UNANIMOUS FOR JAPANESE RESTRICTION
The concurrent resolution adopted by the State Legislature, asking protection for the Pacific Coast from the heavy influx of Japanese, is as follows:
"Resolved, by the Senate, the Assembly concurring, that, in view of the facts and reasons aforesaid, and of many others that might be stated, we, as representatives of the people of the State of California, do earnestly and strenuously ask and request, and, in so far as it may be proper, demand, for the protection of the people of this State and for the proper safeguarding of their interests, that action be taken without delay, by treaty or otherwise, as may be most expeditious and advantageous, tending to limit within reasonable bounds and diminish in a marked degree the further immigration of Japanese laborers into the United States. That our Senators and Representatives in Congress be, and they are hereby requested and directed to bring the matters aforesaid to the attention of the President and the Department of State."
LEGISLATORS ARE ALL OF ONE MIND
Governor Pardee Also Is in Full Accord.
It is the unanimous opinion of Governor George C. Pardee, Lieutenant-Governor Alden Anderson and the members of the State Senate and Assembly that Japanese immigration should be restricted for the protection of the business and social life of the State of California. The death knell of unrestricted Japanese immigration has already been sounded by the concurrent resolution passed by both the Senate and Assembly by a unanimous vote asking the President of the United States and the State Department to come to the rescue at this, what is considered to be the opportune hour.
In indorsing the resolution the members of both houses of the State Legislature argue that the welfare of the American laborer is in imminent peril as the result of the steadily growing influx of Japanese coolie labor. It is further argued by these representatives of the people of the great State of California that there is no reason why Chinese coolie labor should be excluded and not the Japanese, on the ground that the Japanese as a class are totally unreliable and that one Chinese is worth half a dozen of the coolie subjects of the Mikado.
It is further argued that the Japanese are crowding into the public schools of the State and demanding seats beside those occupied by American sons and daughters. In support of the resolution the proposition is advanced that what is needed is a class of people who will settle here and build homes, raise families and thereby perpetuate the prosperity of the State.
Only a few of the legislators, who are from the great fruit-raising sections of the State, are in favor of Japanese coolie labor in any degree in competition with American labor, and their plea is that the demand would be greater than the supply in the absence of Japanese. On the other hand, the majority of those from the fruit-growing centers can see the American lads crowded out of the orchards and farms on account of the constant influx of Japanese coolie labor, that can be secured at per diem wages that the American lads could not live upon.
Still another argument advanced in favor of the restriction of Japanese labor is that as a class they do not assimilate with the American people and are unable to exercise the rights and privileges of citizenship and assist in building up the country. Their sole object is to earn the most money possible, and live upon as little as will keep body and soul together, and then send or take out of the country the balance.
The possible termination of the Russo-Japanese war at an early date, which will throw a million or more of the Japanese soldiers on their own resources, is probably the most radical reason why Japanese immigration should be restricted, and restricted at once. This vast army of coolie labor, for the body of the Japanese army is nothing more nor less, will seek a livelihood where they can get the most for their labor, and from the glowing reports sent back to Japan by their fellow countrymen who have already cast their fortunes under the Stars and Stripes, the western shore of the United States will be the haven toward which they will direct their destinies.
Protection of Labor.
GOVERNOR GEORGE C. PARDEE--Protection of American labor and industries is a fixed and recognized principle of our national policy, therefore I hope that the Government of Japan will consider, in a spirit of amity and friendship, a measure which we feel is necessary for the maintenance of that principle, and in that spirit will enter into the proposed negotiations.
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR ALDEN ANDERSON--I am absolutely and unqualifiedly opposed to the immigration of Japanese or any other Asiatic coolie labor to the State of California. They are a non-assimilating people with ours, and they cannot become citizens. They come here for their material advantage, and no Caucasian can compete with them in any line of endeavor in which they may desire to engage. California's most pronounced greatness will come from her own development, and this development should be carried on by those who will themselves, and whose posterity, shall make their homes here, and who are capable of exercising the rights and privileges of citizenship and assisting in the building up of the country.
SENATOR G.R. LUKENS, ALAMEDA--It is too bad that America is such a weak nation that it cannot stand competition.
