Evacuee claim payments and the Walter-McCarran Act, spring 1953

Vol. 36, No. 14, April 3, 1953. 8 pages. View this issue

Money for evacuation claims led this issue. The Director of the Budget will recommend that Congress appropriate funds to pay all compromise claim awards made by the Department of Justice, according to Rep. Sidney Yates and JACL Washington representative Mike Masaoka, who said checks were expected by summer once Congress acts. Another story warned that claims may be dismissed if claimants cannot be located. The Walter-McCarran Act ran through the paper too: six Issei were set to be sworn in as citizens on April 10, Mike Masaoka wrote about Philip Perlman and civil liberties, and an editorial backed a JACL committee to study the Act.

Other pages carried Kona’s honoring of coffee pioneers by Lawrence Nakatsuka, the Arizona JACL’s plans for the Pacific Southwest District Council convention, Bill Hosokawa’s column on the word baka, and a sports page led by Yoshi Oyakawa’s backstroke times. Chapter presidents Harley M. Nakamura and Mas Inoshita were profiled.

What’s in this issue

National

  • Budget Bureau to Urge Congress to Appropriate Full Evacuee Claim Funds, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Director of the Budget will recommend that Congress appropriate funds to pay all compromise evacuation claim awards made by the Department of Justice for fiscal years 1952 and 1953. Rep. Sidney Yates and JACL Washington representative Mike Masaoka announced the decision, with checks expected to be issued by summer once Congress acts.
  • Evacuee Claim May Be Dismissed If Address Unknown, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Japanese Evacuation Claims office in Los Angeles reported that about 25 percent of claimants have failed to notify the Department of Justice of address changes. Claims may be dismissed if claimants cannot be located, according to attorney Johnston K. Walker.
  • Attorney General to Pick Cherry Blossom Queen on Chance Spin, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Attorney General Brownell will spin a giant carnival wheel at the National Cherry Blossom Festival Ball to select the 1953 queen from among 52 princesses representing states and territories. The queen will be the princess whose state or territory the wheel stops on.
  • Walter S. Robertson Nominated Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Walter S. Robertson, a Richmond investment banker and so-called China expert, has been nominated to succeed John M. Allison as Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs. His appointment is seen as a concession to critics who claim the new administration is too pro-Japan.

