The Grangeville globe. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho) 1907-1922, 1913-05-22

eligible under existing laws to become
citizens OF the United States.
AT this very moment the national
legislature, without protest-indeed 1t
is published in California. by express
consents using the terms that are
claimed in CALIFORNIA; law to be Of
fensive and discriminatory.
Similar Laws in other States.
AT least three states in he Union
have, in the past. enacted laws SINH |
lar to the contemplated law of Cali |
fornia and the enactments of those |
other states have been without objec-
ton or protest. That the protest is |
now made in respect to California, but
emphasizes the acuteness of the prob
lem confronting California, and DEM
onstrates that California is differently
viewed than other states of the Union
and that If discrimination exists 1t Is
discrimination against California.
1--WE insist that justly no offence
can be taken by any nation to this law
and more particularly does this seem
to us clear in the instance of nation
like Japan, that by it's own law pre-
vents acquisition of land by aliens.
ut is most respectfully submitted
that, after all, the question Is not
whether any offence has been taken,
but whether justly 1t should be taken,
l voice, think, the sentiments of the
majority of the legislature of this
state, when | say that if it had been
believed that offence could justly be
taken by any nation to the proposed
law that law would not have been en-
acted.
No Right to offence.
1--WE of California believe firmly that
in our legislative dealings with this
alien land question we have violated
absolutely no treaty rights; we have
shown no shadow of discrimination;
we have given to no nation the right
to be justified in taking offence. So
believing with strong reliance on
the justice and the righteousness of
our cause, and with due Difference and
courtesy and with proper considera-
ton for the feelings and the views of
others, we had hoped the authorities
at Washington would have seen the
question as we in this state have been
forced to see it-as we must see it or
be blind.
"And so, with all respect and courte-
sy, the state of California feels it its
bounden duty to citizens to do that
which the interests of its people de-
mand; that which the conscience of
its people approve; that which VIC
lates no treaty rights; that which pre-
sents no discrimination, and that
which can give no just cause for Of
fence.
Duty to Sign Bill.
You have suggested to me delay,
but this question was very earnestly
and fully presented by you to our leg
islature, and the legislature deter
mined to proceed. My province is to
approve or disapprove the law as pre-
scented. Our people, as represented in
the legislature, have Overwhelmingly
expressed their desire for the present
alien land bill. The vote in the SEN
ate was 35 to and in the assembly
~ to g.
with such unanimity of opinion,
even did | hold other views, l would
feel it my plain duty to sign the bill.
unless some absolutely controlling ne
. cessity demanded contrary action. Ap-
parently no such controlling necessity
exits.
. ut is with the highest respect for
@ yourself and the president that feel
my duty to my state compels me to
approve the action of the legislature. y
"HIRAM w. JOHNSON
Governor of California"
Gov. Johnson signed the bill on
Monday, and it will become effective
. In ninety days.
O
AtNn NA-,c