Washington’s alien land law vote and the Nisei-Negro ‘rift’ editorial

Vol. 51, No. 22, November 25, 1960. 8 pages. View this issue

A defeated ballot measure and a disputed editorial shaped this eight-page issue. Washington voters turned down SJR 4, which sought repeal of the state’s anti-alien land law, by 171,000 to 141,000. Mike Masaoka, Elmer Ogawa and Tak Kubota’s committee all weighed in on what the result meant. On the front page, H.H. answered a Los Angeles Sentinel editorial that claimed a rift between Negro and Nisei communities, and the Sentinel’s call for leaders to meet appeared on page 7.

Other pages cover the news that, from January 1961, every JACL household would receive the Pacific Citizen as part of membership dues, with chapters opening 1961 membership drives. Joe Sagami argued that JACL should stay out of partisan politics. Harry K. Honda looked at whether reapportionment could send a Nisei to Congress from California. The sports page follows the Nisei golf tournament at Pebble Beach and the San Francisco Giants’ tour of Japan.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Let’s Eradicate the Illusion of ‘Rift’ Between Nisei and Negro, by H.H., page 1. The editorial responds to a Los Angeles Sentinel editorial claiming a rift between Negro and Nisei communities, rebutting claims about FEP voting and Japanese wartime history. It urges Nisei to help eradicate the illusion and support joint work on shared concerns.
• Let’s Keep Politics Out of JACL, by Joe Sagami, page 2. Chicago JACLer Joe Sagami objects to the Pacific Citizen and JACL leaders promoting Dan Inouye’s reelection through the Bi-Partisan Volunteers committee. He argues JACL should remain nonpartisan and that the paper should not be used to advance political candidates.

JACL

• Praise Public Relations Job by Washington JACL Representative, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mike Masaoka’s two-week campaign for the Washington Committee for the Repeal of the Alien Land Law reactivated interest and drew praise from committee chairman Tak Kubota. The measure to eliminate the alien land law was defeated, with 171,000 voting for and 141,000 against SJR 4.
• San Francisco JACL Shooting for 1,300 Members, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The San Francisco JACL opened its 1961 membership drive with a goal of 1,300 members, up from 1,227 in 1960. A committee of about 65 persons divided into 12 teams is conducting the month-long campaign.
• Mechanics of ‘PC with Membership’, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Beginning January 1961, every JACL household will receive the Pacific Citizen weekly as part of membership dues of $3 per member. The article explains deadlines for membership cards, rebates for unexpired subscriptions, and procedures for chapters.
• Twin Cities JACL Starts ’61 Membership Campaign, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Twin Cities JACL membership drive is underway with chapter dues set at $4.50 single and $8 couple. The chapter aims to expand membership because it will host the MDC convention.

