Speech #600128472

The statement has been made that some of the clerks are refusing to issue the certificates. I have investigated this matter. and I have ascertained that there are only two clerks in the United States that have refused to issue these certificates. The courts in the city of Chicago issue as many naturalization papers as any other courts ia the United States. ail the clerks of the federal and state courts even advertise the fact that applicants can obtain papers in their respective courts. This does not indicate that the fees are not large enough. does it? The fees for this work. which comprises the recording of naturalizations. filling out two blanks like these [exhibiting]. and the final certificate. besides the answering of a few questions in the usual gruff manner. are $5. of which sum the clerks receive onehalf. and the other half of said sum goes to the naturalization fund. The Chief of the Division of Naturalization. in his last annual report. for the fiscal year ending June 30. 190S. on page 22 thereof. says the following: It Is for Congress to determine whether such costs should be borne. In whole or in part. by the persons seeking citizenship or by the Public Treasury. and In some cases by the States. Turning to page 24. under the heading " Financial." the report shows that for the same period. the Income which the Government received from naturalization fees. amounted to $166.635. and that the total expenditures of the Division of Naturalization for said period amounted to $39.728.05. enriching the Treasury of the United States by $126.906.95. These figures surely do not Justify his statement. nor do they indicate that the increase of fees is necessary. and therefore his statement as well as the proposition itself is all the more preposterous. As it is now. these clerks are receiving enormous salaries and fees. and the mere fact that a few of these clerks. in districts where extreme bigotry is exemplified by intense prejudice toward foreigners. refuse to issue certificates of naturalization. in brazen defiance of the law and violating their oath of office. thereby trying to influence this increase of fees mainly for the purpose of enriching themselves. certainly does not warrant the increase which is provided in this bill. The motive for the increase is selfish and is sought to be obtained at the expense of thousands of honest. lawabiding. and industrious people. who have come to this country believing that the principle of democracy-" Equal rights to all and special privileges to none "-is still alive. and that the natural right of freedom and liberty will not be denied to them. These thousands of sincere and libertyloving people. who are the tillers of the soil. the workers in the factories. shops. and mines. who develop the vast natural resources of this country. productive of untold wealth. are a material factor in placing our country in a leading position over all other countries.