Speech #430048376

The argument on which that objection was based was that it is unworthy of an American citizen to have to tell anybody that he is one . that he ought to carry that imperial presence that will not only "give the world assurance of a man." but will make people see at once all the world over that a man of lofty port is an American citizen. so that nobody can innocently doubt it. But I do not see why the argument is not just as applicable at home as abroad. and why it is not as good an objection against taking the census as it is against passing this bill. or as good an objection against making a registry of voters at the polls. or for the piposes of assessmout and taxation. whicl of conse all honest and honorable citizeus wish to have their full share of and would hate to avoid any portion of. by reason of any mistake or misapprehension as to their citizenship or identity. My friend. however. went on to object to this provision which requires registration. and in regard to the naturalized citizen of the United States becoming domiciled in tse country of his or her nativily unless when otherwise regulated by treaty. Hie said very truly that we had treaties in which it was provided that the return of a naturalized citizen to the country of his birth shosuld not divest him of his privileges in this cosuntry as a citizenshould not divest him of his American citizenship. There is nothing in this bill to conflict with that. But my friend did not tell the House that we already have treaties with six powers. and those the most important. as affected by this question. by which it is provided tHit his returning and becoming domiciled there. without intent to return to this country. shall work a restitution of his original citizenship.