Winona trailer project, housing limits and the Oyama land law case

Vol. 24, No. 14, April 12, 1947. 8 pages. View this issue

The future of the Winona trailer project in Burbank led the news. The Federal Public Housing Authority’s lease ended June 30, and about 900 returned residents of Japanese ancestry, along with 30 veterans’ families, faced an uncertain future when agency funds ran short. Thirty-six veterans, twelve of them Nisei, petitioned Dillon Myer to keep the project open. Housing restrictions ran through the issue: Charles Abrams spoke on racial covenants, and the editorial “Race Restrictions in Housing” argued against them. Another story reported that the U.S. Supreme Court would hear the Oyama case on California’s Alien Land Law, which the editorial “Alien Land Laws” welcomed.

Columns by Bill Hosokawa, John Kitasako and Roku Suychana are inside, along with an account of a night patrol by the 100th Battalion near Anzio. Mike Masaoka’s testimony on enemy property bills, a bill to remove race provisions from deportation law, and news of JACL chapters in Chicago, Seattle and Oakland fill the remaining pages. Sports coverage includes Wat Misaka and boxing titles.

What’s in this issue

Incarceration & Redress

• Winona Housing Project May Continue Under Federal Sponsorship, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Federal Public Housing Authority’s Winona trailer project for about 1000 returned evacuees may end after June 30 due to lost agency funds. Community leaders and JACL representatives are working to avoid mass displacement of residents.

National

• Restrictions on Housing Noted by Charles Abrams, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Charles Abrams told a New York audience that racial restrictions on property affect Americans of Japanese ancestry along with other minority groups. He noted that private covenants have been upheld by courts while government ordinances have been struck down.
• U.S. Supreme Court Will Hear Alien Land Law Test Case, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the Oyama case challenging the constitutionality of California’s Alien Land Law in its October term. Attorneys say the review offers a chance to overturn decades-old precedent upholding the law.
• California Court Upholds State’s Property Law, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The California Court of Appeals upheld the escheat of Yeizo Ikeda’s Salinas property, citing the Oyama decision. Attorneys for Ikeda plan to take the case to the State Supreme Court.
• Sen. Langer Sponsors Bill to Amend Deportation Law, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Senator William Langer introduced a Senate bill matching a House measure that would remove racially discriminatory provisions from deportation law. The bill also allows cancellation of deportation for aliens with seven or more years of residence.
• Congressional Economy Move Forces Closing of Federal Study on Evacuee Groups, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Congressional budget cuts ended the federal government’s interest in persons of Japanese ancestry evacuated in 1942. Several continuation projects and claims processing units were also terminated.

Military & Veterans

• Winona Veterans Seek Extension of Trailer Project, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Thirty-six World War II veterans, including twelve Nisei, petitioned FPHA Commissioner Dillon Myer to keep the Winona housing project open. They proposed rental housing, purchasable housing, or sale of the trailer units as alternatives.
• Nisei Honored for Role in War Against Typhus, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Todashi G. Tani received an Army medal for fighting typhus in bomb-damaged areas of Japan after the war. The award was presented at the University of Minnesota.
• Seattle Veterans Fete Earl Finch, by P.C. Staff, page 1. About 100 Nisei veterans attended a dinner in Seattle honoring Earl Finch, a friend and counselor to Nisei GIs. Finch was accompanied by members of the Los Angeles Nisei Veterans’ Association.
• Nisei Veteran’s Jump Features Idaho Air Show, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Sgt. Hiro Kozawa, a Boise Nisei and Battle of the Bulge veteran, made a parachute jump at the Idaho National Guard air show. It was his thirteenth jump and his first in more than 18 months.
• Outdoor Ceremonies Held for Nisei GIs at Monterey Presidio, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Twenty-eight students completed language training at the MIS Language School and received diplomas at the first outdoor graduation at the Presidio of Monterey. T/3 Torazo Hikida was named outstanding student and T/4 Arthur Y. Imamura best soldier.
• President Truman Welcomes Nisei Regular Veterans Post, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The first all-Nisei post of the Regular Veterans Association was organized in Clearfield, Utah, and President Truman sent a congratulatory message. Yoshio Yokomizo, a Silver Star recipient from the 442nd, was installed as commander.

