Issei naturalization and evacuation claims funding in 1953

Vol. 36, No. 24, June 12, 1953. 8 pages. View this issue

Helping Issei become citizens ran through this eight-page issue. The Senate approved 1954 funds for the Immigration and Naturalization Service and for the evacuation claims program, and the Washington JACL office said part of that money was expected to pay for more hearing examiners. Elsewhere on the front page, nearly 100 Seattle Issei were expected to be sworn in by July 4, and the JACL filed a protest over Japanese organizations on the Attorney General’s list. Mike Masaoka’s columns on page 2 turned to Congress and a television report by the President.

Citizenship classes appeared on several pages, with graduations in Chicago, Marysville and Orange County and a Los Angeles ruling on exams given in Japanese. Page 3 continued John Griffin’s series on Japanese language schools in Hawaii. Sports on page 6 covered swimming, weightlifting and bowling, and page 8 carried columns by Larry Tajiri, Harry K. Honda and Smoky Sakurada.

What’s in this issue

National

  • Budget for Immigration and Naturalization Service, Evacuation Claims Passed by Senate, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Senate approved the 1954 fiscal appropriations for the State, Justice and Commerce departments and federal judiciary, including funds for the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Office of Alien Property, and evacuation claims. The Office of Alien Property received substantially less than the House amount, which the Washington JACL warned would slow the return of vested property.
  • Expect 100 Seattle Issei to Be Sworn In, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Nearly 100 Seattle Issei are expected to receive naturalization papers by July 4, with a possible special mass swearing-in ceremony. Ninety-nine percent of those attending naturalization classes passed their examinations with an average grade of 98.
  • Eight Million Dollars Requested by Eisenhower for Claim Awards, by P.C. Staff, page 1. President Eisenhower asked Congress for eight million dollars to pay compromised and settled evacuation claims as part of a larger appropriations request. The Washington JACL is working to secure House and Senate approval so claimants can be paid by summer.
  • Congressional Plans, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Congressional leaders are discussing adjourning or recessing by the end of July, with the White House pressing to stay in session. Adjournment would doom Statehood for Hawaii, Taft-Hartley amendments, and the St. Lawrence Seaway project for the year.
  • Two Resolutions of Pacific Southwest JACL District Council Commended by Rep. Yorty, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Rep. Samuel Yorty endorsed JACL-backed legislation for more Immigration Service funds to speed Issei naturalization and for funds to pay settled evacuation claims. He praised the determination of Issei seeking citizenship.
  • Tsukiyama Summarizes 20 Whys for Hawaii Statehood, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Hawaii Territorial Senate president Wilfred Tsukiyama argues in Scene magazine that Hawaii should become a state because its residents pay federal taxes and carry federal obligations without equal privileges. He lists twenty reasons supporting statehood.

Incarceration & Redress

  • JACL Files Protest of Proscribed List, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL filed a general protest against the designation of Japanese organizations on the Attorney General’s list of subversive organizations before the deadline. The filing was made to protect the right of former members to file individual contests or appeals later.

