Evacuation claims and the JACL turning 21

Vol. 33, No. 7, August 25, 1951. 8 pages. View this issue

The new evacuation claims law and the JACL’s coming of age ran through this eight-page issue. Mike Masaoka praised the Justice Department for moving quickly to put the compromise settlement into operation, and asked claimants who had moved to arrange mail forwarding and to wait patiently for government letters. An editorial welcomed the plan. Another marked the JACL’s 21st birthday, celebrated at the Pacific Northwest District convention in Seattle. On the front page, Congress’s recess dimmed hopes for early action on naturalization.

Other items cover Governor Earl Warren’s praise of Japanese American wartime conduct, with an editorial on his earlier record, and the Japanese Peace Treaty conference in San Francisco. Elmer R. Smith wrote on migration, Bill Hosokawa described Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and Roku Susuhona’s Cousin Willie took on the meat problem. Page 6 is mostly sports, with baseball, boxing and swimming news.

What’s in this issue

National

  • House Recess Dims Hope for Early Congress Action on Naturalization Proposal, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The House recessed for a 19-day vacation and the Senate postponed action on several bills because of the Japanese Peace Treaty conference. Mike Masaoka of the JACL ADC warned that Congress was unlikely to consider equality in immigration and naturalization before adjournment.
  • Housing Official Talks on Problems, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Dr. Frank S. Horne, assistant to the administrator of the Housing and Home Finance Agency, was scheduled to speak in San Francisco on housing programs and the democratic process. He is conducting a nationwide survey of urban redevelopment programs.
  • Two Youths Held in Attempt to Steal Gold Buddha, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Two former California reformatory inmates were arrested near St. Francis Xavier Mission in San Francisco after plotting to steal a nonexistent gold Buddha. They admitted they believed the mission was a Buddhist church.
  • Witness in Sorge Spy Hearing Ring Member, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Testimony before a Senate subcommittee by Gen. Charles Willoughby and Japanese official Mitsutada Yoshikawa described a Nisei and other Americans linked to the Richard Sorge spy ring in Japan. Yotoku Miyagi, an artist who once worked near Los Angeles, was named as an assigned agent.
  • Deny Rumor Japanese May Be Recruited for Coastal Farms, by P.C. Staff, page 3. State Department and Congressional representatives denied a rumor that Japanese farm workers would be imported for West Coast farms. A California Congressman said such a plan would require special legislation and was unlikely.

Military & Veterans

  • Wartime Behavior of Nisei Hailed by Gov. Earl Warren, by P.C. Staff, page 1. California Governor Earl Warren, visiting Japan to see the 40th Division, praised the wartime conduct of Japanese Americans as marvelous. He said Californians were extremely friendly toward Japanese people and hoped for a treaty signing.
  • Report Nisei Soldier Hurt on Korea Front, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Department of Defense reported one Nisei casualty in Korea, Private First Class Tomotsu Kaminaka of Santa Maria, California. The JACL ADC Washington office announced the report.
  • Air Force Seeks Nisei Linguists for Work in Far East Areas, by P.C. Staff, page 2. An Air Force recruiting team will visit West Coast cities to select Nisei linguists for duty with the Far East Air Force in Tokyo. Positions are open for 26 persons with good working knowledge of English and Japanese.
  • Hirayama Plays in National Tourney, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Fresno Nisei Fibber Hirayama played left field for the Atwater Packers in a national semi-pro tournament broadcast nationally on Mutual’s Game of the Day. He got a hit and drove in a run in the 10 to 4 win over the Merrill Rangers.
  • Government Attitude Sought on Nisei Strandees Who Voted in Japanese General Elections, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Rep. Francis Walter is informally probing whether Nisei who voted in Japanese elections in 1946 and 1947 lost American citizenship. He is considering special legislation to restore citizenship for strandees.