Community

  • Murrett Feted in Seattle, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rev. John C. Murrett, former pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs church, was honored at a reception in Seattle on his way to Japan. He had served as pastor of the Maryknoll church from 1926 to 1932.
  • Reorganization of National JCCA Looms as Executive Secretary Tanaka Resigns, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National Japanese Canadian Citizens Association faces reorganization due to financial difficulties, with chapters unable to meet budget quotas. George Tanaka, executive secretary for six years, has tendered his resignation, which National president Ted Aoki asked the council to accept at its Vancouver conference.
  • Six Southland Issei to Be Naturalized April 10, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Six Issei will be sworn in as United States citizens by Federal Judge Ernest A. Tolin in Los Angeles, among candidates from 41 countries. A celebration luncheon co-sponsored by the JACL and the Southern California Japanese Chamber of Commerce will follow.
  • Horizons Theme of 1954 JACL Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The theme New Horizons was selected for the 1954 National JACL convention to be held September 2-6 at the Statler Hotel in Los Angeles. Planning includes policy sessions along with fishing, golf, bowling, a queen contest, and a fashion show.
  • Baron Goto Honored, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Y. Baron Goto, associate director of the agricultural extension service at the University of Hawaii for 25 years, received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree. He was also presented a certificate of recognition from Epsilon Sigma Phi.
  • Japan International Christian University to Open April 15, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 2. The Japan International Christian University near Mitaka opens its academic year April 15 with a freshman class of 199 students. Scholarships were granted to 28 students, and the university is chaired by Dr. George K. Togasaki.
  • Issei Translators Assist Detroit Citizens-to-Be, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Detroit Issei residents are preparing for citizenship under the new Walter-McCarran act, with JACL chapter-organized Sunday classes at the International Institute. Instructor Jeanette Tennant is assisted by Issei translators T. Kokubo and Mrs. K. Horiuchi.
  • Mother of Two Killed in Head-On Crash, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A San Jose Nisei mother of two and another motorist were killed instantly in a head-on collision near Yuba City last Saturday. Her husband Katsumi was injured, and their children Paul and Pamela were slightly hurt.
  • Strandee Joins WACs, Stays On to Better U.S.-Japanese Relations, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Sgt. Takako Saka, a Utah-born Nisei WAC, extended her enlistment to remain in Japan as an interpreter-translator in the civilian personnel division. She says she enjoys improving American-Japanese relations through her work.
  • Honesty Saves Day for Japan Visitor, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Yoshinobu Yuki, a visitor from Tokyo, had his valuable wallet returned after University of Washington student Richard York found it on Lake Washington Boulevard. The wallet contained $66, his passport, and other important papers.
  • Widow of Texas G.I. Unable to Continue, Heads for Okinawa, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mitzu, an Okinawan war bride, is returning to Okinawa with her American son Larry Dean after her soldier husband Sgt. Charles R. Evans was killed in a car wreck. She had been unable to adjust to life in Bogota, Texas.
  • Mas Horiuchi Terminates JACL Service, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mas Horiuchi, former editor of the JACL Reporter and headquarters office manager, has ended seven years of service in Salt Lake City. National director Mas Satow praised his resourcefulness and devotion.
  • Nisei Mother Heads High School PTA Group, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mrs. Ben Nagai of Atwater was named head of the Livingston High School PTA, believed to be the first Nisei mother to lead a high school group. She is a former county council president.
  • Naturalization Class Instructor Feted by So. Alameda County Issei, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Issei students presented a token of appreciation to D. Brooke McKinnon, instructor of Japanese at UC Berkeley, who taught the South Alameda County JACL naturalization class. A graduation dinner was held March 20 at Washington Union High School.
  • Two Bills Opposed by Chicago JACL, by Smoky Sakurada, page 4. The Chicago JACL opposes the Larson housing referendum bill, which could inject racial and minority issues into redevelopment planning, and the Broyles anti-subversives bills, which duplicate existing 1919 statutes. Leading newspapers and civic groups also oppose the Broyles bill.
  • Who’s Who as Chapter Presidents: Fowler JACL, Harley M. Nakamura, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Harley M. Nakamura, a 39-year-old Fowler rancher, outlines his chapter plans including monthly activities, a Fall Festival float, and a JACL scholarship. He is active in Fowler civic and religious organizations.
  • Who’s Who as Chapter Presidents: Arizona JACL, Mas Inoshita, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Mas Inoshita, a 34-year-old Arizona vegetable and strawberry grower, aims to strengthen the chapter to a 200-member goal and make the PSWDC convention memorable. He served in the China-Burma-India theater during World War II.
  • Berkeley Chapter Sights 300 Members, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Berkeley JACL began a door-to-door membership canvass aiming for 300 members, with 110 signed up so far. The spring program includes an installation dinner-dance, a housing discussion panel, and a community picnic.
  • Congressmen Receive Thanks From Dayton Sansei Named for Them, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Senator Pat McCarran and Rep. Francis E. Walter wrote letters to infant Palter McCarran Ono of Dayton, who was named after them for co-authoring the 1952 immigration law that allowed his grandparents to become citizens. The legislators sent good wishes and photographs in reply.
  • Four Los Angeles Nisei Die in Tanker Crash Near Indio, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Four Los Angeles Nisei, including a seven-month-old infant, were killed when their car collided with an oil tanker on U.S. Highway 60-70-99 near Indio. The driver Jack Matsumoto survived with serious head injuries while traveling to a wedding in Phoenix.
  • Perry Commemorative Likely to Appear in July as Five-Cent Stamp, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A Matthew Calbraith Perry commemorative stamp is likely to be issued July 14 to mark the centenary of the U.S.-Japan treaty negotiations. It will probably be of the five-cent denomination according to philatelic columnist Franklin R. Bruns Jr.
  • Feminine Tamatsuki Champion Tries Second Time for Title, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Masako Katsura, a Japanese billiards champion who has won exhibition matches over Willie Hoppe, competed in a 15-day three-cushion billiard tournament in Chicago. She has lived in the States since 1951 and balances touring with housekeeping.
  • Li’l Tokio Scene, by Henry Mori, page 7. Charles B. Bennett, Director of City Planning, told a JACL audience that development of a Nihonmachi should be encouraged and that the southside of First Street will be kept intact. Meanwhile the northwest corner of First and San Pedro is under construction for a police administration building.
  • Los Angeles Newsletter: FEPC Support Losing Ground, by Henry Mori, page 7. Support for Fair Employment Practices legislation in California appears to be weakening, with only 10 of 31 legislators contacted expressing support. A housing bill to eliminate racial discrimination in home sales is also losing backing in the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
  • Six Issei Leaders to Be Sworn In as Citizens April 10, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Six Issei community leaders will be sworn in as naturalized citizens in District Federal Court on April 10 before Judge Ernest A. Tolin. The ceremony marks a milestone for the Los Angeles Issei community.
  • County Fair Theme for Armitage Carnival Benefit, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Armitage Girls will transform Olivet Institute in Chicago into a country fair for an April 18 benefit. Proceeds will go to the Methodist Fellowship Church building fund.

