The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-05-03
lAl|F0RN|AAS HEAR BRYAN.
BUT REFUST TO RECEDE ON
ANTI-JAPANESE BILL.
secretary Of State Argued Against
Passage of Law Violating Federal
treaty OH the Grounds That This
Action by IA State Would be Detri-
mental to Public Policy.

conferences between Secretary Rrvan
and Gov. Johnson and members of
the California legislature over propos-
ed anti-alien land laws ended tonight
when the conference adjourned 70
await replies to messages sent to
Washington tonight by Mr.. Bryan.
The impression prevailed here
when the conference adjourned that
the resolution of the majority leaders
previously announced to enact a bill
specifically debarring aliens ineligi-
BILE to citizenship" from owning land
in California remained unchanged, al
though Mr.. Bryan advised strongly
indicated this in brief address to the
conference. He declared California S
right to follow the lead of other
States in framing the land bill was
unquestioned and said such action
now seemed assured.
Il have presented the PRESIDENT Is
views as I understand Them declared
Mr. Bryan to the conference just be-
fore it adjourned Tonight I shall
submit TO him the further questions
you have asked me, calling attention
TO the statutes of Washington and
Arizona and. shall be prepared to-
morrow, l hope, to give you his an
swer."
California in the fullness of her
right as State may enact a rigid
land law barring Orientials from own
ership, but such action would be
against the earnest wish OF the nat
ional administration.
This 8 the substance Of the mes
sage William Jennings Bryan, secre-
tary OF state and personal represen-
tative OF President Wilson, delivered
today to q secret conference attended
by Gov. Johnson, Lieut.. Gov.
Wallace and the l2O members of the
California legislature
Secretary Bryan arrived in Sac.
ramento at o'clock this morning.
With his consent plans were laid for
an immediate hearing and shortly af.
ter IL O'Clock the first session Of
! the conference began. Until the
doors of the assembly chamber were
closed and locked Secretary Bryan re-
IN riv inE of t;o
sage to any one and even at the con-
ference he spoke only after legisla-
tors had explained fully the public de-
mand for alien land legislation that
brought about the present situation
Those who expected Secretary Bry-
an to expound new theory of State
rights were disappointed as were
those who expected predictions OF
war. Advice in the name Of President
Wilson was all Mr.. Bryan had to Of
fer, and the paramount question here
tonight is whether such advice will
overcome the previously announced
determination Of the Progressive Re-
publican majority to enact an anti
alien land holding law along lines
already agreed upon.
Secretary Bryan reaffirmed the
States right to act in a manner i,
saw fit, but suggested several sub
stitutes for the passage of a bill re-
stricting aliens ineligible to citizen.
snip hasqiG his -"as"ns "u TIA. broad
Foundation ot yp..lc pUl,c~ "r:.f-
ly, these substitutes in tly nr.Ier i
which they were suggested ar ae
! follows:
l. Delay immediate action and =
low the state department to try to ac-
complish the ends desired by means
of new treaty with Japan.
2. Delay immediate action and ap.
point a commission to investigate the
subject Of alien land ownership and
act in conjunction with the president
in securing relief.
3. Enact law similar to the sta.
trte in Hloinis which permits aliens to
hold land for a period not exceedins
six years and applies alike to all
4. Enact law simular to the exist
ing statute governing land ownership
in the District of Columbia, which is a
general law applying to all aliens.
OF these, it may be safely said ac-
"ording To the leaders in the legsla-
mre, that the last two are ont Of the
question, Many Democrats favor
turning the matter over To the State
department while progressive Republic
cans apparently remain unchanged in
support of bill that would apply
Its restrictions to Orientals alone.
The conference with Secretary
Bryan served to show the breadth o
the sentiment in favor of an alien lant
law that shall be effective In checkins
japanese and Chinese immigration. ,
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