Rev. U. G. Murphy Aiding in Return of Loyal Japanese

Probably one of the best friends that the returning Japanese and Nisei of this area have is the Rev. U.G. Murphy, 305 17th Ave. S., retired Methodist minister, who devotes his full time to helping them find jobs and homes.

The minister, who is able to converse freely in Japanese, is working in cooperation with the Council of Churches, and National Relocation Authority and other agencies interested in helping Japanese who have been declared loyal to America. Last week, which was believed to be the peak week of the migration back to this area, saw between 400 and 500 Japanese return.

"They are closing down the relocation centers," Mr. Murphy said, "and we've got to face it. Most of the people have sons or brothers in the United States Army, and they deserve some consideration.

'Father Murphy' to Many

Mr. Murphy keeps a list of prospective jobs which are called in to him by individuals and firms. He knows the Japanese people and as fast as someone arrives who fits the job, it is filled. He has placed hundreds in domestic jobs, as gardeners, and in other positions.

The minister learned the Japanese language when he did missionary work in Japan from 1893 to 1908.

"The doctors sent me back to die in 1908," he said. "They gave me two years to live, and I didn't comply. I am 76 years old now and still going.

He is "Father Murphy" to his Japanese friends, and part of his rectory has been turned into a haven for them.

Japs Helping Each Other

"I am having difficulty filling all the requests I get for domestic help, because the young women are expert stenographers and typists, or have learned some other vocation," Mr. Murphy said. "It may be that when jobs are scarce, more of them will be forced to do domestic work."

Mr. Murphy said Japanese who have retained property here have opened their doors to others coming to the city. Several families occupy one home.

"Although they have been given housing at Renton by the W.R.A., it is quite a way out, and these people have to find work," Mr. Murphy said. "Therefore they are helping each other to get settled.

"Nearly every train brings a few more, and I have never been at the station when there have not been some of the Japanese colony there to greet whomever might arrive. I've never seen such successful cooperation. They are always ready to move over for a friend."

Mr. Murphy was busy making arrangements yesterday for an interview for Kenjiro Yoshizawa at Firland Sanitorium, where he may work as a gardener.

Occupying part of the rectory are Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Hushiguchi, whose two sons, Tech. Sergt. Nasuo Hushiguchi and Sergt. Hachiro Hushiguchi, are members of the famed 442nd Infantry Regiment. The family made room in their quarters this week for another family and for a soldier home on leave.