The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-04-28
JOHNSON TO confer
WITH BRYAN BEFORE
MAKy:5S ANY PLANS
Ss
Gt $Slor and Several Adj
lnistrati0n Leaders
Discuss Situation
BRYAN MAY PRESENT
VIEWS BEFORE NOON
Many Believe Bryan TO Protest
Against Violation of Any Trea-
ties-Thompson Completes
Draft of Bill

Sacramento, Cal, April Elm Difference
in Sacramento tomorrow morning to con-
fer with Governor johnson and the legis-
Iature on the proposed anti-alen land
laws, 1t has been decided to make no
plans for the conferences until Mr.. Bryan
has signified the purpose of his visit.
Governor Johnson met this afternoon
with Attorney-General Webb and dozen
of the administration leaders in the leg
situation with regard TO Secretary Bryan 5
visit But no course of action was pro-
posed. Governor Johnson said afterwards
that everything hinged upon the desires
of the states visitor.
Bryan's Wishes Will be Observed
II cannot tell when our conferences
will be held with Secretary Bryan or
what their nature will be. whether public
or private" said the governor. 'In the
matter of arrangements of that kind, we
are agreed that Mr.. Bryan's wishes will
be scrupulously and cheerfully observed
whatever they may be-.
There is much speculation as to the
form the Official visit will take and the
manner in which Secretary Bryan will
choose to impart his message from Pres-
dent Wilson.
1t is generally agreed that If the Sec
retary of State is possessed of Informal
ton of a private or diplomatic character,
he will disclose 1t only to the governor
or to an executive meeting of the two
houses of the legislature, sitting together.
would he
called at his request is indicated by the
statements of Governor Johnson and
others.
There are many. however, who believe
the secretary comes only to protest open
ly in the name of the federal government,
against violation of any treaties of the
United States and that he will be content
with the formal presentation of such pro-
test In either case he would address
the houses separately or in joint ses-
sion.
Mr.. Bryan will arrive at o'clock and
will be met at the train by Governor
johnson. whose invitation to be a guest
at the executive mansion he has ac-
cepted.
Immediate Action Desired
Secretary Bryan's expressed desire not
to waste time will be needed and If neces-
sary he will be able to present his views
before noon tomorrow. If they concern
the legislature, Governor Johnson will
send official messages Immediately
Tt was stated by. number of adminis-
tration leaders that the disposition to
pass an alien land law restricting to aliens
who are eligible to citizenship remains
unchanged. 1t will be necessary for
Bryan to change the present views of the
majority If the bill is to be killed
Senator Thompson has completed the
final draft of his new BILL which Is to
be presented to Secretary Bryan as the
concrete expression of the sentiment of
the majority. 1t is brief and makes no
attempt to dodge the point at issue, the
inelgibiity of the Japanese
Under its terms no alien who is ineligi-
BILE to become citizen may hold land
for pelssd longer than one year, un-
der penalty of having the property
escheat to the state. Leases are limited
to three years.
Another cause Of much speculation to-
day aside from the probable contents or
Secretary Bryan's message. was the ulti-
mate effect his visit might have upon the
relationship of the individual states with
the national government.
Question of States Rights
Attorneys in the legislature who make
occasion may give rise to an entirely new
Interpretation OF the ancient theory Of
states rights.
| III the present situation It is argued
that the federal government has no pow
er to deny the state of California the
right to exclude the Japanese from land
ownership and then refuse to relieve con-
ditions in California through its own pow
ers