New-York tribune., 1905-05-07

SCENES IN THE NATURALIZATION OFFICE IN THE
go Federal BUILDING

To be thoroughly convinced of the fact that
nearly ALL if not all, roads lead to America, one
needs only to sit in the office of the naturaliza-
ton clerk in the Federal Building for an hour
so, any week day of the year. and watch
the newly landed aliens make their first applica-
tons for citizenship papers. They come there
IN naked droves at the rate Of from twenty to
one hundred and fifty day. The actual daily
average Of the office for year is slightly above
fifty.
1t often happens that particular events
happening either in the United States or in a
foreign country will make a marked difference
IN the number of applicants of a certain race or
\ nationality. For example. Immediately upon the
death of Queen Victoria hundreds of English
men who had been in this country for several
years set out to obtain their citizenship papers.
In almost every case the reason given for not
applying before was that they had never had
the heart to renounce their good Queen" After
President Roosevelt's visit to Little Hungary
the number of Hungarian applicants nearly
doubled. The Russo-Japanese war has driven
thousands of intelligent and ambitious Russians
to seek the land of freedom. During the celebra-
ton Of the Passover recently foreign born Jews
made up the largest proportion of applicants.
The scenes enacted in the office of Clerk
Donovan are always interesting, and often very
amusing.
m. Fiddler" said a typical young Russian
one day, as he was asked his name by the clerk.
1t developed later that Mr.. Fiddler Fiddler
by name and fiddler by trade, and that he had
taken advantage of his calling to make good his
escape from Russia
One interesting character was a bronze-faced
sailor who entered one day and said:
Il say sir, is this were yer baycome er
Yankai?"
II presume you want your intention papers,"
said the Clerk.
"Ay. ay, sor," replied the sailor, and then con-
tinued; You say it's this "a way; I'm just left
'ome a whaler. and as 1 see N'York sez I
to meself. sez 1, shver me timbers, for 'eres
blarsted foine country and ere I make me 'ome!"
Upon receiving his papers he turned to the
clerk and whispered q most cordial invitation
to come out and have some grog."
The routine of business suddenly dis
turbed morning when a broad shouldered
Irishman entered the Office ana announced that
he had just left the Dublin police force and
come only fortniJ to join the force in Amer
lea" He politely informed that citizen
ship was an important asset in securing an ap-
pointment as a police officer, to which the ap-
plicant replied:
me bizziness?" And Immediately left the office
asking his way to Police Headquarters.
Some Italians seem to think that upon arriy-
ing here it is necessary to Americanize their
names.
Mike Maloneyr' shouted a healthy looking
son of Italy as he approached the clerk.
Where were you born >" was asked.
Italia" answered Mike.
But you have Irish name.' insisted the
! clerk.
mo, me no Irisha Me Italia man! In Italia
me Michele Deamalogni! In America, me Mike
Maloneyw
Michele Delamalogni received his first papers
A most amusing scene, and one that happens
often, enacted morning when old
Hungarian entered. Speaking little English, he
was told that he would have to get one OF his
cOuntrymen 10 interpret for him. Turning slow
L. from the Office, he unceremoniously took
hold OF the next man on the line, marched trI-
umphantly back and stood in front of the clerk
The latter. addressing the newcomer. said:
DO you know this man."
Sure" was the reply.
And you are prepared TO interpret for him."
Sure" the reply again.
Very well. Ask him his name, residence and
occupation" said the clerk
"Aska da name n ia res" said the would be
interpreter, turning to the applicant and trying
hard TO initiate the inquisitOr
Yah. YAH" said the Hungarian, and immedi-
ately launched forth into a volley OF Yiddsh.
which was met by an equally good supply OF