The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-23
Must Have Passports


 Secretary Knox replied that only such Japanese that had passports could enter the United States, and therefore any at tempting to come in from Mexico would be stopped at the border by immigra- ton officers. f Senator Lodge was authorized to make the report favoring the ratifica- tion of the treetN5 He Is said to have canvassed the sentiment among Pa cific coast senators and to have found that there would be no opposition to the measure. The Pacific coast senators. it Is asserted. have been brought to see that the exclusion of undesirable aliens never has been accomplished by treaty but by the regulations of this govern ment. The omission of any reference to any immigration which was made as q tribute to Japanese national honor and consideration of Japanese pride is said not to have affected the situation at all.
 For year past, according to assur- ances given to the department of state by immigration officers, Japan has been cooperating with this government in re- ducing immigration of laborers to the United States. Through the Japanese system of vizing passports that govern ment has kept firm rein upon its sub jects who desired to come to the United States.
 The new treaty is slated for approval by the Senate before the expiration of the present Congress unless the odmin- istration has deceived itself after care- full sounding of all of the clements ,n the Senate that might properly be sup posed to be particularly interested in that subject.
 Suits Japan
 The Japanese government is very so- icitous that the new treaty be ratified before July 17 next, and aside from the desire of the state department to meet the demands of International comity in such case 1t is realized that action ,n the direction of treaty revision at this time is only anticipatory in a small de- gree, as the existing treaty. which ex- pires by limitation next year, must be replaced in any event to avoid serious disturbance to the trade relations os America and Japan.
 Japan's desire for immediate action in this matter Is explained by the fact that serious embarrassment would follow an attempt to administer her customs laws if her commerce with the United States were to be on a different basis from that of Japanese commerce with Euro pean nations with which she has nego- tiated trade treaties soon to go Into op- eration.
 Sacramento, Cal. February 22.-Gover- nor Johnson declined to discuss the new treaty with Japan. "I have not a word to say about the matter" said the gov ernor.
 Chairman Wright of the federal rola- tions committee of the Senate today sent the following telegram to President Taft: california is much alarmed over the newspaper report of the proposed new Japanese treaty. The federal govern ment, unless positively assured that Ja- pan will enforce regulations restricting immigration to the United States of such subjects Jas are inimical to our western civilization, should insist upon restriction clause in the new treaty. Less than this will infiame the public mind all along the Pacific coast and may lead to condition that will be de- plored by those desirous of preserving amity and good will between the United States and Japan.< This, in the opinion of the senate committee on federal re- lations, is the sentiment of the Cali fornia legislature f.t