Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-05-03
California Senate Passes
on Jap Issue by 36
to 2 Vote.
MEET WISHES OF STATE
Webb Measure Approved at
Sacramento After a TO-
Hour Debate.

Washington, D. c., May 3.-lt was
learned today the Webb bill, in its
present form, is not satisfactory to
japan. II the question between US
and Japan is not settled within the
next three months, il was intimated
here today Japan might make for
NAL request for submission of the issue
TO arbitration at The Hague.
Secretary Bryan will arrive at Wash
ineton next Thursday. Until that time
it is understood the president Will
make no comment
Sacramento, Cal, May 3.-The ad-
ministration anti-alien land holding
bill, drawn by Attorney General Webb,
passed the senate at 12:45 this morn
iag by a vote of SO to 2, after nearly
10 hours of debate. The only mega
tive votes were cast by Senators Cart
wright, democrat, and Wright, repub-
lican.
The principal provisions of the bill
follow:
!. Aliens eligible to citizenship may
acquire and hold land to the same ex-
tent as citizens.
>. All other aliens are limited to
specific rights conferred upon them
by existing treaties between the Unit
ed States and nations of which such
aliens are citizens. or subjects. In
the case OF Japanese, the bill prohib-
It's ownership of farming or agricul-
tural lands. while permitting them to
own residences. factories, manufac-
tories and shops.
3 Leases Of agricultural lands of
such aliens are permitted for period
Lot exceeding three years.
CANNOT INHFalIT LAND.
T. Aliens ineligible to citizenship
cannot inherit Land. Upon the death
of an alien landholder, his property
shall be sold by the probate court and
the proceeds distributed 10 his heirs.
5. The state specifically reserves
its sovereign right TO enact any and
all laws in the future with respect tc
the acquisition of real property by
aliens.
g. Present holdings of ineligible
aliens are not affected except tha
they cannot be bequeathed or sold u
other aliens classified among those
not eligible to citizenship.
A companion measure, identical II
phraseology, probably will pass The
assembly today and will be signed b!
Governor Johnson after a "reasonabl,
time" has elapsed in which 10 hea
possible protests from President VII
son, who requested a respite.
FORGET PARTY LINES.
In the closing hours of the debat
partisanship was lost sight Of Demo
Gratis and progressiVes voted togethe
in response to what they took to be
demand of the people of California
Their only difference in the end wa
over the question OF whether the bil
was drastic enough.
The futility of Secretary Bryan
mission was shown in the vote of hi
own party. Nine of the 10 democrat
voted contrary to the advice which h
brought from President Wilson, whil
not a single progressive yielded 10 hi
eloquence.
MAY DELAY 70 DAYS.
Governor Johnson expected to hav
in his hands tonight the alien Ian
law. He has agreed To delay signin
the bill until an opportunity is give
for hearing whatever protests Pres
dent Wilson may desire to make.
the governors own words the della
will cover "a reasonable time" pro-
ably not more than 10 days, certainl
not more than so.
The act is drawn in conformity wit
treaty obligations and guarantees
every alien full treaty rights, omittin
the phrase, ineligible 10 citizenship
objected TO by Japan
The assembly today has up for fin;
consideration the Bloodgood bill
which is identical with the Webb T
draft OF the bill passed by the serat
BRYAN MISSION ENDED.
Secretary Bryan's mission to Califo
MIA has ended. Without waiting fC
the assembly to take action on n
anti-alien land bill. he win leave at
this afternoon for the east
In the midst of preparations for b
departure. Bryan sent word 70 Cove
nor Johnson and the presiding office
Of the two houses asking for anoth,
conference at this afternoon.