The Washington herald., 1914-02-04
HOUSE REVERSES
ALIEN CLAUSE
Republicans Join Democrats
IN Ignoring Exclusion
Of Asiatics.
COUNTRY ABOVEPOLITIcS
Minority Leader Mann Leads Fight to
Revoke Provision Tending to En-
barras. Japanese Question.

As result Of influence brought To
bear by President Wilson and his ao-
yisors the specter of Japanese exclusion
which stalks forth from time to time.
much to the chagrin of State Department
officials, was laid low in the House yes
terday. That body, by an Overwhelming
vote, recalled the amendment incorporated
Monday in the Burnett immigration Dill
providing for exclusion OF Asiancs,
proposal that was obviously aimed at the
japanese.
Republicans Joined with Democrats
yesterday in pleading with the House TO
ignore the exclusion question In oroer
that the Administration might proceed
with its diplomatic negotiations with
some assurance that the differences be-
tween the two countries would be ad-
justed and the anicable relations that
formerly obtained between Tokyo and
Washington be restored. The House
thereupon reversed itself, and it Is pre-
cicted that as a result. no further effort
will be made in Congress at this time
to bring the exclusion question forward.
The debate was one of the most stirring
witnessed in the House this session. Rep
re-entative Mann. Of Illinois, Republican
leader. was wildly epplauded when he
declared. This is no time to play poll
tics. We all owe allegiance to our coun-
try. Let US show II today"
The sentiment of the House on the
question, changed over night by reflection
and arguments advanced by representa-
tives of the administration. was strik-
ingly shown in two votes. The Lenroot-
Hayes amendment, excluding Mongolians.
negroes, and Malays. not protected by
treaty or passport agreements, Monday
adopted by a vote of Ill to 80. was yes
terday defeated-3oS to 81. An amend
ment offered by Representative Raker, of
California, author of the pending ex-
clusion bill, providing for the exclusion
of all Asiatic laborers, was rejected by a
vote of 1Sa to 6.
Republican Leader Mann's speech in
opposition to the exclusion amendments
was, in part. at least instrumental In
reversing Mondays vote. Il have been
long enough in this House. hope" said
Mr.. Mann. Ito know when to place coun-
try above party. ! do not believe any
Of these amendments should be agreed
to at this time. Dealing with foreign
relations is a matter OF delicacy at best.
i am not prepared to invite war with
Japan or any other country, though IL
war shoukd come as a result Of any legis-
lation I would not shrink from II. I
think now is the time for US to be cool
and collected, not to be carried OF our
feet because We think, perchance, We
can play politics to the disadvantage of
the Democrats. We owe an allegiance
to our country above our party"
Representative Hayes. Of California. q
Republican, interrupted to remark that
he hoped Mr.. Mann would aquit him
of any desire ito play politics"
oh replied Mr.. Mann. 'the gentle
man is a sincere advocate of this propo-
sition. He, standing as he is. an advo-
cate on one side. is properly doing what
he believes is right. and he is more or
less prejudiced. We represent the entire
country, and We ought to protect at this
time even California against herself"
With the disposal of the Lenroot-Hayes
amendments and the amendment offered
by Representative Raker the House re-
stunned consideration of the immigration
bill. Debate on the measure continued
until a late hour. and an agreement was
reached for a vote today. Indications are
that the bill will be passed by an over
whelming majority. The fate of the bill
in the Senate is problematical. II the
President indicates that he is opposed to
the more restricted features. the Senate
doubtless will modify them. On the other
hand, IL the President refuses to express
an opinion. the Senate will pass the bill