I have not desired to enter into this discussion or to follow up that which was begun by the gentleman from New York a few days ago but rather to ask the attention of the House for a moment that I might have the privilege of expressing my surprise at the speeches made by gentlemen last week upon this subject. They were not complimentary to our Government or to our traditional history. I do not understand that the Government of the United States has ever been remiss in protecting the rights of American citizens. whether native or naturalized. But the gentlemen from New York seemed to imply by their remarks that some one or more of the departments of this Government had been direliet in its duty toward citizens of the United States. The Committee on Foreign Affairs unanimously reported this resolution asking the Government for all information touching the imprisonment of American citizens in foreign prisons. and. for aught I can discover in the committee and in this House. there is a disposition to protect and defend every American citizen. native or foreign born. earnestly. faithfully. and fully. and according to all the immunities. honors. and privileges conferred by American statesmanship. The gentlemen who addressed the House on this subject last week seemed to imply not only that the Government had neglected its duty in the past. but that somehow just now there is an unwillingness to approach and discharge this duty fully. Some things were said that are not in harmony with our friendly relations with foreign powers.
Keywords matched
naturalized foreign born