Closing the evacuation claims, and an offer to new readers

Vol. 47, No. 20, November 14, 1958. 8 pages. View this issue

The last of the Japanese evacuation claims was settled in this issue. Attorney General William Rogers signed the final compromise award on the 26,552nd claim, closing the program with awards of $36,874,240.49, and JACL was credited with shaping the original claims legislation. The same front page carried an editorial by H.H. on a $1 introductory offer of 20 issues for new readers, timed with the 1959 JACL membership drive. Other front-page stories covered the Hawaii elections, where 30 of 45 Nisei candidates won territorial seats, and a dinner planned in Denver to honor Bill Hosokawa.

Inside, Masao Satow’s National Director’s Report looked at the new district board and plans for the 1960 convention, and Roy Nishikawa wrote on chapter programs and the JACL Youth Program. Mike Masaoka analyzed the November 4 elections, Larry S. Tajiri reported on the Nisei film company Nacirema, and Elmer Ogawa wrote on Alaska statehood. Chapter news fills pages 4 to 7.

What’s in this issue

Commentary

• Introductory Offer — 20 Issues for $1, by H.H., page 1. The Pacific Citizen announces a $1 introductory subscription offer for 20 issues to new readers, timed with the 1959 JACL membership drive. The editorial also notes the subscription rate increase and that chapters will receive no commission on subscriptions.
• Nigger just bad grammar rules L.A. judge, page 1. A Los Angeles superior court judge struck a libel claim over a racial slur in a property dispute, calling the term bad grammar rather than an opprobrious term. The case involved a white neighbor’s alleged harassment of a family moving into a formerly all-white neighborhood.
• Candidate Weiner thanks many Nisei supporters, page 2. Republican Sanford Weiner thanked his Nisei supporters and campaign workers in West Los Angeles after losing the 59th Assembly District race. He said the door-to-door campaign showed him a district full of wonderful people.
• Minneapolis letter on Hawaii statehood and Nisei politics, page 2. A Minneapolis writer argues that the political success of Nisei in Hawaii disproves claims that Hawaii’s Orientals are not Americanized enough for statehood. The writer notes the contradictory arguments used by opponents of statehood.
• Nacirema’s plans for 1959, by Larry S. Tajiri, page 3. Nisei-financed Hollywood production company Nacirema reviews its sales of Dateline Tokyo and Sierra Stranger and outlines plans for controversial problem films in 1959. The company is avoiding Nisei-themed projects for now.
• Camp on Blood Island protest by Japanese government, page 3. The Japanese government, through film producer Shiro Kido, protested the British film Camp on Blood Island as potentially inciting anti-Japanese American sentiment. A Sao Paulo police permit was denied, raising concerns among U.S. film distributors about censorship precedent.
• Heretical—Then Maybe Not So Heretical, by Dr. Roy Nishikawa, page 5. Immediate Past National President Roy Nishikawa argues that chapters are increasingly indifferent because JACL lacks concrete local programs. He proposes the JACL Youth Program as a focal point for leadership training and organizational growth.
• Integration in Los Angeles schools and neighborhoods, by Kats Kunitsugu, page 5. A Los Angeles Nisei parent reflects on her daughter dating a Negro boy and on the challenges of integration in her West Adams neighborhood. She discusses speech habits, housing patterns, and the need for individual goodwill.
• Social Security: Payments for totally disabled, page 6. The third in a series explains that Social Security now pays family dependents of permanently disabled workers, including children, disabled adult children, certain wives, and wives age 62 or over. Eligible families must file an application with the Social Security Office.
• Alaska Statehood, by Elmer Ogawa, page 7. Seattle columnist Elmer Ogawa reflects on Alaska’s statehood, recalling Seward’s prophecy and the lives of Japanese Alaskans who were rounded up and confined after Pearl Harbor. He notes the Nisei work ethic that built stakes in the territory.

Incarceration & Redress

• Sign final compromise award, $36 million on 26,552nd claim, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Attorney General William Rogers signed the final Japanese evacuation claims award, closing the administrative settlement program with total awards of $36,874,240.49. JACL and its leaders were credited with formulating the initial claims legislation and cooperating in the process.
• 60th anniversary rites at San Francisco Buddhist Church, page 8. The San Francisco Buddhist Church marked its 60th anniversary with special services and programs. The celebration was featured in the community news.
• Anti-violence bill proposed by Senator Javits and Senator Kuchel, page 8. Senators Javits and Kuchel exchanged telegrams about a proposed bill to address recent bombings and violence against religious and ethnic groups. Kuchel agreed to co-sponsor the bill, which would not infringe on free speech.

