A flag for Bruyeres and the JACL’s push on civil rights, 1951

Vol. 33, No. 13, October 6, 1951. 8 pages. View this issue

The National JACL planned to present an American flag to the town of Bruyeres, France, in tribute to the Nisei soldiers of the 442nd. A request went through Utah Congresswoman Reva Beck Bosone for one of the flags flown over the Capitol. Civil rights ran through the rest of the issue. Mike Masaoka reported on the Supreme Court’s fall docket and the omnibus naturalization bill, and an editorial and a JACL statement backed changes to the Senate’s filibuster rule. Idaho State College investigated a sorority’s race restrictions, and the paper noted eleven Nisei casualties in Korea.

Columns by Larry Tajiri, Bill Hosokawa and Elmer R. Smith appear on pages 4 and 5. Hosokawa reviewed Shelley Ota’s novel Upon Their Shoulders, which M.T. also covered on page 2. Pages 6 and 7 are given to sports, from Nisei on college football teams to the Hawaii Red Sox baseball tour of Japan, and chapter news from Salinas, Monterey, Sacramento and New York fills the rest.

What’s in this issue

National

• National JACL Will Present American Flag to Bruyeres; Tribute to Nisei Soldiers, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National JACL will present an American flag flown over the Capitol to the town of Bruyeres, France, in commemoration of Nisei soldiers of the 442nd. The gift follows a request made through Utah Congresswoman Reva Beck Bosone and is part of the JACL’s continuing friendship with the town.
• Supreme Court May Rule on Segregation, Alien Land Cases, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The U.S. Supreme Court opens its fall term with a crowded docket that includes cases on school segregation and restaurant discrimination. JACL ADC legislative director Mike Masaoka says the Court may also hear challenges involving the Attorney General’s subversive list and California’s alien land law.
• Race Covenants Cost U.S. Lives, Says Hosokawa, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Bill Hosokawa of The Denver Post told a Longmont, Colorado realtors’ group that restrictive covenants and other undemocratic practices undermine American credibility abroad. He argued that Communist agents exploit such shortcomings to stir anti-American sentiment in the Far East.
• Effort May Be Made to Have Omnibus Naturalization Bill Considered in Present Session, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mike Masaoka reported that the Senate Judiciary Committee may begin considering the 296-page omnibus immigration and naturalization bill sponsored by Sen. Pat McCarran. Key JACL ADC provisions would extend naturalization to resident Japanese aliens and repeal the 1924 Japanese Exclusion Act, though passage this year remains doubtful.
• ADC Asks Bill to Prevent Deporting of Nisei GI’s Widow, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL ADC asked Rep. Hugh Mitchell to introduce a private bill allowing Japan-born Toyoko Ogo Yoshihara to remain in the U.S. as the widow of Pfc. Elmer Yoshihara, a Korean War casualty. Because the couple married in a Japanese ceremony rather than an Army-approved one, she does not qualify under the GI Brides law.
• San Diegans Seek Passage of Bill Blocked by Rankin, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A San Diego couple is seeking passage of a private bill to bring their half-Japanese adopted grandson into the United States after Rep. Rankin blocked the measure in the House. Their son, Air Force Captain James R. Evans, adopted the boy in Tokyo.
• JACL Joins in Urging Change in Senate’s Cloture Rule, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The JACL ADC joined about fifty national organizations in urging the Senate Rules Committee to allow cloture by majority vote. The statement argues that filibusters block civil rights and paralyze the legislative process.
• Senate Group Favors Three Private Bills, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved three private bills permitting Japanese nationals to enter the United States, including fiancees and a wife of American citizens. The bills would allow marriages and family reunification.
• Ask Suspension of Deportation for Japanese Aliens, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The House Judiciary Committee approved suspension of deportation proceedings for 9 alien Japanese, which could lead to adjustment of their status to permanent residents under the 1948 JACL ADC law. The names of those approved are listed.

