Arsenic in soy sauce, and a push in Congress for Issei citizenship

Vol. 25, No. 1, July 12, 1947. 8 pages. View this issue

Forty people of Japanese ancestry in downtown Los Angeles fell ill after eating adulterated soy sauce, and the front page followed the case to San Jose, where 25 more were poisoned, and to Salt Lake City. City health officials seized 5,000 gallons. The paper also reported that the House passed bills on naturalization for parents of Purple Heart veterans and on staying deportation of aliens ineligible for citizenship. Esther L’Ecluse described the House floor action, and Mike Masaoka took up the Army’s policy on GI marriages.

Other pages cover the Justice Department’s motion on Tule Lake renunciants and the Army’s plan to reactivate the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the 100th Battalion. Columns by Bill Hosokawa, Larry Tajiri, Roku Suyama and Togo W. Tanaka appear on pages 4 and 5. Hawaii’s JACL fund drive, Saburo Kido’s report on it, and sports and chapter news fill the rest of the eight pages.

What’s in this issue

Incarceration & Redress

• 40 Persons Stricken With Arsenic Poisoning From Soy Sauce in Los Angeles, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Forty persons of Japanese ancestry in downtown Los Angeles were taken ill after eating adulterated soy sauce, prompting city health officials to seize 5,000 gallons. Tests confirmed arsenic in the sauce, and related food poisoning cases were reported in Salt Lake City.
• Justice Department Seeks Reconsideration of Verdict on Tule Lake Renunciants, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Justice Department moved for reconsideration of a June 30 writ preventing deportation of about 1,800 Tule Lake renunciants. The government argues the renunciants became Japanese citizens and thus fall under the Enemy Alien Act.
• Supreme Court Asked to Rule on DeWitt Case, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Homer Wilcox petitioned the Supreme Court to decide whether Gen. J. L. DeWitt is personally liable for enforcing a military exclusion order against an American citizen. The outcome could set a precedent for suits over evacuation and detention.

Community

• 25 Persons Ill of Poisoning in San Jose Area, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Twenty-five persons of Japanese ancestry along Berry Avenue in San Jose were poisoned by arsenic in a shipment of soy sauce. Investigators traced the contamination to a 50-gallon drum and considered three possible causes.
• Data on Employment of Nisei Compiled in Minneapolis, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Minneapolis Community Self-Survey is gathering information on employment conditions facing Japanese Americans who resettled in the city. The data will be sent to Fisk University for analysis.
• Chicago Chapter Group Aids Friends Relief Program, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Members of the Chicago JACL chapter volunteered at the American Friends Service Committee warehouse, sorting and packing used clothing for war-torn countries. Half the baled clothing was to be sent to Japan.
• Los Angeles YBA Plans Obon Festival, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Los Angeles YBA will hold its annual obon festival and carnival on July 19 and 20 at Kudo’s auto park. General chairmen for the affair have been named.
• Nisei Youth Drowns in Sacramento River, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Shigeki Harano, 13, drowned when a Sacramento River levee bank gave way near Walnut Grove. His younger brother Masaki was rescued by a bridge tender after grabbing reeds.
• Final Services Held for Nisei Hero of War, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Funeral services were held in San Mateo for Kenji K. Kato, a decorated Nisei war veteran and civic leader who headed the San Mateo JACL and was active in the AVC. He died July 4 at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital.
• Masaoka Discusses Army Policy on GI Marriages With Japanese, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Mike Masaoka raised with the War Department the directive barring marriages between US soldiers and Japanese women after more than 150 soldiers in Japan requested its suspension. The ADC was concerned about the 30-day clause in H.R. 3149.
• Radio Drama Written on Nisei Housing Case in Minneapolis, by P.C. Staff, page 3. A radio drama dramatized the Jon Matsuo case, in which a real estate firm refused a Nisei veteran a home in a veterans housing project over a race covenant. The case prompted AFL building trades to condemn housing discrimination.
• New York Issei Hear Tsuchiya Talk on JACL-ADC Program, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Nearly 250 persons attended a New York community meeting featuring a Japanese classical film and a talk by Scotty Tsuchiya on the JACL-ADC program. Tsuchiya stressed that community support for the JACL was essential.
• New Jersey Resettlement Aid Council Votes to Disband, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The New Jersey Council on Japanese Americans, which helped relocate 2,300 evacuees, voted unanimously to disband as a group while continuing to assist individuals. It endorsed pending federal legislation on evacuation claims and deportation stays.
• San Jose Issei Apply for First Citizenship Papers, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Eighteen resident Japanese aliens in Santa Clara County filed first naturalization papers, signaling a postwar interest in citizenship. Under current law they remain ineligible for final citizenship papers.
• Canada House Will Investigate Evacuee Claims, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Canadian House of Commons unanimously approved a commission to investigate evacuation loss claims of Japanese Canadians. The commission’s powers do not extend to land deals or Veterans Land Act sales.
• Eight Teams Enter Cleveland Softball League, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Cleveland Nisei Athletic Association launched an eight-team softball league with Sunday games at 30th and Euclid. The article lists team managers and association officers.
• Blue Cross Plan Adopted by UCL, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The United Citizens League of San Jose adopted the Blue Cross hospital and medical benefits plan and is enrolling members. Phil Matsumura, executive secretary, announced the campaign.
• Note Progress in JACL Fund Drive in Hawaii, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Hawaiian contributions to the JACL-ADC financial drive passed the $25,000 mark, led by the Lihue district with $2,107.50. Charles Ishii supervised a house-to-house canvass in Hanapepe.
• Set Final Date for Bussei Queen Contest Entries, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Central California District YBA set July 21 as the deadline for ballots in its Bussei queen contest. The five top contestants will be honored at a Queen’s Tea on July 23.
• Hawaiian Response to JACL Financial Drive Hailed by Kido, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Saburo Kido reported that more than $30,000 had been contributed in Hawaii to the National JACL and ADC during his six-week visit. He credited Sim Togasaki and said closer ties between mainland and island Japanese Americans had developed.
• Burgoynes Honored Before Departure from Hood River, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Rev. W. Sherman Burgoyne and Mrs. Burgoyne were honored at a farewell party by the Mid-Columbia JACL in Parkdale. The Rev. Burgoyne had led efforts to restore Nisei servicemen’s names to the Hood River honor roll.
• 300 Attend UCL Dance in San Jose, by P.C. Staff, page 8. More than 800 persons attended the United Citizens League graduation dance in San Jose honoring 100 graduates. Akira Shimogaki served as master of ceremonies.
• Gardena Woman Dies in Auto Accident, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Mrs. Umeno Sakata, 51, was killed when the light truck in which she rode collided with a passenger car. Her 15-year-old son Shiro was driving.
• Orange County JACL Enters Parade Float, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The Orange County JACL entered a float in the Huntington Beach Fourth of July parade with the theme Better Americans in a Greater America. The float depicted Nisei contributions in the military and was organized by Henry Kanegae.

