Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1909-02-06

SACRAMENTO. Cal, Feb. 6..-Governor
Gillett sent to the assembly this morning
a special message appealing TO that boay to
rescind Its action of yesterday by which
the Japanese school segregation bill wos
passed.
The governor calls attention to the con-
tention of Japan, which is not refuted by
the United States government, that the
bill as passed violates the treaty rights of
the empire. He does not enter into a dis
cussion of the merits of this position, stat
ing that it is a debatable question, but re-
iterates that Japan would consider it an
unfriendly act to exclude from the public
schools the children of its subjects.
The message follows:
"Gentlemen-Beleving that there should
be further and more careful considera-
tion OF assembly bill No. II. which provides
that boards OF school trustees shall have
the power to establish separate schools for
children of Japanese and that thereafter
they shall not be admitted into any other
public school. and further believing that the
enactment OF provisions of said bill will at
this time affect the interests of the entire
nation. and perhaps seriously most re-
spectfully request you to reconsider the
vote by which the said bill was passed
and take the matter up for further and
most careful consideration.
Cites Presidents Alarm.
Within a few hours after the passage OF
said bill the president OF the United
States. alarmed at the possible cense-
quences OF the enactment Of such a law
sent to me telegram containing the fol-
lowing language;
This is the most offensive bill Of all anc
| In my judgment is clearly demonstrations
and we shall at once have TO test II iT
! the courts. Can It rot be stopped IN tht
| legislature or by veto?
"A telegram so gorcible as this coming
from the pdesident OF the United States II
entitled to full consideration and demands
that no hasty or ill-considered action b.
taken by this state which may involv,
the whole country.
"It seems to me It Is time to lay senti
ment and personal opinion and other con
siderations aside and take a broad anC
unprejudiced view OF the important ques
tion involved in the proposed legislation
and in a calm and dlspassionate manne
pass upon them. keeping in mind not oni,
the interests of our state but OF the natioi
as WELL and the duty we owe to 1t fl
observing the treaties entered into by /
with a friendly power"
Protest of JSpan.
| The governor calls attention to the pro
test of Japan against the resolution Of tn
San Francisco school board of two year
ago directing that orientals be com
PEELED to attend their own school
and the action of the federal govern
ment in commencing suit TO have the orde
rendered nugatory. This suit was dismisse'
when the school board withdrew the often
sive resolution.
The governor declares that there is NJ
present danger to the California school
by reason OF the attendance OF Japanes
pupils, SO far as Is known.
'If the state grants certain privileges 4
the citizens OF one foreign country" tn
governor says. at cannot deny them 10 tn
citizens OF another, having the same right
by treaty"
The opinion OF Secretary Root in the sai
Francisco case Is quoted by the governo
IN support OF his contention. In conclusion
he says.
II most respectfully submit this messag
TO you. with the full hope and belief tina
when final action shan be taken. nothin
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