JACL

• National JACL Will Support Bouiss Verdict, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL will file a brief supporting a federal judge’s ruling that the Soldier Brides’ Act applies to women of Japanese ancestry. The case involves Helen Emilie Bouiss, part-Japanese wife of an American serviceman.
• Postpone JACL Council Meet in Midwest City, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The organizational meeting of the Midwest District Council of the JACL was postponed one week to April 26-27. Representatives from seven midwest chapters will attend.
• Rev. Kitagawa Will Speak to Chicago JACL Members, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Reverend Joseph Kitagawa will address the Chicago JACL monthly membership meeting on April 24 on the topic of citizenship and the future of Japanese Americans. He is an Episcopal minister who served in the Hunt relocation center.

Community

• JACL Aids Amputee Veteran to Obtain Automobile Coverage, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Chicago JACL chapter helped double amputee Takiji Goto obtain full standard insurance on his government-provided car after discriminatory denial. The chapter noted that some insurers still serve Nisei without surcharges.
• Seattle Chapter Opens Drive for New Membership, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Seattle JACL chapter launched its membership drive with a kickoff dinner on April 7. The campaign runs until May 31 with team captains leading the effort.
• WRA Reports Officer Takes Tokyo Job With War Department, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Ralph O. Brown, former reports officer for the WRA at Tule Lake, is leaving for Tokyo to head an information and education section of the War Department. He previously worked as assistant news editor of the Arizona Republic.
• Ken Kato Named President of San Mateo JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Ken Kato will lead the San Mateo County JACL in 1947 with a slate of officers. Installation ceremonies are tentatively scheduled for April 19.
• Housing Restrictions Discussed at Meeting of Oakland JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Tom Richardson was scheduled to discuss restrictive covenants at the April 11 Oakland JACL meeting. Joe Grant Masaoka also reported on his trip to Hawaii.
• Salinas Community to Beautify Cemetery, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A Nisei-Issei group in Salinas planned to beautify the local cemetery on Sunday, April 13. Volunteers were gathering necessary tools for the work.
• Report No Delays Encountered by Latest Group of Nisei Back From Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Nisei passengers arriving on the Marine Lynx in San Francisco reported no delays or discrimination from immigration officials. The group contrasted their treatment with earlier Nisei returnees on the General Gordon.
• Portland Ex-GIs Seek Citizenship for Parents, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The newly formed Portland Nisei veterans’ organization urged Congress to grant citizenship to resident alien parents of veterans. The group also planned a dance to raise funds for a 442nd veterans’ clubhouse in Honolulu.
• Nisei Passenger Escapes Death in Bus Accident, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A Japanese American passenger was rescued after a Seattle bus plunged into the Duwamish River following a collision with an oil truck. Nine people died in the accident.
• Hood River Minister to Be Honored by New York Chapter, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The New York JACL will honor Rev. W. Sherman Burgoyne and his wife at a reception on April 14. Rev. Burgoyne led opposition to anti-evacuee interests in the Hood River valley and receives the Thomas Jefferson award.
• Justice Inc., by P.C. Staff, page 4. A new San Jose group called Justice Inc. opposes a $200,000 state appropriation for investigating escheat of Japanese American farm property. Its founders are former WRA workers who have fought discrimination.
• Hawaii Group Sends Initial Contribution to Campaign, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Hawaii supporters sent a $2050 first payment to the San Francisco JACL office for the Anti-Discrimination Committee’s $150,000 quota. The Hawaii drive followed a visit by a four-man JACL-ADC delegation.
• Busy Weekend Planned for Burgoynes in Nation’s Capital, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Rev. W. Sherman Burgoyne will spend a four-day stopover in Washington beginning April 18 with meetings with Oregon congressional members. He will also speak at a Washington JACL meeting and may testify before a House subcommittee.
• Ogden Man Files Suit for Damages in Hunting Accident, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Al M. Aoki of Ogden filed suit seeking $2978.62 in damages after being struck by pellets from a shotgun discharged by a duck hunter in October 1946. Aoki alleged the hunter acted carelessly and negligently.
• Chicago Drive to Organize All-Chicago JACL-ADC Chapter Gaining Momentum, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Organizers in Chicago are building an all-Chicago JACL-ADC chapter with a planned organizational meeting in early May. The Anti-Discrimination Committee works for legislation on evacuation claims, Issei citizenship, and related issues.
• Saburo Kido Calls Naturalization Laws Pure Race Legislation, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Saburo Kido and A. L. Wirin argued in a KMPC radio debate that restrictive naturalization laws should be repealed. They cited the wartime contributions of alien Japanese to military intelligence and related services.
• California Assembly Group Recommends Passage of Bill Against School Segregation, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A California Assembly committee endorsed AB 1875 to repeal the school code provision allowing segregation of Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Mongolian children. Supporters described the provision as a remnant of Jim Crow policy.
• Canadian Parliament Expected to Debate Continuance of Restrictions on Evacuees, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Parliament is expected to debate continuing wartime restrictions on Japanese Canadians, including the ban on returning to the British Columbia coast. Indemnification for evacuation losses and disposition of seized property are also expected topics.
• Twenty-Two Nisei Unionists Attend Convention of ILWU, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Twenty-two Japanese American delegates from Hawaiian locals attended the seventh biennial convention of the CIO International Longshoremen’s and Warehousemen’s Union in San Francisco. The Hawaiian unions represent about 5000 workers.
• Seek Addresses of Graduates From G-2 Language School, by P.C. Staff, page 8. MISLS officials are seeking current addresses of Japanese American graduates from its language schools. The school publishes a quarterly Japanese-language magazine and is considering an English pictorial album.
• Thirty-Four Members Admitted by Chicago JACL Credit Union, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Chicago JACL Credit Union, chartered in December 1946, admitted thirty-four shareholders in its first three months. The credit union offers low-interest loans to members, both Issei and Nisei.

