Sidney L. Gulick to Woodrow Wilson

Complying with your request of a week ago at the time of our conference in regard to America’s Japanese problem, I herewith enclose a printed copy of the address to which I then referred. The discussion here presented is quite distinct from that of the address I made before the Senate Committee on Immigration, a copy of which I put in your hands at the time of our interview.
May I bring to your attention a matter that is seriously disturbing the Japanese on the Pacific coast?Mr. Albert Schoonover, U. S. Attorney for Southern Cal., upon the strength of information furnished by Frederick Jones, U. S. Naturalization Examiner for the County of San Francisco, has taken steps, it seems, for the nullification of the naturalization certificate obtained eighteen years ago by Ulyssie S. Kaneko, a Japanese resident of Riverside, Cal.
Is this necessary? or wise? Is it not a needless humiliation? It will be felt keenly by all Japanese who hear of it -- that is, all readers of Japanese newspapers. I assume that the proposed action is being taken without your knowledge and instruction. Just at this time, when Japanese are earnestly desiring that the right of naturalization may be granted to all regardless of race, solely on grounds of personal qualification, to have this action taken which emphasizes afresh Japanese ineligibility on the exclusive ground of race, would seem to be highly unfortunate. The privilege was honorably sought by Mr. Kaneko and honorably granted, nearly a score of years ago. Does not the long period of citizenship close the question?Just what should be done in this particular case, seeing that action has been already initiated, I do not know. I put the matter into your hands for your wise treatment -- so that it may be handled to win Japanese friendship, rather than to still further pain and alienate them.