The Alien Land Law ruling and the McCarran bill: May 1952

Vol. 34, No. 21, May 24, 1952. 8 pages. View this issue

Citizenship for the Issei and the end of California’s Alien Land Law shared the front page. Rep. John F. Shelley told the House that the California Supreme Court’s decision invalidating the law rested on the Fourteenth Amendment. The Senate passed the McCarran omnibus immigration and naturalization bill, which would open citizenship to roughly 80,000 resident Japanese aliens. Mike Masaoka of the JACL ADC welcomed the vote, and the paper’s editorial urged President Truman to sign. Larry Tajiri’s column, “The Haunted Tribunal,” looked back at the Supreme Court’s 1944 Korematsu decision.

Plans for the JACL convention in San Francisco, June 26 to 30, filled page 2, with a Recognitions Luncheon, the Nisei of the Biennium award and a Miss Homecoming. Bill Hosokawa wrote about robins nesting outside his window, and Ann Nisei offered a sukiyaki recipe. Page 6 carries Nisei sports news, and several articles follow Nisei soldiers in Korea.

What’s in this issue

National

  • California Congressman Tells House of Supreme Court Ruling Against Alien Land Law, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rep. John F. Shelley praised the California Supreme Court’s decision invalidating the Alien Land Law as a landmark in constitutional law. He told the House the ruling rested on the Fourteenth Amendment rather than the United Nations Charter.
  • Newspaper Guild Campaigns Against Use of Word “Jap”, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The New York Newspaper Guild’s campaign to eliminate the word “Jap” from newspapers is gaining headway, according to a Guild report. Shosuke Sasaki, a JACL New York member, helped lead the effort alongside other JACL members.
  • Senate Passes McCarran Omnibus Immigration Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Senate passed the McCarran omnibus immigration and naturalization bill by voice vote, opening citizenship to roughly 80,000 resident Japanese aliens. The bill now awaits reconciliation with the House version and a possible presidential veto.
  • McCarran Omnibus Bill Passed by Senate, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Mike Masaoka of the JACL ADC hailed Senate passage of the McCarran omnibus bill as a major step in removing race bars to immigration and naturalization. He noted the bill would end statutory discrimination against the Issei.
  • Chinese Americans Support Passage of McCarran Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Chinese American Citizens Alliance and the Midwest Chinese American Civic Council joined the JACL and Filipino Federation of America in endorsing the McCarran bill. Their telegrams to Senator McCarran urged early adoption of the measure.
  • Move to Recommit Omnibus Measure Defeated in Senate, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A Senate motion to send the McCarran omnibus bill back to committee was defeated 44 to 28 on May 19. Mike Masaoka cautioned that the real test still lay ahead in the final vote.
  • Ninety-One Year Old Issei Woman Hopes for Citizenship, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Miss Kaku Sudo of St. Cloud, Florida, awaits citizenship legislation so she can die an American. Her nephew Kenjiro Yoshida died fighting with the 442nd in Italy in 1944.
  • Plan Suspension of Deportation for 10 Aliens, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Senate Judiciary Committee reported a concurrent resolution favoring suspension of deportation proceedings for ten aliens of Japanese ancestry. The resolution falls under a 1948 JACL ADC sponsored law.
  • Senate Group Reports Seven Private Bills for Japanese, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Senate Judiciary Committee reported seven private bills for the relief of persons of Japanese ancestry, most originating in the House. The bills address residence and adoption cases.
  • House Group Reports Five Private Bills, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The House Judiciary Committee favorably reported five private bills for persons of Japanese ancestry, including adoption and residence cases. Two of the bills originated in the Senate.
  • Truman Signs Bills to Admit Japanese Aliens for Residence, by P.C. Staff, page 8. President Truman signed eight private bills providing relief for persons of Japanese ancestry, including permanent residence for minor children and a war widow’s family. The bills also waived racial restrictions in some cases.