Community

• Family Store Razed by Fire in Idaho, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A fire on Sept. 25 destroyed the Numoto family’s grocery store and home in Sugar City, Idaho, causing more than $5,000 in damage. Volunteers and fire companies from Rexburg and St. Anthony brought the blaze under control after it threatened the town’s business district.
• Nisei Group Plans Part in Festival, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Japanese American group will participate for the first time in the California Festival of Nations in Oakland, scheduled for Oct. 28 at Municipal Auditorium. The annual multicultural presentation highlights the community’s growing involvement.
• California Woman’s Will Gives $10,000 to Six Nisei, Issei, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Six persons of Japanese ancestry will share about $70,000 in property and cash under the will of Santa Barbara resident Mrs. Lillian Child. The largest bequest, estimated at $20,000 to $25,000 in property, goes to longtime employee Mrs. Haruye Otsuka.
• Nisei Saves Life of Idaho Youngster, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Tom Matsuura applied artificial respiration to revive a four-year-old Rexburg boy who had fallen into a canal. A physician credited his quick action with saving the child’s life.
• Santa Maria JACL Honors Champions of Bowling League, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Charlie’s Service team received the league championship trophy at the Santa Maria Valley JACL bowling awards dinner. The chapter also reported that its 1951 ADC fund drive exceeded its goal.
• Claimants Move, Compromise Mail Returned to Government, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Several hundred compromise evacuation claims forms were returned to the Justice Department because claimants moved without leaving forwarding addresses. Claimants who have moved are urged to write to the Japanese Evacuation Claims office in Washington.
• New York Chapter Members Invited to Open House, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The New York JACL invited members to bridge lessons and a weekly open house at the Japanese Methodist Church. Non-bridge players may also enjoy canasta, ping pong, and dancing.
• Salinas Juniors Will Hold Dance, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Salinas JACL Junior group is planning its fifth annual Thanksgiving Dance on Nov. 22 at the Pythian Hall. The event is announced as a community social gathering for young members.
• Mrs. Silverman Dies of Illness, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Yoshiko Ukita Silverman, 31, died in Chicago on Sept. 8 after an illness. She had directed Trinity Center in Oakland after the war and was program director of Lowre North Center at the time of her death.
• Gunman Confesses Attempted Holdup of Denver Grocery, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Harold Johns of San Francisco admitted attempting to rob Denver grocer Sam Susumu Yasuzawa on Sept. 21 and was arrested minutes later. The suspect allegedly fired a revolver at the store proprietor during the attempted holdup.
• Monterey Chapter Completes Plans for Dinner-Dance, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Monterey Peninsula JACL is finalizing its autumn dinner-dance for Oct. 14 at the Pebble Beach Surf Room. Guest tickets are available to Nisei from north and central coast counties through named local contacts.
• National Sorority’s Attempt to Enforce Race Restrictions Investigated at Idaho State, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Idaho State College is investigating reports that national Sigma Kappa officers ordered the local chapter to stop pledging non-Caucasian women after a Hawaiian girl was initiated. Two faculty advisers resigned in protest, and the college has said it will not charter groups that discriminate by race.
• Two Holdup Men Plead Guilty, Get Five-Year Terms, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Two Hawaii-born men pleaded guilty in Los Angeles to holding up a tailor shop and were sentenced to five years in prison. They also confessed to robberies in Fresno and Los Angeles.
• CCDC Sets Date for Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Central California JACL District Council will hold its convention in Fresno on Nov. 3 and 4. The program includes bowling, a forum, bridge and canasta tournaments, a banquet, and a ball.
• Denver Council Considers Prejudice in City’s Cemeteries, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Denver Unity Council discussed the refusal of Crown Hill cemetery to bury a Nisei soldier killed in World War II. It also addressed the ineligibility of resident Japanese aliens for Colorado old-age pensions.
• Sacramento Chapter Will Give Show for Building Fund, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Sacramento JACL plans a benefit motion picture show to raise money for its building fund. Toko Fujii was named general chairman of the drive, and a finance committee was formed.

