Imperial Valley press., 1913-05-12
WORLD WANTS TO KNOW IF
GOVERNOR WILL SIGN BILL

lBY UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATIONS
WASHINGTON, May i2.-GOvernor
JohnsOn's reply to Secretary Bryan's
final message asking him to withhold
his signature to the anti-alien bill is
eagerly awaited mere. Mr.. Bryan and
Ambassador Chinda are delaying con-
ferences until the reply is received. 1t
is generally believed here that Mr..
johnson will sign.
SACRAMENTO, May 12.-Governor
Johnson is flooded with messages and
letters regarding the anti alien bill.
Ninety-nine per cent of these urge him
to sign without delay. 1t is under
stood Johnson will not sign until ample
time is given the federal administration
to complete it's diplomatic adjustment.
WASHINGTON, May 12.-President
Wilson, following a decision reached to
request Governor Johnson Of California
to veto the alien land bill, is preparing
to defend the position Of that state in
passing the bill providing the governor
does not heed the request and dis
approve the measure. This was in
dicated by developments yesterday.
The president will take the view
that he must oppose the japanese con-
tention over the California legislation.
although doing all in his power to have
that state delay action at this time
Governor Johnson has become the
pivotal figure in the situation since the
president decided to make a final an
peal to the governor to veto the bill.
This decision was reached following
The full presentation of the Japanese
case by Ambassador Chinda. and his
mSlstence upon immediate action bv
the federal administration.
Secretary Of State Bryan was
charged with the drafting of q message
to Governor Johnson, which should
set forth the objections to the Cali
fornia legislation as presented by AM
hassador Chinda.
There is little expectation here that
Governor Johnson will be induced by
the message to veto the alien land bill.
He will be informed, however, in Mr..
Bryan's message, Of the complete
statement Of the Japanese side Of the
case, and thus put in a position where
he must accept full responsibility for
his act, in case he signs the measure.
1t has become evident that while the
attitude Of the Japanese government
as represented BY its ambassador here
is one Of vigorous insistence upon
prompt action by the federal govern
ment, that of President Wilson and
Secretary Bryan is leaning toward de-
lay.
The best legal opinion here is that
the Japanese case against the bill is
not good one. Consequently, Presi-
Gent Wilson is preparing to adopt
position wherein he must oppose the
japanese contentious in spite Of the
fact that while the California legisla-
ture was in process Of consideration
he urged difference to Japan's views.
The Japanese ambassador has rested
mis- case with the United States in 81
hours discussion with Secretary of
state Bryan. His formal protest hay
ing been presented, Niscount Chinda
devoted his talk with Mr.. Bryan to
lengthy argument in support of the
vleWs Of his government. He attacked
the proposed California law. not only
as involving a technical violation Of
the treaty Of 1911, respecting the
rights OF Japanese to hold property
IN the United States, but also as con-
trary to the general spirit Of equality
Of privileges which he maintains the
treaty contains.
Mr.. Bryan cOntented himself during
this conference with assuring the am
bassador of the good will of the United
States in the premises and of the dis
position Of the president to do all with
IN his power to prevent any state from
acting in manner offensive to Japan
ese sensibilties. He gave the ambas
sador an unequivocal assurance that the
president is determined that the treaty
rights of japanese subjects be respect
ed through tho I-nitpd CfafeS