Issue Date
1951-02-23
Volume
13
Issue Number
4
Plaintext
• y.
Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America
VOL. XIII NEW YORK, N. Y., FRIDAY. FEBRUARY 23, 1951 No. 4
WELFARE PLAN INVESTS
500 Gs IN GOV'T BONDS
Deferment Of Seamen
On A National Scale
NecessaryForDefense
Matthew Dushane, Washington representative of the
Seafarers International Union, this week again urged Na
tional Selective Service and Goveriunent representatives
to immediately effect draft deferment of merchant seamen
to insure continued skilled manning of the nation's rapidly
expanding fleet.
In a plea for "realistic handling of the nation's defense
needs," the SIU representative lashed out at the present
procedure, which leaves deferment to the discretion of local
boards, as "failing to meet' >
the problem squarely."
Manning of the vessels
that carry supplies and war
• ;.;V
materiel ta the • nation's armed
forces and allies throughout the
world is a national problem and
cannot be dealt v/ith at local
levels, Dushane pointed out. Con
sequently, a national directive
placing skilled seamen in de
ferred status is essential, he de
clared.
' Dushane's demand for toplevel
action is the latest of repeated
calls made by the SIU for a
clearcut, uniform policy of de
ferment for seamen.
URGED POLICY
Ever since the outbreak of hos^
tilities in Korea, the SIU has
been urging adoption of a policy
that recognizes the needs of the
maritime industry in carrying
out its role in the defense setup.
"In pushing for deferment of
seamen, the Union has appealed
to Selective Service officials on
all levels, national, state and
iQcal. Throughout the campaign
it has pointed up the fact that
the absence of a deferment classi
fication for seamen is not only
taking skilled manpower from
the ships but is cutting down
th^e supply of potential officer
ipaterial.
• In this week's demand for ac
tion, Dushane said that the con
tinued drafting of seamen shiow
e'd that the local boards appar
ently db not understand thb na^
tional iinportimce of the maritime
industry, "t
The Seafarers Welfare Plan put a halfmillion dollars of its reserve
fund to work last week in solid, interestbearing United States Government
bonds. With the purchase of two series of Government issues of $250,000 each,
the fund began earning money which will go toward defraying the adminis
trative costs of operating the Welfare Plan. One of the series pays 2'/^ per
cent interest, and the other 2'/^ percent.
The transaction was arranged through the Chase National Bank of
New York, which will hold the bonds in custody. John Heffeman, an official
of the banking institution handled the details of the negotiation, which was
consummated in the offices of the Seafarers Welfare Plan, 11 Broadway,
New York City.
In the presence of members of the Board of Trustees, representing the Union
and companies. Administrator Max Harrison turned a check for $500,000 over to the
Chase Bank oflFicer.' .
The decision to purchase the Government bonds was made by the Plan's Trus
tees in view of the strong reserve accumulated in the first sixmonths of operation.
• 'In addition to earning in
come, the bond investment
represents a substantial and
safe contingency reserve,
further solidifying the status
of the Welfare Fimd.
The sound financial position
of the Welfare Fund was re
vealed in a report on the first
six months of operation, issued
by the auditing firm of Arthur
A. Andersen and Company of
New York.
As a result of the bond pur
chase, the objective for which
the Union representatives on
the Board of Trustees have beeii
shooting — to eventually make
the Fund selfsustaining so that .
all company contributions will
go for benefit payments — came
closer to realization.
Interest on the bonds will cut
down the administrative costs
and, should the Fund be in' a
position to invest similarly in.
the future, the income could
conceivably be sufficient to cov-
er all administrative costs. At
that point every penny paid into
the Fund would be used solely,
{Continued on Page 6)
Max Harrison (right >, Seafarers Welfare Plan Administrator, presents check for $500,000
bond purchase to John Heffernan, Custody Officer representing the Chase National Bank of
New York in the transaction.
