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The change of heart of Senator Reed of Pennsylvania was typical. He had been in favor of leaving the Japanese question entirely out of the immigration bill and continuing the "Gentlemen's Agreement." But after reading Mr. Hanihara's letter to Secretary Hughes threatening "grave consequences," Senator Reed refused to submit to dictation from a foreign diplomat, and declared himself now in favor of the clause excluding Japanese, and of the abandonment of the "Gentlemen's Agreement."
The same atitude was expressed by Senator Lodge, who said he "never would consent to setting any precedent to permit a foreign power by threat or compliment to tell us what we should do in legislation."
Secretary Hughes had previously proposed that the 2% restriction be applied to Japanese just as it is to be applied to other nations. Under this restriction only 246 Japanese could enter per year. Here was a practical way out, but Hanihara's "grave consequences" have apparently made it impossible.
By a vote of 76-2 the Senate rejected an amendment which would have kept the "Gentlemen's Agreement" intact. Next day they voted unanimously for complete exclusion of all Japanese except ministers, artists, students, their wives and children.