Vol. 13, No. 52, April 1941. 12 pages. View this issue
The twelfth anniversary of the 1929 San Francisco meeting that founded the national JACL opened this April 1941 issue. The front page recalled the delegates from Fresno, Stockton, Los Angeles, Brawley and Newcastle, and the resolutions they adopted. Nisei loyalty ran through much of the rest. Officers of Navy Intelligence, the Army and Los Angeles County voiced their faith in Nisei at a March 21 dinner, with remarks from Lt. Cmdr. Kenneth Ringle and Sheriff Biscailuz. JACL president Saburo Kido reported on Nisei enlistment, membership drives and the Endowment Fund.
Other pages looked at community life. Mary Ikeda and Tetsuo Katayanagi traced Japanese settlement in Oakland, Kay Nishida told the story of the House of Mystery on Octavia Street, and Mary Sugiyama wrote about learning the koto. Walter Tsukamoto’s Legal Forum answered questions on alien property, and Ruth B. Shipley of the State Department explained the Nationality Act of 1940. This 12-page issue also reported on the pin sales drive and the Endowment Fund quotas.
What’s in this issue
JACL
- April Marks Twelfth Year of National JACL at S.F. Since Organization Meet, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The 1929 San Francisco meeting that founded the national JACL is recalled on its twelfth anniversary, listing the delegates from Fresno, Stockton, Los Angeles, Brawley, and Newcastle. The article describes the convention schedule, officers, and resolutions adopted at the 1930 Seattle convention.
- President Saburo Kido Says Faith in Loyalty of Nisei Citizens, by Saburo Kido, page 2. JACL president Saburo Kido reports that Nisei enlistment under the Selective Service Act is high and that chapter membership drives are gaining strength toward a goal of 10,000 members. He also urges coordinated chapter programs and support for the National Endowment Fund.
- Quota Set for Each Chapter in Drive for Endowment Fund, by P.C. Staff, page 11. The National JACL launched its 1941 Endowment Fund drive under Tom Yego, setting a quota of $1.00 per 1940 member for each chapter. The goal is $25,000 by 1942 as a step toward a $100,000 fund for national headquarters.
- CYBL Votes Moral Support to JACL, by P.C. Staff, page 11. Bay and Central California districts of the Young Buddhist League presented resolutions at the CYBL convention in Los Angeles endorsing the JACL. The resolution pledges moral support and cooperation to broaden the JACL’s influence.
National
- Officers Invite SCDC Faith in Loyalty of Nisei Citizens, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Southern California District Council members attended a March 21 dinner with Navy Intelligence, Army, county, and Chamber of Commerce officials who voiced their faith in Nisei loyalty. Speakers including Lt. Cmdr. Kenneth Ringle, Sheriff Biscailuz, and Captain Riordan discussed the Nisei’s position in American citizenship.
Commentary
- Every Evidence of Sincerity, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Reprinting an editorial from the Marysville Appeal Democrat, the piece praises the JACL’s young Americans for their sincerity and loyalty despite tense U.S.-Japan relations. It argues the league’s members are willing to serve and deserve the public’s respect.
- Deserve Sympathetic Consideration, by P.C. Staff, page 2. An editorial urges sympathetic treatment of American-born Japanese facing suspicion during a period of strained relations, citing a case of a qualified draftsman distrusted because of his race. It argues that discrimination is undemocratic and that the loyal majority should not be judged by a few.
- A Tribute to Young Americans, by Rafu Shimpo, L.A., page 3. A reprinted prose poem celebrates America as the frontier of humanity’s civilization and aspirations, addressing young Americans as descendants of the pioneers. It traces the ancient civilizations and dreams that have converged in the nation.
- Japanese Press Attention to Nisei, by Goro Murata, page 4. From Tokyo, Murata observes that Japanese press coverage of Nisei rises and falls with U.S.-Japan tensions, though coverage is generally fair. He notes Nisei in Japan are discreet and that some students have begun leaving the country.
- Informally Speaking, by A Farmer, page 8. A Nisei farmer writes a personal column reflecting on writing difficulties, reading others’ work, and the suspicion Japanese Americans face in the press. He ends with a wry observation about responding to hostility with a grin.
- Legal Forum: Alien Property Concerns, by Walter Tsukamoto, page 10. Responding to a reader’s questions, attorney Walter Tsukamoto explains that a war with Japan would likely re-enact the Trading with the Enemy Act and create an Alien Property Custodian. He notes that the Japanese alien population is small and aged, making internment unlikely.
- Notes on Nationality Act, by Mrs. Ruth B. Shipley, page 11. Department of State passport chief Ruth Shipley explains provisions of the Nationality Act of 1940 regarding citizenship at birth and expatriation. She highlights the complex conditions affecting children born abroad and the presumption of expatriation for those residing abroad.
- Delia Job Stews, by P.C. Staff, page 11. A column answers questions on civil service protections for employees called to military service, explaining leave status and reinstatement rights. It describes how replacements are appointed and how returning employees may be treated.
In-Depth
- Oakland’s Japanese Town… First Sizeable Influx in 1903, by Mary Ikeda, Chr. Tetsuo Katayanagi, page 3. This historical survey traces Japanese settlement in Oakland from the 1884 arrival of the Domoto brothers through the 1903 influx of former Hawaiian plantation laborers. It covers the growth of bamboo furniture, nursery, and shoe repair businesses and the community’s organizations.
- Taming the Dragon, by Mary Sugiyama, page 5. The author describes learning the koto, a traditional Japanese instrument once reserved for the privileged classes, and reflects on its meditative origins. She notes its modern commercialization and its value for understanding Japanese culture.
Community
- Ghost House Mystery of Octavia Street, by Kay Nishida, page 4. Nishida recounts the story of Mary Ellen Pleasant and the so-called House of Mystery on Octavia Street near San Francisco’s Japanese community. The tale covers Pleasant’s manipulations in the Thomas Bell household before Bell’s death.
- Valley Civic League Heads Sale of Pins, by P.C. Staff, page 11. Kay Hirao reports on the National JACL pin sales drive, with Valley Civic League leading in gross receipts followed closely by Oakland and Gardena Valley. A complete chapter-by-chapter table is included along with the extended May 10 deadline.
Arts & Entertainment
- Letters Show Taste, Manners, by P.C. Staff, page 5. A etiquette column advises readers on when to use typewriters, handwritten notes, colored stationery, and paper sizes for social and business correspondence. It emphasizes that letters reflect personal taste and good manners.
Military & Veterans
- A Hawaii Nisei’s Viewpoint, by Shimabukuro, page 11. A Hawaii Nisei column defends Japanese Americans against a false espionage headline involving sampan registrations and describes Hawaii’s large Japanese population. It cites Delegate Samuel King and military officials who affirm Nisei draftees’ loyalty.
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