National

• Expect Federal Court Verdict Soon on Language School Case, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A three-judge Federal court is considering a test case challenging Hawaii’s wartime law restricting foreign language schools. A separate suit by Zimmerman seeks damages from military officials for his wartime detention without hearing.
• House Approves Citizenship for Purple Heart Parents, Passes Bill to Permit Stays of Deportation for Aliens Ineligible to Naturalization, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The House passed bills granting naturalization to parents of Purple Heart veterans and staying deportation of aliens ineligible for citizenship. The Evacuation Claims bill was passed over without prejudice and scheduled for later consideration.
• Truman Signs Private Bill for Mrs. Thurn, by P.C. Staff, page 1. President Truman signed a private bill allowing Mrs. Fuku Kurokawa Thurn, a Japanese national married to an American engineer, to remain in the United States permanently. The bill ended a two-year effort on her behalf.
• Ikuo Oyama Feted by Local Residents in San Francisco, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Ikuo Oyama, a noted Japanese political refugee, was honored at a San Francisco dinner. He argued that Japan has a democratic background and that western writers misrepresent the Japanese by interviewing only political figures.
• Canadian Company Refuses to Hire Nisei in Plant, by P.C. Staff, page 2. A Toronto copper and brass company refused to hire a Canadian of Japanese ancestry because of his race, a charge raised by the AFL-CIO Joint Labor Committee. The company said the union was not consulted in the decision.
• Assembly’s Fight Against Land Law Cited by Legislator, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Assemblyman George Collins described the California Assembly’s fight against the Alien Land law as the most significant action on racial minority questions at the recent session. The assembly also repealed the education code provision allowing segregated schools.
• Alien Property Claim Won by Film Company, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Office of Alien Property Custodian allowed in full the claims of the Nichibei Kinema company and Kazuichi Hashimoto. These were the first contested claims by persons of Japanese ancestry allowed against the custodian’s orders.
• Tension on Capitol Hill: House Action Described as Credit to ADC’s Activity, by Esther L’Ecluse, page 2. A narrative account of the House floor action on the naturalization, deportation staying, and evacuation claims bills. The ADC’s efforts ultimately secured passage of the naturalization and deportation bills.
• Believe Delgadillo Ruling May Affect Madokoro Case, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Counsel A. L. Wirin believes the Supreme Court’s grant of certiorari in the Delgadillo deportation case may affect the Madokoro case. Both involve aliens facing deportation on re-entry theories.

