New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-01-28
HALT JAPANESE BILLS
CONSERVATISM PREVAILS
IN CALIFORNIA.
Alien O1cnership Measure amended
as Suggested by President Roose-
uelt-Tenor of Letter.

Sacramento. Cal, Jan. 2T.-Legislation against
Japanese was temporarily put aside by the State
Legislature to-day as a result of an agreement
between President Roosevelt. Governor Gillett
and the leaders of both houses. Assemolyman
A. NJ Drew agreed, after conference with the
Governor, to amend his anti-alien BILL Grove
L. johnson was not willing to postpone action
on his japanese bills, but motion to put al
the measures over for week prevailed WIN
little opposition. The Governor received the foi-
lowing telegram from the President:
II must again express from the STANDPOINT
of all our people the appreciation of the great
service that you are rendering. l have absolute
and entire faith in the Judgment and patriotism
OF the people of the great State of California
and 1 know that they will support you MY
letter is already it's way to you, and you
may make 1t public whenever you desire.
Mr. Drew received the following letter from
the Governor yesterday:
MY Dear Drew: Your note received. Am IN
clined to think that the best possible law tndI
can be passed on the question OF asn IN Okla
homa. You will find 1t In the session laws VI
the State of Oklahoma, 1907 and 1908 Inc book
is on file in the state library. Inc act Is oil
page 4S1.
/ would strike out the first line, the words
who is citizen of the United states, De
cause that is useless, alien Is citlzen OF
the United States.
To this bill might be added the last section OF
your bill extending the time In which leases
can be given-so many years on agricultural
property and so many years on city property
think one year is rather short, and inasnuch
as this could apply to all aliens alike. would De
reasonable as to the length Of time for Wnlch
leases should be granted.
/ am also OF the opinion that President Roose-
Welt and Secretary Root would agree that this
bill would be all right; in fact, have kilograms
from them which would indicate such to be the
fact OF course, the question whether or not IL
would be policy to pass alien law in this state
is something that the Legislature would have 10
consider. but IL such bill is to pass as say
am inclined to believe that one like the Okla
homa law probably would be the best.
Mr. Drew's reply as follows:
am strictly in accord with the changes you
suggest The words who is not citizen or
the United States are superfluous and could
easily have been left out. but they are found In
both the Illinois and Oklahoma laws am glad
the President takes the view of the matter that
he does and you may rest assured that shall
work in harmony with yourself However, L
deem il advisable that some law should be
enacted at this session of the Legislature l
think il will be wisdom on our part to take TINS
STEP and surely neighbOr cannot complain
so long as the bill is applicable to all aliens
alike l will submit to you draft OF the amend
ed bill as soon as 1 get 1t in shape.
Mr. Drew explained that he would amend his
measure to suit President Roosevelt and Gov
ernor Gett.