New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-04-25
Thompson Bill May Pass.

thompson 6ilI way FaSs'
II the justice Of this view is conceded
by Secretary Bryan in the conference he
viii hold with the Governor and MEM
bers OF the Legislature there is little
doubt that the Thompson bill will pass.
unless Secretary Bryan states reasons Of
great urgency and can convince the lead
ers here that such action by the Cali
fornia Legislature would precipitate a
grave crisis.
The Democrats I'm both houses have
conceived the idea of calling a conference
Of Governors OF Oregon. Washington.
Nevada and Arizona To meet Secretary
Bryan and Governor Johnson next week.
with view of bringing about concerted
action on the alien land question.
Resolutions will be introduced IN both
houses tomorrow. directing that invi-
tations be telegraphcd 10 the executives
Of these states There IS little sympathy
for the plan among the majority, who.
having asserted their right a. a state to
act. now declare that such conference
would only serve TO cloud the issue.
Governor Johnson. in his statement, al
ready quoted from. says:
The suggestion Of the President that
the Secretary OF STATE visit California for
conference on the pending land bills was
Al once accepted by both houses Of the
Legislature and by the Governor. and We
will be glad 10 welcome Mr. Bryan.
while the Legislature very properly
maintained the right Of tine state to leg
islate on a matter clearly within its juris-
diction. ! am sure there Is 10 disposition
10 encroach on the international function
Of the federal government or justly to
wound the sensiblities Of any nation. My
protest has been against the discrimination
to which California has been subjected in
the assumption that action which has been
accepted without demur when taken by
ether states and by the nation is offensive
if even discussed by California.
Not Forecastina the Law.
Il am not predicting the California Leg
islature will take any action on this sub
jeot, nor If II does. forecasting the terms
of any law which may be enacted | am
merely defending the right Of California
TO consider, and, If its legislators deem
advisable, 10 enact law which is clearly
within both its legal power and its moral
right.
Much has been said of the dignity of
Japan We would not willingly affront
the dignity of Japan. nor offend its pride.
But what shall be said of the proposition
that great state, itself an empire. OF
possibilities greater than those of most
nations. shall be halted from the mere
consideration OF legislative act. admit
tedly within 'ts Jurisdiction. by the pro-
test Of a foreign power which has itself
enacted even more stringent regulations
on the subject? What Of the dignity of
California?
admittedly California has a right TO
pass an alien land bill. No one suggests
that ouch a bill should In terms describe
the aJpanese. IT has been suggested that
such law I'm California shall follow the
distinctions which are already AN unpro-
tested part OF the law and policy Of the
United States.
"'rhe constitution Of California since
1879 has said that the presence of for
eieners. ineligible TO become citizens, is
declared to be dangerous 10 the well being
Of the state. and the Legislature shall
discourage their immigration by all
means in its power. The alien land law
Of the State of Washington provides that
any alien except such as by the laws OF
the United States are incapable Of be-
coming citizens of the United States may
acquire and hold land etc The State
Of Arizona In 1912 enacted that no per-
son not eligible 10 become a citizen Of
the United States shall acquire title 10
any land or real property. etc.
mo protest was made against This
policy Of the laws of the United States.
nor against its adoption into the laws Of
Washington and Arizona II the Legis-
lature OF California were to determine on
similar action, II would be merely follow
ing tho declaration of our constitution.
the policy nf the United States govern
mcnt and the precedents OF al least tno
states.