William Jennings Bryan to Woodrow Wilson

William Jennings Bryan to Woodrow Wilson

Bryan, William Jennings, 1860-1925

WWP17861

1913 June 30

William Jennings Bryan writes to Woodrow Wilson about the Alien Land Tenure Bill and the situation of Japanese immigrants in California.

Wilson Papers, Library of Congress, Library of Congress, Washington, District of Columbia

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924--Correspondence

My dear Mr. President

I have read the draft of the answer to the Japanese Ambassador as prepared by Mr. Moore and have discussed the various points with him. I think that the answer is a strong one and that the principal points are presented with great force and conclusiveness. There are only two points to on which my judgment would differ from his, and in discussing the matter with him I find that he is not disposed to be insistent on those points. I have asked him to prepare two amendments which he thinks could be accepted. These points are respectfully called to your attention for such action as you may deem wise.
The first has reference to the suggestion made by Mr. Guthrie. I believe it would be advisable to insert the amendment which Mr. Moore has prepared (at my request) covering this point. It is not likely that many Japanese would avail themselves of this offer, and we could well afford to purchase whatever land they are willing to sell. It seems to me that to make this offer so completely answers their claim that injustice may be done them as to make it worth while to consider the advisability of including it in the reply.
The other point has reference to the naturalization question. I think that the position taken by Mr. Moore is a sound one and well fortified with argument and precendent, but am disposed to believe that it would be better not to discuss the question at this time. It is quite evident that the question of naturalization is really the thing that they feel most interested in and if, after the argument presented on the other questions, we were to present the argument which Mr. Moore has embodied in your reply it would seem to close the question. Time is valuable in the matter, it seems to me, and by assuming that the Japanese Government did not intend to press this question, we could prolong the discussion and give further time for excitement to subside. If they leave the question without a positive answer, so much better for us. If they come back with a request for a discussion of this point, we can then offer the argument prepared by Mr. Moore. These points I submit for your consideration.
Just as I am ready to prepare this note, the Japanese Ambassador has called to say that he had received notice of supplemental matter, now on its way, which his Government desired to have included in its answer and I told him that the delivery of your answer to his last communication would be delayed until we have received the supplemental matter and had time to consider it.

With assurances of respect, etc.,
I am, my dear Mr. President,
Very sincerely yours,

WJ Bryan

Letter

Wilson, Woodrow, 1856-1924