. » ^
SIU Stewards Dep't School Taking Shape
Plans formulated several weeks
ago for establishment of « Stew
ards Department ading
school in the Sltf ̂ new^ Head
quarters Kew. i^brk Brghc^
building are v. rapidljr ' taking
.shape. • • ;
According, to X FifMchYlto
Ib^t, »peirinanent Ttfiairsq^',^^, thf„
committee of Stewards Depart
ment personnel, which met re
cently to discuss means of utiliz
ing the building's fnodern galley
facilities to increase department
al efficiency, and to trqin new
ineh for shipF^kterd < duties, '^eal
;pipgtes$ is. being made. '
be
ready to function when our new
building is completed this
spring."
The committee chairman re
vealed that efforts'ate being con
centrated on achieving a uni
fonh system of ; Stewards De
partment operation oh all SFJ
contracted ships; • •
"Letters have been s«jt to
each of our 74 contracted ope j^'J
rators, requesting a complete set
of literature used by them in f I
their Stewards Department ope
rations," Michelet said.
Piles have been set up and
si3 the store books and othe?
V fCbeitiww* w ^
> F'
Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. February 23. 1951
• ,r".
SEAFARERS LOG
Vuhlhhei Every Other Week by the
' SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION
OF NORTH AMERICA
Atlantic and Gulf District
Afiiliated with the American Federation of Labor
At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y.
HAnover 22784
Reentered as second class matter August 2, 1949, at the Post
Office in New York, N.Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912.
267
Li
11
What Manpower Problem?
"Leave nothing to chance" aptly describes the
theory behind the SIU's planning for the multitude of
problems that constantly aris in the maritime industry.
Maritime is unlike any shoreside industry. Its prob
lems are different in almost every respect. Chief among
these is the upanddown nature of shipping which has
prevailed since the late Thirties.
To a large degree the responsibility for this instabil
ity rests with those in our Government who failed to
heed the repeated warnings issued by the Seafarers and
other sections of the marine industry that there was a
vital need for a longrange program to insure an ade
quate merchant fleet, both in peacetime and in emer
gency situations.
The prevailing emergency, deeply affecting. our na
tional security as it does, sharply points up the validity
of those unheeded warnings.
Had a longrange shipping program been instituted
by our Government immediately after the last, war, when
it became apparent that our fleet was rapidly shrinking,
it is most probable that the hasty hauling of ships out of
the layup fleets would not be necessary.
And just as important, there would not have been
any loss of the vast amount of skilled manpower that
was built up in the course of manning the wartime mer
ichant fleet.
But lamentable as this situation was, simply shed
ding tears over it has no corrective value.
The SIU's experience in the maritime industry has
"taught it that unless clear, independent judgment is ex
ercised in preparing for any situation, we could be
caught with our pants down. And equally important as
foreseeing a problem is being ready, able and willing to
do something about it.
Thanks to that philosophy, the current manpower
shortage, which has other maritime organizations in a
dither, is no problem of the SIU, despite the increased
manning needs of a constantly expanding fleet. ^ The
NMU, for exarriple, this week announced that, in the
past 30 days, 142 of its contracted ships has been delayed
in sailing, and 125 more had sailed short because it lack
ed men.
True, the iailure of the Government to set up a
national policy of draft deferment has eaten into the
ranks of skilled seamen. But the fact that the SIU is
fully able to meet all demands for manpower niiade by
its contracted operators arid its ability to keep the ships
sailing right on schedtde is no accident.
The SIU was not caught with its pants down, be
cause it saw what was coming and prepared itself for
the situation. It goes back to early last fall, when it be
came obvious that the communists w'ere determined to
prolong the Korean conflict.
The SIU immediately turned to. Contact was made
with all retired meriibers who had been skilled seamen in
,World War II, asking if they would be available in an
emergency. Large numbers of these men indicated they
would, and have become a source of skilled manpower to
be tapped w^n needed. '
Sounds simple now, doesn't it? But it was a tremen
dous project when it was first laid out those many
months ago. At any rate, as fast as new ships are ac
quired, either through our older contracted outfits, or
through newly contracted companies, they are sailing
on schedule, with full crews.