In-Depth

• They Were So Young: The Story of the 100th Battalion, page 2. A soldier recounts his first night patrol near Anzio, describing the tension, flares, and German machine-gun fire his unit encountered. The patrol gathered intelligence and returned safely, though the men were soaked and exhausted.

Arts & Entertainment

• Nisei Artist Wins Watercolor Award, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Chicago artist Miyoko Ito won the Paul Bissinger prize at the 11th annual San Francisco Art Association watercolor exhibition. She is a former California resident.

Sports

• Nisei Wins Boxing Title in Berlin Tourney, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Kaoru Fujiama of Hawaii won the flyweight championship of the Allied Forces European boxing tournament in Berlin. He led the U.S. team to a team victory over several European nations.
• Hirose Takes Third in 100-Yard Event of National AAU, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Takashi Hirose of Ohio State finished third in the 100-yard freestyle at the National AAU swimming championships. Walter Ris set a new championship record.
• Tokuda Drug Wins Seattle Cage League, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Tokuda Drug team won the Class A championship of the Seattle JACL basketball league at an end-of-season mixer. Main Bowl took Class B and the high school girls’ team won the women’s division.
• Hanagami Loses Final Round Bout in National AAU Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Takumo Hanagami of Hawaii lost the flyweight final to Robert Holliday in the National AAU boxing tournament in Boston. He was the only Japanese American to reach the finals.
• Misaka Invited to Play in Hawaiian Games, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Utah University basketball star Wat Misaka flew to Hawaii to play in two exhibition games against an all-star team. He was honored at a dinner in Ogden after the trip.

Commentary

• Mike Masaoka Calls Attention to Threat to Legitimate Issei Assets in New Measures, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mike Masaoka told a House committee that bills creating an Enemy Property Commission contain loose language that could confiscate the legitimate assets of loyal Issei. He urged safeguards to protect resident aliens while compensating Americans harmed by Japanese militarism.
• Alien Land Laws, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial welcomes the Supreme Court’s review of California’s Alien Land Law in the Oyama case. It argues the law is economically unsound and constitutionally questionable, and urges the Court to overrule earlier precedents.
• Race Restrictions in Housing, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial describes how real estate associations and restrictive covenants limit housing for Nisei and other non-Caucasians. It argues that the expanding racial restrictions threaten democratic principles and calls for opposition.
• From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Bill Hosokawa describes the frustrations of air travel delays from Denver to Seattle and notes Harry Yanagimachi’s wartime service as a Nisei line officer. He also reports on Sam Kozu’s improved business as public attitudes changed.
• Washington News-Letter: Anti-Alien Edict Deprives Agency of Skilled Translator, by John Kitasako, page 5. John Kitasako profiles Thomas Takeshita, an Issei translator for the JACL Anti-Discrimination Committee who was barred from government work under new rules. Takeshita filed citizenship papers hoping the naturalization bill will pass.
• They Like It in New York, by Roku Suychana, page 5. The columnist describes the growing Nisei community in New York, its professionals and workers, and an Issei success story. He also profiles basketball player Wat Misaka’s impressive showing in the National Collegiate Invitational.
• Rep. Fellows Sponsors Bill to Remove Race Provisions in Deportation Statutes, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Chairman Frank Fellows introduced H.R. 2938, a Justice Department bill that eliminates racial discrimination from deportation laws. It gives the Attorney General discretionary power to suspend deportation for aliens ineligible for citizenship.

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