ALIEN OWNERSHIP OF LAND FAVORED

Realty Men Adopt Strong Resolution Urging Voters to Support Constitutional Amendment in November.

ADVANTAGES CLAIMED FOR PROPOSED LAW

More Taxpayers Will Be Brought Into State to Help Carry Burdens Now Imposed Only on Citizens.

Resolutions adopted by the Washington State Realty Association indorse alien ownership of land, and urge voters to support the only constitutional amendment on the ballot November 3. The proposed amendment is:

"Section 33. -- The ownership of lands by aliens, other than those who in good faith have declared their intention to become citizens of the United States, is prohibited in this state, except where acquired by inheritance, under mortgage or in good faith in the ordinary course of justice, in the collection of debts; and all conveyances of land hereafter made to any alien directly, or in trust for such alien, shall be void; Providing, that the provisions of this section shall not apply to lands containing valuable deposits of mineral, metals, iron, coal, or fire clay and the necessary land for mills and machinery to be used in the development thereof, and the manufacture of the products therefrom. Every corporation, the majority of the capital stock of which is owned by aliens, shall be considered an alien for the purpose of this prohibition; provided, however, that this section shall not apply to conveyance of lands lying wholly within the limits of municipal corporations when made to resident aliens. In the event of a resident alien becoming a non-resident for the term of five years, his interest in lands in the state of Washington shall be vested in the common school fund."

Resolution Adopted.

The resolution adopted by the State Realty Convention in Everett provides:

"That this association reaffirms its belief in the advantages of alien ownership of real property in the state of Washington and expresses confidence that amendment to the state constitution proposed by the last Legislature with respect to the ownership of real property by aliens will prove of great benefit to the state and will materially aid in its progress and development; that opening to the aliens for investment will bring more taxpayers into the state to help carry the tax burdens now imposed only on American citizens, and be it further resolved that this association pledges its effort and influence towards the passage of the constitutional amendment as it is submited to the people."

It is pointed out that Washington is the only Pacific Coast state in which aliens cannot own real estate. Real estate men take the ground that the pending amendment would be better for this state than the law of any other state, because the Washington amendment would permit only resident aliens to own real estate.