The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1907-07-25
LOCAL JAPS
| FORM SOCIETY
PROMOTE HARMONY and PEACE
Object 10 Exchange Ideas, Provide Sick
Benefit Fund and Better
Conditions.

| Last Sunday at the residence of
Chas. Sproat, in the Pine Grove dis
trict, there occurred a rather unique
event, which was the organization of
a society among the Japanese at Hood
River. In which Americans were in
vited to participate.
There we're preso about so people,
of whom half wtie Japs. The Am.
ericans were there by invitstion, and
fully enjoyed the occasion, In wit
Messing the customs Of the little
brown men, participating In a few
games, and tasting the Jap refresh
ments.
The idea of foi ming the local socie-
ty was originated by Geo. s. Nishiza-
XII, graduate of an Oregon college,
and who is foreman of Jap crew on
the place where the meeting was held.
In order to comply with the laws and
customs of his native land, he was re.
quired to get the royal consent of the
Mikado, and which being forthcom-
ing, he proceeded to call the meeting.
The stated objects of the society te-
ing to promote peace and harmony
between his own people and that Of
eho tnoy hT0 dt pIUb-
ent making their homes, 1t was ap-
propriate that the meeting be partici-
pated in by both races, and speakers
we're invited to speak In both English
and Japanese languages.
The meeting was called to order In
Sproat's apple house by Mr.. Nishiza-
XII, who stated that the object of the
meeting was the organization of q
protective association, in which there
we're three objects. First, to meet
monthly for the purpose of exchang-
ing views and improving the work
which they gave their employers.
Second, to pay monthly stipend to
create benefit fund-to be used In
case of sickness of the members.
Third, to have special meetings twice
year for the purpose of meeting
Americans in the interest of fraternal
relations and peace between the ma
tions.
The guest of honor was 7. Alba, of
Portland, Japanese consul to the
United States. He is an elder brother
of the hero of the Sea of Japan, who
wac captain of the ship which cap
tured two Russian admirals. His ad-
dress was in English.
The meeting was opened with Ipray.
or by the Japanese minister In charge
of the japanese mission at Portland.
Then followed the reading of the roy
al proclamation, signed by the I'm.
peror, giving them authority to hold
the meeting. It was read by Mr.. Al
ba, in Japanese, and before opening
the important document he bowed
twice before 1t very solemnly.
The Japanese national anthem was
sung by the foreigners In their own
language, the tune being hummed by
some of the Americana, and this was
followed by singing the American ma
tional anthem. After waiting for
some one to start it, Judge Henderson
led in the singing OF this patriotic
song, hut he got stuck In the middle
of the first verse. No one present
seemed to remember IL, so a young
Jap in the audience came to the res
cue and started every verse, the as
sembly following his lead to the end.
The refreshments consisted of three
courses. The first was biscuits, made
from -four and seaweed, the seaweed
being imprinted on the outside, with
lemonade. The second course was
cheese and crackers, with lemonade.
The third course was small waters,
made of rice flour and seaweed, with
lemonade.
A few games followed, participated
in by many of those present. Miss
Sproat won the lemon race for girls
and Sid Henderson the race for boys.
1t consisted of holding lemon on q
paper plate, while running to q given
point and back, the first one to bring
the lemon and plate to the goal win
ming the race.
The formation OF the society affects
about 100 Japs who are permanently
located here as workers, and II the
object as stated at the meeting are
faithfully carried out, it will be
benefit to all.
The following is the program.
S. Nishizaki, chairman.
Prayer-Rev. L. Kitazawa.
Proclamation of kImperial Ediot--
Consul L. Alba.
Kimi-Gayo, (national song OF Ja-
pam - repeated thrice by all.
Expectation to the society-H. Shi.
geno.
Address--Judge j. l.. Henderson.
Address Rev. s. Wakabayashi.
Address-Consul L. Alba.
Address-M. Takamatsu.
Address, L. Kitazawa.
Address H. Okita.
Word of Thsnks-H. Morioka.
America, (nationsl song Of the
United States)-by all.
Dai Nippon Teikoku, banzsi.
America, banzai.
Golki kyyokwai, banzai.
SavaraI anteftaj N mants fnlIowad