The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1913-04-29

matte standpoint why California should
not enact such a law. When Mr..
Bryan remained silent, other members
or the majority party urged him to
comply with the request. Senator
Caminetti. Democrat. suggested that
a small group of members from both
Houses be selected TO hear Mr.. Bry-
ans arguments. but Boynton pro
tested and carried his point.
After several others had spoken.
many OF them quoting statistics 10
snow the Increase in land holdings bv
Japanese during recent years, Secre-
tary Bryan arose. His first statement
was concerning secret conference
which he said had favored. with the
support OF Governor Johnson and the
presiding officers OF both houses. Sec
rotary Bryan said he could speak with
more trankness 20 The members than
ne could 10 a "promiscous audience"
As the representative OF the pres
ident." he began. Il feel keenIy the
responsibility that is placed upon me.
would have preferred TO have him
come himself, as the head OF the ma
tlon; but that seemed impossible and
ae me TO speak for him.
90 not pretend TO do other than ex-
press his views. am simply his
spokesman and ! will say 10 you only
that which he would have me say.
AS To the constitutionality of our
treaty with Japan. you will pardon me
II decline 10 act as the supreme
court. Further. as to the question of
immigration. | think We can consider
mat question as independent OF the
land question with which We are here
concerned"
Questions concerning the treaty and
me immigration OF Japanese Ia the
the debate.
Continuing. Mr.. Bryan said:
have listened 10 what you have
SAID and | assume everything TO be
true. that You have not ~OVerdraWn
nor exaggerated the feeling OF the
peOple or California in the matter. /
can assume hat the people demand
that something % done.
Relief by Diplomacy.
IN nat case. the urst question is
whether the legislation is demanded
AZ this time. II 1t can be DELAYED.
men me flrst suggestion that the
president would have me make is that
you permit an effort TO be made 10
deal With the question diplomaticallv.
WIN n view OF reaching the same re-
suits without Legislation.
II the demand is so Immediate
that this annot be done. can action
be deferred for two years. and in the
meantime have a commission APP
pointed 10 Investigate conditions and
act with the %xecutiv Would il
not be worth while TO try this plan
before you adopt the plan that might
result in u~nfriendliness from a for
eign nation
Il am not going 10 indulge In any
speculations as TO what may happen
II YOU do anything now. but I am
here 10 advise against the uNe Of any
language that would offend any peo-
pie that have dealings with US"
In case immediate action vas de
would be In favor Of a law framed
along the lines OF the Illinois law,
or the federal statute in the District
OF Columbia. both o. which are gen
eral I'm character.
Either OF these measures is pre-
terable 70 language that includes the
words ineligible TO citizenship. add
ed Mr.. Bryan.
President Wilson believes that II
you use these words. YOU might a
well make a law declaring specifically
AGAINST Japanese and Chinese owner
ship
This expresses the views OF the
president He desires me- TO say that
II such a law is passed. he Will
recognize his duty as president - DO
all in his power TO minimize the il
feeling that might he aroused. Al
the same time he believes it his dutv
a. president to urge earnest cOusid-
Grafton NJ his advice. which is giyer.
here with no desire 10 interfere with
what vou may regard a. necessary I
And. further he urges that II YOU
proceed ~ once YOU consider the ad-
visibility Of using language that can
not be Justly criticized a. offending