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“What America Means to Me”

Cover of a red, white, and blue pamphlet, reading, "What America Means to Me, Judge D. S. Saund, Candidate for Congress, 29th District, Riverside and Imperial Counties,” with images captioned, “Speaker Sam Rayburn and Judge D. S. Saund, U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy and Judge D. S. Saund”/tiles/collection/2/28103.xml
Back cover of a red, white, and blue pamphlet with two white stars, and text reading, ‘Judge D. S. Saund has proved conclusively his understanding of and devotion to the basic meaning of our American ideals. After reading the moving story of his tireless and patient struggle to attain full citizenship rights for his countrymen and for himself, you will understand a measure of the love he bears for his America and for her people. We need this man's wisdom and loyalty in the Congress of The United States. The election of Judge D. S. Saund will promote international goodwill and greatly advance the cause of world peace.’ -John F. Kennedy, United States Senator. When elected I shall fly to the Middle East and to India, and appear before the people there. I shall tell them: 'You have been listening to the insidious propaganda of the Communists that there is prejudice against your people in The United States. Look - here I am, a living example of American Democracy in practice. The American people elected me to their Congress. Where else in the world could this happen?’’ -Judge D. S. Saund”/tiles/collection/2/28099.xml
Page spread with text and drawings of a soldier, a man at a desk in front of a California state flag, men at a table under a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and a photograph of the Saund family. The text reads, “The bill co-sponsored by Clare Booth Luce and Emanuel Celler was passed by Congress. On December 16, 1949 I appeared before Judge Elmer W. Heald and took the Oath of Allegiance. I was granted full citizenship upon the recommendation of the Department of Immigration. My political career started at the grass roots level. From a precinct worker, I was elevated by co-workers to the Chairmanship of the Imperial Valley Democratic Central Committee. For two years I have served on the Democratic State Executive Committee. In recognition for my loyalty and service to the party I was recently honored with membership on the committee to notify the Vice-Presidential candidate at the Chicago Convention. I had the proud distinction to serve as Temporary Chairman at the Democratic Convention in Sacramento. Less than a year after I became a full-fledged citizen, my neighbors, among whom I have worked for more than thirty- five years, elected me as their judge. Due to a legal technicality I was unable to serve. In 1952 I was re-elected and have since served as Judge of the Justice Court. In this capacity I received the solid support of all civic leaders and the people to clean up organized vice and corruption in my Judicial District./tiles/collection/2/28100.xml
Page spread with text and drawings of a graduation ceremony, a lamp shining inside a window, a man looking at a “No admittance” sign hung on “American Citizenship,” and men with their right hands raised in front of the U.S. flag. The text reads, “After my brother and provider died in 1922, I earned my living as a reader of examination papers, and had the satisfaction of receiving the highest academic degree – a PhD. at one of the world's greatest universities - the University of California. I was 24 years of age. At one of my lectures I met a budding young artist, later to become one of California's famous landscape painters. He invited me to his home to sit for a portrait. There I met his lovely sister, a co-ed at UCLA. Through her I pay my humble tribute to American womanhood, for like Will Rogers, ‘I found the only gal in my life.’ She is my wife, the mother of our three children, and my faithful companion. Our only son was fighting in the front lines in Korea. The newspapers carried stories of destruction and death. My wife, like thousands of mothers, fearfully ready every edition of the daily newspapers. We are proud of our son's role in the service of this country, and know from first hand experience what America owes its war veterans. I know, too, that the first duty of American statesmanship is to keep America strong and save mankind from the horrors of war. My father's people have an interesting custom. When a man takes out bankruptcy he must set a kerosene lantern in his window to burn in the daytime. In the 1930's I suffered staggering losses, as did countless farmers in Imperial and Riverside Counties. I owed large sums for seed and fertilizer. My creditors took out judgments. I was advised to file for bankruptcy, as many around me had done. I could not. I could not hang the lighted lantern in daytime in my window. In 1923 a U.S. Supreme Court decision barred natives of India from American citizenship. This worked great material and spiritual hardship upon me. I longed to enter the door of full citizenship, but could only glimpse within from the outside. But beyond the closed door I saw wider gates leading to full opportunity to all in America. In the good American tradition I decided not to moan or complain, but to take intelligent action. I organized the India Association of America and was elected its first president. Our purpose was to press for a Congressional bill restoring our rights to citizenship. My friends called my program fantastic. One wise and dear friend said, ‘Before you undertake the job of getting a bill passed by Congress in wartime for 2,000 poor Hindus, when minorities in the millions cannot get to first base, have your head examined - you're crazy.’ I told him that I have faith in the American sense of justice and fair play.”/tiles/collection/2/28101.xml
