re-employment. Through his advocacy, a veteran assistance program was established. During the same time period, Stephens also supported state and federal prohibition of alcohol. Like his predecessor Hiram Johnson, Stephens remained highly suspicious of Asian immigration to California, especially from Japan, which he viewed as an increasingly belligerent nation. In 1919, Stephens openly urged the California State Legislature to enact stricter exclusion laws to restrict Japanese immigrants. He declared that the influx of Japanese was a threat not only to California but to the United States. Through the remainder of his governorship, Stephens sought the aid of other governors and public officials to restrict Japanese immigration. In part, some of his goals were realized by the federal Immigration Act of 1924. Despite threats on his life, Stephens remained publicly visible throughout his governorship. He was part of the general welcoming committee when Edward, Prince of Wales, arrived aboard in San Diego Bay in 1920, during the future British monarch's first visit to California. Stephens was also present when his daughter, (Barbara) Mrs. Randolph T. Zane, ceremonially launched the battleship . During his governorship, Stephens realized his lifelong dream by passing the California Bar to become a lawyer. In the final months of his governorship, Stephens vetoed bills that would deregulate state utilities, vowing to keep Johnson's Progressive reforms. In 1922, Stephens sought another term as governor. However, Republican ranks had grown decidedly more conservative since 1918. He lost the Republican gubernatorial primary election, to California State Treasurer Friend Richardson. Later life After failing in his bid for renomination, Stephens returned to Los Angeles to establish a law practice. He would never again hold public office, though he remained active in public affairs. He died on April 25, 1944, at Santa Fe Hospital in Los Angeles of a heart ailment. He was 84 years old. He is interred in Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery, Los Angeles. References External links Governors of California profile of William Stephens Internet Accuracy Project profile of Governor William Stephens Los Angeles in the 1900s: Mayor William D. Stephens, obituaries and photos } 1859 births 1944 deaths People from Eaton, Ohio Republican Party members of the United States House of Representatives from California Progressive Party (1912) members of the United States House of Representatives from California Republican Party governors of California Mayors of Los Angeles San Francisco Bay Area politicians Presidents of the Organising Committees for the Olympic Games Burials