C.M. BELSHAW, CONTRA COSTA--I favor more stringent immigration laws, not only against the Japanese but against the refuse of Europe.
BENJAMIN W. HAHN, LOS ANGELES--It is entirely proper to call the attention of Congress and the State Department to the rapid increase in the number of Japanese immigrants, with a view to their restriction.
Japanese a Menace.
FRANK A. MARKEY, SAN FRANCISCO--Why exclude the Chinese and admit the Japanese practically without limit? The Japanese are as great, if not a greater, menace than the Chinese, and should receive the same treatment.
C.W. PENDLETON, LOS ANGELES--I am against the immigration of Japanese. Keep them out.
SAMUEL H. RAMBO, SANTA CRUZ--The Japanese are even creeping into the lumber districts. They overlook absolutely nothing in our industries or commercial life. Their immigration should be prevented, or at least confined to a limited number.
M.L. WARD, SAN DIEGO--It is a wise provision to call the attention of Congress to the rapid increase of Japanese, due to unrestricted immigration. Japan's position, however, in the family of nations makes it necessary for the situation to be handled with great delicacy and diplomacy.
RICHARD I. WELCH, SAN FRANCISCO--Certainly, exclude them; they are menacing the American laborer, both skilled and unskilled.
EDWARD I. WOLFE, SAN FRANCISCO--Japanese youths are even invading our public schools and demanding the right to sit beside our children. They are crowding into the commercial life of the State, and are a greater menace to our social and industrial institutions than the Chinese. Keep them out.
E.F. WOODWARD, SONOMA--I willingly presented the resolution to the Senate. I fully realize that it is time that something was done to check the tide of Japanese immigration that is setting toward our shores.
No Open-Door Policy.
MARSHALL DIGGS, YUBA--Up in my district, around Marysville, it is difficult to get help in the fruit season, and we are obliged to employ Japanese, but I am opposed to the present open-door policy of their unrestricted immigration. While it may not be possible or practicable to exclude them altogether, yet I believe some measure can be formulated whereby only a limited number may be admitted annually.
JOHN N. ANDERSON, ORANGE--A class of immigrants that do not build homes and become a part of the body politic, but come here only for the money they may send or carry away, are not desirable.
HOWARD A. BROUGHTON, LOS ANGELES--I am on record as opposed to the further unrestricted immigration of Japanese.
HENRY E. CARTER, LOS ANGELES--Why draw a line between Chinese and Japanese, and exclude one while we do not exclude the other. Both are equally detrimental to our American institutions, social, industrial and commercial.
CLIFFORD COGGINS, SHASTA--Restrict the Japanese; they are becoming too numerous, and are gaining control of too much of our land. They work on a ranch until they learn that particular industry, then they lease it or another, and at once man it with their own countrymen, and the white men are out.
J.B. CURTIN, TUOLUMNE--I was in hearty sympathy with the resolution; I called for its second reading only for the reason that I and others might more fully grasp its entire meaning. It was none too strong.
Present Grave Danger.
C.B. GREENWELL, SANTA BARBARA--I am in accord with my colleagues both in the Senate and the Assembly. There is grave danger in the unrestricted immigration of the Japanese.
PHILIP J. HASKINS, SAN FRANCISCO--Exclude the Japanese if possible; if not, restrict their number by all means. They are a menace to America in every sense of the word. To demonstrate the fact one has only to walk around the streets of San Francisco for a day or two and note the different industries into which they are crowding. At one instance, go over the city and count the number of shoe-repairing shops, and see what proportion are Japanese. If the ratio continues there will be no white men in that line of work in a year or two more.
JOHN B. IRISH, SIERRA--I happened to be absent from my seat when the roll was called on the resolution, but had I been present my vote would certainly have been "aye."
GEORGE B. KEANE, SAN FRANCISCO--I indorse every word of the resolution asking for the restriction of Japanese immigration.
FRANK W. LEAVITT, ALAMEDA--The resolution meets with my views on the immigration of Japanese. As Americans, we admire the bravery and patriotism of the little brown fellows, but we must take measures to protect ourselves from their aggressiveness.
