Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1913-04-22
DECLARE JAPS
ARE MENACE
TO COUNTRY
California Representatives In
SiSt That United States
Not Interfere in
Question
WANT WILSON TO
KEEP HANDS OFF
BY the United Press.


WASHINGTON. April PA fer
vent appeal for continuation of "a
hands off" policy in the California
Japanese situation was made to Presi
dent Wilson to-day by Representatives
Raker, Kettner and Church, of that
State They told the President that
the sentiment in the Legislature for
a drastic measure aimed directly at
Japanese landowners and Japanese
merchants generally was overwhelm-
ing They suggested to- the Presi-
dent, however, that if the administra-
ton would refrain from interfering Ia
the States affairs. referendum
might be attached to the impending
bill so that the absolute sentiment
of the people could be ascertained.
AS spokesman of the delegation,
Raker told the President that the
present situation far eclipsed the
Chinese situation, which finally re-
suited in the Chinese exclusion law.
He said that the Japanese in many
of their settlements throughout the
State had adopted the methods which
prevailed in old Chinatown in San
Francisco before the earthquake.
They honeycombed the earth with
tunnels running from one building to
another, and, he alleged, are pro-
noting widespread white slave traf-
fic. Japanese encroachment In the
agricultural communities. Raker told
the President, have cheapened land
values, and have practically destroy
ed a number of promising towns.
Raker's arguments we're carefully
listened to by the President and he
asked the Californians to produce
statistics and figures which they have
in their possession to bear out their
contentious. They will see the Pre-
sident again tomorrow.
President Wilson told Representa-
tive Ralker that he considered the
matter one which required serious
consideration. He said that he woulo
send a second telegram to Governor
Johnson urging that California re-
frain from any step which might en-
broil this country with a friendly
( nation He reiterated his previous
position that the administration has
no desire to interfere in the internal
affairs Of sovereign state but viii
. insist emphaticaily in his Telegram Z
Governor Johnson that discrimina-
tory legislation must be avoided al
this time This telegram was a sub
ject of consideration at today's cabi-
net meeting.
President Wilson's telegram to Gov
ernor Johnson follows:
II speak upon the assumption
which l am sure is well founded
that the people OF California. do moi
desire their representatives, that
their representative wish or intend
in any circumstances to embarras the
govc rnment of the United States in
its Jealin- with nation with whom
it has most earnestly and cordially
sought 20 maintain relations of genu.
inc friendship and good will and thai
least of all do they desire to do any.
thing that might impair treaty obliga.
tions or cast a doubt upon the honor
and good faith of the nation and itl
government
you therefore, appeal with the ut
mot confidence to the people, and th'
Legislature Of California, to act in thu
matter now under consideration in
manner that cannot from any point b'
fairly challenged or called in ques
tion.
If they deem it necessary to exclude
= all aliens who have not declared thei
, intention to become citizens from tn
= privileges of land owners. they cal
2 do so along lines already followed il
=, the laws of many of the other State
! and of foreign countries. includin
japan herself. Invidious discrimina
, tion will inevitably draw in question
: the treaty obligations of the govern
S ment of the United Gates.
: register my earnest and respectful
!, protest against discrimination in thi
r case, not only because l deem it m
4 duty to do so as the chief executiv
: of the nation, but also. and the NOR
= readily, because ! believe that th
people and the legislative authoritie
a will generously respond the momer
= te matter is-frankly presented to ther
2 as a question of national policy an
> of national honor If they hay
V ignored this point of view it. is. J al
= sure because they did not realiz
\ what and how much was involved.
tSignedl Woodrow Wilson"