Vashon Man Fined $1,000 for Burning Japs' Homes

Harold S. Burton, 22-year-old Vashon Island farm worker who, with two youths, burned homes of evacuated Japanese, was fined $1,000 by Superior Judge James T. Lawler today.

Burton, father of two children, said he believed the Japanese would not return to the island if he burned their houses.

The trio set four fires between January 27 and February 1. Burton pleaded guilty to second-degree arson. Several of the homes were old, but one was modern and well furnished, Deputy Prosecutor Duane T. Shinn, said.

Burton said he did not care for Japs, "because they always thought they were better than we were."

Judge Lawler remanded Burton to the custody of the sheriff until he pays the fine or elects to serve in the county jail at the rate of $3 a day, or about 11 months.