The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1909-02-04
A n IT, JAPA NESE
LAND BILL IS
DEFEATED
VOTE STANDS az TO 20 AFTER DE-
BATE OF SEVEN HOURS-8lLL
THREATENED TO INTERFERE
WITH INVESTMENTS

SACRAMENTO, Cal, Feb. 4.-The
bill barring aliens from ownership OF
land In California introduced by A.
NJ Drew. was rejected yesterday by
the assembly by vote OF rs TO 26.
President Roosevelt had objected 10
the original provision Of the bill. The
clause applying 10 Japanese only was
stricken out at the presidents request.
The measure aroused intense antip-
athy Long before the debate. which
continued from III O'Clock yeterday
morning until 6 o'clock last evening,
taded. IL was apparent that the meas
ure would lie defeated. II was de-
clared that the bill. II enacted into
law, would drive at least billion dol
liars OF outside capital out of the state
end might jeopardize the friendly rela-
lions with Japan. The supporters OF
me bill commended that large numbers
II Japanese were coming into the
state: that they were getting an i'm
pregnable position as land owners.
Drew Defends Bill.
Assemblyman Drew, In his argu-
nent, said Il think voice the sentl-
nent OF majority OF the people OF
tne state when | say that conditions
now prevailing are deplorable. This
Is a law--against alien ownership OF
land In this state, not against the
Japanese alone and the president
himself informe me- that he is not OPP
posed 10 the bill rs 1t has been
amended.
I'VE must keep Japanese out of this
country and We must prevent them
from owning land in California. Onll
In b.,
rover TO keep them away from our
shores. but it is for the legislature TO
say whether or not they shall own
property here
1t is a important for California to
10 her part TO protect the integrity Of
her soil as IL is for the national gov
Crnment 10 preserve racial integrity.
II touch upon the national phase of
the question because President Roose-
Welt has asked us not 10 pass these
bills.
Il wish TO dispel the idea that seems
TO have gained wide circulation that
ny bin was the result OF union labor
agitation. When | introduced II tive
years ago had never heard OF the
Asiatic Exclusion league. II was not
done for any social interest. but 70.
the good of the people of the state.
who is opposing this measure? The
first are the commercial interests. in
Guiding the chambers OF commerce OF
end Los Angeles? Some OF these in
our two largest cities. San Francisco
terests are large employers OF Japa-
nese labor.
I'm case the necessity arose. ia
ran could raise in California an army
OF 10000 OF her own subjects, most OF
whom have served / nthe army
THE japanese are better off where
they are They should be permitted
q come here 10 TAX advantage OF our
educational institutions and TO profit
~ our civilization. but we do not want
foreign absentee land ownership.
This is a question of self-preserva-
ton The line must be drawn some
where and II we do not draw 1t now
those who come after us will have 10
do IL"
AT the conclusion OF his address
Drew received considerable applause
from the crowded galleries and from
his colleagues on the floor.
Census Should Be Taken.
Richard L. Melrose, In opposing the
In. said he did not think il possible
mat there were $4,000 Japanese in the
state and he advised that the COVER
ror's suggestion TO give the labor com
missioner power TO take census be
scted upon before passing any bills.
lie also said statistics compiled by
the Asiatic Exclusion league showed
that there were not more than rs
japanese land owners in California.