Community

  • California Forbids Use of Japanese in Citizenship Classes, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A directive from the California State Education department bars conducting public school classes in languages other than English, affecting JACL-sponsored citizenship classes taught in Japanese in San Francisco. Classes already completed will still be accepted by the U.S. Naturalization Office.
  • Four District of Columbia Residents First Issei in Area to Be Naturalized, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Four Japanese aliens, including a war bride and a philatelist, became the first Issei naturalized in the District of Columbia under the Walter-McCarran Act. Mike Masaoka noted that their cases reflect several facets of JACL’s Washington work.
  • Hawaiian Teenager’s Story in National Teenager Magazine, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Sumiko Kaneshiro, an 18-year-old from Onomea, Hawaii, had a story titled Homeland published in the June issue of Seventeen magazine. The story describes a girl torn between city adventure and loyalty to her parents’ sugar cane farm.
  • Presbyterian Minister Ordained in Colorado, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Allen Maruyama was ordained at the Presbyterian Church in Las Animas, Colorado, after graduating from McCormick Theological Seminary. The young Nisei minister is continuing his advanced studies and serving a Wisconsin charge.
  • Fred Nomura Jr. Selected for Evergreen Boys’ State, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Fred Nomura Jr., son of a Seattle family, was chosen by the Nisei Veterans Committee as its delegate to Evergreen Boys’ State. The event is held at Ellensburg this month.
  • Nisei Instructor Earns Fulbright Scholarship, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Bro. Augustine Furumoto, physics instructor at St. Louis College in Honolulu, received a Fulbright scholarship to study mathematics and seismology at Tokyo University. He will teach in Hawaii before departing, with the date not yet set.
  • Two Pennsylvania Issei Naturalized, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Mr. and Mrs. Masanobu Morisuye became the first Japanese nationals admitted to citizenship in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, at a May 29 naturalization court. The couple has lived in the U.S. for 45 years, 25 of them in Sharon.
  • Wyoming Girl’s State, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Haru Nakamura of Thermopolis High School was selected to attend the Girls’ State convention at the University of Wyoming. The American Legion Auxiliary sponsored her selection.
  • Chicago Issei Handed Diplomas in First Citizenship Class Graduation, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Sixty-nine Issei received diplomas at the first Americanization graduation exercises jointly sponsored by the Chicago JACL and Resettlers Committee. They completed 30 weeks of study and are now preparing for naturalization examinations.
  • Japanese Language Schools: Is It Good or Bad Today?, by John Griffin, page 3. Part II traces how Hawaii’s Japanese language schools were closed after Pearl Harbor, restricted by the 1943 Akana Language Bill, and revived after a court ruled that law unconstitutional. The series explores why the schools returned after falling into disrepute.
  • Government-Held Hawaii Gakuen Not Returnable, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A proposed joint resolution to return wartime-seized Japanese language school properties in Hawaii would not affect the Big Island properties, which were sold to the county. The five schools remain in use as part of the local school system.
  • Marysville Honors 93 Issei Students, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Ninety-three Issei completed Americanization classes honored at commencement exercises at Yuba Evening College in Marysville. The classes were co-sponsored by the Marysville JACL and the college.
  • Orange County JACL Ends Citizenship Studies, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Twenty-seven Issei students completed the naturalization preparation class sponsored by the Orange County JACL at graduation exercises. Judge Kenneth Morrison was principal speaker.
  • School Exams in Japanese OK’d for Issei Angelenos, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Los Angeles Board of Education and Immigration Service agreed that Issei who pass citizenship courses taught in Japanese will receive diplomas marked as Japanese-language examinations. Those diplomas carry the same weight as regular ones for naturalization.
  • Minnesotan Given FSA Health Institute Award, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Dr. George M. Yamane received a postdoctoral research fellowship from the National Institute of Health to study the effect of magnesium on hamsters. He is pursuing an advanced degree in pathology at the University of Minnesota.
  • Univ. of Hawaii Student Chosen for St. Louis Trip, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Lily Ishihara of the University of Hawaii received the Danforth Summer Fellowship Award covering a four-week program in St. Louis and leadership training. The fellowship offers hands-on experience in manufacturing, research, and distribution for home economics students.
  • Cherry Trees Planted in Griffith Park by Miyosaku Uyematsu, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Nurseryman Miyosaku Uyematsu donated more than 30 Japanese cherry trees to Griffith Park, and visitors gathered to view the blossoms. Officials had doubted the trees could thrive in Southern California weather.
  • Harbor District Japanese Community Center May Be Sold, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Heads of the Harbor District Japanese Community Center in Long Beach were told their recreation hall may be needed for a high school. The center purchased the property in 1950 for nearly $20,000 and has improved it with volunteer labor.
  • Los Angeles JACL Council Participates in Nisei Week, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Los Angeles JACL Coordinating Council committed to participate in the 13th annual Nisei Week in August. The council will help with the coronation ball and related festivities.
  • Comments on Nisei Daughter Similar Among Metro Press, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Reviewers in major newspapers praised Monica Sone’s memoir Nisei Daughter for its humor and insight into Nisei life. Critics said the book offers a valuable account of the wartime evacuation and American identity.
  • Carolyn Okada Wins Drama Award, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Carolyn Okada of Franklin High School won the MacDonald Memorial drama contest gold medal for her witch’s monologue from Dark of the Moon. She is the first Nisei to win this award, given annually since 1927.

Military & Veterans

  • Ensign Yoshihara, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Takeshi Yoshihara, the first Nisei appointed to the United States Naval Academy, was commissioned as an ensign after graduating with honors. He will report to the Navy’s Civil Engineering Corps School at Port Hueneme after his graduation leave.

In-Depth

  • Inter-racial Harmony of Hawaiian Islands Combination, by Lawrence Nakatsuka, page 1. Hawaii’s good race relations are traced back over two centuries to King Kamehameha I and later monarchs who welcomed diverse immigrants without prejudice. Governor King attributes the enduring spirit of friendliness to this history and the islands’ tolerant traditions.
  • UCLA Researchers Discover Radioactive Beans Effect on Crops, by P.C. Staff, page 7. UCLA scientists studying radioactive energy effects on agriculture discovered beneficial results in plant experiments. The findings were reported in this week’s newsletter.