Page spread with text and drawings of Woodrow Wilson, Abraham Lincoln, the people on a ship near the Statue of Liberty, two boys in a fistfight, and the same boys, bruised and sharing a soda. The text reads, “As a student in Punjab, India, all that I knew about America was what I read in the British textbooks. I knew all about George III hut was kept in ignorance concerning one of the greatest historical events of all times. I refer to the American Revolution ... an incident which, in my opinion, has done more to bring joy and dignity to the lives of men than anything before or since in the annals of man. In 1918 America joined the 1st World War. For the first time Indian newspapers carried the speeches of Woodrow Wilson. I read them over-and-over-and-over. The great American war-time President was hailed as a Messiah in India. I was deeply touched by the beauty of his slogans - "To Make The World Safe For Democracy," "War To End War," "Self- Determination For "All Peoples." His picture looked down from my study walls. Woodrow Wilson introduced me to , the name of another great American War President - Abraham Lincoln. An overnight journey to the University seat of Punjab enabled me to borrow two books about Lincoln. In all my wanderings through the literature of the world, I have yet to come across oratory more eloquent, or an expression of human idealism more sublime, than that contained in the brief address delivered by a tall sad-looking American President at Gettysburg. Lincoln changed the entire course of my life. I said to myself, "I must go to The United States of America – come what may!" An incident occurred thirty-five years ago which remains as vivid in my mind as though it happened yesterday. We were delayed by fog for three years in New York Harbor. As the fog lifted we saw the faint outline of the Statue of Liberty. Hundreds of my fellow passengers - immigrants from all parts of the world - stood with bared heads and with cheeks wet with tears. To them America was the land of opportunity. To me it was all that, and more-it was The Home of Democracy. Finally, I had landed on the beloved soil of America. I look around me, and said to myself, "At long last, young man, you are a free man in a free country. You may go where you wish and say what you please." During thirty-five years residence in The United States I have had my share of pleasant and unpleasant experiences. But I can assuredly attest that not once has my right to say what I please been questioned by any man. I remember standing on the Berkeley High School campus. A group of youngsters stood in a circle around two boys fighting. Those watching the fight kept their hands off. They wanted to see a good, clean fight, and to see the ‘better man’ win. After the fight was over, I saw the two battered and bruised boys walk off arm-in-arm to drink one bottle of coke with two straws. This was my first experience with American sportsmanship. I vowed I'd rather lose ten times, and be called a good loser, than win each time and be considered a poor sport.”/tiles/collection/2/28102.xml
Cover of a red, white, and blue pamphlet, reading, "What America Means to Me, Judge D. S. Saund, Candidate for Congress, 29th District, Riverside and Imperial Counties,” with images captioned, “Speaker Sam Rayburn and Judge D. S. Saund, U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy and Judge D. S. Saund”
Back cover of a red, white, and blue pamphlet with two white stars, and text reading, ‘Judge D. S. Saund has proved conclusively his understanding of and devotion to the basic meaning of our American ideals. After reading the moving story of his tireless and patient struggle to attain full citizenship rights for his countrymen and for himself, you will understand a measure of the love he bears for his America and for her people. We need this man's wisdom and loyalty in the Congress of The United States. The election of Judge D. S. Saund will promote international goodwill and greatly advance the cause of world peace.’ -John F. Kennedy, United States Senator. When elected I shall fly to the Middle East and to India, and appear before the people there. I shall tell them: 'You have been listening to the insidious propaganda of the Communists that there is prejudice against your people in The United States. Look - here I am, a living example of American Democracy in practice. The American people elected me to their Congress. Where else in the world could this happen?’’ -Judge D. S. Saund”
Page spread with text and drawings of a soldier, a man at a desk in front of a California state flag, men at a table under a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and a photograph of the Saund family. The text reads, “The bill co-sponsored by Clare Booth Luce and Emanuel Celler was passed by Congress. On December 16, 1949 I appeared before Judge Elmer W. Heald and took the Oath of Allegiance. I was granted full citizenship upon the recommendation of the Department of Immigration. My political career started at the grass roots level. From a precinct worker, I was elevated by co-workers to the Chairmanship of the Imperial Valley Democratic Central Committee. For two years I have served on the Democratic State Executive Committee. In recognition for my loyalty and service to the party I was recently honored with membership on the committee to notify the Vice-Presidential candidate at the Chicago Convention. I had the proud distinction to serve as Temporary Chairman at the Democratic Convention in Sacramento. Less than a year after I became a full-fledged citizen, my neighbors, among whom I have worked for more than thirty- five years, elected me as their judge. Due to a legal technicality I was unable to serve. In 1952 I was re-elected and have since served as Judge of the Justice Court. In this capacity I received the solid support of all civic leaders and the people to clean up organized vice and corruption in my Judicial District.
