Perth Amboy evening news., 1919-05-24
MAKING AMERICAN CITIZENS

under the direction of Frank W. Henson, industrial secretary OF the
Y.M c. A, well warrants the support of the Board of Trade and every
other organization and individual in the city. This is Americaniza-
ton work that counts. There is no politics mixed up in this service
and the assistance rendered is absolutely free.
In fact, since this work has been started by Mr.. Henson a eondi
ton has been unearthed that amounts to little less than a scandal in
the manner in which foreigners heretofore have been imposed upon
and inimidated by grating ward heelers and inscriptions politi
clans. Mr.. Henson has found that it is easy enough to induce the
foreigner to become an American citizen NEE he is assured of a
square deal. The trouble has been that many foreigners have been
afraid to apply for citizenship papers because of the conditions that
have been imposed by those to whom they have had to look for
advice. =
In the first place, certain leaders among the foreign element have
been accustomed toeharging from FIVE to ten dollars, or as much more
as they thought the applicant could pay, for assisting IN filling out
papers. Then they would charge for services in conducting the would
be citizen to New Brunswick. In addition to this expense the appli
can't has had to pay the expenses of two witnesses to accompany him.
As the county clerks office has been open only during the day, the
applicant also has had to make good the days pay of the two wit
nesses as well as the expenses of the man hired to assist, not to men
ton the loss of the applicants own day pay.
We are all familiar with the SO called political clubs that are or
the naturalization of the foreigners OF course, the one idea of these
political clubs is to make votes for their respective parties. They have
little or no interest in the foreigner himself and he is given to under
stand that in return for the help in making out his papers and fling
the application he is to vote the Republican IT the Democratic ticket,
according to whether it is a Democratic or Republican club that helps
him. And it is declared that even on election day the threat is held
over the newly-made citizen that if he fails to vote the ticket of the
party that helped him become a citizen his citizenship will be re-
voked.
This is far from being Americanization work. There is nothing
that would indicate democracy about this. 1t is party autocracy. 1t
is a condition equaled only by the condition in Russia under the
regime of the ears. That such a condition as this should exist is enough
to make every true American hang his head in shame. Persons guilty
of such fraud and intimidation should be sent to Jail. The trouble is,
the men who carry on this nefariOus practice enjoy the protection of
the politicians for they are doing the dirty work that political bosses
count on to win eletona
With such practices common in all cities in the country wherever
there is a large foreign population Z is no wonder that America has
suddenly awakened to the fact that this nation is not the great melt
Ing pot that tit was supposed to be. Foreigners coming to this country
with the best of intentions and DESTROYS Of becoming American citizens
have found themselves absolutely at the mercy Of these corrupt para
SITES Inc true American has shown a regretable indifference with
the result that the foreigner has either refused to make application for
oitzensh1p or else ne has received an altogether false impression of
the American system Of government and of American institutions.
Ii the war has done nothing else 1t has aroused the mass of Amer
Jean people to the actual conditions that exist among the vast number
OF foreigners here. The result is, Americanization work has been start
ed on an extensive scale and it Is being done not only with the honest
intenuon OF helping the foreigner, but its main object is to save the
republic and preserve the liberties for which forefa,be rs foncht
tor the enjoyment Of our posterity.
Inc f'M' o. A has taken a leading part in this AUGMENTATION
VI everywhere, But It is purely a patriotic move and the
:. N" u "A rs an organization receives no particular benefit from the
work any more than the benefit that is derived bv every other oroani-
Eaton and institution in the country through making GOOD Amer;oon
citizens of our large foreign population. The government is strongly
PACK OF the movement and is giving every assistance.
In Perth Amboy there is an opportunity everv wednesaau
night In the council chamber at City Hall to get helm IN maxine ont
citizenship papers without charge, This is followed nm INV classes
= Instruction absolutely non-partisan where the prospective citizen
" taught the principles Of American government. he lea,ns 10 rood
ana write English and he is assured that once a citizen - nortv
worker can intmidate him into voting any particular ticket nv
threatening to have his citizenship revoked.
The classes are increasing in attendance As the fore;onars
near about 1T and find that it is ION the level' they are telling abont
1t to their friends. In a city like Perth Amboy we cannot inaohno
any more important service than this.
What is needed most of all now Is the hearty - noro+
only OF the Board of Trade and other organizations. but Of the chtv
and county officials. County Clerk Cannon, who is in CHARGE of
the issuing OF papers to applicants for citizenship, has taken a deem
interest in this naturalization work. He had repeatedly pointed ont
tnt one OF the greatest obstacles In the way Of foreigners taking ont
lher papers Is the expense involved. With the high class. Intelligent
work now going on under the direction of Mr. Henson at Civ Hall
and at the public library without expense to anyone, Mr.. Cannon is
no doubt in thorough sympathy.
me expense OF taking a day off with two witnesses to go to
New Brunswick is now the greatest burden and, if we are not mis-
taken, it was Mr.. Cannon himself who suggested having his office
open at night so that the men need not lose a days work. The men
haye been assured that this night session would be held and they are
now anxiously awaiting the opportunity to make the night trip. 1T
was Mayor Dorsey, we believe, who suggested chartering a special
er. to take the men to New Brunswick, thereby relieving them of
Fill more expense. Now is the time to get busy along this line
Where are now more than enough to fill a car awaiting the oppor
ttpnity to go to the county seat. 1t is for Mr.. Cannon to open his
Office and say when.