Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-02-16
Will PRINT EXCLUSION OF JAP cooLIE

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15.-An agreement
20 vote tomorrow on the conference report
on the immigration bill, which includes the
provision intended to settle the CALIFORNIA
Japanese question, was reached In the SEN
ate today as the result or an entire day
of discussion on that measure.
The principal speeches were delivered by
Senators Bacon and Tillman in opposition
20 what they regarded an effort TO pre-
vent the south from getting a desirable
class of immigrants. Senator Tillman's re-
marks on the Japanese situation brought
a warning from Senator Lodge that If
continued he should move that the dis
cussion proceed behind closed doors In
ternational references were not made after
wards by Senator Tillman.
Senator Gallinger expressed surprise that
the conferees should contend that they had
not injected new" matter into the con-
ference report and Senator Carter said
he should vote against the report entirely
on that ground and predicted its defeat.
bacon opens Debate.
The senate resumed consideration of the
conference report on the immigration bill
today. Mr.. Bacon continued his speech in
opposition to certain provisions which he
regards as inimical to southern Industries.
His was not Fictitious objection, but, as he
Insisted. one highly material.
Explaining the precise point Of his OBJ
lection to the report, Mr. Bacon said that
under the ruling OF the Department of Conn
merce and Labor, the contract labor clause
of the immigration laws has been so con-
strucd as to permit the state immigration
bureau of South Carolina TO receive con-
tributions of funds from private indi-
viduals and use the money to encourage
and assist immigration. Extended prepara-
tons we're being made by other southern
states to take advantage Of this construc-
ton of the law. All that was asked. he
said, was that the law be allowed to re-
main as It now IL. The conference report
would prevent any action by a state.
Inserting reply in Mr.. Bacon's speech.
Mr.. Lodge said there had not been the
slightest intention on the part of the con-
ferees 10 modify in any way the clause
which gives power to a state to take
steps to induce immigration. "fhere
was" he said, mo intention on the part
of the conferees TO limit the power of the
state. If those clauses which limit con-
tract labor have been strengthened, it has
been without any reference to the states"
Lodge calls II Close Case.
Referring to the South Carolina sys-
tenn Mr.. Lodge maintained that If that
system was to be extended there was not
= state which could not under the guise of
a state agency with funds provided by
railroads and manufacturers. Introduce
any number of contract laborers. Mr.
Lodge had no doubt that many states
would be quick TO take advantage of the
South Carolina ruling This ruling OF
the department he regarded as a 'close
case" and believed II might have been
presented differently and with a different
result.
II the present bill strengthened the
contract labor law he was glad OF 1t.
Mr. Bacon disclaimed any intention
other than to make a legitimate discus
sion of the question, but indicated that
he would take all the time he deemed
necessary. He again expressed regret
that the Pacific coast provision was
coupled with the immigration amend
ments II was not necessary to have re-
sorted to, this expedient. He believed a
separate measure could have received a
unanimous vote in the senate.
Senator Gallinger expressed sympathy
Cor the situation in the South and sus-
tanned Mr.. Bacon's contention that the
situation was one OF embarrassment, as
he should feel compelled to vote for the
report because of the Pacific coast pro
vision Many other senators, Mr.. Bacon
remarked. were In the same situation.
Mr.. Bacon then entered upon a detailed
discussion OF the amendment 10 which
he objected. saying It utterly nullified tn,
present construction OF the law
TiIIman objects 90 Pressure.
Mr.. Bacon concluded shortly before
o'clock and Mr.. Tillman at once took tn,
floor. He began discussion of the Soutl
Carolina system, but indicated that hi'
main purpose was to review another par
of the conference report.
Everyone supposed that this immigration
bill was dead" continued Mr., Tillman
''But TO- and behold an exigency hai
arisen on the Pacific coast. Strenuous in
dividualF are at work to accomplish a Ger
tain end The able man presiding over th'
State department drafts an amendment I,
the law passed last May by TIE sonat
and last June by the house and which ha
been In conference ever since. The con
ferees take that distinguished gentiemal
into their conference, or rather he take
them Into his confidence and the senate 4
Iotihed that this bill must go through
Why? Speaking In plain terms 10 keel
the japanese out Of California But Their
is a twofold object in the measure. I'll
first is Intended to keep japanese laborer
on tbs Pacific coast and from getting Int
this country, and the conference In fur
therance Of a policy which looks to sec
tional advantage have Incorporated a pro
vision which changes the law In regar
TO contract labor. which will keep out III
little dribbie Of immigrants who hav
started southwark.
And these two provisions linked 10
sether are TO be driven through congress
"'fhe souths interests are. as usual
ignored: the Pacific coast, OF course. a
taken care Of"
Mr.. TlllInan eontended this proeedur
must be IN pursuance OF a settled polio
and made strenuous objection 10 Il.
Threat 10 Close Doors.
Mr. Flint OF California declared Their
was no necessity OF bringing the Californi
relief measure into the discussion. Nj
Tillman insisted Il was impossible unde