Vol. 9, No. 6, March 1937. 4 pages. View this issue
The League’s new second generation development program led the March 1937 issue. Masaru Satow, assistant executive secretary and director of the new phase of activity, sent plans to the presidents of all forty-two chapters, setting up three commissions: Research, Records and Program. Chapters in the Northwest, Oakland and Arizona were already preparing to take part. Alongside it ran reports on anti-alien bills in California, Washington and Texas. Southern California District JACL members voted to raise $2,000 to oppose four California measures, and Washington Governor Clarence Martin vetoed one unfair section of a land bill.
The four pages also cover chapter news. San Luis Obispo elected Masaji Eto president, and Hood River chose Wataru Kanemasu. San Francisco planned a celebration for the Golden Gate Bridge opening, and Seattle prepared for a judo tournament. One story tells of Minoru Kofukada, a World War I veteran who became a citizen under a law sponsored by the JACL.
What’s in this issue
Community
- Fresno Gathering Blasts Measures Considered Unfair, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Fresno International Institute executive board condemned three anti-alien bills before the California Legislature, including measures barring aliens from owning realty and fishing in deep sea waters and requiring language school licensing. The group concluded the bills were harsh and unfair and pledged local aid in combating them.
- Northwest Board Backing Program, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Northwest District Council board endorsed the second generation development program at a Yakima meeting and selected the basis for its September convention. Committees on vocational survey, social education, and political legal problems were proposed, with Roy Nishimura presiding.
- Oakland JACL Picks Committee Chairmen, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Oakland JACL cabinet named committee chairmen for social, social service, and publicity work at a meeting. Kiyoshi Higashi was also appointed to lead the second generation development campaign in the southern district.
- Arizona to Appoint JACL Project Heads, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Arizona JACL formed committees for an annual publication, a skating party, and a fall oratorical meet, and expects to appoint a committee for the second generation development program. Named members include Mary Uyesaka and Henry Yonemoto.
- South California Hits Unfair Bills, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Southern California District JACL board members voted to raise $2,000 to oppose four anti-alien bills before the California Legislature and awarded the 1937 League meeting to San Diego. The bills would deprive aliens ineligible for citizenship of land use and bar them from commercial fishing licenses.
- Masaji Eto as New President in San Luis Obispo, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The San Luis Obispo JACL elected Masaji Eto as president at its March meeting and discussed letters on the unfair anti-Japanese bills and a new membership drive. Members also planned a dance honoring the outgoing and incoming officers.
- San Francisco JACL Plans Fete for Golden Gate Bridge Opening, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The San Francisco JACL cabinet approved a $510 budget and planned a celebration for the Golden Gate Bridge opening in May, following a similar successful event for the Oakland-San Francisco bridge. The league also named its officers and second generation development commission members.
- Japanese Assn. in Texas Hits Bills, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Japanese Association of Texas presented objections to the Texas Legislature against pending anti-alien property measures, arguing they would affect Japanese as well as the Chinese storekeepers they were aimed at. The association cited Japan’s importance as a cotton buyer and trade partner to Texas ports.
- San Diego League Picnic Will Close Membership Drive, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The San Diego JACL planned an all-day outing at El Monte picnic grounds on April 17 to conclude its membership drive. The league also opposed a California fishing bill that would affect most local fishermen.
- Seattle Is Read to Greet Crowds for Judo Tourney, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Seattle’s Yudansha-kai prepared an intersectional judo tournament for April 3 and 4, with Los Angeles black belt artists visiting for the meet. The JACL planned a welcoming banquet featuring addresses by Consul Issaku Okamoto and national president James Sakamoto.
- District Council of Northwest to Meet in Tacoma, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Northwest District Council board prepared to meet in Tacoma to speed up plans for the September convention in Yakima. Agenda items include the convention, the second generation program, an emergency fund, and a legislative information program.
- Utah Fishing Bill Favors Japanese, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Utah House Bill 199 placed first generation fishermen on equal footing with citizen license holders by reducing their state fishing license fee to $2.00. The Salt Lake City JACL sponsored the bill, awaiting the governor’s signature.
- Hood River Folk Choose Kanemasu, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Mid-Columbia Valley JACL chapter in Hood River elected Wataru Kanemasu as president and other officers for the coming year. The chapter, newest in the Northwest District, is noted for its strong support of second generation causes.
National
- Gov. Martin Chops Unfair Section in Washington Laws, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Washington Governor Clarence Martin vetoed a section of House Bill 663 that would have presumed any ineligible alien aiding in operating land to be its owner unless proven otherwise. Japanese residents had strongly objected to the provision as discriminatory and open to harassment.
- Nisei in Farming Now Lively Topic on Pacific Coast, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Pacific Coast nisei have turned serious attention to farming as a career after a Southern California oratorical contest on the subject and Japan’s stance that they belong in the United States. Speakers Isamu Masuda and George Inagaki argued that agriculture offers the best opportunity for second generation Japanese Americans.
Military & Veterans
- Japanese Veteran Becomes Citizen, First in Seattle, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Minoru Kofukada, a 44-year-old Issaquah farmer and World War I veteran, became the first allied Japanese war veteran in Seattle to gain American citizenship. He qualified under a law sponsored by the JACL that clarified the status of aliens who served under the colors.
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