Community

  • Nisei Couple Die in Coast Auto Tragedy, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Paul Haruo Takeshita and his wife Suyeno died when their car crashed into a walnut tree on Berryessa Road near San Jose. Takeshita, a labor contractor, had recently contacted berry growers in the district.
  • California Nisei Wins Election to School Board, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Kenzo Yoshida, an active leader of the Watsonville JACL chapter, became the first Nisei elected to public office in Santa Cruz County. He won a seat on the Salsipuedes district school board on May 16.
  • Dr. Ota Wins State Junior Chamber Post, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Minol Ota of Lovell, Wyoming, was elected state treasurer of the Wyoming Junior Chamber of Commerce. He is a former president of the Northern Wyoming JACL.
  • JACL Entry Wins Prize in Parlier Parade, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Parlier JACL won first prize in the comic entry division of the city’s 7th annual Veterans Roundup parade on May 18.
  • Nisei Girl Named President of Phoenix College Students, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Cherry Tsutsumida became the first woman elected student body president of Phoenix College. The Arizona JACL praised her election and that of Carl Sato as Junior Chamber president.
  • Appears on Panel, by P.C. Staff, page 3. K. Patrick Okura, staff psychologist at Boys Town, joined a panel at the International Council for Exceptional Children convention. He spoke on home life in an institution.
  • Sato Elected Arizona Junior Chamber Chief, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Carl Sato of Mesa was elected state president of the Arizona Junior Chamber of Commerce. He is a former president of the Arizona JACL chapter.
  • JACL Group Seeks Nominees for Carnival Queen, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Long Beach-Harbor District JACL is seeking nominees for its first carnival queen contest. The winner will be honored at a dance on June 22.
  • Welfare Group Elects Yasui, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Min Yasui, JACL regional representative, was named a delegate-at-large by the Denver Area Welfare Council. The council includes all social service agencies in Denver.
  • Nisei Store Manager Forced by Robbers to Turn Over Funds, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Hiroshi Sunahara, assistant manager of a Chicago food store, was forced by robbers to hand over $3,000 from the safe. He told police the men had stopped him in his car before returning to the store.
  • Nisei Student Wins Regional Award in Fine Arts, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Fusaye Takahashi of Gardena High School, the lone Nisei finalist in the Bank of America Achievement Awards, won the zone fine arts award and $50. The brief notes her recognition in the regional program.
  • Report Latest Figures on Hawaii Racial Groups, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Persons of Japanese extraction now make up 39.7 percent of Hawaii’s population of 470,747, the largest group. Honolulu’s population grew by 68,658 as residents moved from rural districts and other islands.
  • Nisei Scientist Finds Bacteria Five Miles Down in Pacific Deep, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Richard Y. Morita, a microbiology researcher at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, took part in the Danish Galathea expedition. He found living bacteria at depths beyond six miles in the Kermadec Deep, the highest pressure at which life has been demonstrated.
  • Nisei Veteran Wins Nomination to “Man of Year”, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Mits Sato, commander of American Legion Post 199 in Carnation, Washington, was nominated as the Men’s Club candidate for Man of the Year in the Snoqualmie Valley. He is also an active member of the Nisei Veterans Committee of Seattle.
  • Visit Japan Travel Offer, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Kusano Travel Bureau advertised round-trip fares to Japan via American President Lines and other carriers. The announcement describes fare options and conducted tour details.
  • California Dentist, Mother Reunited After 30 Years, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Dr. Carl Hirota’s 75-year-old mother, Mrs. Asa Hirota, arrived from Japan on May 12 after 30 years apart. Her son arranged her return as a permanent resident.
  • Ellis Center Plans Cooking Classes, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Ellis Community Center in Chicago will start a new series of Chinese cooking classes May 29 at 8 p.m. Instructor Ben Moy will cover basic and practical dishes, and the class is limited to 25 students.
  • War Veteran Gets Honolulu Legal Post, by P.C. Staff, page 8. George Nakamura, a World War II veteran and 2051 law graduate, was appointed assistant Honolulu city-county prosecutor. He succeeds George Y. Shigemura, who joined the Hawaii attorney general’s staff.