Obituaries

  • Chicago Issei Jack Yasutake Dies, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Jack Yasutake, 62, the first Issei naturalized in Chicago only two weeks earlier, died after taking ill while driving in the Loop. He was director of the Chicago Resettlers Committee and the father of Rev. Michael S. Yasutake.

JACL

  • Arizona JACL Putting Finishing Touches to Three-Day Fun in Sun Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Pacific Southwest District Council convention in Phoenix, May 1-3, will feature a recognition luncheon honoring former Senate Majority Leader Ernest McFarland and a western barbecue. Events also include church services, a handicap bowling tournament, and a convention banquet and ball.

In-Depth

  • Pioneers of Kona Coffee Honored by Grateful Hawaiian Community, by Lawrence Nakatsuka, page 1. About 3,000 people in Kona, Hawaii, honored 25 aged Japanese coffee pioneers who devoted 50 or more years to growing coffee. The two-day festival included a parade, a queen coronation, certificates, and a luncheon attended by Governor Samuel Wilder King.

Commentary

  • Congress in Confusion, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial observes that Republicans are still attacking the former Truman administration while Democrats defend the new Eisenhower administration, reflecting confused roles in Congress. It cites early legislative battles over reorganization powers and foreign policy as examples.
  • Perlman and JACL, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. Philip B. Perlman, former Solicitor General, said at the Fifth National Conference on Civil Liberties that JACL’s position on the Walter-McCarran Act was understandable and justifiable. Masaoka reports that no civil liberties group present took issue with JACL’s stance.
  • GOP and Civil Rights, by Mike Masaoka, page 2. No Republican senator or congressman accepted an invitation to address the Fifth National Conference on Civil Liberties. President Eisenhower sent greetings, his first comment on civil rights since his inaugural address, and one Republican senator reportedly called civil rights a smear word.
  • Cost of Living, by Tamotsu Murayama, page 3. Japan has become one of the most expensive nations in which to live, with prices for rice, bread, milk, and other goods rising sharply compared to prewar years. The column notes that black market dependence and labor-management wage cycles keep the cost of living high.
  • Strong Comeback, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial acknowledges flaws in the Walter-McCarran Act while noting that persons of Japanese ancestry supported it for gains in naturalization and immigration equality. It endorses the JACL’s special committee to study the Act constructively in policy, technical, and watchdog sections.
  • Study Commission, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The editorial notes that Japanese Americans are making a strong economic comeback in Southern California, evidenced by property investment and bank deposits. It urges Congress to expedite payment of evacuation claims to relieve hardship among Issei and others still waiting.
  • Bakayaro, by Bill Hosokawa, page 8. Bill Hosokawa explores the meaning of the Japanese word baka after Premier Shigeru Yoshida reportedly used it in legislative debate. He explains that Japanese has no true swear words and that the severity of such epithets depends on inflection and context.
  • Sakura Festival, by Harry K. Honda, page 8. Harry K. Honda urges Los Angeles to revive Nisei Week with active planning and reflects on the Honolulu Cherry Blossom Festival queen contest. He notes ballot-counting challenges and the cultural and business value of such festivals.
  • First for Japan, by St. Petersburg Times, page 8. The International Christian University in Japan, sponsored by American and Canadian Protestant denominations, received its charter and opens in April. The editorial highlights its status as the first Christian graduate institution of higher learning in Japan with student dormitories and a campus-centered life.
  • Letter to the Editor: Racial Prejudice, by James L. Oakland, page 8. A reader offers advice to a Nisei woman facing racial discrimination in public accommodation, urging dignity, self-restraint, and joining with others to pursue justice. The letter notes that prejudice stems from ignorance and insecurity.
  • Careful, by Alton L. Hil, page 8. A letter writer from Huntington Beach comments that stories about Japanese American people in the Pacific Citizen have been fine until a final item on page 8 of the March 27 issue. He urges caution in such reporting.

