The amendment of Mr. Gallatin coming again under consideration,
Mr. Coit hoped that part of the clause would be disagreed to which embraces persons who were in this country before the year 1795, but who had never shown any disposition to become citizens. Those who came since, and had given notice of their intention of becoming citizens, stand on very different ground. He should have no objection to the latter being accepted, in the way proposed, but not the former.
After a few observations on this amendment, it was negatived—49 to 32.
Mr. Sitgreaves proposed an amendment, limiting the time within which aliens, included in Mr. Gallatin's proposition, should be permitted to avail themselves of the exception in their favor, viz: those who were in this country before the year 1795, within one year after the passing of this act; and those who have come here since, and given notice of their intention to become citizens, within four years from the time of such notice having been given.
The question was first put on the former part of the amendment.
Mr. T. Claiborne did not wish to punish men for not being born here, but to punish both natives and foreigners when guilty. He hoped two years would be allowed instead of one.
The question on two years was put and negatived—31 to 39. It was then put on one, and carried—57 votes being for it.
The question on the second part of the amendment was then put.
Mr. Varnum said, the impulse of the moment led members to believe that these restrictions upon foreigners were necessary. He thought there was no necessity for any measures being taken with respect to foreigners, except such as belong to the nation with whom we expect to be at war; yet, he had no particular objection to restrictions being made with respect to such foreigners as shall hereafter come to this country; but, having heretofore held out inducements to foreigners to come to this country, and when they are come, with an expectation of becoming entitled to the rights of citizens in a certain time, he would not disappoint those expectations.
Mr. T. Claiborne said, this was a very important bill, and he should wish a little more time to consider on it; he therefore moved an adjournment.