Nisei loyalty and the Northwest convention, May 1941

Vol. 13, No. 53, May 1941. 14 pages. View this issue

Loyalty was the thread through this 14-page issue. The front page announced that the Northwest District Council of the JACL would mark its tenth year with a Seattle convention from August 30 through September 1, and reported that a Los Angeles Times editorial called Japanese residents loyal. Mike Masaoka’s Japanese-American Creed was entered into the Congressional Record, and Saburo Kido reviewed court decisions on racial segregation. Goro Murata wrote from Tokyo about Nisei worried over the Nationality Act, and Stanley Shimabukuro asked Nisei to work patiently for mutual understanding.

The issue also carried a women’s page of recipes, first-aid and fashion advice, plus pieces on federal Civil Service jobs and the bowling business. Chapter news came from San Luis Obispo, San Jose, Salinas and Oakland, with Toru Ikeda’s history of San Benito County and the pin campaign standings on the last page.

What’s in this issue

Community

• NWD.C to Mark Tenth Year at Seattle Conclave, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Northwest District Council of the JACL will hold its sixth biennial convention in Seattle on August 30 through September 1, marking ten years since its founding. Organizing committee assignments for the event have been announced.
• Long Beach Plans for Host Duties at SC Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Southern California District Convention will be held over Labor Day weekend at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium. Committee chairmen have been named to plan the three-day event.
• Bowling to Wealth, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The article describes career paths in the bowling industry, from pin-boy to soda-jerker to alley owner. It gives typical pay scales and capital requirements for opening an alley.
• What Constitutes Job Appeal?, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Using a hiring example, the article explains what employers look for in job applicants, including skill, character, and personality. It notes that most dismissals stem from character faults rather than lack of skill.
• San Luis Obispo, by P.C. Staff, page 13. Local citizens and the Japanese Association honored Japanese draftees from Camp Roberts and Camp San Luis with a dinner at the Bukkyo-kai hall. Committees were formed to organize the event.
• San Jose, by P.C. Staff, page 13. The San Jose JACL held a welcome social at Berryessa school to initiate new members from a successful membership drive. Refreshments were served by the newly organized Women’s Auxiliary.
• Salinas, by P.C. Staff, page 13. The Salinas JACL outlined its program for the rest of the year, including a joint meeting, a convention rally, and an outing. Members will discuss a Nisei survey at the May 20 meeting.
• Oakland, by P.C. Staff, page 13. The Oakland JACL planned a joint dinner with the Alameda League and held a testimonial dinner honoring Fred Nomura and Haruki Kuroiwa. Guests included national president Saburo Kido.
• Pin Campaign Leader: Gardena Leads Pin Campaign, by P.C. Staff, page 14. The National Pin Drive results show Gardena Valley moving into first place with $177.67 in sales. Oakland and Valley Civic League follow in second and third places.
• We’re Good Americans, by P.C. Staff, page 14. Delegates to the National Buddhist convention in Seattle stated that Nisei are loyal Americans with no allegiance to Japan. Panel chairman Tokuyoshi Kawasaki said Americans have been fair to them in business.
• History of San Benito County: Willing Aid to Civic Projects, by Toru Ikeda, page 14. Toru Ikeda traces the history of Japanese settlement in San Benito County from 1905, noting the community’s civic contributions and cooperation with American residents. He describes the organizations that now serve the community.
• 1941 Chairmen, by P.C. Staff, page 14. The San Francisco JACL announced its committee chairmen for the Show of Shows and related events during the JACL weekend. Assignments cover tickets, finance, dance, and other activities.
• SF Show, by P.C. Staff, page 14. The San Francisco JACL Show of Shows on May 31 offers a talent contest with a trophy, cash prize, and audition opportunity. Applications were extended to May 25 to accommodate outlying districts.
• Members, Order Book of Japanese Recipes From Pacific Citizen Office, by P.C. Staff, page 14. The JACL is distributing a Japanese food recipe book compiled by the Japanese Wholesale Grocers’ Association to help housewives. Copies may be ordered from The Pacific Citizen office for 50 cents.

JACL

• Changes in National Membership, by P.C. Staff, page 1. New JACL chapters were chartered in Idaho, including Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Yellowstone, joining the Intermountain District Council. Inquiries about forming chapters have also come from Fort Lupton, Colorado, and New York, while the Livingston chapter in Northern California has disbanded.
• Nisei Creed Wins Recognition, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Japanese-American Creed written by Mike Masaoka was entered into the Congressional Record at the request of the JACL National Headquarters. Senator Elbert Thomas praised the creed and its author in his introduction.

