Presidential addresses and state papers, Volume 4 (of 7)Roosevelt, Theodore
History
Presidential addresses and state papers, Volume 4 (of 7)
Roosevelt, Theodore
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919; United States -- Politics and government -- 1901-1909
and indeed all the monitors and some of the old cruisers—efficient,
modern, sea-going vessels. Sea-going torpedo-boat destroyers should
be substituted for some of the smaller torpedo boats. During the
present Congress there need be no additions to the aggregate number
of units of the Navy. Our Navy, though very small relatively to the
navies of other nations, is for the present sufficient in point of
numbers for our needs, and while we must constantly strive to make its
efficiency higher, there need be no additions to the total number of
ships now built and building, save in the way of substitution as above
outlined. I recommend the report of the Secretary of the Navy to the
careful consideration of the Congress, especially with a view to the
legislation therein advocated.
* * * * *
During the past year evidence has accumulated to confirm the
expressions contained in my last two annual Messages as to the
importance of revising by appropriate legislation our system of
naturalizing aliens. I appointed last March a commission to make
a careful examination of our naturalization laws, and to suggest
appropriate measures to avoid the notorious abuses resulting from the
improvident or unlawful granting of citizenship. This commission,
composed of an officer of the Department of State, of the Department of
Justice, and of the Department of Commerce and Labor, has discharged
the duty imposed upon it, and has submitted a report, which will be
transmitted to the Congress for its consideration, and, I hope, for its
favorable action.
The distinguishing recommendations of the Commission are:
First. A Federal bureau of naturalization, to be established in the
Department of Commerce and Labor, to supervise the administration of
the naturalization laws and to receive returns of naturalizations
pending and accomplished.
Second. Uniformity of naturalization certificates, fees to be charged,
and procedure.
Third. More exacting qualifications for citizenship.
Fourth. The preliminary declaration of intention to be abolished and no
alien to be naturalized until at least ninety days after the filing of
his petition.
Fifth. Jurisdiction to naturalize aliens to be confined to United
States district courts and to such State courts as have jurisdiction
in civil actions in which the amount in controversy is unlimited; in
cities of over 100,000 inhabitants the United States district courts
to have exclusive jurisdiction in the naturalization of the alien
residents of such cities.
* * * * *
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account