UNITED STATES AND JAPAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13847, 9 March 1907, Page 9

UNITED STATES AND JAPAN

CALIFORNIAN LAND LEGISLATION. Press Association—By Telegraph— Copyright. TOKIO, ilarcli 7. Whilst deeply resenting California's laud legislation, tho Japaneso newspapers advise tho nation to remain calm.

Tho Lower House of the State of California recently passed a. bill, admittedly aimed at tho Japanese, virtually preventing aliens from holding landed property in , California. This legislation against Asiatics is a nart of the anti-Oriental movement which uos been in progress for 25 years in the Western States. Tim attempt is really to extend to tho Japaneso the restrictive legislation which began about 1880 and has now finally prevented any further immigration of Chineso at all. This movement- is mainly of labour origin, and was inaugurated by tho trades unions, which have attained a very strong position in San Francisco. The Chinaman was excluded because he competed with tho white labourer. For some time a .Japanese and Korean Exclusion Society has been in existence, and has been f rying to put pressure upon Californian Senators. The altitude of the working classes has become more determined since the President's recent Message' on _ tho schools question, and reoaives the entire support, of tho local press. . It is admitted that if tho Republican party baciss up Mr Roosevelt in his pro-Japanese attitude, all tho Pacific States and the Rockies will vofo tho Democratic ticket at tho next Presidential election.