In answering that question I will refer the gentleman to the parent organization of our dear Junior Order once more and to the provision that insisted that an immigrant should live in this country for 21 years before he could acquire the right to take out naturalization papers and thereby secure the advantages of citizenship. The principles of the Native American Association. as adopted in 1837 and modified in 1844. were as follows: First. We maintain that the naturalization laws should be so altered as to require of all foreigners who may hereafter arrive in this country a residence of 21 years before granting them the privilege of elective franchise. but at the same time we distinctly declare that It is not our intention to interfere with the vested rights of any citizen or lay any obstruction in the way of foreigners obtaining a livelihood or acquiring property In this country. but. on the contrary. we would grant them the right to purchase. hold. and transfer property and to enjoy and participate in all the benefits of our country (except that of voting or holding office) as soon as they declare their intention to become citizens. Second. We maintain that the Bible. without note or comment. is not sectarian. that it is the fountainhead of morality and all good governmaat and should be used in our public schools as a reading book.
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naturalization immigrant