Putnam patriot., 1913-05-02
DELAY LAND BILL
 IS BRYAN'S PLEA
Asks California to Drop Anti Jap Measure For Two Years
EXCLUSION BY DIPLOMACY
Has Two Secret Conferences with Western Law Makers-Wouid Have Investigating Committee First
 Sacrifice for Oriental Trade.

Sacramento, Cal-Partly as a result of the visit of Secretary of State Bryan, and partly because of the great amount of unfavorable criticism which has come from all parts of California, ii is believed here that there will be ne alien land law" bills passed in this State during the present session Of the Legislature. MT. Bryan, who has had two conferences with Governor Johnson and the members of i. the Legislature, has at least brought the latter to a realization of the fact that the proposed alien legislation-aim as it does at the practical exclusion of but one race of people-is a national and not State issue. Incidentally, he has made it plain that the Federal Government has no desire to inter fere with California in her admins tration of inside affairs, desiring only to suggest plans of procedure winch will rebound to the benefit of the body polite, instead of possibly plunging the country into a devastating war with the Empire of Japan.
 From the most reliable information obtainable at this time 1t appears that Mir Bryan has asked for, and almost received a pledge of, postponement of action on either the Birdsall or the Thompson alien land law bill, until a committee from the State Legislature shall have investigated the demands for such a measure and satisfied them selves that the people of California really desire to exclude the Japanese as possible owners of agricultural lands within the State. If this condi ton is found to exist it is proposed to have Governor Johnson call a special session of the Legislature and enact whatever measure the people want.
 Secretary Bryan arrived promptly on time and was met with great cere- mony by Governor Johnson and many Democratic legislators who were at the depot. Together with the Govern or he was driven to the executive mansion, where breakfast was served.
 Secretary Bryan went to the capitol with Governor Johnson shortly before 10 o'clock and spent an hour in the
 
 by Senator Boynton. president pro tenn of the Senate, and Senator Thomp- son, both progressive leaders. It was arranged that Bryan should take pos session of Lieutenant Governor Wal lace's offices in the capitol.
 For three hours Secretary Bryan pleaded with the Legislature to delay passage of an anti-alien land bill for two years and give the State Depart ment an opportunity to accomplish by diplomacy the exclusion of Japanese from American soil.
 Bryan acknowledged that the pend ing bill does not conflict with treaty rights, but he questioned the assump- tion that the people of California de- maDded such law. He said:-
 This is not an issue, paramount with the whole State. It is not ques- tioD of immigration and land owner ship alone. Friendly relations exist between the United States and Japan. Commerce is increasing and the com merce of the Orient is of such value to California as a whole as to offset any present harm by Japanese land ownership"
 Following this address, Governor Johnson made a vehement defense of the alien land bills and indicated that the Legislature would insist on their passage.