No. 19.
Mr. Lee to
Mr. Bayard.
Legation of
the United States,
Vienna, June 23, 1887.
(Received July 9.)
No. 252.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose a copy of the
application of Mr. Charles Laszlo for a passport, with the request that I
may be instructed as to the proper action to be taken in the case. Admitting
that the issue of naturalization papers and identity could be properly
proven, his statement of facts raises the following doubts as to the bona
fides of his intention to return to the United States with a purpose of
residing and performing the duties of citizenship there.
Mr. Laszlo left his native land (Hungary) an outlaw, resided sixteen years in
the United States, and was naturalized. At the first opportunity, viz, the
proclamation of amnesty, he returned to his native land and has remained
there uninterruptedly for twenty years, having what is apparently permanent
employment. The desire to remove the legacy to his children from the
jurisdiction of the United States to that of his native country does not
suggest an early permanent return. One would also suppose that an indefinite
intention of a permanent return on the part of a man now seventy-one years
old was not very likely to be carried out. I may also add that his children,
having been born in Hungary since his naturalization, will depend for their
status upon that now accorded to the father by the Department of State, and
I consider it important for this legation that the case should now receive
the attention of the Government.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure in No. 252.]
Mr. László to Mr.
Lee.
Dear Sir: I, undersigned, a horn Hungarian, hut
adopted citizen of the United States, lived and had business there for
sixteen years. In 1867, amnesty having been proclaimed, I returned to
Hungary with my American wife with the intention to take out with me my
aged mother, at that time seventy-two years old, but as she did not want
to leave Hungary, I remained here with her to support her for the few
years. I thought she would live, and to return to the United States. But
my mother lived until last year, when she was ninety years old, and
during that time I became father of three children, and I am employed at
a Theiss regulating private company as director engineer; and I still
think of returning with my family to the United States as soon as my
circumstances will allow me to do so.
Joseph Gressak, also an adopted citizen of the United States, who was the
godfather of one of my children, and died in New York, June 26, last
year, before his death left by testament to my children $900 (as I am
informed by the executor of his last Will, a notary public). As I. think
the simplest way to get this money would be for me to go to New York
personally, I beg you, dear sir, to do me the great favor of giving me a
new passport instead of this old one, which inclosed I send into your
hands, and send it to me by mail, 20 florins, as charges to be collected
by post-office on delivery, and I will be thankful to you.
You most obedient servant,
P.S. I—will send you, if needed, my naturalization paper.
