Speech #460008839

And why were they so recoganied ? Because. says Mr. Fish. "certificates of naturulizotion. valid on their face. and founded on the decree of a competent court. cannot be questioned except throgl judicial proceedings." And then he goes on to tell the representative of a foreign government. in explanation of the constitutional powers of the various branches of our Government. that "it is not within the province of the politial department of the Government to anticipate what would he the result of a judiciul inqiry." Compiere this lofty declaration which proclaims as sacred and inviolable the decree of a court granted a naturalized citizen unduer circumstances. oxen. which cast the dark shadow of douh t upon his claims to citizenship. with the summary and arbitrary nillication and confiscation of certificates of naturalization. and the wholesale arrest. itprisoncent. and iyrannica treatment of their holders citizens of New York. by an officer of the Government--not upon the judgment of a court against them. hut because this arbitrary officer tbelieved himself asdthorized. uder this very law. to substiate hi opinion as to the legality of tharse papers for the judicial inquiry usually necessary before the validity of the decree of a court can he questioned. If officers of our own Government are permitted to arrogate to themselves. under the provisions of this law. the power to determine how far they may recognize or deny the claims to citizen ship of a naturalized citizen. how can we insist upon a due recognition of these clams by foreign governments. if any of our natoralzed citizens happen to o within their jurisdiotion? flow cn we extend our boasted protection to an American citizen in any part of the world. if we discriminate against any clas of them at home i And how cai we demand that the decsons of American judicial tribunals ho respected at home or abroad. if government officials may set such a dangerous exam1 e of a flagrant violation of their sanctity? iTs attJtsTaCE FELT xc vTal aToM 00 mcI ItossioGr Oe iThE LAW. I can understand and appreciate the motives which prompt the gentlemen who now so gallantly defend this law. but I should like to call their attention to the fact that some of them. then members of the Congress which passed this law. felt conscientious scruples as to its constitutionality justice. and fairness. There was a fooling of isecurity. an apprehension of certain unforeseen and undefined dangers which lurked about this measure. principally on account of the extensive powers vested in minor officers.