Publisher's Synopsis
Excerpt from Speech of Mr. James Dixon, of Connecticut, on the Subject of the Naturalization Laws, and the Origin of the Native American Party: Delivered in the House of Representatives U. S., December 30, 1845
What, then, are the principles of this new party? If I understand them they are, first, an extension of the time required by the existing law before naturalization 1s permitted, and secondly, the d1sf1anch1sement of a? for 'eigh born citizens, by declaring them ineligible to public office. I am aware that the resolutions before us do not go that length but these, I think, are among the acknowledged principles of the party l\ow, sir, while I am Willing too go as far as any one in p1eserving the purity of the ballot-box, I have no hesitation 1n declaring my enti1e and decided opposition to both these principles. The period of, probation now required before naturaéiza tionris, in my humble judgment, sufficiently long, and I am opposed to its extension: still more am I opposed to that narrow bigot1y which would deny to the foreigner the right to hold office. If the people choose to select for any office within their gift one not born upon our soil they ought to have the privilege if so doing, without any restriction whatever. To them the question of qualification may be left with entire safety, and there 1s very little danger that too great a dgree of liberality will be exercised, or that sectional prejudices will be too easily overcome. The evil, if any exists, is ef another character, and from another source, it lies not in the existing law, but in the frauds perpetrated upon it; frauds which the wisest legisla= Mir/reannot entirely pre1 cut, and which wduld probably be increased, asthe.
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