Military & Veterans

  • Nisei Soldier Reported Hurt in Korea War, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Department of Defense informed the JACL Anti-Discrimination Committee that Marine Corporal Melvin S. Ishihara was wounded in Korea. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Ishihara of Honolulu.
  • Forty Soldiers Return from Korean Front, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Forty California Nisei combat veterans of the Korean War returned to the United States this week, with several arriving in San Francisco and Seattle. The article lists the returning soldiers by name and hometown.
  • Two Nisei Soldiers Construct Japanese Bath at Warfront, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Two Nisei interpreters with the 15th Infantry Regiment in Korea built a Japanese-style public bath in an abandoned farmhouse. Cpl. Shigemi Nakasaki and Pfc. Masahiko Konatsu fashioned a tub from a 5-gallon drum.
  • Nisei Veterans Coach 3 in Idaho City Festival, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Eighty Nisei ex-GIs marched behind the 442nd Regimental Combat Team colors in the Payette Blossom Festival parade. The Snake River JACL float received honorable mention.
  • Veterans Group Starts Repairs on Clubhouse, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Nisei Veterans Committee in Seattle began improvements on its clubhouse, with volunteers finishing work in the main meeting room. Bids are being taken for wiring and heating, and John Ogishima is in charge.
  • Canadians Return on Vessel Named for Nisei Hero, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The U.S. Navy transport Pvt. Sadao S. Munemori brought the largest group of Canadian troops home from Korea. The ship is named for the Nisei soldier who gave his life saving two comrades in Italy.
  • Memorial Service to Honor Nisei Killed in Action, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A Memorial Day service at the Nisei Memorial in Lakeview Cemetery, Seattle, will honor Nisei and other war dead. Rev. Vincent Gowen will be the principal speaker and the Nisei Veterans will present colors.
  • Eight Enter West Coast Nisei Air Race, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Eight Nisei pilots, including a brother team, entered the second Henry Ohye trophy air race from East Los Angeles to San Francisco. Winners will be honored at the JACL convention.
  • Honolulu Soldier Slightly Wounded, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Private First Class Herbert Kinjiro Fujii of Honolulu was reported slightly wounded in Korea. His father received the notice from the Defense Department.

JACL

  • Plan Recognitions Luncheon at National JACL Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A Recognitions Luncheon honoring about 20 Bay Area residents who contributed to human relations will be held June 28 at the Whitcomb Hotel during the San Francisco convention. Rev. Harry Meserve will be the main speaker.
  • Rose Kaji Will Be “Miss Homecoming”, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Rose Kaji of the San Francisco JACL was crowned Miss Homecoming at the Northern California-Western Nevada JACL district council meeting in Redwood City. She will serve as official hostess at the national convention in San Francisco.
  • Schedule Set for National JACL Parley, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Dr. Tokuji Hedani announced the tentative schedule for the JACL’s 12th biennial convention in San Francisco, June 26 to 30. Events include council sessions, a convention banquet, and a Sayonara ball.
  • Nominations Still Open for “Nisei of Biennium” Award, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Nominations for the JACL’s “Nisei of the Biennium” award remain open until June 2, according to Fred Hoshiyama. Finalists will be judged by a panel and honored at the national convention banquet.
  • National Committee Holds Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The National JACL credentials committee met May 14 to make recommendations for the San Francisco convention. It proposed that district committeemen accredit chapters and certify convention delegates.
  • District Council Commends State Official for Decision to Let Alien Land Act Die, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Northern California-Western Nevada JACL district council met in Redwood City with 22 chapters represented. Delegates commended Attorney General Edmund G. Brown, urged President Truman to sign the McCarran bill, and approved a group insurance plan.

