ANTI-JAP LEAGUE BANS OPPOSITION

After prefacing their remarks with an avowal of belief in free speech, organizers of a Japanese Exclusion League at Bellevue last night told 500 persons in the Overlake School they wanted no debate from the opposition and threatened to oust anyone who tried to take the floor.

In the midst of the speeches by George H. Crandell, Seattle attorney and Hunts Point resident, and A.E. McCroskey, Seattle executive organizer, about 100 opponents were told to "hire your own hall to heckle in ... and if there are any more outbreaks you will be ejected."

Opposition is Predicted

Opposition to the league's anti-Japanese stand was predicted after the meeting by Mrs. Thomas C. Rabbitt, East Side resident.

McCroskey asked all those "who favor exclusion of all American-born Japanese from this country" to raise their hands. About 400 hands went up. "Now," he said, "all those who think it's worth a few dollars to join this organization raise their hands." There was some hesitation and he waited until almost 400 hands went up. He then instructed ushers to pass through the audience with envelopes.

"I think it's well worth $10 to join this organization," he then added:

"Now we will have door prizes ... and get your name and address so representatives can call at your home and explain our objectives."

'No. 1 Jap Hater'

The door prizes, he said, would be busts of "America's No. 1 Jap hater," made by "the Northwest's famous sculptor, Alonzo Victor Lewis." Peeling tissue from one of them, he triumphantly displayed a bust of General MacArthur, declaring that "any patriotic American would be proud to have this in his home." There was a burst of applause.

Active in organization of the league was Arthur Ritchie, recent proponent of a scheme to sell Lewis' busts of President Roosevelt to Democratic committees to raise campaign funds in the national election.

Ritchie said initiation in the league, founded by Ralph Hannan, treasurer, of Gresham, Or., cost $10 and dues are $1 a month.

Many Pay $10 Fee

Ritchie said today about 200 persons joined the league, paying the $10 initiation fee or a portion thereof, the balance to be mailed. Others indicated they would mail checks or postal money orders. He said the meeting should net a total enrollment of about 300 members.

McCroskey, who described himself as an ex-soldier, is a petroleum engineer, having resided in Seattle about eight years. He was sent here by an oil company to conduct a geological survey of the state and since resigned his position and entered business for himself.