Community

  • Homes Damaged as Tremors Shake Hilo’s Kona Coast, by P.C. Staff, page 1. An earthquake on the Kona Coast of Hawaii on Aug. 21 destroyed eight homes and damaged 300 others, including many Japanese ancestry families. No one was seriously injured, according to Police Sergeant Emery Kunitomo.
  • Evacuees Must Submit Own Bids Under Amended Law, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Justice Department released plans for administering the amended evacuation claims law, under which claimants state the lowest amount they will accept up to three-fourths of compensable losses or $2500. Forms and instructions will be mailed to claimants, with those filing claims of $3600 or less receiving them first.
  • Aiko Ogomori Named Queen of L.A. Fete, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Aiko Ogomori, 19, was selected as the 10th Nisei Week queen in Los Angeles on Aug. 18 and crowned as Miss Nisei of 1951. Four finalists were named as her attendants.
  • First Canadian Nisei Attends Military School, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Tony T. Baba of Chatham, Ontario, became the first cadet of Japanese ancestry at Canada’s Royal Military College. He chose the Royal Canadian Engineers and is training at Chilliwack, B.C.
  • Buddhists Send Medallions to Men in Armed Forces, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Buddhist servicemen medallions are now being distributed nationwide by a committee chaired by Dr. Kikuo Taira after the Defense Department declined to stamp a B on dogtags. Local churches are taking orders at 50 cents each.
  • Hawaii Delegate Answers Publicist’s Letter Raising Nisei Issue Over Statehood, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Hawaii Delegate Joseph Farrington rebutted claims by Denver Chamber of Commerce publicist E.W. Fishburn that Japanese Americans would dominate a Hawaii state government. Rep. Wayne Aspinall, who forwarded the letter, censured Fishburn for the inaccuracies.
  • Hold Issei Cook On Suspicion in L.A. Murder Case, by P.C. Staff, page 2. An Issei cook named Takani was held on suspicion of murder after allegedly stabbing a coworker, Ely Christian, at Mount Sinai hospital in Los Angeles during an argument. Takani also reportedly attempted suicide.
  • Plan Northwest Convention Activities, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Committee chairmen for the Pacific Northwest JACL district convention gathered to finalize plans for the Sept. 1 to 3 meeting in Seattle. The photo shows the committee heads and their responsibilities.
  • Community Group Plans Celebration of Mexico Freedom, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A two-day celebration of Mexican Independence Day will be held Sept. 22 and 23 in Los Angeles, sponsored by the Soto-Michigan Jewish Community Center with other community groups. The program includes music, dancing, poetry, art, movies and food.
  • Canadian Evacuee Develops Million-Dollar Enterprise, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Time Magazine’s Canadian edition profiled Art Tateishi, a Vancouver evacuee who built Phono Motors and Sea Breeze Manufacturing into a business with $911,000 in 1950 sales. He developed a successful turntable motor and electric fans.
  • Detroit JACL Members Join City Fete, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Detroit Nisei dancers performed in an international folk arts program at Belle Isle as part of the city’s 250th birthday celebration. Judo experts also gave an exhibition in Grand Circus Park.
  • Resettlers Plan Community Picnic for Labor Day, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Chicago Resettlers Committee plans a community-wide picnic on Labor Day at Dan Ryan Woods with square dancing, softball, sumo and Japanese dances. More than 2,000 attendees are expected.
  • Wedding Unites Wyoming Couple, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Rena Ono and Charles Tsukishima were married on Aug. 5 in a Sunday afternoon ceremony in Wyoming. The bride was attended by her sister Mary.
  • Seattle to Hold Northwest Pinfest, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Northwest JACL bowling tournament will be held at Main Bowl in Seattle on Sept. 1 and 2 in conjunction with the district convention. Events include men’s singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles.

JACL

  • Name Ishikawa to National JACL Post, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Sam Ishikawa was appointed associate national director of the JACL by Masao Satow. His first assignment will be to survey Pacific Citizen and JACL finances and develop a long-range financial program.
  • Eastbay Cabinet Holds Meeting, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Eastbay JACL cabinet met to discuss the Show of Shows extravaganza planned for Oct. 6 and a district council convention set for Nov. 24 and 25 at International House in Berkeley. National JACL representatives were expected to attend.
  • JACL ADC Officials Praise Government Action to Put Claims Plan Into Operation, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Mike Masaoka praised Department of Justice officials for speed in implementing the compromise evacuation claims settlement. Initial explanatory letters were expected to reach more than 24,000 claimants nationwide within two weeks.
  • Evacuees Who Have Moved Asked to Notify Postoffices, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The JACL ADC Washington office urged claimants who moved since filing to arrange mail forwarding at their old post offices so they receive Justice Department letters. Mike Masaoka warned that delays could postpone awards by months.
  • Dr. Sakada, Masaoka to Talk at Seattle JACL Conclave, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Pacific Northwest District JACL will hold its first postwar convention in Seattle on Sept. 1 to 3 to celebrate the organization’s 21st birthday. Dr. Randolph Sakada and Mike Masaoka are scheduled as principal speakers.
  • Midwest Convention Discussion Will Focus Attention on Future of Japanese American Group, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Plans for the 2nd biennial JACL Midwest District convention in Detroit on Sept. 1 and 2 include a panel discussion on Focusing on the Future. Events include a pre-convention booster, sightseeing, a banquet with Edgar A. Guest, and golf and bowling tournaments.
  • Masaoka Plans Chicago Talks on JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mike Masaoka will confer in Chicago with Dr. Randolph Sakada and Mas Satow on organizational matters before traveling to Seattle and San Francisco. He will attend the Japanese Peace Conference as an unofficial observer.
  • Expect Early Announcement of Scholarship Winner, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The National JACL expects to soon announce the winner of the Ben Masaoka Memorial scholarship for 1951. The award honors Pvt. Ben Frank Masaoka, killed in the Vosges Mountains with the 442nd.