Community

• Mtn.-Plains Dist. Confab to fete Bill Hosokawa, page 1. The Mountain-Plains JACL district will honor Denver Post editor Bill Hosokawa at a dinner-dance in Denver on Nov. 28. Hosokawa will speak on his recent 30,000-mile Far East trip, and national JACL officers will present him an illuminated scroll.
• 30 of 45 AJAs in Hawaiian general elections win; 22 Nisei in counties win, page 1. Thirty of 45 Nisei candidates won territorial seats in Hawaii’s November 4 elections, and 22 of 37 won county races. The Democrats gained control of both legislative chambers.
• Chinese American loses in Arizona election, page 2. Attorney Wing F. Ong, the first American of Asian ancestry to serve in the Arizona legislature, lost his bid to regain his House seat in the November 4 election. He had chaired the Un-American Activities and constitutional amendments committees.
• Issei farmer reaps first Japanese rice crop on Canada soil, page 3. Teizo Nakashima of Comber, Ontario, produced a small harvest of Japanese rice, the first in Canada, despite a poor summer. He plans to try seedling planting and grafting methods next year.
• Aged Issei visited by S.F. Auxiliary, page 3. San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary members visited 13 elderly Issei at Laguna Honda Home for the Aged, bringing Japanese foods, magazines, and gifts. The visit was made possible by profits from earlier auxiliary fundraising.
• D.C. area Sansei active on high school campus, page 3. Several Sansei from Washington, D.C.-area families hold leadership posts at their high schools, including student body president Young Endo at Wheaton High. Other students serve in student congress and athletic associations.
• Auxiliary groups to stage fashion show for CCDC, page 4. The Central California JACL Women’s Auxiliary will present a Holiday Fantasy fashion show during the CCDC convention on November 30 at the Fresno Hacienda Motel. The show features local models and original designs by Valley Nisei designers.
• Spanish, Mexican cookery to be demonstrated at S.F. Auxiliary meeting, page 4. Blind author and lecturer Elena Zelayeta will demonstrate Mexican and Spanish cooking for the San Francisco JACL Women’s Auxiliary on November 19. A short business meeting will precede the demonstration.
• Detroit JACL Old World Market days, page 4. Detroit JACLers will run a Japanese booth at the International Institute Old World Market from November 20 to 23 as their main fundraiser. Kokeshi dolls, rice bowls, and Japanese foods will be sold.
• East L.A. schedules election meeting, page 4. The East Los Angeles JACL will hold nominations and elections for 1959 chapter officers at its December 4 meeting. The chapter is also running a dance class series at the International Institute.
• Parlier chapter, auxiliary in election, page 4. The Parlier JACL chapter and its auxiliary elected new officers for 1959. John Kashiki was named chapter president and Mrs. Mary Kashiki auxiliary president.
• Judie Imoto elected Tulare Jr. JACL prexy, page 4. Judie Imoto was elected president of the Tulare County Jr. JACL, and the group will prepare for the CCDC convention at its next meeting. Other officers were also elected.
• Sab Kido to speak at Salinas Valley JACL Issei appreciation fete, page 5. Attorney Saburo Kido, wartime JACL national president, will be the main speaker at the Salinas Valley JACL Issei Appreciation Night. The potluck event is intended to honor the Issei.
• Dr. Kashiwabara installed Placer Cty. chapter president, page 5. Dr. Kay Kashiwabara, a Penryn dentist, was installed as president of the Placer County JACL chapter at its 18th annual goodwill dinner. Sixteen past presidents received pins and a former Air Force officer spoke.
• Long Beach judge to address Issei, by Martha Morooka, page 5. The Long Beach-Harbor District JACL will honor naturalized Issei citizens at a recognition dinner at the Harbor Japanese Community Center. Judge Martin DeVries will be the main speaker.
• Autumn Whirl community dance at Pasadena slated, page 5. The Pasadena JACL will hold its second annual community dance, Autumn Whirl, on November 26 at the Community Center. Teenagers are admitted free and adults pay a nominal fee.
• San Fernando JACL plans benefit movies Nov. 22, page 5. The San Fernando Valley JACL will show two Japanese films with English subtitles at San Fernando Gakuen on November 22 as a benefit. Donations will be accepted at the door.
• 17-lb. plus bass wins Florin JACL’s annual community fish derby, page 6. About 150 anglers joined the Florin JACL bass derby on November 1-2. S. Kihara won first prize with a 17-pound 9-ounce bass.
• Monterey golfer, page 6. Yo Tabata was elected 1959 president of the Monterey Peninsula Nisei Golfers. He will be installed at the annual awards banquet on December 6.
• Aug. 19 Japanese Art Teacher Bridge news, page 7. Sequoia JACLers formed a duplicate bridge club after a tournament directed by Mrs. Soules and Dr. Hiura. Winners received cups and plastic playing cards.
• Vital Statistics, page 7. Births reported in the Berkeley, Alameda, Sacramento, and Niles areas during the spring and summer. Entries list parent names and birth details.
• Jr. Tri-Villes announce theme for Nov. 15 dance, page 7. The Jr. Tri-Villes will hold a stag-stagette dance themed Oh, What a Night! at the Palo Alto Buddhist Church, sponsored by Sequoia JACL. The event starts at 8 p.m.
• Color expert to speak to Chicago JACLers, page 7. Louis Cheskin, director of Color Research Institute of America, will address the Chicago JACL membership meeting on how colors influence daily living. The meeting is at the McCormick YWCA.
• Cortez chapter also potluck Nov. 16, page 7. The Cortez JACL has announced a potluck dinner for Sunday. The notice is brief.
• Free Japanese movies, page 7. The Elites of Orange County will show two Japanese films with English subtitles, free of charge, at Westminster grammar school on November 21. The announcement gives times and venue.
• Toys, canned goods for Cheer sought, by George Fujita, page 7. Christmas Cheer campaign chairman George Fujita asks for toys and canned goods for the 1958 drive, with fundraising at 52 percent of its $2,000 goal. A list of recent donors is included.
• San Francisco opens permanent FEPC office, page 7. San Francisco’s Commission on Equal Employment Opportunity opened its permanent office at 500 Golden Gate Avenue. It will serve individuals, employers, and unions under the city’s fair employment ordinance.
• PNWDC to meet in Portland Nov. 29-30, page 8. Tsutomu Uchida, a National JACL headquarters trainee, will represent National at the Pacific Northwest District Council quarterly meeting in Portland. A youth conference and community dance will also be held.
• Election-related Hawaii county results, page 8. Nisei won numerous county and board seats across Hawaii in the November elections, and Democrat John A. Burns was reelected Delegate to Congress. Incumbents were largely reelected.
• To introduce queen candidates at CINO dance, page 8. Queen candidates from the Central California area will be introduced at a pre-conference dance for the California Intercollegiate Nisei Organization on November 21 in Fresno. Jack Rustigan will provide music.

