The question what the petition contains is another matter. There are certain things. as suggested to me by the learned Senator from Mississippi . that would not possibly be entertained by Congress as being a matter which would violate every principle of comity. Certain things might be rejected on that account. Certain petitions. by reason of being disrespectful to this bodyfor instance. for being couched in improper language or casting aspersions on the President of the United States or any of the judiciarywould be rejected. but any petition couched in respectful language. by anyone whatever. not violating the obligation of comity which we owe to other nations. on any subject which affects the right of anyone within the jurisdiction of the Government and subject to its laws and entitled to the rights and subject to the obligation of all persons. whether citizens of the United States or not. would be received. and it is only some exceptional reasonnot by reason of the fact of noncitizenship. but something that affects the particular petition. such as I have indicated in the references I have madewhich would justify hesitation for a moment on the question of its reception when properly presented. I think it Is so broad that it includes everyone within the jurisdiction of the country. subject to Its laws. and regardless of his station. whether it be high or low. or whether he be a free man in the exercise of his rights or a felon serving a sentence of the law.
Keywords matched
noncitizenship