WILLIAM T. LEEKE, SAN BERNARDINO--My views on the question were told by my vote for the resolution. The Japanese are stealthily creeping into every industry, and each year sees an increased number in our orchards and fields.
High Time for Step.
HENRY W. LYNCH, SAN LUIS OBISPO--I indorse every statement in the resolution. A short time before it was put upon its passage I was called from the Senate chamber or my voice would have been heard urging its adoption. It is high time some step was taken for the restriction of Japanese immigration, and I hope our delegation in Congress will take up the matter promptly.
J.G. MATTOS, ALAMEDA--Restrict the Japanese, and if necessary, exclude them. We remember that after the passage of the Chinese exclusion act the number of coolie immigrants decreased rapidly and their places were taken by white men. Then the Japanese began coming, and now we will soon have the same trouble that we had before the Chinese were restricted.
JAMES A. M'KEE, SACRAMENTO--In my county, Sacramento, we note the effect of unrestricted immigration on the Japanese, and it may be proved by a visit to the berry farms. I am in sympathy with the resolution.
A.E. MUENTER, SAN JOAQUIN--Californians know that it is not even necessary to argue the matter, and if the question could be settled by this State it would be decided quickly on a presentation of the facts. I am certainly in favor of the resolution.
JOHN H. NELSON, SAN FRANCISCO--I was called from the morning session of the Senate, and did not hear the resolution or the argument, but for me no argument would have been needed, as I should have voter, "aye."
WILLIAM C. RALSTON, CALAVERAS--One Chinese is worth three or four Japs. Then why should we exclude the one and permit the other to come without restriction? The resolution might well be stronger than it is.
Was Too Long Delayed.
CHESTER ROWELL, FRESNO--I foresaw this very trouble four years ago, and at that time tried to have a plank of similar import to this resolution introduced in the Republican platform, but the majority believed it was not necessary. If the immigration of Japanese in the past few years has been sufficient to change the opposing majority of that time to a unanimous vote in favor of their restriction what must be the effect of unrestricted immigration for two or three more years? We must now take into consideration that Japan is a full-fledged and powerful nation and one with which western civilization must deal. For the present I believe the resolution is sufficiently strong to serve the purpose for which it is intended.
BENJAMIN F. RUSH, SOLANO--It is a measure of self-protection which, as every one knows, is nature's first law.
J.B. SANFORD, MENDOCINO--While it is admitted that this resolution is introduced at the request of the Republican State Central Committee, I cannot class it as a party measure. It is broader than party; it is American. It is for the good of all the people, and as such it has my unqualified vote and support.
WILLIAM H. SAVAGE, LOS ANGELES--The gang system of contract laborers, under a "boss man" or pa
Must Avert Disaster.
THOMAS H. SELVAGE, HUMBOLDT--This measure is for the purpose of forearming ourselves against the time when the million or more soldiers of Japan will be discharged and returned to the masses. Japan must provide for the surplus population, and with the country suffering from the depression due to an expensive war that floating and surplus population will seek that country in which it can make the most money in the shortest possible time. They have the reports from the tens of thousands of their countrymen now in the United States, and what is more natural than that they should travel in the same road? Such disaster must be averted.
CHARLES M. SHORTRIDGE, SANTA CLARA--My hesitation was due entirely to the fact that the resolution might in some way hamper the State Department in negotiating a treaty with Japan. The fact that no hostility to the Japanese Government was intended being declared. I was ready and willing to vote that the Japanese laborers are not good. I would rather have one Chinese than half a dozen Japs if it comes to a question of coolie labor. A Japanese is wholly unreliable and will not keep his word. We do not want them here; keep them out.
M.W. SIMPSON, ALAMEDA--The Japanese are an undesirable class of laborers. We may admire their bravery and their patriotism, but we must not permit that admiration to blind ourselves to the fact that they are becoming a menace to our industries. The resolution has my hearty support.
HAMILTON A. BAUER, SAN FRANCISCO--That the American labor cannot compete with either Chinese or Japanese is a self-evident fact and one that will not admit of argument. Protection to American labor is the cardinal principle of Republicans. This resolution is intended to maintain that principle, and as such it has my support.
Are Not Desirable.