Military & Veterans

• Nisei Combat Veterans Home from Korea, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Two Northern California Nisei, Corp. Jimmie H. Honda and Sgt. George Tomita Jr., were among Army combat veterans arriving in Seattle from Korea on Sept. 28. The report notes their homecoming aboard a Navy transport.
• Nisei Soldier Dies in Action in Korean War, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Department of Defense reported eleven Nisei casualties in Korea during the past week, including Corporal Archie M. Uno, killed in action. The list also names wounded soldiers from Hawaii and California.
• Back on Rotation, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Sgt. Masao S. Yamamoto of Long Beach was among Korean War veterans who returned to Seattle on Sept. 28 under the Army’s rotation program. The brief notes his return home.
• 442nd Association Formed by NY Veterans, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Veterans of the 442nd and other branches in New York City formed a permanent 442nd Association with Bill Kochiyama as president. The group also established committees and held its first social outing on the Hudson River.
• Three Families Learn of Death in Recent Combat in Korea, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Three Southern California families were notified of the deaths of sons in the Korean War, including Cpl. Archie Uno, Pfc. Yukio Tanouye, and Pvt. Osamu Tamura. The report also describes the families’ military service histories.

Arts & Entertainment

• Marine Corps Permits Singer to Give One Last Concert, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Baritone James Shigeta was sworn into the Marine Corps on the afternoon of his Honolulu concert so he could perform one final time before reporting for service. Lt. Gen. Lemuel Shepherd Jr. personally handled the swearing-in to allow the Laymen’s League benefit to proceed.
• Shelley Ota Writes the Saga of a Family in Hawaii, by M.T., page 2. Shelley Ota’s novel Upon Their Shoulders follows Japanese immigrant Taro Sumida and his family from plantation hardship in Hawaii through internment and their eventual hopes for the next generation. The review praises the book as a rare fictional portrait of the Japanese immigrant experience.
• Xylophonist’s Comeback: Former NBC Artist Prepares for First Postwar Concert, by Harry Honda, page 2. Japan-born xylophonist Yoichi Hiraoka prepares for his Los Angeles debut at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre after years of wartime separation from America. He recalls how a 1933 NBC broadcast launched his career and describes the classical program planned for the concert.
• Nisei Drama Group Will Give Play in Northern California, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Nisei Experimental Group of Los Angeles will stage the one-act play Plums Can Wait in San Francisco and Berkeley on Dec. 8 and 9. The story centers on two brothers, one idealistic and one cynical, and is the first Nisei-written play about Nisei performed by an interracial cast.

Commentary

• Break the Filibuster, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial backs proposals to end Senate filibusters, which have blocked statehood for Hawaii and Alaska and threatened civil rights bills. It argues that the existing cloture rule is ineffective and that a majority vote should be able to limit debate.
• Sorority Discrimination, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial condemns the reported directive from Sigma Kappa’s national officers barring non-Caucasian pledges at Idaho State. It argues that fraternities and sororities must abandon discriminatory practices if they are to remain part of campus life.
• Australia’s Immigration Laws, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial criticizes Australia for barring Nisei boxer Tommy Umeda, a 442nd veteran, from entering to fulfill fight contracts. It argues that his temporary reprieve after his war record was revealed does not change the racist basis of Australia’s immigration policy.
• The October Madness, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. Larry Tajiri uses the Giants’ pennant-winning home run and the World Series fever it stirred up as a lens on American contradictions. He contrasts fans cheering Black players on television with segregated Salt Lake establishments that still refuse service to Negroes.
• The Troublemakers, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The column previews the Anti-Defamation League’s fifth national survey on racial and religious bigotry, which will document professional hate-mongers. It notes that organized hate groups have declined and that local communities are increasingly forming human relations commissions.
• Vagaries, by P.C. Staff, page 5. This column reports on Nisei in film, radio, and music, including Henry Nakamura’s role in Westward the Women and Michiko Iseri’s TV dance appearance. It also notes Nisei servicemen serving in Korea and entertainers working in San Francisco.
• New Peace Treaty Presents Problems for Japan’s People, by Elmer R. Smith, page 5. Elmer Smith analyzes how rising Asian nationalism and Japan’s new peace treaty pose challenges for Japan’s place in the region. He argues that the outcome depends on whether Western powers, especially the United States, can support Japan’s development without imposing foreign models.
• A Novel About the Nisei, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Bill Hosokawa reviews Shelley Ota’s Upon Their Shoulders as a pioneering novel about Japanese Americans despite its flaws in polish and plot. He praises its portrait of immigrant struggle and the author’s own inspiring journey as a widowed writer.

