The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-04-25
No Cause to Single Out Cal
if0rnia for Discrimina-
tion, He Says
DOES NOT PREDICT
LAWS WILL PASS
Will Welcome Secretary Bryan, But
Is Unable TO See the Con-
sistency in Goyernment'a
Attitude

Sacramento, Cal, April PA statement
by Governor johnson setting forth his
views on the alien land ownership con-
troversy was issued from the executive
office today.
Governor johnson does not attempt to
predict that any law will be enacted at
this session barring Japanese or subjects
of any other nation. nor if so. what kind
of law 1t viii be- but merely asserts
there is no cause 10 single out California
as the objective of such Unprecedented
action by the authorities at Washing
ton
He says:
The suggestion of the President that
the Secretary of State visit California
for conferences ON the pending land bills
was at once accepted by both houses OF
the legislature. and by the governor
and we will be glad to welcome Mr.
Bryan.
while the legislature very properly
maintained the right of the state to Leg
islate ON matter clearly within its jur-
isdiction, l am sure there is no disposi-
tian to encroaeh ON the international
function of the federal government or
| justly to wound the sensibilities of any
nation.
My protest against the nation has been
against the discrimination to which Cal
ifornia has been subjected in the as
sumption that action which has been ac-
complished without demurrance when
taken by Other states and by the nation,
is uniusty offensive. II even discussed by
California
Predicts No Action
Il am not predicting the California Leg
| stature will take any action on this
subject, nor If it does forecasting the
terms of any law which may be enacted.
| am merely defending the right to CALI
| fornia to consider, and if its legislators
deem advisable to enact law which is
clearly within both its legal power and
its moral sphere.
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 PROPOSE
tion that great state, Itself an empire OF
possibilities greater than those Of most
nations, shall be halted from the mere
consideration u h legislative act admit
tedly within its Jurisdiction. by the
protest of a foreign power which has
itself enacted even more stringent regu-
lations on the subject?
what of the dignity of California;?
Admittedly California has right -
pass an alien land ownership bill. No
one suggests that such bin should in
terms describe the Japanese. 1t has
been suggested that such a law In
] California shall follow the distinctions
which are already an unprotected pat
Of the law and policy of the United
States.
The United States has determined
! who are eligible to citizenship The ma
ton has solemnly decreed that certain
races among whom are the Japanese.
are not eligible TO citizenship.
Line Not Drawn
"The line has been drawn not iy
California but by the United States.
Discrimination If 1t ever occurred.
came and went when the nation de-
clared who were and who were not
eligible to citizenship. IL California
continues the line marked out by the
federal government the United states
and not California should be accused
i OF discrimination.
"The constitution of California since
1879 has said that the presence of for
cigners. Ineligible to become citizens.
is declared to be dangerous to the well
being of the state and the legislature
shall discourage their immigration by
all means in Its power
THE alien land ownership law OF
Washington provides that an alien ex-
cept by the United States laws. are
incapable OF becoming citizens. may ac-
qIirc land after citizenship. The state
Of Arizona In 1912 enacted: That no
person ineligible to become a citizen OF
the United States shall acquire title to
any land or real property.
Made No Protest
"No protest was made against this
policy of the laws OF the United States
nor against its adoption in the laws OF
Washington and Arizona. II the legis-
lature of California were to determine
on similar action 1t would be merely fol-
lowing the declaration OF our constitl-
ton, the policy of the United States gov
ernment and the precedents of at least
two states. We protest while we are
merely debating similar laws against
having trained men upon us not only
the verbal batteries of Japan but those
of our own country. The position that
we occupy at this moment is not pleas
ant to contemplate. Calmly and dispas-
sionately we are discussing law admit
tedly within our province to enact.
Objection is made by japan, and forth
with ii is demanded that we cease even
discussion, and upon us If we do not
cease calm and dispassonate considera-
ton of that which is desired by great
portion of our people and which We have
(COntinued ON Pare Eighty