Los Angeles herald., 1909-02-10
GOVERNOR AND
LEGISLATORS IN
SECRET CAUCUS
MEET BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
IN SACRAMENTO
JOHNSON, TRANSUE AND STAN
TON ATTEND CONFERENCE
All Emerge from Chamber in Taclturn
Mood-Anti=Japane Measures
Discussed in Many
States
[By Associated Press.l

AN ACRAMENTO, Feb. 9.-FOlloWing a
conference held this evening on the
Japanese question, Governor Gill
lett declined to discuss the matters
under consideration, and the strictest
secrecy is being maintained by three
assemblymen who were called into con-
sultation.
These were Grove l.. Johnson of Sac
ramento, author of the Japanese school
segregation bill, which passed the as
sembly last week and which will be ur
for reconsideration tomorrow; Speaker
Stanton of the assembly, who has
fought desperately against all anti
Japanese legislation and J. P Transue
assemblyman from Los Angeles, who
has been one of the administration
warmest supporters in the house.
They were closeted with the governor
for more than an hour, after which they
declared they could not divulge the re-
suit of the session.
Governor Gillett said: Il prefer not
to make a statement tonight
Mr.. Johnson said: 'I am not at liberty
to give you the result of our confer
ence. The governor sent for me anc
certain suggestions were made in re-
gard to my Japanese school segrega-
tion bill, but any information must
come from the governor"
Speaker Stanton said he could not
possibly give the result of the confer
ence tonight, but that no doubt he
would be able to do so tomorrow morn
ing.
No Promises Made
1t is understood on good authority
that no definite promise was made by
Mr.. Johnson to agree to future post
ponement of another vote on the school
bill, but that he will do SO if certain
anti-Japanese legislators will indorse
the program.
The measure is to be called up to-
morrow for reconsideration of the vote
by which it passed, and a desperate
stand will be made by Speaker Stanton
and his lieutenantS in sustaining the
position of the governor and the federal
authorities.
The Democrats Of the assembly eau
cused tonight on the japanese situa-
ton and decided that the twenty votes
of the minority should be cast against
REQ hasideration tomorrow.
Assemblyman w. B. Griffths of
Monticello; who telegraphed Senator
Perkins, his close personal friend, that
he opposed anti-Japanese legislation at
this time and asked for an expression
from the senator received the follow
ing reply;
"If not inconsistent with your views
I hope you will consult and cooperate
with Governor. Gillett, who, I am sure
has at heart the honor and welfare OF
our state and of the entire country
| Treaties made with foreign nations be-
come the supreme law of the land"
FaVors Reconsideration
Mr. Griffiths said tonight he would
vote for reconsideration tomorrow on
the strength Of this message. He has
frequently stated that while he ia
vored anti-Japanese legislation on
principle he would await word from the
administration before voting for any
of the bills.
P. F. Dunno of San Francisco, at
torney for the Southern Pacific, ap-
peared before the senate committee on
corporations tonight.
He spoke in opposition to the Stet-
son railroad commission bill, declar-
ing that it was unconstitutional on the
ground that it sought to confer upon
the railroad commission powers which
were not given that body by the state
constitution.
In answer to questions by Senator
E. o. Miller of Visalia. Dunno admitted
the constitution might confer the power
under discussion, if strictly construed,
but insisted it had never been so con-
strued since it's adoption in 1897.
The senate today refused to rescind
it's action in petitioning the president to
restore the old name Of the San ia
cinto forest reserve.
Argument by Senator Caminetti of
Jackson to the effect that the present
name of this reserve, the cleveland
| forest reserve" should be retained, was
overruled.
City Attorney Long of San Francisco
will have iTaroduced in both houses
of the legislature tomorrow a bill au-
thorizing the formation of municipal
water districts.
The bill was drawn to aid San Fran
cisco and neighboring municipalities
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