Page spread with text and drawings of a graduation ceremony, a lamp shining inside a window, a man looking at a “No admittance” sign hung on “American Citizenship,” and men with their right hands raised in front of the U.S. flag. The text reads, “After my brother and provider died in 1922, I earned my living as a reader of examination papers, and had the satisfaction of receiving the highest academic degree – a PhD. at one of the world's greatest universities - the University of California. I was 24 years of age. At one of my lectures I met a budding young artist, later to become one of California's famous landscape painters. He invited me to his home to sit for a portrait. There I met his lovely sister, a co-ed at UCLA. Through her I pay my humble tribute to American womanhood, for like Will Rogers, ‘I found the only gal in my life.’ She is my wife, the mother of our three children, and my faithful companion. Our only son was fighting in the front lines in Korea. The newspapers carried stories of destruction and death. My wife, like thousands of mothers, fearfully ready every edition of the daily newspapers. We are proud of our son's role in the service of this country, and know from first hand experience what America owes its war veterans. I know, too, that the first duty of American statesmanship is to keep America strong and save mankind from the horrors of war. My father's people have an interesting custom. When a man takes out bankruptcy he must set a kerosene lantern in his window to burn in the daytime. In the 1930's I suffered staggering losses, as did countless farmers in Imperial and Riverside Counties. I owed large sums for seed and fertilizer. My creditors took out judgments. I was advised to file for bankruptcy, as many around me had done. I could not. I could not hang the lighted lantern in daytime in my window. In 1923 a U.S. Supreme Court decision barred natives of India from American citizenship. This worked great material and spiritual hardship upon me. I longed to enter the door of full citizenship, but could only glimpse within from the outside. But beyond the closed door I saw wider gates leading to full opportunity to all in America. In the good American tradition I decided not to moan or complain, but to take intelligent action. I organized the India Association of America and was elected its first president. Our purpose was to press for a Congressional bill restoring our rights to citizenship. My friends called my program fantastic. One wise and dear friend said, ‘Before you undertake the job of getting a bill passed by Congress in wartime for 2,000 poor Hindus, when minorities in the millions cannot get to first base, have your head examined - you're crazy.’ I told him that I have faith in the American sense of justice and fair play.”
Page spread with text and drawings of Woodrow Wilson, Abraham Lincoln, the people on a ship near the Statue of Liberty, two boys in a fistfight, and the same boys, bruised and sharing a soda. The text reads, “As a student in Punjab, India, all that I knew about America was what I read in the British textbooks. I knew all about George III hut was kept in ignorance concerning one of the greatest historical events of all times. I refer to the American Revolution ... an incident which, in my opinion, has done more to bring joy and dignity to the lives of men than anything before or since in the annals of man. In 1918 America joined the 1st World War. For the first time Indian newspapers carried the speeches of Woodrow Wilson. I read them over-and-over-and-over. The great American war-time President was hailed as a Messiah in India. I was deeply touched by the beauty of his slogans - "To Make The World Safe For Democracy," "War To End War," "Self- Determination For "All Peoples." His picture looked down from my study walls. Woodrow Wilson introduced me to , the name of another great American War President - Abraham Lincoln. An overnight journey to the University seat of Punjab enabled me to borrow two books about Lincoln. In all my wanderings through the literature of the world, I have yet to come across oratory more eloquent, or an expression of human idealism more sublime, than that contained in the brief address delivered by a tall sad-looking American President at Gettysburg. Lincoln changed the entire course of my life. I said to myself, "I must go to The United States of America – come what may!" An incident occurred thirty-five years ago which remains as vivid in my mind as though it happened yesterday. We were delayed by fog for three years in New York Harbor. As the fog lifted we saw the faint outline of the Statue of Liberty. Hundreds of my fellow passengers - immigrants from all parts of the world - stood with bared heads and with cheeks wet with tears. To them America was the land of opportunity. To me it was all that, and more-it was The Home of Democracy. Finally, I had landed on the beloved soil of America. I look around me, and said to myself, "At long last, young man, you are a free man in a free country. You may go where you wish and say what you please." During thirty-five years residence in The United States I have had my share of pleasant and unpleasant experiences. But I can assuredly attest that not once has my right to say what I please been questioned by any man. I remember standing on the Berkeley High School campus. A group of youngsters stood in a circle around two boys fighting. Those watching the fight kept their hands off. They wanted to see a good, clean fight, and to see the ‘better man’ win. After the fight was over, I saw the two battered and bruised boys walk off arm-in-arm to drink one bottle of coke with two straws. This was my first experience with American sportsmanship. I vowed I'd rather lose ten times, and be called a good loser, than win each time and be considered a poor sport.”
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Date

1956

Dimensions

8 3/8 × 5 1/2 in. (21.3 × 14 cm)

Accession Number

2008.043.008

Credit Line

Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives, Gift of Dr. Eric Saund

Object Details

Campaign biographies were part of American politics from the beginning, but when Dalip Saund published his in 1956, it was like nothing Americans had seen before. Saund was the first Asian American elected as a full-fledged Representative. In fact, until 1949, he and other immigrants from Asia were barred from acquiring U.S. citizenship. Saund lobbied for a bill to gain the right of citizenship. Once in Congress, he became one of the nation’s most convincing advocates abroad. “The American people elected me to their Congress,” he wrote in this pamphlet, “Where else in the world could this happen?”

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Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov