Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-05-19
THE REV. HARRY w. ETTLESoN
On Innjoration

HTMM1GRAT1ON and consequent natu-
ralization are good things for the coun
try, but there must be more inspiration
offered the newcomer if this country is to
get the best results from it, is the opinion
Of the Rev. Harry W. Ettleson rabbi in
charge Of the School of Education Of the
Rodeph Shalom Synagogue
Naturalization said DR.. Ettleson. 'is
a matter of vital importance, more so to
America than to most other countries.
First of oil. this country is one of
diverse origin with n composite population.
Second the democracy of its institutions
and its very life depend upon the actual
character of the men and women in it.
Yet, strange TO say. America has a less
well considered, or clearly defined con-
structive, policy in this regard than many
other countries. Every well informed, in-
telligent citizen during the war sensed this
matter, but there was surety in its treat
ment.
when it became necessary to have
selective service law during the war; how
many were there who had been living here
a long time who had not even taken out
their first papers. and how many who had
been here who had allowed the time for the
taking of their second papers TO lapse!
Not an Alarmist
Personally. ! am not an alarmist and
have never felt that the situation is a ter
ribly critical one and that We are face to
face with a real menace on that account
There is no question, however of the
fact that we haven't been able to capitalize
some assets that could have led to citizen
ship. We have treated the matter in more
or less happy lucky or go as you please
fashion
Il don't think il is either desirable or
necessary to urge that every newcomer into
the country should be pushed to become a
citizen. Some that come to our shores are
frankly not suited to American citizenship.
In fact don't know that all Of them have
even the pOtentiaities of citizenship.
While it may be necessary and desirable
to make those who come here as n whole
become citizens, America must not be con
sidered rs n boarding place, on which the
alien is to sponge, take all the advantages
and give nothing in return.
Some, it is true. just stay here a while
and then so away again, and il is probably
best that certain class do this. They are
probably more useful to the country doing
certain work that is required Of them, and
for time they would be an asset, but not
| a permanent one.
I'VE ourselves are to blame if more of
the foreign born group haven't come to
respect our citizenship. They have learned
| that politicians play part in cfectng
naturalization for some. and that being used
| for corrupt purposes, the proposition fell
| in their esteem.
Seine Countries Strict
| Another unfavorabe point is the facl
| that this country does not back its citizens
up very we'll in the matter of cxpatriation
| Some countries are very strict on that
| point and a naturalized citizen finding his
| allegiance demanded by his former country
| when under its jurisdiction finds little
relief in an appeal to this country. Tn
| happily this point is not n matter Of in
| ternational law.
| but even when the matter of naturali-
| cation is satisfactorily cared for in its legal
| phase a great deal is lost in the way Of
| inspiration and the vision of the future thar
| might be offered the imprCssionable new
conner by the perfunctOry ceremonial by
| which he is often inducted into citizen &.
| ship. Minor officials. who have no par =
| ucular interest in the matter, are often
| iutrusted with this important duty and often
| no effort is made to make it an act of
| conservation and one that will impress the
new citizen with the great privilege and
| responsibility that has been bestowed upon
| him.
! Fortunately the fine work Of the various
| civic societies here makes up in q measure
for the lack Of governmental agencies.
! IF you could just put yourself in the
aliens place when he comes to our shores,
| Won would get better picture of what
mean. Remember he is lonely and without
| friends, without knowledge Of the country
| or it's peoplc. He has heard lot about It
and is capable at this impressionable stage
| of showing intense loyalty to the country
| IL he is only given the proper vision at the
| start This cannot be done in n cold, routine
sort OF way, but must be warm bloOded
| inspiring ceremonial. Remember the Eu
ropean is more or less used to that sort OF
| thing and 1t has a peculiar appeal to him
| that Is not to be oyerestimated.
| "Amorica has much to oSer the alien
She offers freedom Of religion, Of politics