SPEAKER FRANK C. PRESCOTT, SAN BERNARDINO--The Japanese being a non-assimilating race, they are not desirable as immigrants. While we admire their aggressiveness and their rate of progress, we must take steps to protect ourselves when that aggressiveness on their part works to our hurt. Their system of working by gangs, under contract, under their boss or "padrone," even in comparatively small matters, is contrary to the American workman's idea of independence. The resolution is opportune considering the condition of affairs in Asia.
ASSEMBLYMAN WARD JARVIS, SANTA CLARA--I have great respect for the progress, pluck and patriotism of the Japanese as a nation, but we cannot afford to maintain an open door for their free ingress to compete with our home labor. It must be protected, and for that purpose restriction of immigration becomes necessary.
WARREN M. JOHN, SAN LUIS OBISPO--The resolution met with my hearty indorsement, and I am in complete sympathy with its object. Continued, unrestricted immigration of Japanese is not to be desired, and I hope that the matter will at once be taken up by the State Department.
W.A. JOHNSTONE, LOS ANGELES--There is denying the fact that the Japanese are becoming a menace to the industries and prosperity of the State. Our standard of civilization and mode of living will not permit of us accepting the same wages as Japanese, and as a consequence the boys are being crowded out of the orchards and the farms. It is something that must not be permitted to continue, and I willingly supported the resolution.
EDWARD J. LYNCH, SACRAMENTO--The people we want in this State are the ones that will buy lands and build homes, help to pay the expenses of the Government whose protection they enjoy and raise American sons to perpetuate that Government. The Japanese do not do this, and hence are an undesirable element.
No Better Than Chinese.
DAVID T. PERKINS, VENTURA--The Japanese are no better than the Chinese. Why exclude the one and not the other? The resolution might well have gone further and then been within the facts of the case. However, it is a beginning, and I hope will be carried to a successful issue.
EDWARD F. WHITING, NEVADA--The measure is timely; it is well to be forewarned and forearmed. We see the effects of the Japanese and Chinese labor now; we can afford to take no chances on any great increase. Restrict it.
PATRICK J. BOYLE, SAN FRANCISCO--We want no more Japanese; there are enough, with the Chinese, to fill the need of any floating labor population that the fruit-growers believe they are in need of, and any more would be a serious menace to the business prosperity of the State.
S.S. BURGE, MERCED--Put me down as opposed to the immigration of Japanese, or any form of Asiatic coolie labor. The foothold they are gaining in our farming and fruit-growing districts is a menace to the welfare of Americans.
J.B.R. COOPER, MONTEREY--My constituents have been writing me frequently during this session asking me if something could not be done toward checking the increase of Japanese laborers in this State. I had been considering some form of resolution or memorial to present to the Legislature before it adjourned, and it was with pleasure that I heard the introduction of the resolution by Mr. McGowan.
J.H. CREIGHTON, SHASTA--There should be no distinction drawn between the Chinese and the Japanese; one is as bad as the other, and my vote will be to keep both out and give our work to men who are citizens, who live here and rear up American men.
Must Take No Chances.
R.H.E. ESPEY, ALAMEDA--I believe the danger is not imminent nor so serious as others seem to think. I believe that if Japan is victorious in the present war her surplus population will flock into Manchuria and Corea and inaugurate a new era of manufacture and commerce there. But it is well for us to take no chances of the war going the other way, for in that event it is probable the Japanese would flock to this country.
MIGUEL ESTUDILLO, RIVERSIDE--I believe that great credit is due the "Chronicle" for sounding the alarm regarding the dangers from Japanese immigration. Japanese labor will be brought into direct competition with the white in the future, and to some extent it is the case at the present time. The Japanese, since their success in the war against China, and their recent successes, have become more arrogant and aggressive than ever. Their successes have given them an influence that makes them a dangerous element among a people that cannot assimilate them. Jap and white will never blend into a harmonious whole. The Jap coolie will thrive and grow fat where a white man would starve. There is no reason why the Chinese should be excluded and not the Japs, who belong to the same race and are 100 times more aggressive.
PHILIP A. STANTON, LOS ANGELES--I want to go on record as being in
Time for Action.
