widespread crimes
/ by which the sacred right of citizenship
| ls falsely asserted and that 'inestimable
! heritage" perverted TO base ends. BY
| similar nreans-that Is. through frauds.
/ forgeries, and perjuries. and by shame
/ less brberies-the laws relating TO the
proper conduct Of the public service in
/ general and to the due administration Of
the postoffice department have been no.
toriously violated. and many indictment,
| have been found. and the consequent pros
ecutions are I'm course OF hearing or on
/ the eve thereof For the rea sons thus In