The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-04-29

not enact such "a law. When Mr..
Bryan remained silent, other members
OF the majority party urged MIN to
Caminotti. Democrat. suggested that Il
small group OF members from both
Houses be selected 10 hear AIR.
Bryan's arguments, but Boynton pro-
tested and carried his point.
After several others had spoken,
many of them quoting statistics TO
show the increase in landholdings by
Japanese in recent years. Secretary
Bryan arose. His first statement WAS
concerning the secret conference. which
he said he had favored. With the sup
port of Governor johnson and the pre-
siding officers of both houses Score
tary Bryan said he could speak with
more frankness to the members than
he could TO "a promiscuouS audience -
AS the representative Of the Presi-
dent he began. - feel kcenly the re-
sponsibility that is placed upon mo
would have preferred to have him
come himself. as the head Of the ma
ton. but that seemed impossible. and
he delegated me to speak for him |
do not pretend to do other than cx-
press his views. ann simply his
spokesman. and I will say to you only
that which he would have me SAY
Up tO Supreme Court.
AS to the constitutionality OF our
treaty with Japan. YOU Will pardon me
IT decline to act as the Supreme
Court. Further rs TO the question OF
Immigration. think we can consider
that question as independent of the
land question with which we are here
concerned"
Ounstions coucor,,;,,, no ,.a,
the Immigration OF Japanese to the
United States had been asked during
the debate.
Continuing. Mi Bryan said:
have listened TO what YOU have
said. and | assume everything to he
true; that YOU have not ovcrdrawn nor
exaggerated the feeling Of the people
of California in the matter. can as
sumo that the people demand that
something be done
I'm that case. the first question is
whether the legislation is demanded M
this time. If ii can be delayed. then
the first suggestion that the Presi-
dent would have me make is that YOU
permit an effort To he made to deal
with the question automatically. with
view TO reaching the same results
without legislation.
IF the demand is so immediate that
this cannot be done. can action he de-
TERED for two years. and in the mean
time have commission appointed to
investigate conditions and act with the
executive? Would il not be worth
while to try this plan before YOU adopt
the plan that might result in unfricnd-
illness from a foreign nation
Il am not going to indulge in any
spcculations as TO what may happen
If YOU do anything now, but | am here
to advise against the use OF any Ian
Buagc that would offend any people
that have dealings with us"
In case Immediate action was de-
mandcd. said Mr.. Bryan he would be
IN favor OF e Law framed along the
lines of the illinois las. or the Fed
era! statute in the District Of Column
bia, both Of which are general in char
actcr.
Either Is Preferable.
Eith"r Of these measures is prefer
able TO language that includes the
added Mr. Bryan president Wilson
believes that il YOU use these words.
YOU might as we'll make 81 law dcclar-
ing specifically against Japanese and
Chinese ownership.
This expresses the views of The
President He desires me to say that
If such law is passed, he will rccoc
nizc his duty as President to do all in
MS power To minimize the i'll feeling
mat might he aroused. At the same
time. he believes it his duty as Presi-
dent To urge earnest consideration of
ms advice, which is given here with
no desire TO interfere with what YOU
may regard as necessary. And fur
th"I. lie urges that II YOU proceed AT
once. YOU consider the adViSa biIitv Of