1913 law barred Asian immigrants from owning land
On May 19, 1913, California Gov. Hiram Johnson signed the Webb-Hartley Law prohibiting “aliens ineligible to citizenship” from owning farm land, a measure targeting Asian immigrants, particularly Japanese farmers who were perceived as a threat by some in the agricultural industry. Seven years later, the state barred anyone with Japanese ancestry from buying farmland.
The Alien Land Laws were invalidated in 1952 by the Supreme Court of California.
California Executive Makes Brief Statement After affixing Signature to Measure Passed by State Legislature; Secretary of State, Upon Receipt of News, Sends communication to Ambassador Chinda, Asking Him to Call at Department; Loses No Time in Holding conference With President Wilson; Movement for Referendum viewed with Satisfaction in Washington
SACRAMENTO, My 19.--Governor Johnson signed today the alien land bill, against which Japan protests, and which the California legislature passed by an overwhelming majority over the remonstrances of President Wilson and Secretary Bryan. The act will go into effect 90 days from date, or August 17.
Governor Johnson, in signing the bill, gave out the following statement:
“I repeat what I have before said; that California, for the first time in its history, has an anti-alien law. Any man who wishes another kind of law ay consistently invoke the initiative. No man who really withses and anti-alien law will sign a referendum as to this law.
“If another law is sought, it may be presented by means of the initiative, and, in the meantime, the present law will be in operation. To tie up the present law, means no law until November, 1914.
To Soon Deliver Reply WASHINGTON, May 19.--Now that Governor Johnson has signed the alien land law, against which Japan is protesting, the next stage in the diplomatic negotiations will be the formal delivery of the reply of the United States to the Japanese note.
The communication has been approved by President Wilson and the cabinet, and it is understood has been withheld from delivery to the Japanese ambassador only to await Governor Johnson’s signing the bill.
When Secretary Bryan heard through the news dispatches that Governor Johnson had signed the bill, he went over to the executive offices for a short conference with President Wilson. When he came from the president’s office he announced that the formal reply of the United State stop the Japanese protest would be delivered as soon as official notification of the signing of the bill had been received. Mr. Bryan expects a telegram from Governor Johnson.
Secretary Bryan later communicated with the Japanese ambassador, requesting him to call at the state department, with the purpose of receiving the reply.