Speech #710212787

Owen had been more than 28 years a citizen of the United States and so fully met the 7 years citizenship requirement in question. Their reasoning would lead them to the conclusion that if Mrs. Owen. prior to her marriage. had been but six years a citizen of the United States but subsequent to her naturalization had enjoyed a single years citizenship. she would have been eligible to a seat in Congress. inasmuch as the 6year period could be added to the 1year period. and thus the 7 years of American citizenship. as required by the Constitution. would be satisfied. It will be noted that section 2 of the Cable Act provides that any woman eligible to citizenship may be naturalized after one years residence in tile United States. Mrs. Owen. having returned to this country with her husband on May 30. 1919. and having resided with him in Florida until his death in December. 1924. in fact. having continued to reside in Florida subsequent to the death of her husband and up to the present time. wts unquestionably eligible to American citizenship. Oil the 23d day of January. 1925. Mrs. Owen petitioned the Onited States Federal Court for the Southern District of Florida for naturalization. and on the 27th day of April. 1925. she was duly declared a naturalized American citizen by Judge 1bydon M. Call. the duly constituted judge of such court. Thereupon a certificate of naturalization was duly issued on the 27th day of April. 1925. The debates in the Federal Convention clearly disclose that the reason for the prescribed period of seven years citizenship was the desire of the fathers that Members of Congress should have had a 7year period of mature citizenshipand. as we think. next preceding the time of their electionto become thoroughly acquainted with American institutions and principles of government. When the section in question was under consideration in the Constitutional Convention. Col. George Mason. of Virginia. voiced this viewpoint and opposed a 3year period of citizenship as inadequate. According to Madisons ReportsColonel Mason was for opening a wide door for emigrants. but did not choose to let foreigners and adventurers usake laws for us and govern us. Citizenship for three years was not enough for Insuring that local knowledge which ought to be possessed by the Representative. This was the principal ground of his objection to so short a term.