AU wo can say at this j^int is: Bring on the
ghlps! Well ke^ on manning and sailing them
on time
MANHATTAN BEACH
FRED W. GRIMES
JOSE DE JESUS
E. LOPEZ
H. TUTTLE
J. H. ASHURST
E. FERRER
JOHN T. EDWARDS
JOHN DRISCOLL
VIC MILAZZO
MATTHEW DRUNO
PETER VORKE
R. A. BLAKE
JOHN PADZIK
A. LOMAS
R. F. LARSEN
T. P. SULLIVAN
B. T. KNEW
^ %
FORT STANTON
. SILVESTER WALKER
WILLIAM J. MEEHAN
HARRY THURMAN
GIDLOW WOODS
DONALD P. McDONALD
^ 3}
STATEN ISLAND
L. BLIZZARD
J. SLAMAN
EUGENE E. MILANESI
S. GLYPTIE
P. PRON
G. BRAXTON
K. C. CROWE
T. CONNELL
C. COLLETTI
F. CHRISTNED
R. GUZMAN
S. C. CUNNINGTON
B. ZIELINSKI
FRANK B. STRELITZ
J. B. GARRISON
J. FIGUERAU
K. SKARI .
R; PELASOJA
C. RAMOS
R. CONWAY
C. HUNEYCUTT
, * % X
SAN • FRANCISCO
RUSSELL E. MORRISON
R. H. PITZER
WILLIAM J. SULLH^'AN
PAUL GAY
CHARLES JOHNSON
JAMES HODO
JAMES n
E. L. PRITCHARD
C. L. MOATS
HARVEY HILL
E. ROBINSON
EDWARD .DANBACH
t
WELFARE ISLAND
THOMAS COYNE
XXX
DEERS HEAD
Salisbury, Md.
MICHAEL J. LUCAS .
XXX
BALTIMORE
JOHN GREER
LUDVIG KRISTIANSEN
WILLIAM" D. WARMACK
J. J. LONG
G. L. SHARTZER
XXX
NEW ORLEANS
C. A. BROWN
M. F. BUSBY
W. O. CARA
R. CRUZ
R. ELLISON
E. H. FAIRBANKS
A. W. GATEWOOD ,
G. C. GIERCZIC
E. E. GROSS
L. A. HOLMES
D. D. KELLY
G. KRETZER
H. P. LAGAN
LEO LANG
A. MARTIN
M. McDONALD
K. RAANA
CLAUDE RAY
C. R. SANDE^RSON
S, S. SCHIEFFLER
ROBERT W. THOMPSON
L. TICKLE
XXX
BOSTON
T. F. DALY
F. J. DIRKESMEYER
R. LUFLIN , s
A. D. LEVA
A. FERRIE
XXX
SAVANNAH
ROBERT C. BENNETT
IVEY PEACOCK
H. HENZE
^ GALVESTON
T. HlCKEY
A. MACIEL
J. O. McCANN
O. P. SMITH
X X X
MOBILE
S. PINER
TIM BURKE
'A. McGUIGAN
Men In Hospitals
Seafarers who want to
be eligible for the Wei
fare Plan's weekly hos<
piial benefits should make
sure they have their Un
ion books, seaman's pa
pers and copies of their
last discharges with them
upon entering the hos
pital.
Union Patrolmen will
pay the sevendollar ben,
efits to . the eligible mem
bers for each full week
of hospitalization during
their weekly visits. Fail
ure of a hospitalized Sea
farer to have the above
mentioned papers with
him will prevent the Pa
trolman from making the
benefit payments.
Hospitalized members
who have not yet filled
out beneficiary cards for
the Welfare Plan cui ob
t»i:i th ie&m the Hos
pStal Patrolmen.*
I
'f
.Friday. February 23. 1951 0 THE SEAFARERS LOG
;7SE^,s • &,: '; • >>
:9. • •
Page Three
SlU Manpower Program Delivers In Pinch
'R^arkable Job In Keeping Our Ships Manned'
Despite the heavy demands made upon the Seafarers'by its contracted operators—old and new
—no SIXJ ship was delayed in sailing, or was forced to sail shorthanded—all were manned by experi
enced seamen, thanks to our farsighted manpower program. Printed below are a few of the comments
made by our operators within the past few days, proof enough that the SIU has fulfilled its contract
in all respects. '
^ To those in Washington who have fears about manning any new ships that may be pulled out of
the honeyards, we say, "Give them to us. We have plenty of experienced men on hand and on tap. We'll
crew them all, with experienced, capable crews."
