Vol. 48, No. 2, January 9, 1959. 8 pages. View this issue
A federal lawsuit over bank claims led the news. Attorneys Thomas Carolan and Phillip Amram sued on behalf of 1,144 claimants who want the prewar exchange rate applied to yen deposits in the former Sumitomo Bank, and Carolan followed with a column urging claimants to file promptly. Masao Satow wrote about what JACL has to offer Americans of Japanese ancestry, Frank F. Chuman listed the legislative goals for 1959, and Mike Masaoka previewed the 86th Congress. Another story reported that JACL urged Enoch Ellison’s nomination to the U.S. Court of Claims.
The editor’s front-page column made the case for chapter newsletters, and Harry Honda’s desk column and a Bridgeton, New Jersey editorial praised the Japanese American community there for its cherry tree gift. Henry Mori reported on a supermarket lockout in Los Angeles that affected nearly 2,000 Japanese American workers. Other stories covered a Fresno State fraternity ruling, a Nisei subcommittee in Utah, and a Gardena card club referendum.
What’s in this issue
JACL
- Importance of Chapter Newsletters, by H.H., page 1. Only 25 JACL chapters published newsletters in 1958, despite the time and money involved. The editor urges chapters to keep publishing regularly, even as bi-monthlies, and names the most frequent publishers.
- Director’s Report, by Masao Satow, page 4. JACL National Director Masao Satow frames the organization’s mission as maintaining the quality of Americans of Japanese ancestry through citizenship programs and countering prejudice. He invites members to participate in its public relations campaign.
- By the Board: Legislative Activities Mobilize JACL Membership, by Frank F. Chuman, page 5. JACL National Legal Counsel Frank Chuman outlines 1959 legislative priorities including a California FEPC law, repeal of Washington’s Alien Land Law, Hawaii statehood, and Senate filibuster reform. He describes how chapters are mobilizing to lobby officials.
Incarceration & Redress
- Suit Filed to Protest Yen Exchange Rate of Bank Claims, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Attorneys Thomas Carolan and Phillip Amram filed suit in federal court challenging the postwar exchange rate proposed for repayment of yen deposits in the former Sumitomo Bank. The suit is brought on behalf of 1,144 claimants seeking the prewar exchange rate.
- Bridgeton Citizens Praised for Cherry Tree Gift and Exemplary Conduct, by Bridgeton (N.J.) Evening News Editorial, page 2. The Bridgeton, New Jersey community received a gift of cherry trees from JACL’s Seabrook chapter during a ceremony honoring Japanese Americans who settled there after WWII internment. The editorial praises their citizenship and the community’s welcome.
- Yen Deposits Claims Continued, by Hon. Carolan, page 3. Attorney Thomas Carolan summarizes why few claimants filed originals for the postwar exchange rate and why Yokohama Specie Bank claimants may fare better. He urges claimants to file certificates promptly and keep addresses current.
- Ellison Appointment to Court of Claims Urged, by P.C. Staff, page 8. JACL urged Attorney General William Rogers to nominate Enoch Ellison, former chief of the Japanese Claims Section, to the U.S. Court of Claims. The letter highlights his supervision of over $37 million in evacuation claims payments.
Community
- Nisei Attorney Named to Defend Confessed Killer, But Asks Out, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Ventura County JACLer Nagao Fujita was appointed to defend Luis Moya, one of two men who confessed to being hired to kill a daughter-in-law. Fujita was relieved at his own request after speaking with Moya.
- Nisei Subcommittee Formed for Utah Civil Rights Group, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Henry Y. Kasai was appointed chairman of a Nisei subcommittee of the Utah Advisory Committee of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. The subcommittee will study problems and progress affecting Utah’s citizens of Japanese ancestry.
- Los Angeles Newsletter: Supermarkets Closed Since Jan. 1, by Henry Mori, page 5. A contract dispute between Local 770 Retail Clerks Union and Southland market operators has locked out 16,000 workers, nearly 2,000 of them Japanese American. The union demands a civil rights clause prohibiting employment discrimination based on race or national origin.
- Washington Newsletter: 86th Congress Convenes, by Mike Masaoka, page 6. Masaoka previews the 86th Congress, including JACL-backed efforts to reform Senate filibuster rules and House Rules Committee procedures. He also expresses hope for Hawaii statehood following Alaska’s admission as the 49th state.
- Final Christmas Cheer Totals $2,809, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Chairman George Fujita reported the close of the 11th Annual Christmas Cheer Drive in Los Angeles. The Beau J’s benefit dance donation brought the total to $2,809.
- Shonien Board Surprises Outgoing Chairman at Appreciation Dinner, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Shonien board members surprised Nobu T. Kawai, who stepped down as chairman, with an appreciation dinner at Imperial Gardens. Kawai was honored for his decade of leadership in rebuilding the child welfare center.
- Nisei VFW Post Poker Palace Permit May Become Ballot Issue, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Opponents of a proposed seventh card club permit for the Gardena Nisei VFW Post filed referendum petitions with 3,065 signatures. The petitions would force a special election on whether Gardena should allow the additional card club.
National
- Calif. Attorney General Rules Against Anti-Racial Frats on State College, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Fresno State College will reexamine its fraternity policy after a state Attorney General opinion held that state-supported schools cannot subsidize fraternities that restrict membership by race or religion. The opinion found such support violates the 14th Amendment.
Commentary
- Ye Editor’s Desk, by Harry Honda, page 2. Editor Harry Honda notes a Nisei’s appearance in National Geographic and draws comparisons between Utah and the Holy Land. He also reflects on the good citizenship of Japanese Americans in Bridgeton, New Jersey.
- What’s Our Line? A Prospectus of JACL, Inc., by Masao Satow, page 4. National Director Masao Satow frames JACL as an organization selling Americans of Japanese ancestry as a product of American and Japanese cultural heritage. He describes programs for citizenship, youth, and combating prejudice and public relations needs.
Arts & Entertainment
- Vagaries: The Nisei in Entertainment, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The column surveys upcoming Hollywood and Broadway projects featuring Nisei and Asian American talent, including Bridge to the Sun and The White Kimono. It argues that recent successes like Flower Drum Song and The World of Suzie Wong have proven Oriental American talent can meet demand.
Military & Veterans
- Military & Veterans Legal Matters, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Brief coverage of JACL legal and veterans matters appears in the issue. Summary limited due to OCR quality.
- Denver Nisei Shot by Policeman Files Suit, by P.C. Staff, page 7. George K. Tanaka filed a $14,000 suit against the city of Denver after being shot in the face by a police officer during a 1956 manhunt. He alleges the police department failed to promptly broadcast a clearance on his car.
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