The 1938 JACL national convention in Los Angeles

Vol. 10, No. 24, September 1938. 4 pages. View this issue

The fifth biennial JACL national convention in Los Angeles filled this four-page issue. Delegates closed the session on September 5 after adopting a program built around loyalty to American institutions. They revised the Constitution, created a National Board, backed an endowment fund with a minimum goal of $100,000, and elected Walter T. Tsukamoto as president. Outgoing president James Y. Sakamoto and Tsukamoto each wrote to ask members for their support.

Inside are the full text of the revised Constitution, the resolutions the convention adopted, and a report on vocational guidance by the Rev. Kojiro Unoura. The editorial page looks back on the gathering. Isamu Masuda of Santa Ana Junior College won the national oratorical contest, and delegates took part in Nisei Week events, including a Pioneers’ Night banquet.

What’s in this issue

JACL

• League Delegates at Session Adopt Concrete Program, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The fifth biennial JACL national convention in Los Angeles closed after adopting a concrete program centered on loyalty to American institutions. Delegates revised the Constitution, placed the endowment fund on a firmer basis, created a National Board, and elected Walter T. Tsukamoto as president.
• Delegates Praised by Past Officials for Faithful Work, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Past national officers praised the delegates for their painstaking work during the convention. The National Council also recognized secretaries Teiko Ishida and Bessie Yemoto for their nearly constant service.
• Former President Pledges Support, by James Y. Sakamoto, page 1. Former president James Y. Sakamoto praised the convention’s achievements and asked the membership to support incoming president Walter T. Tsukamoto. He emphasized that broad cooperation would benefit the entire organization.
• Definite Plan at Fifth Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The convention set a minimum goal of $100,000 for the endowment fund and created a nine-member board to direct the campaign. Pledges were announced from chapters across California, Washington, and Oregon.
• Tsukamoto Named as League Leader, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Sacramento attorney Walter T. Tsukamoto was chosen national president, with Ken Matsumoto as vice president and Portland selected as the 1940 convention city. The new National Board includes district council chairmen and eligible past presidents.
• League President Asks Cooperation to Attain Success, by Walter T. Tsukamoto, page 1. Walter T. Tsukamoto called the Los Angeles convention the greatest in League history and thanked the host chapter and delegates. He asked every chapter to cooperate in carrying out the adopted programs.
• Editorial: The National Convention, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial praises the fifth biennial convention as one of the most effective ever held by the League. It argues the convention fixed the direction of the organization for the young for years to come.
• Endowment Program Fixed, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial calls the endowment fund decision highly satisfactory and explains the nine-member board structure and safeguards for the fund. It expresses hope that renewed momentum will allow the League to serve the second generation better.
• The New National Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 2. The editorial welcomes the newly elected national officers and urges solid membership support for President Tsukamoto. It notes his valuable service as national executive secretary.
• Revised Constitution of the Japanese American Citizens League, by Constitution Committee, page 2. The article reprints the revised JACL Constitution adopted at the fifth biennial convention in Los Angeles. It sets out the League’s policy, membership, officers, National Board, National Council, chapters, conventions, and amendment procedures.
• Resolutions Adopted at Session of League Held in Los Angeles, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The article reports resolutions adopted by the convention on immigration rights, unity of groups, dual citizenship, vocational surveys, alien veterans, oratorical contests, censuses, agriculture, public relations, and anti-subversion. It also lists endowment quotas and other resolves put forward by various sources.
• Vocational Plans Receive Study at National Session, by P.C. Staff, page 4. A vocational guidance report by the Rev. Kojiro Unoura, based on a study of University of California graduates, found that many Nisei college graduates were unable to find work matching their training. The report advocated organized vocational guidance and a full-time agency to help young people.
• League Co-operation Asked by President, by Walter T. Tsukamoto, page 4. President Tsukamoto asked chapters to cooperate fully with the new national officers and to reply promptly to national correspondence. He thanked the members for their confidence in the incoming administration.
• Former President Pledges Support, by James Y. Sakamoto, page 4. Sakamoto continued his appeal, thanking delegates, boosters, and the press for their cooperation and urging full support for the new program. He stressed that the League now stands more firmly as a citizenship organization committed to Americanism.
• Resolutions Are Adopted at Meet of National Body, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The article reports committee recommendations on Americanization, membership growth, a census and voter registration, a League hymn and pep song, membership drives, and vocational guidance. It describes plans to increase membership through chapter activities and drives.

Community

• Splendid List of Events Enjoyed by Delegations at L.A. Gathering, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Convention delegates enjoyed Nisei Week festivities including a coronation ball, parades, talent revues, and a Pioneers’ Night banquet honoring elders. Margaret Nishikawa was crowned queen and the Rev. Kosaburo Baba was honored as the event’s star.

Military & Veterans

• Southern California Youth Wins Oratorical Contest at Session, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Isamu Masuda of Santa Ana Junior College won first place in the national oratorical contest held during the convention. His speech called for active participation in citizenship as the basis for overcoming discrimination.

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