JACL

• Shigeki Ushio Named Chairman of National JACL Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Shigeki Ushio was named chairman of the 10th biennial JACL national convention, scheduled for Salt Lake City in August 1948. JACL national president Hito Okada praised his leadership and the Intermountain chapters’ support.
• Summer Activities Outlined for Chicago JACL Members, by Mari Sabusawa, page 3. The Chicago JACL chapter outlined its summer program, including a weenie bake on July 19 and an August outing. Members were asked to reserve by July 16.
• JACL Anti-Bias Group Seeks Elimination of Exit Permits for Issei Traveling to Hawaii, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The JACL ADC will urge the Justice Department to waive exit permit requirements for Japanese permanent residents traveling between Hawaii and the mainland. The State Department has asked the Attorney General to concur.
• Midwest District Council Plans Leadership Workshop, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Midwest District Council of JACL will hold a leadership workshop in October 1947 instead of a district convention. Planning committee members outlined the program and invited participation from chapters outside the district.
• Mid-Columbia JACL Sets Fishing Derby, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Mid-Columbia JACL chapter of Hood River, Oregon, is sponsoring a fishing derby running until September 1 for members and friends. Prizes donated by Portland merchants will be awarded in four categories.

Commentary

• Nisei Must Consider Other Minorities, Says Negro Writer, by Hisaye Yamamoto, page 2. Bayard Rustin argued that Nisei will not come of age until they show interest in other minorities’ problems. He urged support for organizations such as the ACLU that defend all minorities.
• Civil Service Racism, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial criticizes the Civil Service Commission for using the racial classification Japanese to justify firing and denying jobs to Japanese Americans. It notes that the handbook used to investigate Nisei applicants reflected wartime Yellow Peril distortions.
• Treason Case, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial discusses the treason case against Tomoya Kawakita for mistreating American prisoners of war, comparing it to other treason prosecutions. It warns that if his wartime service is proven, his concealment could endanger Nisei in Japan.
• USA: Nisei and the 49th State, by Larry Tajiri, page 4. Tajiri examines congressional debate on Hawaiian statehood, where California representatives defended Nisei loyalty. He notes that Rep. J. Leroy Johnson changed his earlier anti-Japanese views after visiting Hawaii.
• Nisei in Summertime, by Roku Suyama, page 5. Suyama describes the summer hustle of New York City, including crowded beaches, the struggle of Nisei to find housing, and the city’s Chinatown. The column captures the optimism of Nisei New Yorkers despite the hardships.
• Travel to Japan Opens, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Hosokawa reports that American businessmen will travel to Japan in August under a commercial quota and that Nisei applications are not yet being considered. He describes the confused and difficult postwar conditions and monetary structure in Japan.
• How Wide the Salt Lake Streets, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. Hosokawa reflects on Salt Lake City’s wide streets and returns to the city after four years, recalling the hysteria of 1943 when the JACL and PC were threatened. He reflects on the PC’s history and humble offices.
• Prejudice in Government: Civil Service Commission Uses Racial Classification, by Togo W. Tanaka, page 5. Tanaka, reprinting from the Colorado Times, questions why five Japanese Americans were fired or rejected under federal loyalty procedures. He asks the Commission to clarify whether race is grounds for dismissal.

Military & Veterans

• Famous Nisei Combat Units Will Be Reactivated by Army, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Army announced that the 442nd Regiment Combat Team and the 100th Infantry Battalion would be reactivated as Organized Reserve units. The reactivated units would be open to all American soldiers, not only Japanese Americans.
• Lieut. Hotta Will Leave for Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Master Sergeant Yoshio Hotta, an instructor at the Military Intelligence Service Language School, was commissioned a second lieutenant. He will serve as a translator and interpreter in Japan.
• Portland Vets Win Northwest Baseball Title, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Portland Nisei Veterans team won the Northwest Fourth of July invitational tournament by defeating Seattle 4 to 2. Bill Wakayama pitched for the win while the Valley All-Stars took the consolation trophy.

Sports

• Harold Sakata Wins AAU Weightlifting Title at Dallas, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Nisei weightlifter Harold Sakata of Hawaii won the National AAU junior weightlifting title, sweeping three events. His teammate Richard Tom also won the 123-pound national title.
• San Jose Team Splits Series With All-Stars, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The San Jose Zebras split a two-day series with the Central California All-Stars, winning the first game 5 to 3 and losing the second 10 to 9. Chi Akizuki and Chesty Okagaki made key defensive plays.
• Ichinose Charges Paterson Unable to Make Title Weight, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Sam Ichinose, manager of Dado Marino, charged that champion Jackie Paterson could not make the 112-pound weight for a title bout. The fight was postponed twice, and British authorities refused to sanction bouts for other Hawaiian fighters.
• Nisei Players Show Ability in Organized Baseball Tryouts, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The article reviews Nisei performance in organized baseball, including a Dodgers tryout and players who reached Class B and AAA leagues. It argues that Nisei players have shown they can compete at professional level.

In-Depth

• Japanese Brazilians, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The editorial describes Brazil’s roughly 300,000 Japanese residents, including members of the Brazilian Brigade who fought in Italy. It covers Brazil’s deportation of Shindo Renmei terrorist leaders and its efforts to assimilate the Japanese community.

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