Arizona republican., 1913-04-20
Each Informs Gov. Johnson That the Assembly Bill Might Be Construed As Violation of the Treaty Obligations.
FANORING THE
 SENATE MEASURE
In California Belief Is Held That Diplomatic Steps of Yesterday May Prevent Passage of Alien Land Law Bill
ASSOCIATED PRESS DIsPArCH1

WASHINGTON. April. 19.-Presi- dent Wilson and Secretary Bryan following the precedent of previous administrations made known today their views on the international character of the legislation now pending in California by which Ja- pan would be prevented from own ing land in that state.
 In telegram to Gov. Johnson. Secretary Bryan expressed the view of President Wilson that the Calif- ornia assembly bill might be con strued as a violation of the treaty obligations with Japan while the senate's measure as drawn would not be objectionable, if alien land legislation be enacted at all. In this the federal government recognizes the sovereign right of California to legislate according to it's own judg nent. but todays message counsel led caution.
 The telegram and other infOrma- ton from official circles indicated clearly the provisions of the assem- bly bill by which aliens ineligible to citizenship would be prohibited
  distinct discrimination against Jap anese who are at present denied the right of naturalization. The lang uage of the senate bill restricting their intention of becoming citizens was approved by the president as he discovered the phraseology is si- rnilar to statutes already in force in New York. Delaware. Kansas Min nesota. Kentucky, Washington. Mis- souri and the District of Columbia.
 Incidentally ali these laws make it impossible for Japanese to own land until they are able to declare their intention of becoming citizens d pri- vilege the lower courts thus far have not given them on the ground they are not of white or African descent"
 By enacting a law similar to those in force in several states California will not embarrass the federal gov ernment because no protest has hitherto been made against those statutes and the whole problem be- comes one of naturalization.
 It is not unlikely, however that the Japanese government will not attempt to have the question of na- turalization pressed in the higher courts
 Viscount Chinda, the Japanese am bassadOr had long conference about the situation today with Secretary Bryan. The secretary has been keep ing the ambassador freely advised of the steps taken by the federal gov ernment to preserve the treaty rights of the Japanese and accord ingly made known to him today the contents of the message dispatched at the direction of the president tC Governor Johnson of California.
 As Secretary Bryan knows tn, precise nature of Japanese organiZa tions to the pending legislation his recommendation to Governor John son is taken to indicate that tho senate bill is in such form that though not welcome, it might a least be tolerated by the Japanes' government Secretary Bryan als' had conference during the after noon with Larz Anderson retiring ambassador to Japan regarding tn situation in TOkio as he left it an' the probable extent of the anti American sentiment manifesto there in the mass meeting and tn newspapers