Vol. 4, No. 60, November 1932. 8 pages. View this issue
Manchuria and the League of Nations ran through the front page of this eight-page issue. The opening column, Jottings Here and There, took on the Lytton Report and the Tanaka Memorial, and a separate story followed Japan’s delegate Matsuoka at Geneva. Also on page one, the JACL set out a two-year program to unify its chapters into one national body, with district conventions and studies of fraternal insurance and old age pensions. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s election victory was covered too. An editorial marked the paper’s third anniversary and its move to a monthly schedule.
Inside are a piece by Asayo Kuraya answering critics who doubted the loyalty of Japanese Americans, an explanation of how the JACL is organized, and a look at the Japanese population of California from 1880 to 1930. Practical pieces cover federal income tax changes, Christmas clubs, the planned San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and healthy eating. A short Thanksgiving story closes the page-seven features.
What’s in this issue
Commentary
- Jottings Here and There, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The column comments on the Lytton Report’s inconsistencies, the Tanaka Memorial controversy, and the collapse of tanomoshi savings groups amid the depression. It also reflects on crime and suicide as products of economic hardship.
- Editorial: Third Anniversary, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The Pacific Citizen marks its third anniversary, thanking advertisers and subscribers and noting its reduction to a monthly schedule due to hard times. The editors urge young readers to contribute and call on citizens to remain loyal to the United States.
- A Good Friend Lost, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The league mourns Mrs. Edith Walker Maddux, a San Francisco leader in Republican women’s and civic organizations who had long supported the Japanese American citizens. Her work and friendship are remembered by the San Francisco chapter.
- True Professions, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The writer argues that dentistry can be a true profession alongside medicine and law when practitioners serve humanity rather than profit. Contrasting skilled mechanics with dedicated professionals, the piece uses wry humor about a toothache.
- Christmas Thoughts, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The author criticizes excessive holiday gift-giving during the depression and urges people to spend only what they can afford. The piece argues that Christmas should be a day of reflection and that children should be the focus of the holiday.
- A Challenge to Mud Slingers and Doubters, by Asayo Kuraya, page 3. Kuraya responds to critics who question the loyalty of Japanese Americans, arguing that American citizens of Japanese ancestry love the United States as much as anyone. The writer insists that loyalty is a matter of gratitude and that the United States is the only country they owe allegiance to.
- Eat to Live, Not Live to Eat, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The article explains the basic functions of food, including energy, body-building, protection, and regulation, and lists food groups that serve each purpose. It also offers dietary advice for good health, especially for newlyweds and working families.
- A True Thanksgiving Day, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Joan Nishi, estranged from her fiancé Cliff after a quarrel, befriends a struggling mother, Sue Noda, and her young son Willie in a park. On Thanksgiving, Joan rushes to the hospital with Cliff after Willie is injured, and the two reconcile while planning a Christmas gift for the boy.
- Jottings Here and There (continued), by P.C. Staff, page 8. The column discusses the future of the Pacific Citizen as it moves toward a monthly schedule, and offers local news about San Francisco community members. It also comments on Japan’s position at Geneva and the League’s handling of the Manchurian question.
JACL
- 1932-1934 Program for the J.A.C.L., by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL adopted a two-year program to unify chapters into one national body, including district conventions and studies on fraternal insurance and old age pensions. The program also calls for national action on passports, citizenship for Japanese WWI veterans, and admission of alien family members.
- The Structure of the J.A.C.L., by P.C. Staff, page 3. The article explains the organization of the Japanese American Citizens League, including its national council, biennial conventions, and district councils. It describes how chapters are named and how officers for the national organization are selected.
National
- The 1932 Presidential Election, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Democratic victory ended twelve years of Republican rule, with second generation voters swayed partly by the Stimson policy on Manchuria. The writer suggests a change in leadership may bring a psychological boost to the country.
- Japan at Geneva, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Japan’s delegate Matsuoka defends its position against the Lytton Report at the League of Nations, facing hostility from small nations. The article concludes that Japan may withdraw from the League as nationalists demand a return to Asia.
Community
- Federal Income Tax, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Changes to the federal income tax law will require many single and married second generation taxpayers to file returns for the first time. The article presents a table of Revenue Act rates and exemptions.
- San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The article describes the planned San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, its cost of roughly $44.4 million, and its major construction materials. It also estimates time and toll savings for commuters and drivers over the bridge’s first years.
- Japanese in California, by P.C. Staff, page 5. Using data compiled by Mr. Obana, the article traces the growth of the Japanese population in California from 1880 to 1930 and its geographic distribution. It shows birth and death rates, age distribution, and the rising share of American-born citizens, and argues that second generation voters will soon become politically significant.
- Christmas Clubs, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Christmas club savings totaling about $441 million will be distributed to savers on December 1, averaging $42 each, less than the previous year. The article explains how the funds are likely to be spent and encourages readers to join a Christmas club as a painless way to practice thrift.
- Japanese Young People’s Council of San Francisco, by P.C. Staff, page 7. San Francisco’s young people have formed a council federating representative clubs to coordinate activities and improve communication. The article lists its first officers, planned January 1933 party, and member clubs.
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