EDWARD F. TREADWELL, SAN FRANCISCO--I gave my hearty support to the resolution memorializing Congress to take some action looking to the restriction of the immigration of Japanese laborers. The time for action is now, before the situation presents a more serious phase.
MEL VOGEL, SAN FRANCISCO--I stand for the resolution against the Japanese first, last and all the time. We neither need nor want them. There are white people enough to do the work--people who will keep the money in circulation, who will buy and build homes and raise families of Americans. Give the labor to the men of our own country, many of whom are now idle about the streets or tramping the highways.
JEREMIAH LUCEY, SAN FRANCISCO--There are enough Japanese in San Francisco now, and we do not want any more. Keep them out, or at least restrict them to a limited number. There are enough white men out of work in the city at the present time. Japanese are coming in rapidly now, and every time one gets employment he takes a job from a white man.
H.S.G. McCARTNEY, LOS ANGELES--As yet Los Angeles has felt no serious effects from the Japanese, but their number is increasing, and, owing to conditions in the Far East, the number will increase in much greater proportion within a comparatively short time. It is well to agitate the question of restricting them now.
FRANCIS McNAMARA, SAN FRANCISCO--The resolution might well have been stronger and more emphatic than it is and still been well within the facts. However, it will serve to inform Congress of our desires. Now the proper thing to do is to press it and let the Government know we are in earnest.
Praises "Chronicle."
FRED J. MEINCKE, SAN FRANCISCO--I am glad to get behind the "Chronicle" in this fight. I am glad to see the paper take it up and I tell you it is not too soon. It should have been done before. Restriction is what we want, and a restriction that will restrict, too.
FAYETTE MICHELTREE, SANTA CLARA--If anything, the Japanese are worse than the Chinese. A Japanese will work for anything he can get. He will even cut wages under a Chinese. That is something a Chinese will not do. He fixes his wages and you must pay him that or he will not work. I have had experience with both and know what I am talking about. Restriction is necessary.
DR. W.F. GATES, BUTTE--Put me on record as being unalterable, opposed to the immigration of Japanese or Chinese at any time or season, and for that matter I am strongly opposed to many other classes of immigrants. America for Americans is my belief. These people never helped make this country, they had no part in placing it where it is, yet they come here and enjoy the protection of our laws and our civilization and take the money from the country. Put up the bars and keep them out.
W.D.L. HELD, MENDOCINO--I have seen enough in Mendocino county alone to compel me to support the resolution against Japanese immigration. In Ukiah two years and a half ago there was not a Jap. Then two of them came along, and opened a place that developed into a rough house and they knew enough about American laws to have the license transferred when it was about to be taken away from them. Then another came along and opened a laundry. Then others came in quietly, until now we have a colony of about fifty Japanese to Ukiah. Take the hopfields as an illustration. The time was when the Indians and many of the white people would make enough during the hop-picking season to keep them in necessities during the year. What is the condition now? The Japs do the greater part of the picking. Not only that, but they are leasing the land and now control some of the best land in the Ukiah valley. Their "Boss Man" will lease a hop farm and a colony of Japs goes to work. It costs about 9 cents a pound to raise hops and they sell for 25 cents a pound. The Japs raise them cheaper than that and in a couple of years they have made enough to buy the land. They are creeping in quietly and taking possession and the Indians are idle and at times in want. That is why I voted for the resolution.
Want No More Idle Whites.
R.H. JURY, SAN MATEO--Restrict the immigration of Japanese and take measures to do it now before they overrun the Coast. We do not want any more idle white men than we now have.
SAMUEL H. BECKETT, SAN FRANCISCO--The resolution meets my views. All residents of San Francisco realize how rapidly the Japanese are increasing there, and the fact that they are invading the ranks of skilled labor. Restriction is a necessity.
LOUIS P. BRANSTRETTER, HUMBOLDT--If the Japanese are coming in now at the rate of 500 or more a month while their country is at war, what will be the increase when a million or more soldiers are turned loose on the country. The resolution is certainly timely.
W.L. CHANDLER, FRESNO--While I believe that in the present condition of the labor supply a floating population of laborers that can be quickly transferred from one point to another as the crops mature is a necessity to the State, yet I will waive my personal interests and stand by the resolution for the good of the whole.
