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Theodore Roosevelt has heard from California Governor Hiram Johnson that Johnson does not anticipate any difficulties about the Japanese situation or further legislation on the Alien Land subject, possibly referring to the California Alien Land Law of 1913, during the coming session of the legislature.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1914-12-08
President Roosevelt sends Lawrence F. Abbott his editorial on the “Japanese question” and his revised article on Leo Tolstoy. Roosevelt also requests that Abbott print the articles in a certain order and that both be published after he leaves office.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-02-23
President Roosevelt agrees with Andrew Carnegie that the peace societies should wait to take action. Roosevelt thinks the “good people of California” should take the initiative to avoid objections.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-22
President Roosevelt wishes he could get to California to stop the anti-Japanese legislation, which he is more concerned about than any other “rather stormy incidents” that happened during his presidency.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-22
President Roosevelt informs Governor Gillett that he is “greatly concerned” at news of anti-Japanese legislation in California, and believes the bills would damage both California and the entire Union.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-16
President Roosevelt expresses his concern to Governor Gillett of California over anti-Japanese legislation in the California Legislature. Roosevelt believes that the passing of this legislation is unnecessary and will injure relations with Japan, considering the Japanese government has upheld the Gentlemen’s Agreement of 1907.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-16
President Roosevelt thanks William Fellowes Morgan for his letter. Roosevelt is currently more concerned with anti-Japanese bills in the California Legislature than with the “attacks” Morgan mentions.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-20
President Roosevelt directs Secretary of State Root to meet him soon about the potential legislation in California discriminating against Japanese students. Roosevelt wants to write an open letter or telegram to the Governor of California James Norris Gillett to oppose the measure. Refusing to restrain the Japanese immigration will make the situation worse. They can speak to Californians Victor Howard Metcalf and Frank P. Flint if needed.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1907-03-10
The bill pending in the California Legislature, according to Governor Gillett, “treats all aliens alike” in regards to ownership of real property. As such, he does not see how it would be objectionable to Japan.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-23
Governor Gillett telegrams President Roosevelt that the bill in the California Legislature treats all aliens alike in regards to real property. He does not see how it would be objectionable to Japan or any other nation. In a handwritten response below the telegram, President Roosevelt informs Gillett that Secretary of State Elihu Root will send word concerning the real property rights of aliens. Roosevelt himself will write concerning the other bills.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-23
As President of the New York Peace Society, Andrew Carnegie informs President Roosevelt that a meeting may soon take place to attempt to sway Governor of California James Norris Gillett to stop certain anti-Japanese immigration bills in the California legislature. Carnegie believes, however, that it may be wise to wait for further developments before such a meeting takes place and asks for Roosevelt’s input.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-21
During their stop in Valletta, Malta, the sailors of the Great White Fleet left an excellent impression. The officials of Malta were very hospitable to the troops. When news reached Malta of the anti-Japanese immigration legislation in California, there was “uncomplimentary” discussion of the politicians involved among the American officers. A single case of smallpox was discovered on the USS Kearsarge.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-20
Despite previous disagreement over the enlargement of the navy, President Roosevelt now looks to peace societies to put pressure on the California Legislature to end their anti-Japanese immigration bills. The California Legislature is motivated primarily by “labor agitators,” and so those in business who would be affected by this legislation should take action. After agreements were made with Japan to curtail emigration to the United States, only California has introduced such legislation to deny Japanese immigrants social equality.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1909-01-21