The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-02-08
Significant Conference at
White House on Cali
fOrnia Situation.
MEMBERS DECLINE
TO DISCUSS MATTER
Inquirers All Referred to Presi-
dent-Senator Flint Dis
cusses Report.

An hours conference was held at the
White House today on the California
situation, between the President. secre-
tary OF State Bacon, Assistant secre-
tsry Of State O'Lougblin, Senator Flint
and Representative Kahn, Of California.
and Francis Lane, Interstate Commerce
Commissioner, who is also a Californian.
After the conference had broken up,
each member declared that any publica-
ton as 10 It's purposes or results. must
come from President Roosevelt
It IS believed that some crisis has
been reached In the relations between
the United States and the japanese gov-
eminent on account Of the anti-Japan-
csc agitation on the Pacific Coast
Not Informed.
Asked about Governor Ginetts state
ment yesterday that Japan rad inform
ed the United States that If the anti
alien bills were passed the 8Iikado's
government would regard it as a breach
OF faith on the part Of this government.
Senator Flint said he had no direct IN
formation on the subject. He admitted
that Governor GiHett might have some
private information on the subject, but
he added that he did not think Japan's
attitude suggested an intention to make
reprisals if the pending bills passed.
Nothing Sensational"
Secretary of State Bacon, who was
one Of thu conferees, reluctantly stated
upon leaving the White House that
there was no need Of becoming excited.
There is nothing sensational in this
meeting" he added
you must get your information from
the President" explained Senator Flint.
He heretofore has talked very freely on
the various phases OF the California
situation
Did IT relate TO a matter introduced
By yOurself?'' he was asked.
1t did not" was the reply: cit was
topic presented by the President"
Does it mean a crisis or an adjust
ment OF the difficulty he was asked.
No Adjustment.
1T does not seem as II there IS to be
any adjustment OF the differences from
the pro-Japanese standpoint" the Sena-
tor replied, significantly. He asked to
be excused from further discussion of
the subject
The other parties 20 the conference
were even more reticent. Aside from
the remark made by Secretary Bacon,
the state Department contingent, de-
clinsd to talk.
Commissioner Lane and Representa-
tive Kahn were very close mouthed.
Senator Flint. upon joining his as
sooiates. remarked: ''YOu can see that
the conference was a nonparttsan one
for Lane IS a prominent Democrat"
It is believed President Roosevelt viii
shortly issue statement, although It
has been understood that whatever was
to be said OF the conference would not
be given out until after the Cabinet
meeting tomorrow. The President left
the White House at noon to al a
private luncheon engagement IN com
pany with Mrs. Roosevelt.
Bacon Called It.
shortly before his departure ne called
Secretary OF State Bacon IN for another
conference.
Later In the day Representative Nc
KinIay OF California and Repres sntative
HUMPHREYS OF Washington were cioseted
with the President. They also dis
cussed the anti-Jspanese agitation, but
declined to talk. The President made
an engagement with HumDhries TO con-
tinue the conference late this afternoon.
There is an impression that the ap-
proach OF the battleship fleet to Ameri-
can waters and the question OF TIE dis
triDuri0n OF the ships is being tCnsid-
cred. Secretary NewberTy had talk
with the President Immediately follow
ing the conference with Secretary Bacon
and others.