The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-27
Governor Gillette Urges Lav-
 makers Not to Pass Bills
ROOSEVELT TAXES A HAND
President Sends Message to Governor of California and Has Written Let ter Giving Reasons for De-
 laying Legislation.

Sacramento. Cal, January Ex-Governor Gillettes message on the Japanese ques- ton, sent to the legislature today, had the effect of crystalllzing the sentiment for and against the bills by Drew and Johnson. against which President Roose- welt has invoked his power.
 The President informed the governor that 1t would be extremely dangerous for the legislature to enact any Jews that might be construed by Japan as discrimi- natory. He wired Governor Gillette to- day that another letter to him was on the way This is expected to throw more light upon the situation as regards Japan and America.
 Grove L. Johnson, author of the bill segregating Japanese in residential dis tricts at the option of municipalities, moved today, when the measure came up for third reading, that it be made spe- cial order for tomorrow. Thus two of the anti-Japanese measures will then be be- fore the lower house and the whole issue will likely be discussed. The bill by A. N Drew denying to aliens the right to hold land was set for consideration to- morrow at the request of the author after the governor had indicated that he de- sired such legislation held up.
 Speaker Stanton and the assembly or- ganization are opposed to all of the bills objected to by the administration. The fight for them will come from Grove l.. Johnson. the San Francisco delegate, and the assemblymen who have great num- bers of union labor constituents.
 Governors Message.
 Governor Gillette's message in part is as follows:
 'sTo the Senate and Assembly of the State of California:
 There Is certain legislation now pend ing before you which I believe to be of grave concern, not only to our state but to the nation as we'll and which should be most thoughtfully considered oetore 1t is acted upon.
 Certain bills have been introduced, some of which have been favorably re- ported by your committee, indirectly in tended to affect the Japanese people--a at least such is the impression abroad. These bills have attracted the notice of the whole nation and have caused Japan to call the attention of our government 10 them They have produced an agitation not only in our own country, but through out Japan, and the Japanese minister CT foreign affairs has stated to the author ities at Washington that if the bills should be passed the government of Japan would consider 1t very embarrassing
 The governor then reviews what has been done by the government of the United States and Japan. resulting in a compact for the restriction of immigra- ton. the provision of which, he says, Japan is now carrying out. Figures are here given showing a decrease in the inn A. 1F Tnr md says he knows of nothing to sustain the assertion that the Japanese population of California is increasing. The message continues:
 Relations Friendly.
 To-day the relations between the Jap anese and the United States are very friendly. Both are great powers among the nations of the world Both stand in a position, geographically, to dominate and control the commerce of the Pacific. Acting together they can dictate the policies which other nations must pursue in the far east and can preserve the trade there. As friendly allies many ben efits will inure to both nations and a great commerce can be carried on ls- tween them to the advantage of our people; but. as enemies the commerce of both can be driven from the ocean. Every reason, therefore. exists why there should continue between Japan and our government the most friendly relations, and it is the expressed wish of each na- tion that this shall be SO
 ''If the agreement already made does not go far enough, that is, If classes other than those enumerated herein should have been included, then our gov ernment should make that fact known to Japan and ask to have them included and present its reason therefor. If such tot fx. all fairness and with desire to do what is right. Japan will no doubt, consent to the request made"
 Question of immigration.
 The governor says that the question of immigration Is one for the federal govern ment alone to settle. If 1t Is found that the Japanese coolie continues to pour into the state, says the governor, leasing and purchasing agricultural lands and chang ing white settlements to Japanese, to the detriment of the state and its citizens, then 1t is the plain duty to call the attention of the government by petition that prompt action be taken in the mat ter
 While the settlement of the questions of immigration are pending, he con tinues, i've should be very careful about passing any legislation not absolutely necessary for our immediate protection intended solely to affect the Japanese peo- ple because in so doing we make the task which we expect our government to perform harder to achieve. We must re- member that no law that this state can enact will stop Japanese immigration Congress alone is vested with authority to pass such legislation and we must also recognize the fact that the Japanese among us are the subjects of a friendly nation and are entitled to the same treat ment under our laws and to the same provisions and immunities as are guaran- teed to the subjects of most favored na- tions."
 Law for All Alike.
 Discussing the pending bill the governor says he sees no reason for barring aliens from becoming directors in corporations and if such are to be discouraged from