Times Readers Have Their Say

SAVING THE TREES

Editor, The Times:

There has been some very unsightly tree cutting all over our city by the various public utility companies in order to clear their wires, and it seems to me that much of it could be avoided. This does not mean that the wires should not be cleared, but that in the clearing the trees could be trimmed so as not to injure their contour and decorative appearance.

Pruning of this sort is now done on our boulevards by the Park Board and I suggest that, when it is necessary to cut trees, there should be a city ordinance requiring the Park Board, who have the trained personnel, to do the work and charge actual cost for the service. This would serve the double purpose of clearing the lines and insuring a properly performed job.

Many of our tree-lined streets are a natural asset of beauty and shade that should be guarded and protected.

MARSHALL McGINITIE, Seattle.

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THE RETURNING JAPANESE

Editor, The Times:

A large number of my associates have spoken with high praise and appreciation of your editorial fairness toward returning Japanese-Americans. You are practically alone, in your courageous policy, of the outstanding papers in this region. The job you are doing is one which is fundamental toward peace and understanding.

It is unfortunate, however, that the product of the headline writer's contributions is not as judiciously enlightened as that of the editors. I refer specifically to headlines which were somewhat distressing to friends of mine who are Nisei and extremely appreciative of the spirit of understanding and helpfulness which brought about the feature articles, to wit: "Loyal Japanese Returning Home," "Jobs Galore Offered Nisei."

"Nisei" means "first generation" as you know, usually used to refer to American citizens [citizens]. If loyal they are loyal Americans, therefore, born of Japanese-born parents. They are no more "loyal Japanese" than I, born in Illinois, am a "loyal Britisher" because my parents were born in England. Do you see the ambiguity?

The other headline was smiled at rather bitterly by Nisei who had two criticisms: first, they maintain that it is much more difficult, even before victory, for a Japanese-American than a Caucasian to find work: second, it may arouse a reaction. "People are offering them jobs when Caucasians are going to have a tough time..."

(Miss) M.A. GLOVER

5010 18th Ave. N.E.

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O.P.A. CHIEF APPRECIATIVE

Editor, the Times:

May I thank you for all you have done, and equally important for what you failed to do, during my two-year regime as district director of O.P.A. You were in position to hurt deeply or to foster our standing in the community, and I shall be eternally grateful that you chose the letter course.

A continuance will be like manna from Heaven to my successor, Irvin A. Hoff, who I can assure you will carry on the work of our office with the same integrity I endeavored to bring to it.

ARTHUR J. KRAUSS, Seattle.