The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1913-05-09

debate in the senate on the amended
draft of the Webb anti-alien land bill
has proved stirring.
No More Interruptions.
At the outset the majority leaders
made it known that they would not
permit another interruption of theig
plans under any circumstances and
the word went forth that the body
would be held in session until the bill
was brought to a final vote
The California senate showed
resolute determination to put aside
the recommendations of President
Wilson and his envoy, Secretary
Bryan and pass an act prohibiting
Japanese and other aliens ineligible
to citizenship from holding land by
purchase under any circumstances or
by lease for more than three years
In phraseology, the bill, as redraft.
ed by Attorney General Webb, after
many conferences with Governor
Johnson ana the administration floor
leaders, omitted the words ineligible
to citizenship" which are offensive to
Japan, but those in charge of the bill
repeatedly admitted in debate that
the end sought was the same
Democrat Opposition Tactical.
Democratic opposition was purely
tactical. The minority confessed its
sympathy with the ends sought and
freely criticised the bill not as being
/ I,,t Too l.
Where the minority differed was in
it's judgment Of the means WseSt TO
employ This attitude found its eX
preston in resolution offered by
Senator Curtin and defeated by vote
of 10 ayes to 26 noes.
The administration majority for the
bill was unanimous with this single
exception. The opposition We're eight
out of ten Democrats, one Progressive
and Senator Wright Of San Diego, the
lone Taft Republican in the chamber.
Curtin's Resolution.
Senator Curtin's resolution propOs-
! ed:
THAT the people of the state OF
California defer to the wishes of the
president of the United States, and
this legislature will not at this ses-
sion pass the bills advised against"
The condition was included that it
be understood that the people of the
state desired substantially the ends
sought in the administration measure
and that "the president of the United
States be requested TO endeavor to
secure such treaty or other agreement
! from any nation protesting against
the passage of the bills under con
! sderation as will effectually accom-.
! pliSh the end and purpose herein men
| toned
And further, that H. at any time.
| the governor Of California becomes
convinced that the success Of such eff
fort is improbable, he is hereby re-
quested to call an extraordinary ses-
sion of the legislature"
Arguments Against Bill.
The chief arguments advanced
against the bill and in support of the
Curtin resolution were:
! THAT the bill was discourteous
to the president of the United States
and the imperial government of Japan.
2-That the ends it sought might
better and more permanently be at
tanned by federal negotiations.
3-That those opposed to it might
invoke the referendum, thus inhibt-
ing effective action under it's provi-
visions for a year and seven months.
during which Japanese advised of the
intentions of the state might acquire
all the land they were able to buy
without let or hindrance.
Senator Birdsall, supporting the
bill which he originally introduced,
argued that there were but three
points to consider. Had the state the
right to enact the legislation contem-
plated? Did the people of the state
want it now? Was it he best they
/ l.