The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-05-17
CABINET CONSIDERS
TENTATIVE DRAFT
OF REPLY TO JAPAN
Secretary Bryan Refuses to
Make Public Nature
of Document
JOHNSON'S FINAL
ACTION AWAITED
Japan Thus Far Has Suggested No
Remedy--Military Authorities
Anxious to Avoid Sensa-
tional Reports

Washington, May ia tentative
draft of the reply of the United states
government to the Japanese protest
against California land legislation. pre-
pared by John Bassett Moore, counsel
lor of the state department.. was eonsid-s
cred for two hours today by President
Wilson and the cabinet No intimation
of Its nature was made public, secre-
tary Bryan positively refusing to dis
cuss either the proposed reply or Ja-
pans protest. The Secretary made a
statement deprecating efforts to guess
at the varying phases of official nego-
tiations declaring that serious mischief
might result and satisfactory conclusion
be retarded or prevented lie referred
to the fact that his present position
obliged him to reverse his usual attl-
tude toward public discussion of cur
rent issues.
Await Final Action
There are indications that the state
department is awaiting final action by
Governor Johnson either in the faint
hope that he might change his mind
and veto the measure or more prob
ably, with the purpose of having the
approved act as a basis for further dis
cussion. The Japanese government like
wise is awaiting the governors action
with the keenest interest While pro-
testing against the California legisla-
ton, the Japanese government so far
has suggested no remedy. That is left
entirely to the United States, and 1t is
believed here even the idea of institut-
ing proceedings to test the validity Of
the law may be abandoned.
Avoid Sensations
Meanwhile taking their cue from the
Presidents statement regarding mill
| tary and naval movements, officials
of both the war and navy departments
| today were endeavoring to avoid issu-
| ing any orders or statements that
would contribute to sensational reports
| of unusual activity. number of army
officers We're ordered to rIawaii but
! only to rejoin their commands in con-
| formity with the law. At the navy de-
| partment Secretary Daniels positively
| denied any connection between the few
/ naval movements recorded during tho
| last 2i huus ana the Japanese situa-
! tion. He took pains to point out that
the departure yesterday from San Pc
/ dro for San Francisco of the big ar
| mored cruiser Maryland was simply in
| continuation of test that is being
made by that vessel of Poeahontas coal,
which was arranged by the navy de-
! partment about month ago The
Maryland will end these coal tests at
| San Francisco.
| The navy department, it was stated.
does not intend to send any vessels
| from the Atlantic to the Pacific now.
Patience COunsellel
Los Angeles, May 16.-An appeal was
| published today by officers of the United
Japanese associations OF Southern Cali.
fornia, eounselling patience, pending the
outcome of diplomatic negotiations with
regard to the California alien land bill
The message Is directed to all Japanese
residing in the United States
American possessions In the
sets forth that the war tall
ly prevalent among our pd
only embaras the Japanesc
American governments in thei
arrive at an amicable adiu4