Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1913-05-01

sponsiblity that Is placed upon me. |
would have preferred to have him come
himself, as the head of the nation. but
that seemed impossible and he delegated
me to- speak for him do not pretend
to do other than express his views. |
am simply his Spokesman and l VIII
say to YOU only that which he would
have me say.
AS to the constitutionality or our
treaty with Japan. You will pardon me
II decline to act as the Supreme Court.
Further rs to the question of immigra-
ton. think we can consider that ques-
ton as Independent of the land question
with which we are here concerned"
Questions concerning the treaty and the
immigration Of japanese to the United
states had been asked during the debate
Continuing, Mr.. Bryan said:
II have listened to what YOU have said,
and assume everything to bc true;
that YOU have not overdrawn nor cxag-
gcratcd the feeling of the people of Cali
fornia in the matter | can assume that
the people demand that something be
done
In case immediate action was demand
ed. Secretary Bryan said. he would be
I'm favor Of a law framed along the lines
of tho Illinois law. or the federal statute
I'm the District of Columbia.
The impression prevailed here when the
conference adjourned that the resolution
of the majority leaders previously an
uounced to enact bill specifically dcbar-
ring aliens ineligible to citizenship from
owning land in California remained UNI
H. / 1,
sonal representative of President Wilson
advised strongly against such action
Governor johnson indicated this I'm brief
address to the conference. He declared
California. right to follow the lead Of
other States in framing the land bill was
unquestioned and said such action now
seemed assured.
- have presented the Presidents views
as understand thcm.' declared Mr.
Bryan to the conference Just before il adj
iourned. "To-nlght | shall submit to him
the further questions you have asked me
calling attention to the statutes Of WASH
ngton and Arizona and | shall be pre-
pared tomorrow. hone, To give YOU his
answer"
The afternoon session OF the confer
cnce, beginning at four and lasting until
seven o'clock brought a climax to the
days proceeding Question after ques-
ton was hurled at Secretary Bryon. who
admitted his inability to answer many
of them
Much Of the debate during the after
noon hinged upon whether California
should be questioned in passing law
similar to those previously enacted Iby the
legislatures Of Washington and Arizona
in which States aliens "ineligibe to cit.
Zcnship" are barred.
Senator Bovnton called attention to the
wording of the Arizona law. asking Sec
rotary Bryan what would be the effect
upon the national government If Califor-
MIA placed a similar restriction upon her
land law
Il am not prepared to answer that ques-
ton replied Secretary Bryan. but will
have TO ask for instructions from Wash
ngton."
Governor Johnson made an Intense
speech in defense OF the position taken by
the majority party in California. The ad-
dress was brief. but it indicated plainly
that the opinion Of the administra ton re-
NAMED unchanged by the arguments put
forward by Mr.. Bryan. When Governor
Johnson took his seat there was a general
feeling that the alien land situation had
been settled regardless OF what may be
forthcoming from Washington, The con-
ference adtourned TO meet again at the
call of the presiding officers Of botl
houses whenever Secretary Bryan shall
, indicate that he had received further in
| structions from Washington.