Military & Veterans

• Dr. Bill Hiura earns life master in bridge, page 1. Chicago optometrist Dr. Bill Hiura was named a Life Master by the American Bridge Congress, becoming the second Chicago Nisei to receive the honor. He earned the points at national and team tournaments.
• Washington news: Nov. 4 election results, by Mike Masaoka, page 8. Mike Masaoka analyzes the November 4 midterm elections, in which Democrats gained substantial majorities in both houses of Congress. He examines the new senators and representatives and the implications for JACL’s legislative objectives.

JACL

• Recommend standards be set for new JACL pin, page 1. The Northern California-Western Nevada District Council asked the National JACL Recognitions Committee to draft criteria for the new silver pin authorized at the Salt Lake convention. The pin honors outstanding chapter-level service.
• Dates, locale for 1960 national convention set, page 2. Preliminary plans were revealed at the NC-WNDC meeting for the 1960 National JACL Convention to be hosted by Sacramento JACL, tentatively scheduled for June 22-27. The earlier dates were chosen to avoid the valley heat.
• National Director’s Report, by Masao Satow, page 2. National Director Masao Satow reports on the new Northern California-Western Nevada board, convention registration and minutes, the 1960 Biennial planning, membership committee work, and JACL mailing list policy. He also previews the 1959 New York chapter anniversary and the Mountain-Plains meeting.
• 1958 PC Holiday Issue, page 4. The Pacific Citizen urges chapters to contribute Holiday Issue ads by the November 30 deadline to help restore its financial footing. The column also previews the 1960 national JACL bowling tournament in Los Angeles and PSWDC quarterly meeting topics.

Obituaries

• Dorothy Canfield Fisher, 89, nat’l JACL sponsor, dies, page 1. Author Dorothy Canfield Fisher, who served as national sponsor of the JACL during World War II, died at age 79 in Arlington, Vermont. She wrote 35 books during her career.

National

• Prospects brighter for choking off filibuster in U.S. Senate, page 2. Advocates of changing Senate Rule 22 to make filibusters easier to halt said their prospects improved after the November 4 elections. JACL had been committed by its national convention to support modifying the Senate rules on unlimited debate.

Arts & Entertainment

• Kunie Imai to make Met debut in Madama Butterfly, by Toru Sawasawa, page 3. Japanese soprano Kunie Imai becomes the first Japanese singer engaged as a regular Metropolitan Opera artist, debuting as Cio-Cio-San. Her engagement followed a ten-minute audition arranged by her teacher Maestro Ettore Verna.

Sports

• Nisei swim coach of 25 years, page 6. Nelson Kawakami has taught an estimated 25,000 swimmers during 25 years at the Palama Settlement in Honolulu. His students have ranged in age from 4 to 60.
• Bill Kajikawa to address Maryknoll troop court, page 6. Arizona State University physical education director Bill Kajikawa will speak at the Maryknoll Troop 145 court of honor on November 23. Eleven Eagle Scouts will be invested, a record for the troop.
• Mountain-Plains JACL bowling tournament, page 6. The sixth annual Mountain-Plains JACL Bowling Tournament will be held at Dahlia Lanes in Denver over Thanksgiving weekend, November 29-30. More than 100 Nisei bowlers are expected.

Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.