National

• L.A. Times Upholds Loyalty, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Los Angeles Times editorialized that Japanese residents in the United States are loyal and should not face suspicion or persecution in the event of a Pacific crisis. The JACL’s Americanism Educational League rallies in Los Angeles drew strong response from Issei and Nisei alike.
• Nisei in Japan, by Goro Murata, page 3. Goro Murata reports from Tokyo that many Nisei are leaving Japan amid anxiety over the Nationality Act, which may strip citizenship from those residing abroad. Most older Nisei remain calm, while the uncertain majority awaits developments.
• FHA Work in US Defense Regions, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The President signed amendments creating Title VI of the National Housing Act, allowing the Federal Housing Administration to insure home construction in defense areas. The $100,000,000 authorization aims to supply 25,000 housing units for defense workers.
• Problems of Nisei in Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 4. State Department advice urges Nisei in Japan to return to the United States before the Nationality Act deadline of January 1943. The article explains how the Act could cost residents their citizenship, depending on their circumstances.
• Attention: Congress!, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Resolutions passed by the JACL opposing racial discrimination and calling for Nisei to be allowed to serve in all branches of the armed forces were entered into the Congressional Record. Representative John Z. Anderson agreed to include them.
• U.S. Civil Service, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The President’s April 23 order will bring about 125,000 additional federal jobs under Civil Service, partially effective July 1. The Civil Service Commission must prepare new examinations and registers to fill these positions.
• Commodity Review, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The commodity review reports on fruit, truck crop, potato, and dairy markets this winter. Records were set for milk and dairy output, and fruit prices rose on smaller crops and government purchases.

Commentary

• Our Stake in Loyalty, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial argues that American-born Japanese are as loyal to the United States as any citizen, despite the racial pressures they face amid rising US-Japan tensions. It cites the JACL’s recent resolution reaffirming allegiance to the nation.
• A Great Honor for Lodi, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Lodi high school student Patti Okura won the California American Legion essay contest, showing the value of American public education. The editorial praises her achievement as proof of Japanese American loyalty.
• Duties of Citizenship, by June Wada, page 2. June Wada’s prize-winning essay examines the responsibilities that come with citizenship in a democracy. She argues that good citizens must take part in public life and support their government.
• Alien Bills, by P.C. Staff, page 2. National Headquarters surveyed several bills in Congress affecting Japanese, including extensions for Oriental World War veterans seeking naturalization. It also notes a bill requiring newspaper editors and publishers to be US citizens.
• To 1942 Convention Hosts: Suggestions to Put Over a Most Successful Meeting, by Kay Nishida, page 3. Kay Nishida urges convention planners for the 1942 Oakland JACL convention to stage a patriotic demonstration of Nisei loyalty. He suggests a national speaker, participation by Nisei soldiers, and a press committee.
• Respecting Old Glory, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The article lays out the correct etiquette for displaying the American flag, including hours, half-staff procedure, and placement with other flags. It also lists practices to avoid, such as using the flag as drapery or advertising.
• In the Cookie Jar, by Ruth Tanbara, page 5. Ruth Tanbara shares recipes for gum drop, walnut, and meringue cookies with simple baking instructions. The column is part of the women’s page.
• On’ts to Remember in Milady’s Kitchen, by P.C. Staff, page 5. This column offers practical cooking tips on seasoning soups, cooking fish and lobster, basting roasts, and seasoning dressings. It also gives advice on removing common stains from table linens.
• Before the Doctor Comes, by Loise Skene, page 5. Loise Skene gives first-aid guidance on blisters, tourniquets, bed-table substitutes, and poisoning emergencies. The column stresses quick action and washing out the stomach.
• Ironing Board Blues, by P.C. Staff, page 5. This household article explains how to restore wool garments and press trousers, coats, and skirts properly. It recommends damp cloths, low heat, and proper hangers to keep clothes in shape.
• Fashion Fights, by Babette, page 5. Fashion expert Babette offers spring clothing advice on suits, jewelry, hats, coats, and color coordination. Her tips aim to help women look polished on a budget.
• Marketing Problems: Per Capita Consumption, by Dr. M. P. Rasmussen, page 10. Dr. Rasmussen argues that vegetable growers must raise per capita consumption rather than rely on controlling production. He contends that growers should target different income groups depending on their distance from markets.
• Informally Speaking: Greetings, Draftee, by A Farmer, page 10. A columnist offers a send-off speech for a Japanese American selectee, presenting military service as a way to prove loyalty and bridge the two nations. The speech frames the soldier as an ambassador of both cultures.
• Is Segregation Constitutional?, by Saburo Kido, page 11. JACL National President Saburo Kido reviews court decisions on racial segregation from 1849 through 1941, beginning with Massachusetts school cases. He notes that the Supreme Court’s 1896 ruling upheld separate accommodations, while the later Mitchell case challenged them.

In-Depth

• Women in Industries, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The article examines the growth of women’s employment and the economic barriers they face, including lower wages, discrimination against married women, and age limits. It draws on a Primer for Americans.
• Retirement Program: Federal Employees Guaranteed Security in Old Age Under Liberal System, by Lewis H. Fisher, page 9. Lewis Fisher, chief of the Civil Service Commission’s Retirement Division, explains the federal retirement system’s benefits, including age, disability, and involuntary-separation annuities. He describes how the annuities are computed and who is covered.
• Nisei Problems: Citizenship in the Balance, by Stanley Shimabukuro, page 13. Stanley Shimabukuro argues that Nisei are victims of circumstances during the international crisis, facing discrimination in employment and suspicion based on their appearance. He calls on Nisei to avoid defeatism and to work patiently for mutual understanding.

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