Convention plans and the expatriation question, May 1935

Vol. 7, No. 84, May 1935. 4 pages. View this issue

Plans for JACL conventions filled this four-page issue. The Northwest board, meeting at Wapato, promised more work on the second generation census drive and on vocational and agricultural research, and set the stage for a Labor Day district convention at Kent. Seattle’s preparations for the 1936 national convention, under chairman Tura Nakamura, were also reported. A column by Saburo Kido and an editorial both urged second generation members to give up Japanese citizenship, arguing that dual citizenship raised doubts about their loyalty.

Other items cover Tokutaro Nishimura Slocum’s lobbying for HR 7170, a bill granting citizenship to Oriental World War veterans, and the San Francisco chapter’s five-year drive to raise $10,000. Teruo Yoshikane’s appointment to the Maui circuit court is reported on page 3. Chapter news runs from Seattle, Portland, Tacoma and Mid-Columbia, with talk of new chapters in Hanford, Reedley and San Mateo County. Miya Sannomiya sent greetings from Tokyo.

What’s in this issue

Community

• Greater Activity in N.W. Promised at Council Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Northwest JACL board promised renewed activity on the second generation census drive and vocational and agricultural research at its Wapato session. Plans were also set for the Kent district convention on Labor Day, expected to be the largest yet and a lead-in to the 1936 national convention in Seattle.
• Seattle is Pushing National Convention Plans, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Preparations for the fourth biennial national JACL convention in Seattle in 1936 are advancing under chairman Tura Nakamura. A Japan Day event at Playland is planned for late July, following a stage entertainment kickoff held last month.
• San Francisco Has Drive for $10,000 Over 5-Yr. Period, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The San Francisco chapter launched a five-year campaign to raise $10,000 by asking members to become life members for $50 on installment plans. Funds will be held in a trust fund, with the interest used for chapter activities.
• Yatabe Reveals No. Cal. Meet Plans, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. T.T. Yatabe announced the three-day program for the first biennial Northern California District convention in Fresno, August 31 to September 2. The agenda includes business sessions, entertainment, a farewell dance, and air-conditioned facilities.
• San Mateo County JACL Formation Begins, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Forward steps were taken toward forming a San Mateo County JACL at a mass meeting attended by representatives from several towns. Saiki Muneno was chosen to draft the group’s constitution.
• The Northwest Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial anticipates about 500 attendees at the third biennial Northwest district convention at Kent on Labor Day, roughly double the last meet. It frames the gathering as a demonstration of unity ahead of the Seattle national convention.
• Two New Chapters May Be Organized, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Plans are underway for new JACL chapters in Hanford and Reedley, to be discussed at the Fresno American Loyalty League meeting on May 31. The Hanford chapter is led by Min Omata and Roy Minato, while Reedley members would come from several nearby towns.
• Central Cal. May Have New District JACL Council Body, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Fresno’s Loyalty League will discuss forming a Central California District Council at its May 31 meeting. The national constitution requires at least four chapters for a new council, and the proposed Hanford and Reedley chapters would help meet that threshold.
• Enthusiasm Grows for N.W. Meeting at Kent Labor Day, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Enthusiasm is building for the third biennial Northwest JACL convention at Kent on Labor Day, with about 500 expected from seven chapters. The White River chapter under Tom Iseri is hosting and officials back the unity program sponsored by the Northwest board.
• Seattle Chapter Changes Districts, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Seattle JACL adopted a revised system dividing the city into five districts to strengthen contact and cooperation between chapters. Each district has an executive who appoints precinct chairmen and committees.
• Portland Chapter Making Plans for Meet Attendance, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Portland JACL is preparing a strong delegation for the Kent Northwest convention after holding a successful oratorical contest won by Paul Watanabe of Salem. Membership has grown and the chapter is considering a future chapter in Salem.
• Tacoma’s Members Selected to Serve on Confab Groups, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Tacoma JACL chose delegates for the Kent Northwest convention, including members to serve on the service award committee. Hitoshi Takami won the local oratorical contest and will represent the chapter at the Northwest finals.
• Mid-Columbia JACL to Send Delegation, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Mid-Columbia JACL in Hood River plans a delegation to the Northwest district convention and will hold an oratorical contest around June 15 to select its representative. The chapter recently became a full-fledged member after revising its constitution.

National

• Slocum Fights for Vet Citizenship Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Tokutaro Nishimura Slocum continues lobbying for HR 7170, which grants citizenship to Oriental World War veterans and was reported favorably by the House committee. The committee report stated the bill raises no immigration issue since it applies only to persons already in the United States.
• Teruo Yoshikane is Named to Judicial Position in Hawaii, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Teruo Yoshikane became the second American of Japanese ancestry appointed to an important judicial post in Hawaii when he was inducted as justice of the Maui circuit court. The article also notes other second generation citizens holding prominent legal and civic positions in the territory.

JACL

• Endowment Plans Arouse Discussion, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A proposal to endow the national JACL with $100,000 has prompted discussion in local papers about the organization’s future. Writers suggested chapters could serve as employment agencies to help members and address vocational problems.

Commentary

• Expatriation Will Win Confidence in Second Generation, by By Saburo Kido, page 1. Kido argues that renouncing Japanese citizenship is essential for second generation members to win the trust of the American public. He cites Japanese officials who favored expatriation and warns that dual citizenship fuels suspicion of loyalty.
• Expatriation—A Duty, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial urges second generation members to expatriate from Japan, noting that births were often registered with Japanese authorities by parents unaware of the consequences. It argues no person can owe allegiance to two nations and that the United States is their true home.
• The Molding Process, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial says the JACL should avoid overloading its program and instead focus on building strong character within the organization. It argues that sound character will earn recognition better than work accomplishments alone.
• Miya Sannomiya Sends Greetings, by By Miya Sannomiya, page 2. Sannomiya, writing from Tokyo, thanks JACL chapters across the Pacific Coast for their hospitality during his speaking tour. He praises the League’s growth into an organization of about 3000 members that helps new Americans participate in community life.

Military & Veterans

• Youth Oratorical Honors and Other Local Notes, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Several local Japanese American youth received honors including Ephebian membership awards in Los Angeles schools. Other local items cover chapter meetings and activities across California and the Northwest.
• Seattle JACL Helps Legion Poppy Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Seattle JACL members participated in the American Legion poppy drive to aid disabled and destitute veterans and their families. The chapter’s women members pushed sales over the allotment, continuing a three-year tradition.

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