Community

• Mam Wakasugi Awarded Golden Gavel for Heading Top Farm Bureau Program in State, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Malheur County Farm Bureau, led by Mamato Wakasugi, received top honors at the Oregon Farm Bureau state meeting for an outstanding program. Wakasugi, a longtime JACL member, earned an expense-paid trip to the national meeting in Denver.
• Newspaperman Cites Use of ‘Please’, by Elmer Ogawa, page 1. Seattle Post-Intelligencer night city editor Jack Jarvis noted that only backers of SJR 4 used the word ‘please’ in their campaign advertising. SJR 4 sought repeal of the state anti-alien land law, which was voted down.
• Nisei Resigns from Monterey Recreation Commission Chair, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Restaurant owner Kay Nobusada resigned as chairman of the Monterey city recreation commission after differing with the mayor and disputing urban renewal zoning that affects his Ginza Restaurant. The city planning commission approved an interim zoning ordinance for the area.
• Marin County Rejects Fair Housing Ordinance, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Marin County Board of Supervisors rejected by a 3 to 2 vote an ordinance that would have banned racial or religious discrimination in housing. The measure had been before the board for two years.
• Gardena Valley 1000er Heads Nurserymen Group, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Henry Ishida became the first Nisei president of the Sunset chapter of the California Nurserymen’s Association. He operates Union Nursery in Gardena and leads a chapter of over 60 nurserymen in Los Angeles County.
• Minneapolis Nisei Center Being Incorporated as Non-Profit Organization, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Japanese American Community Center in Minneapolis filed corporation papers as a non-profit organization. Its facilities are used by various church, civic and social groups including the local JACL chapter.
• Stockton JACLer to Serve on School Advisory Group, by P.C. Staff, page 3. George Baba, a Stockton JACL leader, was named to a 24-member citizen’s advisory committee to study a proposed sale of school property. The committee will consider sale of the Stockton College campus to College of the Pacific.
• Omaha JACL Hallowe’en Party Acclaimed Success, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Pat Okura chaired the annual Hallowe’en party at the YWCA attended by about 150 people. Magician Roy Tatroe was the evening highlight.
• Omaha JACLers Mark Debut of Japan Print Exhibit, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Omaha JACL sponsored traditional folk dances and flower arranging demonstrations marking a contemporary Japanese print exhibition at Joslyn Art Museum. Teenage Omaha girls performed the dances.
• D.C. Chapter Dues Raised for Coming Year, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The D.C. JACL voted to raise chapter dues in 1961 to $5 single and $8 couple, including Pacific Citizen subscription. Joe Ichiuji is membership chairman.
• Observe November as ‘Membership Month’, by Ronald Neyt, page 4. Omaha JACL membership chairman Ronald Neyt urges members to take advantage of the new combined $5 dues that include the Pacific Citizen. The arrangement saves members $1.50 compared to previous rates.
• Eight Teams Ready for Long Beach JACL Basketball Tourney, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Eight JACL chapter teams will compete in a basketball tournament at Long Beach City College over Thanksgiving weekend. The schedule of games and awards dance is outlined.
• Delano JACL Elects Ed Nagatani, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Ed Nagatani was elected 1961 president of the Delano JACL at its annual election meeting. The chapter also reported ticket sale proceeds and planned a Christmas dinner party.
• Cleveland JACL Nominations Committee Lists Board Candidates, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Cleveland JACL nominations committee named candidates to fill six board vacancies, and the chapter ratified a constitutional amendment changing from a cabinet to a board system. Ten members are being nominated for election.
• East Los Angeles and Hollywood JACL 1961 Membership Campaigns, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The East Los Angeles and Hollywood JACL chapters launched their 1961 membership campaigns with new dues of $5 single and $8 couple. Membership chairmen and dues submission procedures are listed.
• Issei Entertained at East L.A. Show, by P.C. Staff, page 5. East Los Angeles JACL held its annual Issei Appreciation Night program at Tenrikyo Hall, attended by over 150 people. The evening included Mitsusa Bando dancers and the Pacific Band.
• Venice-Culver JACL Appoints George Inagaki Membership Chairman, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Former national JACL president George Inagaki was appointed 1961 membership campaign chairman for Venice-Culver JACL. The campaign is to be completed by December 10.
• San Francisco Auxiliary Yuletide Dance Dec. 10, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary will hold its Christmas invitational dance on December 10 at the Park Presidio Y. Tickets are open to ladies and invited gentlemen.
• Mrs. Ito Okamura to Head Parlier JACL Auxiliary, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Mrs. Ito Okamura was elected chairman of the Parlier JACL Auxiliary for the coming year. Other officers were also named.
• CCDC Fashion Models Selected, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Models were selected for the CCDC Convention fashion show, ‘Sleigh Ride in Fashion,’ to be held December 4 at Fresno’s Elk’s Lodge. Committee members and coordinators are listed.
• Chicago JACL Inaugural Dinner and Dance Dec. 3, by Hank Tanabe, page 5. The Chicago JACL will hold its 16th annual inaugural dinner and dance at the North Park Hotel on December 3, installing new officers. The program includes awards and entertainment.
• Kengo Osumi Elected Parlier Chapter President, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Kengo Osumi, who previously served as Parlier chapter president, was elected to the post again for 1961.
• Swally’s Restaurant Banquet Advertisement Shortened, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Restaurant promotion for banquet facilities in Los Angeles.

