Speech #500127862

Mr. Speaker. before that vote is taken I wish to say that the committee investigating the subject of immigration obtained some evidence to the effect that vessels have been registered and engaged in the coastwise trade under the command of alien captains. which is not in accordance with law. that evidence is now being published. It shows several cases of vessels registered and commanded by aliens through fraud perpetrated upon the collectors and customhouse officers. f do not know from the evidence obtained by that committee. nor have I heard it before alleged. that there is a registry of any vessel at any of the customhouses contrary to the law with the knowledge or connivance of the customhouse officials. In a case in Boston there was proof in more cases than one perhaps. certainly in one. wherein they took a cook who was an American citizen. and obtained clearance papers in his name as commander. and before the vessel was out of sight of the customlouse the de facto captain. who was an Englishman and an alien. took possession and command. and sent the cook to the galley. There was also evidence taken by the committee where by fraud practiced upon the naturalization laws through certain persons papers were obtained for aliens in some cases in a few hours. or in a day after they had arrived in New York. They came there for the purpose of obtaining command of some coastwise vessels. and for consideration paid have obtained what purported to be naturalization papers. issued out of Judge Moores court. of Brooklyn. but the collector. when he was sworn and examined by the committee subsequently.testified that when this allegation was brought to his knowledge he sent a trusted officer to examine the records of that court. and that no such case was found on record. although the man in each case who had command of the vessel had papers showing he was a naturalized citizen. So there was no evidence taken bv that committee which shows clearance has been given to any vessel contrary to law so far." the collector is concerned. When the commander was of foreign birth he had papers of his having been naturalized. There is no evidence. however. of frauds having been perpetrated in that way wherein the customs officers are at fault..