course, there was a bill designed to prevent the acquisition of
land by Japanese. In the session of 1911 the Legislature was
again flooded with anti-Japanese bills, including one which for-
bade the acquisition of land by aliens ineligible for citizenship,
as well as the leasing of it by them. This bill passed one house
but was killed in the other. In addition to pressure exerted from
Washington, the Panama-Pacific Exposition Company strenu-
ously opposed the pending bill. Even the Asiatic Exclusion
League backed down and advised its leaders to vote against enact-
ment. Thus twice in succession the anti-Japanese agitation failed
to effect its object.

The year 1913 arrived, with a radically changed political situa-
tion. The national administration was now Democratic, while
the State administration was Progressive-Republican. There was
no sympathy between the two. The Federal intervention, had, as
a matter of fact, a negative effect. It assisted in enacting the
law. Such is the opinion of many. Just as in the previous ses-
sion, the Exposition Company exerted its influence against enact-
ment. But the alien land bill was passed May 22d, and became
a law when it was signed by the Governor, May 19th. That law
forbids further acquisition of land by Japanese, though they may
hold what they now own. But upon death such holdings may
not be succeeded to by those ineligible for citizenship, that is by
Japanese. The law also limits leasing of land for agricultural
purposes to three years. And the purpose of the whole law is

SE iS oe-

thus explained by the author of the law himself.

   
 

Ss *s>

“The fundamental basis of all legislation upon this subject,
State and Federal, has been, and is, race undesirability. It is!
unimportant and foreign to the question under discussion whether
a particular race is inferior or superior. The simple and single
question is, is the race desirable. .. ? Jt (the law) seeks to limit
their presence by curtailing their privileges which they may enjoy
here; for they will not come in large numbers and long abide with,
us if they may not acquire land. And it seeks to limit the numbers |

— EF.

62 |