JAMES L. COYLE, SISKIYOU--I voted for the resolution from the conviction that the promises of the future warrant some such proceeding. I believe the resolution was conservatively drawn. I do not believe in any rabid or wild statements; we should state our position toward Japan in a conservative, dignified way, and then maintain it positively.
H.B. GANS, TEHAMA--I am in favor of restriction, but I am not entirely converted to the idea of absolute exclusion. We find it absolutely necessary to employ either Chinese or Japanese at certain seasons of the year when it is practically impossible to get white labor. A limited number of Japanese or Chinese would be no detriment at present, but I for one do not care to take the chance of seeing the Coast flooded with them.
Is in Good Time.
WILLIAM H. WASTE, ALAMEDA--The resolution had my hearty sympathy and support. I should have taken the floor and urged its adoption if I had thought it necessary, but the temper of the House was unmistakable. It was unanimous for the resolution. As a matter of fact, the situation should have been taken in hand before this.
ERNEST WEYAND, COLUSA--I was glad to have the opportunity of voting for the resolution restricting the immigration of the Japanese. I am in entire accord with its purpose.
E.T. MANWELL, YUBA--I have had an extensive experience with Japanese labor. I have been bookkeeper on one of the largest hop ranches in the State, a ranch that at times during the season employs from 1260 to 1500 hands at a time. We have found it necessary at times to employ Japanese, but I do not
C.H. M'KENNEY, AMADOR--The resolution met my approval and I readily gave it my vote. You may quote me as being in favor of the restriction of Asiatic immigration at all times.
E.K. STROBRIDGE, ALAMEDA--I certainly favor the restriction of Asiatic immigration, Japanese as well as Chinese. The effect of their presence may be noted around my district.
J.P. TRANSUE, LOS ANGELES--My vote of "yes" on the proposition states my position clearly. I do not know as I can add to it.
H.L. TRIPP, SONOMA--I voted "yes," and I am ready to do so at any time the proposition comes before me.
Missionary Bugbear.
E.M. PYLE, SANTA BARBARA--I am in sympathy with the intention and purpose of the resolution--the restriction of Japanese laborers who enter into competition with our workingmen. I see the argument has been advanced that restriction may hamper the work of missionaries in Japan. I wish to say that I am in entire harmony and sympathy with mission work; I believe that missionaries are the great civilizers; that they go ahead of the flag and the merchant. If this resolution interferes with the work of our missionaries I shall regret such hindrance, but nevertheless I must stand by the resolution. What personal sacrifice I may make in aid of foreign missions is my affair, but we have no right to endanger the heritage of our children. The resolution has my support.
THOMAS E. ATKINSON, SAN FRANCISCO--I voted for the resolution, and believe it is both timely and necessary. The Japanese are great imitators; they are crowding into the ranks of skilled labor, and it will not be long until they are manufacturing articles for our consumption far cheaper than Americans can manufacture them, and at the same time maintain their present style of living. There can be but one result: the American must either go out of business or descend to the Asiatic's mode of life.
F.A. CROMWELL, SONOMA--The Japanese are a menace to every industry on this Coast, and I gladly support the resolution. They not only menace this Coast, but in time will sweep on through the country once they have gained a firm foothold here.
JESSE R. DORSEY, KERN--I am heartily in favor of the proposition to restrict the immigration of the Japanese. They are entering into nearly every industry in the State, and if not checked the result will be disastrous.
Democrat Stands In.
AUBREY M. LUMLEY, TULARE--I am one of the four Democrats in the Assembly, but I am ready to stand with my Republican colleagues in this matter. I believe Congress should be asked to devise some means to limit and restrict the immigration of Japanese.
GEORGE T. ROLLEY, HUMBOLDT--Eureka and Humboldt counties have not yet felt seriously the effect of Japanese immigration, but I hear of it from other parts of the State, and I believe in some restrictive measure.
PHILIP M. WALSH, ALAMEDA--During all of this session I have been trying to find the time to draft some measure that would call the attention of Congress to the immigration of Japanese. They are becoming as great a danger as the Chinese, and their immigration must be restricted if the present prosperity of the Coast is to continue.
