The Roswell daily record. [volume] (Roswell, N.M.) 1903-current, 1905-12-05

II OiL&Oz n. WOQAQ uOI HlSSI ANY Oh the
4 nee. : of the present day. and indeed
would probably by this time have an.
into complete oblivion. 1t is Useful
at home, and is meeting with recogni-
ton abroad because we have ada<soI
our application of it to meet the grow
ing and changing needs of the Hemis
phere. When we a policy,
such as the Monroe Doctrine, we
thereby commit ourselves to the con
sequences of the policy, and those
consequences from time to time alter.
1t is out of the question to claim a
right and yet shirk the responsibility
for its exercise. Not only we, but all
American Republics who are benefit
ed by the existence of the. Doctrine,
must recognize the obligations each
nation is under as regards foreign
peoples no less than its duty to insist
upon its own rights.
That our rights and interests are
EGeeply concerned in the maintenance
of the Doctrine is so clear as hardly
to need argument. This is especial
ly true in view of the construction of
the Panama Canal. AS a mere mat
ter of self-defense we must exercise
a close watch I'VE the approaches to
this canal; and this means that we
must be thoroughly alive to III inter
ests in the Caribbean Sea.
NATURALIZATION Laws.
During the past year evidence has
accumulated to confirm the express
sions contained in my last two an
nua messages as to the Importance
Of revising by appropriate legislation
our system of naturaliZing aliens. |
appointed last March a commission
to make a careful examination of
our naturalization laws, and to sug
gest appropriate measures to avoid
tho -nfnri0I1C hrrcn1 r~ncTJ1fip~ from
the improvident or unlawful grant
ing of citizenship. This commission.
composed of an officer of the De-
partmeat of State, of the Department
of Justice, and of the Department of
Commerce and Labor, has discharg-
ed the duty imposed upon it, and
has submitted a report, which will
be transmitted to the Congress for
its consideration, and I hope, for its
favorable action.
Criminal Laws.
In my last Message 1 asked the at
tention of Congress to the urgent
reed of action to make u criminal
law more effective; and l most earn
estly request that you pay heed to
the report of the Acknowledgement
on this subject. Centuries ago it was
especially needful to throw every
safeguard round the accused. The
1AS0A IN "a NO. ~ 4OoAA ~ |
wronged by the state. The danger is
now exactly the reverse. Our laws
and customs tell immensely in favor
of the criminal and against the in
terests of the public he has ~wronged.
Some Anticipated and worn-out rules
which once s~afeguarded the threaten
ed rights of private citizens, now
merely work harm to the general
body polite. The criminal law of the
United States stands in urgent need
of revision. The criminal process of
any court of the United States should
run throughout the entire territorial
extent of our country. The delays
of the criminal laws. no less than of
the civil, now amount to a very great
evil.
Breaches of Trust in Public Service.
There seems to be no statute of
the United States which provides for
the punishment of a United States
attorney or other officer of b Gov
eminent who c~orruptly agrees to
~wrongfully do or wrongfufly refrain
from doing any act when the consid-
Grafton for such corrupt agreement
is other than one possessing money
value. This ought to be remedied by
appropriate legislation. Legislation
should also be nacted to cover, eX-
plicitly, unequivocally and beyond
question, breach of trust in he shape
pr~ematurely divulging official Sc
cretS by an officer or employee of
the United States. and to provide a
penalty therefor. Such Off
Ger or employee owes he duty to
the United States to guard carefully
and not to divu1ge or in any manner
use. p~rematurely, information which
is accessible to the officer or en-
nloyee by reason of his official posi-
ton. Most breaches of public trust
are already covered by the law, asd
this one should be 1t is impossible
no matter how much care is used,
to prevent the occasional appoint
ment to the public service Of = man
when tempted o. unfaith-
full: but every means should be pro-
vided to detect and every effort made
70 punish the wrongdoer. So far as
in my power lies c and every
such wrongdoer shallll be relentless
ly hunted down; in no instance in
the past has he been spared; in no
in the future shall he be
spared. His crime is a crime against
every honest man in the Nation, for
it is a crime against the whole body
politic. Yet in dwelling on such mis-
deeds, it is unjust mo- to d that
they are altogether exceptional, and
on h hole the employees of
Government render upright and
faithful service to the people.
Public-land Laws.
Once again / call your attention to
the condition of the public-land laws.
developments have given new
urgency to the need for such changes
as will fit these laws to actual pres
conditions. The honest disposal
and right use of the remaining pub
tic lands is of fundamental impor
The Ubiquitous methods by
rubiah- thn -nnAnOlizin0 of the nuh-I.