Sports

• Thirteen Nisei Play for U. of Hawaii, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The University of Hawaii football team, with thirteen Nisei players, lost early mainland games but played well in a narrow loss to BYU. The report names key Nisei players who saw action and highlights the team’s single-wing and T formation performances.
• Hirayama’s Passing Kept Under Wraps, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Fresno State’s Nisei players were featured in several college games, including Fibber Hirayama’s touchdowns in a win over Pepperdine. The report also covers Nisei athletes at San Jose State, Caltech, and Occidental.
• Scatback Earns Tartar Starting Berth, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Ralph Kubota earned a starting halfback spot at Compton JC, and other Nisei players are reported at several junior colleges and high schools. The roundup also notes the recruitment of Hawaiian high school stars to Southern California junior colleges.
• Peruvian ‘Nisei’ Matador Fights in Spain, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A Spanish newspaper reported that Augusto Yatojo, a 19-year-old Peruvian of Japanese ancestry, became the first bullfighter of Japanese descent to perform in a Spanish arena. He won the crowd’s acclaim at the United Nations bullfights in Madrid.
• Tom Ozaki Carries On for S.F. Poly, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Tom Ozaki takes over the starting halfback role at San Francisco Poly after his brother graduated. The roundup also covers Nisei players at several Northern and Southern California high schools.
• Bowling Meet Will Feature JACL Parley, by P.C. Staff, page 6. An open bowling tournament will be held Nov. 18 in Costa Mesa during the JACL Pacific Southwest District Council convention in Santa Ana. Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded in three handicap events.
• Young Minnesota Nisei Caddies for Champion, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Tamio (Harry) Nishimura, a 16-year-old high school golfer, caddied for Lloyd Mangrum when he won the St. Paul Open. The report describes Nishimura’s own golf game and his aspirations as a tournament golfer.
• Sakata Wins First Bout on Japan Tour, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Hal Sakata, a Honolulu Nisei and 1948 Olympic weightlifter, won his first professional wrestling match in Tokyo against Casey Berger of Ireland. The report notes the introduction of American-style pro wrestling to Japan.
• Hawaii Nisei Nine Impresses Japan with Caliber of Play, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Hawaii Red Sox returned from a Japan tour having won 11 of 18 games against top non-professional teams. Bill Nishita was the standout pitcher, and several players received offers to play professionally in Japan.
• Former Football Star Makes Professional Wrestling Debut, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Shibuya, a former Los Angeles City College and University of Hawaii lineman, made his professional wrestling debut in Honolulu. He has trained under professional wrestlers and adapted football blocking and tackling techniques to the ring.
• Kiyama Takes Lead in Match Game Tourney in Hawaii, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Howard Kiyama led after the first round of the Territorial Match Game championship bowling tournament with a five-game series. Larry Mekata and Eddie Matsueda followed in second and third place.
• Hirayama Scores Fresno Touchdown, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Fibber Hirayama scored one of five Fresno State touchdowns in a 33-14 win over Pepperdine. He scored on a fourth-period run from the one-foot line.
• Tom Yagi Given Berth on Varsity, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Tom Yagi, a 218-pound freshman from Livingston, Calif., was promoted from the junior varsity to the San Jose State varsity. Coach Bob Bronzan expects him to play against Fresno State.
• Two Nisei Bowl in Utah-Idaho League, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Two Nisei bowlers, Dr. Jun Kurumada and Ace Mori, are competing in the new traveling Utah-Idaho bowling league. The report also includes George Sakashita’s performance in the Salt Lake JACL league.
• Red Sox Players Offered Pro Contracts, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Several members of the Hawaii Red Sox are considering offers to play professional baseball in Japan. The report also notes Wally Yonamine’s involvement in the Japanese professional championships.
• Hayashida’s Placements Aid Berkeley, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Cliff Hayashida converted three extra points as Berkeley beat Sacramento 27-6, and other Nisei players are reported at several high schools. The roundup covers Nisei contributions to high school football across California.

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