MARC ANTHONY, SAN FRANCISCO--I believe in the restriction, and even the exclusion, of Japanese immigration and trust that Congress will at once take up the question. Delay in this instance will be extremely dangerous.
PAUL ARNERICH, SANTA CLARA--I am in favor of some restrictive measure against Japanese immigration. After the war with Russia and the release of Japanese troops will come the danger to American institutions.
F.W. BARNES, SAN DIEGO--If they have become a menace to American industries and labor the immigration of Japanese should be restricted.
J. CLEM BATES, ALAMEDA--Exclude them. Legislation to that end is necessary, and will become more imperative as time passes. We should be prepared.
R.L. BEARDSLEE, SAN JOAQUIN--I have not given the subject sufficient attention to be quoted.
Would Restrict.
GEORGE C. CLEVELAND, SANTA CRUZ--We need the Japanese in our district to gather our fruit. We cannot get enough help as it is, and there is great waste. I am not in favor of excluding the Japanese, neither am I in favor of making America a dumping ground for Japan's surplus population. I favor some restrictive measure, but I would like to see it applied as well to the scum of Europe.
A.M. DREW, FRESNO--Both Chinese and Japanese are coming in in violation of the law, and Congress should be requested to investigate. I am in favor of enforcing a restrictive measure and putting a stop to the naturalization of Japanese.
FRED W. HOUSER, LOS ANGELES--Some restrictive measures should be put in force, for the situation will grow worse as time passes.
PERCY A. JOHNSON, SAN DIEGO--I certainly favor the proposition to ask Congress to make an investigation of existing conditions in order to be prepared with data ready for future action.
C.V. JONES, TUOLUMNE--I favor restricting or excluding the Japanese. Some action should be taken now in order to meet a situation that menaces the future.
FRANK J. O'BRIEN, SACRAMENTO--I favor the exclusion of Japanese; we have an illustration in my county, Sacramento. At Florin they are gradually monopolizing the berry-growing industry and running the white men out of the business.
Endanger Institutions.
E.R. AMERIGE, ORANGE--They are a menace to our workingmen. Our standard of morals is not their standard. They endanger our social institutions, and should be restricted, if not excluded.
NATHAN C. COGHLAN, SAN FRANCISCO--Exclude the Japanese the same as we do the Chinese. If Japanese endanger our workingmen the same as did the Chinese, then treat them the same as did the Chinese, then treat them the same as we did the Chinese and not temporize or shilly-shally with the question because Japan is strong. To do that would be cowardly and un-American.
S.H. OLMSTED, MARIN--Something should be done to restrict the immigration of the Japanese; they are becoming an greater menace than the Chinese.
GEORGE A. McGOWAN, SAN FRANCISCO--Keep them out, the same as we do the Chinese. Hundreds are arriving now by every steamer. What will the number be when the war with Russia is ended and a period of depression and hard times settles over Japan? Our shores will simply be flooded by the little brown men, and American workingmen will be driven to take the road.
FRANK R. DEVLIN, SOLANO--In my county, and more especially my home
Need of a Law.
J.W. MOORE, SAN JOAQUIN--There ought to be some law restricting the immigration of Japanese, and I hope that Congress will take up the matter.
JOHN F. PRYOR, KINGS--I may be going against the wishes of some of my constituents in supporting the resolution, but I cannot help that; I believe it is necessary. In my district women and children around Hanford found steady employment, and also recreation during the fruit-picking season, and now they are being run out by the Japanese. I certainly favor some restrictive measure.
N.W. THOMPSON, LOS ANGELES--I am from the south, and as yet Japanese immigration has not seriously affected us, but I know what it is doing for other parts of the State, and I favor a Congressional inquiry.
W.H. WICKERSHAM, LOS ANGELES--It is not difficult to place me on the proposition. I favor excluding the Japanese as well as the Chinese.
P.S. KING, NAPA--I am in accord with the resolution. There is no question about the seriousness of the conditions confronting us: they will have to be met, and it is well to start in time.
FRANK A. DURYEA, PLACER--The resolution is timely; it is well to be prepared to meet, and, if possible, stem the flood of Japanese immigration that will follow the close of the present war.
Can Be No Question.