Military & Veterans

  • Japan Security Forces Officers Arrive to Be Trained at Ft. Benning Army School, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Six members of the Japanese National Security Force arrived in San Francisco en route to Fort Benning, Georgia, for U.S. Army officers training. Among them was Tacoma-born Inspector Takayuki Sakazaki, a former Japanese naval officer.
  • Hawaiian Soldier in Desert Rock Atomic Tests, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Set. 1/c Lawrence T. Izuo of Honolulu participated in the March 17 atomic maneuver at Camp Desert Rock, Nevada, occupying a forward foxhole during the blast. He is a construction supervisor and a veteran of more than six years of army service.

Sports

  • Oyakawa Turns In World’s Fastest Time in 200-Yard Backstroke, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Ohio State’s Yoshi Oyakawa set a new NCAA meet record of 56.9 seconds in the 100-yard backstroke and a world’s fastest time of 2:05.1 in the 200-yard event. Coach Mike Peppe called him the greatest backstroke swimmer of all time.
  • Reporter Turns Line-Up Announcer Unexpectedly at Tokyo Giant-Star Game, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Southern California reporter Wiasamori Kojima helped the public address announcer pronounce Japanese names during a Tokyo Giants and Hollywood Stars training game. He ended up reading the Giants lineup himself over the microphone.
  • Five Japanese Marathon Men Arrive for Boston Run, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A five-man Japanese marathon team arrived in San Francisco en route to the Boston Marathon. Coach Shizo Kanaguri expressed confidence in team honors but worried about an Argentine star for individual top honors.
  • Tamanaha Wins Hawaii Marathon in 2:51:35, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Norman Tamanaha, age 45, won the first annual Hawaiian AAU marathon in 2 hours 51 minutes 35 seconds despite leg cramps. Ken Nagatani of the University of Hawaii dropped out with four miles remaining.
  • 150 Golfers Sign for NoCal Classic, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Northern California Nisei golfers will compete in a 36-hole medal play tournament April 18-19 at Pebble Beach and Del Monte courses. The Fresno-Turlock clubs are conducting the event sanctioned by the Northern California Nisei Golfers Association.
  • Army, Air Force Boxers in All-Service Tourney, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Ray Hasegawa advanced in the worldwide Air Force boxing championships at San Antonio, while two Nisei boxers from the Pacific were outpointed in the All-Army semi-finals at Camp Atterbury. Results are summarized for each bout.
  • Placer JACL Nine Splits Series; Tokyo Giants Wind Up Mainland 23-Game Tour, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Tokyo Giants wrapped up a 23-game mainland tour, winning eight games on the mainland. Placer JACL nine lost to the Giants 7 to 1 in one contest and battled in another.
  • Pitcher Fumbles Ground Ball, Loses It Inside His Uniform, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Mountain View High School pitcher Kurato Shimada lost a ground ball inside his uniform during a 3-2 league-opening win over Santa Clara High School. He could not recover in time to make a play at first base.

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