Vol. 47, No. 7, August 15, 1958. 8 pages. View this issue
The 15th Biennial JACL Convention in Salt Lake City was one week away, and the issue was built around it. The front page announced 24 candidates for the Nisei of the Biennium awards and reported that national president Dr. Roy Nishikawa would not seek a second term. A proposal to include the Pacific Citizen with JACL membership, for a $1 dues increase, drew the most debate, with Harry K. Honda and the Pacific Southwest District Council laying out the plans. Masao Satow’s director’s report and a list of delegates from over 40 chapters filled page 4.
On page 5, George Ono and William M. Marutani argued over how JACL should speak on U.S.-Japan relations. Elsewhere, Bill Hosokawa wrote from Denver, Larry S. Tajiri looked ahead to the musical Flower Drum Song, and Henry Mori reported on the Los Angeles Nisei Week Festival. Mike Masaoka’s Washington column covered evacuation claims, and a banquet preview and a Hawaii statehood bill update closed the issue.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- PSWDC Confident ‘PC-Membership’ Plan at $1 Increase Will Pay Off, by PSWDC PC with Membership Committee, page 1. The Pacific Southwest District Council argues that including the Pacific Citizen with JACL membership would create a more informed and engaged membership. The committee contends that the $1 dues increase would be offset by long-term organizational benefits.
- From the Frying Pan, by Bill Hosokawa, page 2. Hosokawa recounts Nisei travelers encountering no discrimination on a recent trip, and notes Floyd Tanaka’s appointment in Denver’s urban renewal authority. He also remarks on the Mile-Hi JACL Bulletin’s struggle for news submissions.
- PC With Membership, by Harry K. Honda, page 5. Honda explains the financial mechanics of proposals to include the Pacific Citizen with JACL membership dues. He outlines several plans, each requiring a break-even membership count, for delegates to consider at convention.
- Shall We Ignore Her?, by George Ono, page 5. Ono argues that JACL should not remain silent on U.S.-Japan relations, since Nisei are expected to have views and others will fill the vacuum. He contends the organization is the best mechanism to represent Japanese Americans on these questions.
- Minority Views Needed, by William M. Marutani, page 5. Marutani urges dissenting members to remain within JACL rather than withdraw if the hands-off policy on U.S.-Japan affairs is liberalized. He argues that divergent views strengthen the organization.
- JACL Should Help, page 5. A Nisei recently returned from Japan argues that JACL should actively help Japanese understand the United States and counter negative influences. He also defends Mike Masaoka’s record and urges the organization to consider his views.
- Washington Newsletter: National Recognitions, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. JACL will honor Assistant Attorney General George C. Doub and Enoch E. Ellison for their administration of the evacuation claims program. The column reviews the program’s history and the amendments that made its completion possible.
- Hawaii Statehood Bill Committee Action This Year Seen, page 8. The House Interior Committee approved the Hawaii statehood bill 22 to 4, though subcommittee chairman Leo O’Brien considered further action this year futile. He predicted final enactment within twelve months.
JACL
- 24 Candidates to Be Judged for ‘Nisei of Biennium’ Recognition, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Seven more candidates were announced for the Nisei of the Biennium awards, with five finalists to be chosen from 24 nominees. The awards will be presented at the 15th Biennial JACL Convention banquet in Salt Lake City.
- Dr. Nishikawa Decides Not to Run for Office, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Roy Nishikawa, national JACL president, declined a Southern California draft movement to seek a second term. Supporters now focus on electing Ken Dyo as national second vice-president.
- Convention Delegates, Alternates Appointed by Over 40 JACL Chapters, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Forty-one JACL chapters had named official delegates and alternates for the 15th Biennial National Convention in Salt Lake City by August 12. The list identifies delegates chapter by chapter.
- National Director’s Report, by Masao Satow, page 4. Satow lists additional convention delegates and outlines plans for the National Council sessions, including publicity and stenotype arrangements. He also reports Northern California-Western Nevada membership at an all-time high and notes a new JACL scholarship program.
- Recognitions Banquet to Climax 15th Biennial Convention Aug. 25, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The convention banquet will feature Congressman Dalip S. Saund as main speaker and presentations to Justice Department officials. The evening will also include the announcement of Nisei of the Biennium awards and the installation of new national officers.
Military & Veterans
- Ronald Inouye Wins Pvt. Ben Frank Masaoka Memorial Scholarship, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Ronald Inouye of American Fork High School received the 1958 Pvt. Ben Frank Masaoka memorial scholarship. He was chosen from 23 top graduates considered for the award.
Arts & Entertainment
- Flower Drum Song, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s upcoming musical adaptation of C.Y. Lee’s novel, set in San Francisco’s Chinatown, draws on Nisei and Oriental American talent. The column also discusses Joshua Logan’s career and the broader portrayal of Asians on stage and screen.
Community
- Nisei Week Festival Climaxed With Parade and Ondo, by Henry Mori, page 7. The 1958 Los Angeles Nisei Week Festival was widely regarded as the smoothest postwar celebration, with credit to general manager Matao Uwate and chairman Norikazu Oku. The coronation ball, carnival, and parade drew large crowds despite some timing issues with the ondo dancers.
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