HARRY ELLS, CONTRA COSTA--Of course, the inflow of Japs should not be restricted. No one can question but that they are becoming a menace to the laboring classes. It is just about time that Congress took some cognizance of the fact. To my mind, the objection to the Japanese is just as serious as the objection to the Chinese.
JOHN CULLEN, SAN FRANCISCO--I am delighted that the "Chronicle" has taken such a strong stand on this question. It was necessary that someone should take a lead in the movement for keeping the Japanese out of our country. If something is not done, and done soon, I believe we will have such a horde of them here that our working men and women will be crowded out of the means of earning a livelihood.
GUS HARTMAN, SAN FRANCISCO--I am glad that California has awakened to the fact that we are being overrun by the Japanese and that it is only a question of time before they will be more injurious to the country than are the Chinese. I have always classed them in the same category as Chinese, ready to take advantage of all that America grants to immigrants without any intentions of paying our country. On February 3d, I introduced a bill requiring the payment of tuition fees by all Japanese attending the public schools. Anyone visiting the evening school in San Francisco will notice that the Japs predominate and take away the attention of the teachers from our American children. I honestly believe that we are educating the Japanese to later on conspire against our country. Put me on record as strongly of the belief that we should put a stop to the unrestricted influx of the Japanese.
Need Immediate Remedy.
JOHN J. BURKE, ALAMEDA--For many years the United States Government has been confronted with the perplexing problem of restricting Chinese immigration in this country. Circumstances have now presented a similar situation in the form of Japanese immigration. The experience of business men throughout the State in the employment of such labor was in former years very satisfactory, but of late years the members of this nationality have resolved themselves into gangs with apparent power conferred on the leader to voice their unanimous sentiment. As a result of this condition the fruit-growers and others engaged in mercantile pursuits are oftentimes left to the mercy of this unscrupulous leader, who seems to speak for the entire gang. We have been unusually kind to the Japs--have educated them in our schools, have favored them with various employments--but the time has come when these people, either relying on their supposed independence or through arrogance, are deviating from the allegiance they owe to their benefactors--the American people--and the necessity of placing some restriction on Japanese immigration, the methods followed by them and the treatment given by them to California, presents a situation which deserves some immediate remedy.
JAMES SLAVIN, SAN BENITO--I am of the opinion that this movement looking to the placing of restrictions upon the immigration of the Japanese coolies is a laudable step. It is something that has long been needed, and as the years have grown the need has become much stronger. The growth of the Japanese population in this country, and particularly in California, has become alarming, and has tended to demoralize the opportunities of the white laborer. It would be the desire of my people, and I think the desire of every one in the State, to have some treaty with Japan, put into effect whereby we could check the stream of the little brown workingmen. Principal among the reasons for this is the fact that the Japanese, through their economical modes of living, are liable to give their labor at a rate so low that American workers are unable to compete. Then, again, the Japs are not eligible to citizenship, and it is a sorry fact that wherever they settle in droves as they do, they make no step toward the improvement of the community. Another thing, they never invest their savings in this country. I, for one at least, say put some stop to their free immigration. The "Chronicle" has taken a strong stand in connection with the matter, and must be upheld.
Control Railroad Labor.
EUGENE E. PFAEFFLE, SAN FRANCISCO--I absolutely agree with all that has been said about the necessity of restricting the Japanese. They are rapidly getting control of railroad labor. White men are being driven on to the roads, and are forced to become hoboes. The "Chronicle" is to be commended for the stop it has taken in connection with this matter.
JOHN A. GOODRICH, PASADENA--It is to be regretted that occasion should arise just at this time for taking action with reference to Japanese immigration to this country. The Japanese are engaged in a great war, waged, as I believe, for the advancement of civilization throughout the world. Their achievements have already demonstrated that their bravery, intellect and skill are comparable with those of any people, ancient or modern. But the plan of living which the Japanese laborer has adopted enables him to work for a wage much less than our own laborers can subsist upon, and consequently, unless the immigration of Japanese laborers to our shores is held within some limit, our laboring men and their families will be reduced in wages, which in turn means a general lowering of social conditions. The subject should be handled in a kindly spirit and with consideration for the Japanese people, who are suffering great hardships at this moment for the benefit of civilization.