Incarceration & Redress

  • Evacuee Claimants Urged to Await Government Action, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mike Masaoka asked evacuee claimants not to flood the Justice Department with inquiries after the compromise claims law was signed. He said patience would allow the accelerated payment program to proceed.

Commentary

  • The New Compromise Amendment, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial welcomes the Justice Department’s plans to administer the new evacuation claims compromise law quickly. It urges efficient and just administration and full three-fourths allowance on compensable items.
  • The Peace Treaty, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial notes that the San Francisco peace treaty conference will mainly address military and economic matters with few direct consequences for Nisei. It suggests Issei may be affected by changes to enemy alien status.
  • The JACL Comes of Age, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial marks the JACL’s 21st birthday celebrated in Seattle over Labor Day weekend. It reflects on the organization’s growth through wartime upheaval and hopes for a period of mature stability.
  • Gov. Warren Reverses Course on Japanese Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial examines Governor Earl Warren’s history of anti-Japanese rhetoric and his role advocating mass evacuation in 1942. It notes his recent friendly statements during his Japan trip may counter his past record.
  • Migration of Peoples Develops Racial, Cultural Conflicts, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Elmer R. Smith examines how migration of peoples throughout history produces racial and cultural conflict. He outlines several types of migration including dispersion, conquest, colonization, forced migration, and immigration.
  • Willie Tackles the Meat Problem, by Roku Susuhona, page 5. A humorous column follows Cousin Willie’s failed schemes to beat the high cost of living, first with a chicken yard and then with sheep. Each attempt collapses and leaves his wife Sumi bearing the cost.
  • The Yampa Is Green, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Bill Hosokawa describes Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and the fishing and tourism there. He profiles Negro farm and restaurant owners Mae Williams and Daisy Leonard, who are fully accepted by their community.

Sports

  • Draft May Deal Severe Blow to Ricks Ring Team, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Ricks College boxer Allen Fukuda of Hawaii was ordered to report for military service, which could sharply weaken the school’s boxing team in the 125-pound division. Coach A. Dixon said losing him would just about wreck the team in that weight class.
  • Nishita Hurls Nisei to Win Over Waseda, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Bill Nishita pitched the Hawaii Red Sox to a 3 to 2 win over Keio in Tokyo before 20,000 fans. The article also covers the Red Sox’s later loss to Waseda.
  • Report Ford Konno May Enroll at Ohio State University, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Honolulu swimmer Ford Hiroshi Konno is expected to enroll at Ohio State University, following recruiting by former Ohio State swimmers from Hawaii. Konno, a top middle-distance swimmer, has received numerous scholarship offers.
  • Coast League Team Offers Contract to George Goto, Pitcher for Placer JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Sacramento Solons offered a professional contract to pitcher George Goto of the Placer County JACL team after he worked out under Manager Joe Gordon. Goto is reportedly considering staying in school at Stanford instead.
  • Placer JACL Wins Batting Title of Semi-pro League, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Placer JACL team won the championship of the Placer-Nevada semi-pro baseball league. Jim Yokota led the team’s hitters, and several other players posted strong averages.
  • Hawaiians in Regional Legion Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 6. A Kauai junior American Legion team lost a 14 to 13 game to Yakima in the Washington regional tournament after nearly rallying late. The Hawaiians were later eliminated by Boise in the double-elimination tournament.
  • Umeda Loses Main Event to Keeny Teran, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Seattle and Honolulu boxer Umeda lost a six-round split decision to Keeny Teran at Olympic Stadium in Los Angeles. Ringsiders said Umeda had done better in the early rounds but tired late.
  • Revive Fresno, San Jose Rivalry, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Fresno Nisei Fibber Hirayama and Howie Zenimura led the Bulldogs in batting in a softball and baseball series with San Jose. Oyama and other Nisei pitchers were noted for their play in the district tournaments.
  • Bob Terao Hooks Big Salmon, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Bob Terao caught a 46-pound, 2-ounce King Salmon at Sekiu on the Olympic Peninsula, with his party bringing home seven fish. A salmon derby on Elliott Bay is planned as a sports feature of the Seattle JACL convention.

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