Presidential addresses and state papers, Volume 3 (of 7)Roosevelt, Theodore
History
Presidential addresses and state papers, Volume 3 (of 7)
Roosevelt, Theodore
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919; United States -- Politics and government -- 1901-1909
There should be a comprehensive revision of the naturalization laws.
The courts having power to naturalize should be definitely named by
national authority; the testimony upon which naturalization may be
conferred should be definitely prescribed; publication of impending
naturalization applications should be required in advance of their
hearing in court; the form and wording of all certificates issued
should be uniform throughout the country, and the courts should be
required to make returns to the Secretary of State at stated periods
of all naturalizations conferred.
* * * * *
Not only are the laws relating to naturalization now defective, but
those relating to citizenship of the United States ought also to
be made the subject of scientific inquiry with a view to probable
further legislation. By what acts expatriation may be assumed to have
been accomplished, how long an American citizen may reside abroad
and receive the protection of our passport, whether any degree of
protection should be extended to one who has made the declaration of
intention to become a citizen of the United States, but has not secured
naturalization, are questions of serious import, involving personal
rights and often producing friction between this Government and
foreign Governments. Yet upon these questions our laws are silent. I
recommend that an examination be made into the subjects of citizenship,
expatriation, and protection of Americans abroad, with a view to
appropriate legislation.
* * * * *
The power of the Government to protect the integrity of the elections
of its own officials is inherent and has been recognized and affirmed
by repeated declarations of the Supreme Court. There is no enemy of
free government more dangerous and none so insidious as the corruption
of the electorate. No one defends or excuses corruption, and it would
seem to follow that none would oppose vigorous measures to eradicate
it. I recommend the enactment of a law directed against bribery and
corruption in Federal elections. The details of such a law may be
safely left to the wise discretion of the Congress, but it should go
as far as under the Constitution it is possible to go, and should
include severe penalties against him who gives or receives a bribe
intended to influence his act or opinion as an elector; and provisions
for the publication not only of the expenditures for nominations and
elections of all candidates, but also of all contributions received and
expenditures made by political committees.
* * * * *
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