Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-04-29

of the majority party urged him to
comply with the request. Senator Ca
minetti, Democrat, suggested that a
small group of members from both
Houses be selected to hear Mr.. Bryan
arguments, hut Boynton protested and
carried his point.
After several others had spoken,
many of them quoting statistics 10
show the increase in land holdings by
japanese during recent years, Secre-
tary Bryan arose. His first statement
was concerning the secret conference
which he said he had favored with the
support of Gov. Johnson and the pre-
siding officers of both Houses. Secre-
tary Bryan said he could speak with
more frankness TO the members than
he could to 'promiscuous audience.
The Secretary's Suggestions.
"As the representative of the Pres
ident," he began, I feel keen1y tile
responsibility that is placed upon me-
I would have preferred to have hin
come himself as the head of the ma
ton. but that seemed impossible and
he delegated me to speak for him. |
do not pretend to do other than ex-
press his views. l am simply his
spokesman, and will say to you only
that which he would have me say.
LAS to the constitutionality of our
treaty with Japan, you will pardon
me if L decline to act as the supreme
court. Further, as to the question Il
immigration | think we can consider
that question as independent of the
land question which we are here con-
cerned.'
Questions concerning the treaty
and the immigration of Japenese tc
the United States had been asked dur
ing the debate. Continuing, MIR. Bry-
an said:
Il have listened to what you have
said. and l assume everything to be
true; that you have not overdraw1
nor exaggerated the feeling OF the
people Of California in the matter. !
can assume that the people demand
that something be done.
I'm that case, the first question Is
whether the legislation is demanded al
! this time If it can be delayed then
/! the first suggestion that the President
| would have me make is that you per-
| nit an effort to be made to deal with
! the question automatically. with
view to reaching the same, results
| without legislation.
IF the demand is so immediate that
| this cannot be done, can action be de-
ferred for two years and in the mean
time have ii commission appointed tt
| investigate conditions and act WITT
| the Executive? Would it not be worth
| while to try this plan before you ADOPT
| Ln+ ;rLt in nnfTlGIlI
1 illness from a foreign nation
II am not going to indulge In any
speculations as to what may happen
| if you do anything now. but am
here to advise against the use OF any
language that would offend any pe1-
pie that have dealings with u.s..
In case immediate action was de-
manded. Secretary Bryan said, hs
| would be in favor of a law framee
| along the lines of the Illinois law, OF
the federal statute in the District ol
Columbia, both of which are genera
in character.
EITHER of these measures is prefer
able to language that includes the
| words Ineligible to citizenship, ada
ed Mr.. Bryan. president Wilson be-
lieyes that if you use these words, you
might as well make law declarins
specifically against japanese and chi
nese ownership.
.aThis expresses the views of tie
President. He desires me to say ina
iif such a law is passed he will recog
nize his duty as President to do al
In his power to minimize the Ill feel
ing that might be aroused. At the
same time, he believes it his duty as
President to urge earnest considera :