Incarceration & Redress

• Dr. Linus Pauling and Evacuation, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Dr. Linus Pauling, speaking at an ACLU Colorado dinner, said the wartime evacuation of Nisei awakened his concern for civil liberties. The article also traces the ACLU’s role in defending Nisei rights during and after the war.

National

• 1 Out of 6 Being Racially Biased by U.S. Housing Deals, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A three-year study by the Commission on Race and Housing found that 27 million Americans are restricted in choosing residence because of race or ethnicity. It recommends changing discriminatory practices and government policies rather than attitudes.
• Anti-Defamation League Official Views Catholic Support of Kennedy as ‘Pride’, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Herman Edelsberg of the Anti-Defamation League said Catholic voters chose Kennedy out of pride despite anti-Catholic prejudice. He argues voting by minority groups to advance their status is pride rather than prejudice.
• Reapportionment May Allow California Nisei to Be Elected to Congress in ’60s, by Harry K. Honda, page 6. Census figures give California eight additional congressional seats after reapportionment, which may enable a Nisei to be elected from Southern California. The article discusses redistricting by the Democratic-controlled state legislature and the demographics of ethnic communities in Los Angeles County.
• Repeal Committee Continues to Keep Pitching, by Elmer Ogawa, page 7. Elmer Ogawa reviews the defeat of the alien land law repeal in Washington State, noting favorable press coverage and continued efforts. He reflects on public attitudes shown in radio call-in discussions and the state’s history of such laws.
• Negro Editorial Calls for Responsible Nisei and Negro Leaders to Work Out Problems of Mutual Concern, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Los Angeles Sentinel called for responsible Negro and Nisei leaders to meet and resolve differences before opportunists exploit them. The editorial discussed the reported rift over the 1957 council election and housing issues.
• Japan’s Election, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka reports that Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party retained power in national elections endorsing continued cooperation with the United States. He discusses the implications of the results and Prime Minister Ikeda’s mandate.
• Washington’s Land Law, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Masaoka reflects on the 77,000-vote margin by which Washington voters sustained the anti-alien land law. He argues that the defeat reflects complacency and prejudice even among those who opposed bigotry.
• Gov. Quinn Lauds Issei and Nisei of Hawaii in Tokyo Talks, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 8. Hawaiian Governor William Quinn praised the contributions of Issei and Nisei in Hawaii during a visit to Tokyo for the centennial of Japan-U.S. relations. He noted Nisei appointments to judicial and legislative posts.
• Brazil Sanctions Japanese Emigration Plan, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Brazil and Japan agreed to a full-scale emigration plan allowing unlimited Japanese immigrants who make good settlers. The arrangement will go into effect when ratified by both countries.

Sports

• Okazaki and Tanaka Lead Dickie Koga Golf, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Nisei golfers competed in the California Nisei Golf tournament at Pebble Beach, with results and standings reported. Winners and scores were announced.
• Vacaville High’s Ronald Minamide Offered Scholarship by San Jose State, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Vacaville High star halfback Ronald Minamide was offered an athletic scholarship by San Jose State. He gained 1,068 yards in the first seven games to lead Northern California prep ground gainers.
• Imperial Gardens Restaurant Sponsored Golf Tournament Results, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Results of a golf tournament among JACL members were reported. Winners and handicap scores were listed by flight.
• S.F. Giants Plan to Keep Pitching from Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 6. San Francisco Giants owner Horace Stoneham announced plans for televised home games and a possible signing of Japanese players after the Giants’ 11-4-1 record in Japan. He said Japanese baseball had improved greatly.

Obituaries

• Dr. Kunisada Kiyasu and Dr. Terry Hayashi Honored at Berkeley Alumni Reunion, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Two eminent alumni of the University of California Japanese Alumni Association were honored at the Big Game reunion. Dr. Terry Hayashi, a co-founder of JACL and former national president, received citations.

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