Obituaries

  • Choked to Death, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A coroner’s jury in Regina, Saskatchewan ruled that a surgical gauze strip left in the throat of Clifford Patrick Tanouye caused his death following a hernia operation. The incident is reported in brief.

Commentary

  • President’s TV Report, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka assesses the President’s first family-circle television report to the nation, noting its value in explaining Cabinet programs alongside dangers such as favoring acting over administrative talent. He warns that television may encourage superficial treatment of serious national issues.
  • Mrs. Roosevelt, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Masaoka compares Eleanor Roosevelt’s reports on her Japan visit with his own impressions from visiting Japan, finding both reflect admiration for Japanese culture. He argues Nisei have a shared responsibility to promote Japanese American friendship and goodwill.
  • Human Relations Corner, by Smoky Sakurada, page 2. Sakurada reports on Illinois legislative activity including the Equal Job Opportunities bill and reapportionment plans, along with Chicago community news. The column also covers local events and personal notes from the Chicago Nisei community.
  • Endowment Fund Contributors, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Pacific Citizen publishes a list of National JACL Endowment Fund contributors by region. Contributors from Northern California, Mountain Plains, Pacific Southwest, Northwest, and Central California are named.
  • Public Relations, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial argues that Japanese American public relations has advanced from costly pre-war entertaining of legislators to merit-based campaigns. It warns against overconfidence and stresses that friendly environments require constant attention.
  • Veteran Organizations, by William E. Kent, page 8. Letter writer William Kent recounts being branded a communist after introducing a Nisei veteran as chairman of a Legion Americanism Committee. He opposes the racial segregation of veterans organizations and questions the JACL’s acceptance of it.
  • Very Truly Yours: Delinquency, by Harry K. Honda, page 8. Honda examines rising juvenile delinquency in Los Angeles and argues the problem reflects emotional instability fostered by isolated modern families. He calls for society as a whole, not only affected families, to address it.
  • From the Frying Pan, by Larry Tajiri, page 8. Tajiri recounts a conversation with Rev. Jitsuo Morikawa about self-imposed social segregation among Chicago Nisei, which Morikawa sees as unhealthy. Tajiri agrees that Nisei must not remain socially isolated after work and school.
  • Vagaries, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The JACL asks Attorney General Brownell to remove 21 defunct prewar Japanese groups from the Justice Department’s proscribed list. The editorial notes the list, derived from the 1941 Dies Committee report, unfairly affects naturalization and deportation relief.

Sports

  • Julia Murakami Winds Up Swim Career in Glory, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Julia Murakami set two records and broke another at the Hawaiian AAU Indoor Swimming championships, earning the meet’s outstanding performer award. She is leaving competitive swimming to train as a nurse.
  • Mitsuyoshi Hurls Fresno to 2-0 Win Over Zebras, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Ben Mitsuyoshi pitched a five-hit shutout as Fresno All-Stars defeated the San Jose Zebras 2-0. The win was Fresno’s second over the Zebras this season.
  • Japan Davis Cup Players Warm Up for U.S. Matches, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Japan’s Davis Cup squad arrived in San Francisco to train before the July first-round matches against the U.S. in Vancouver. The team will then compete in Montreal, Toronto, and the U.S. national doubles tournament in Boston.
  • Nisei Golf Pro Fourth in Pearl Harbor Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Toyo Shirai tied for fourth place in the Navy-Marine golf tournament at Pearl Harbor and earned $76.85. Ted Murata was the top amateur, finishing third.
  • Sacramento Weightlifters Win National AAU Titles, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Tommy Kono and Mits Oshima retained their National AAU weightlifting titles in Indianapolis. Kono lifted a total of 915 pounds in the 148-pound class, while Oshima lifted 680 pounds.
  • Cleveland’s Wittine Body Squad Wins Midwest Handicap Bowling Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Kenny Hirata’s 706 series led the Wittine Body team to top honors in the Midwest handicap bowling tournament at Cleveland. Twenty-four teams from Chicago, Detroit, Seabrook and Cleveland took part.
  • Fishing Boat Rescued After Net Tangle, by P.C. Staff, page 7. A fishing boat loaded with $20,000 worth of fish became entangled in its nets off Mexico, but was rescued. The vessel, owned by Shoichi Abe, was towed to safety.

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