Commentary

  • The Issei Nears Naturalization, by P.C. Staff, page 4. With Senate passage of the McCarran bill, only presidential signature remains before more than 80,000 resident aliens may become citizens. The editorial argues the equality provisions outweigh the restrictive features and urges Truman to sign.
  • The Haunted Tribunal, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. Larry Tajiri argues that the Supreme Court’s 1944 Korematsu decision upholding the mass evacuation haunts the Court as it considers the steel seizure case. He recounts the justices’ opinions and warns the precedent remains dangerous.
  • Robins Outside the Window, by Bill Hosokawa, page 6. Bill Hosokawa describes a pair of robins nesting in a tree outside his kitchen window. He recounts the mother bird’s disappearance and the cold eggs left behind, reflecting on nature’s violence and renewal.
  • A Recipe for Sukiyaki, by Ann Nisei, page 6. Ann Nisei discusses sukiyaki’s origins with Dutch priests in Japan and offers a recipe for preparing it at the table. She notes that Nisei cooks often add greens not used in Japan.

In-Depth

  • Japanese in the Americas: First Immigrants Arrived to Meet Labor Shortage, by Elmer R. Smith, page 5. Elmer R. Smith traces how Japanese immigrants came to Peru in the 1890s to meet landowners’ labor shortage. He also explains the myth promoted that the Incas originated in Japan, used to ease tensions with local workers.

Obituaries

  • Memorial Rites Planned for Adachi, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A memorial service for the late John Adachi will be held at the Ellis Community Center Church in Chicago on Sunday, May 25. The brief announces the time and location.

Sports

  • Northwest Nisei Teams Start Slowly, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Nisei baseball teams in the Pacific Northwest and California have struggled early, with the Seattle Savoys losing three games and Dick Tsuji injured. The San Jose Zebras made an impressive debut with an 8-5 win over Wieland Brewers.
  • Hirayama, Zenimura May Join Tour, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Fresno State players Fibber Hirayama and Harvey Zenimura were invited to join an all-star college team touring Japan. The American club is scheduled to play Tokyo university teams beginning August 9.
  • League Folds as Players Don Khaki, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Coast Counties Nisei Baseball League in California disbanded after losing players to military service. Only the San Francisco Clippers and Mountain View Kyowas were ready to play.
  • Old Pole Vault Record Erased, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Andrew Jeffers of Jefferson High erased a 14-year-old Class C pole vault record set by Kazuo Nomura at the Los Angeles all-city meet. Several Nisei athletes placed third in various events.
  • Shirai Gets Offer for L.A. Bout, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Yoshio Shirai became the first Japanese world boxing champion by outpointing Dado Marino in Tokyo, and has been offered $25,000 to meet Keeny Teran in Los Angeles. Shirai is expected to face several tune-up bouts first.
  • Debut in Japan Pro Baseball, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Pitcher Bill Nishita made an impressive debut for the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants, working three scoreless innings against Hiroshima. Hawaiian Nisei Wally Yonamine and Jyun Hirota also starred in the 8-0 win.
  • Report 80 Entries to Date in JACL Golf Tournament, by P.C. Staff, page 6. About 80 Nisei golfers have entered the golf tournament planned during the San Francisco JACL convention, according to Dr. Carl Hirota. The event will be held June 27 at the Blue Rock Vista Country Club in Richmond.
  • Chiyo Tashima Wins TV Tilt in Extra Frame, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Chiyo Tashima extended her winning streak to eight straight, defending her Western Challenge Bowling title on KTTV. She won in an extra frame after the two bowlers tied.
  • Nisei Veteran Enters Weightlifting Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Irving Akahoshi, a decorated veteran of the 100th Battalion and 442nd, competed in the New York State YFCA weightlifting tournament. He had already qualified for the U.S. Olympic trials.
  • Uchida Coaches Two Teams to Judo Honors, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Yosh Uchida’s San Jose Buddhist Church and San Jose State teams tied for first in the Pacific Association judo tournament in Berkeley. The San Jose Buddhist Church team won the team competition with six points.
  • Nisei Hurler’s No-Hit Pitching Goes for Naught, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Maesaka pitched no-hit ball for Puna in a game against McKinley in Honolulu that was called after 14 innings. The game ended in a tie and was called for darkness.

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