We wish lo express to your organization, our grat
itude. for the spendid cooperation extended to us by
your Headquarters officials and various port agents.
With shipping conditions as they are today, your
organization has done a remarkable job in keeping our
ships manned. On many recent occasions we would call
upon your port agents to expedite a vessel's signon
and they personally saw to it that the missing jobs were
filled in time for vessel's clearance.
Last weekend we were able to crewup two ships
through your Mobile Hall withfar four hours' notice,
while others who held contracts with other unions
couldn't meet their sailing schedule due to crew short
ages. even though they had given over twentyfour
hours' notice to hire.
We ieel we would be very ungrateful had we not
taken the time to rcognize your success in meeting oifr
demands under present day conditions.
MARTRADE CORPORATION
James A. Poll
Marine Personnel
was rejected by the Coast Guard screening committee.
At the hour of reporting aboard for sailing all hands
were present and sober and no delay whatever occurred.
This Company is very pleased with such favorable
cooperation by the Union* and it's membership and
relies on future departures being equally smooth and
uneventful.
EASTERN STEAMSHIP LINES. Inc.
R. M. Litchfield, !
Marine Superintendent
This Company was first founded in 1948 and has
never had a vessel delayed due to the Union's inability
to furnish men. There are times when we call upon the
Union to fly men to Europe to replace crews whose ar
ticles have terminated, and they have always cooper
ated with us in this respect.
UNITED STATES PETROLEUM CARRIERS. Inc.
Walter Schafer.
Manager
Recently Eastern Steamship Lines. Inc.. bareboat
chartered from the Maritime Administration the SS
Cedar Rapids Victory. This vessel sailed from Brooklyn.
N. Y.. at 1:30 A.M.. February I4th, with a full cargo of
bulk wheat destined for the Austrian Government' at the
port of Trieste. .
Being the initial voyage after having been laid up
several years the crew was assigned progressively as
required. As each call was made for men the Union,
dispatched them promptly with their gear and in all
respects ready to turn to. Preparing the vessel for her
first voyage required night, Sunday and Holiday work
which was carried out by the crew efficiently and with
out delay. At the time of signon the entire crew was
present, signed the articles without qumtion as to des
tination. term of months> area of payoff, etc.. and all
members passed the physical examination;, no member
We wish to take this opportunity to express our
thanks and appreciation for the cooperation and good
will shown by you and the membership in general of
the SIU.
Ever since we signed an Agreement with you in
May. 1948. we have had nothing but praise for the
Seafarers from the Masters and Officers of our vessels.
We are to this date, and believe will remain, absolutely
satisfied with the quality and caliber of seamen supplied
by your Union.
In all the payoffs we have had on our vessels for
the last 2V2 years, we cannot remember one that has
caused this Company any inconvenience, loss of time
or in any way interfered with the operation of the ves
sels. We are proud of this record, because it shows only
too clearly that harmony can and must exist between
labor and management.
Li praising the Seafarers, we must not forget to
give credit for this smooth relationship to your staff
members here in New York and elsewhere for whom
no problem is too trivial to iron out. Their help and
cooperation have been most important.
In concluding let us say that with SIU crews on
board our vessels have performed like few others could.
We are proud of the Seafarers. *
STRATHMORE SHIPPING COMPANY. Inc.
A. T= Vatis
SecretaryTreasurer
We have several vessels, both tanker and dry cargo,
under contract with the Seafarers International Union,
and up to this very date, we have had no delays in
procuring any personnel for our vessels under agree
ment with the Seafarers International Union. Particul
arly during the last few weeks, when additional vessels
were placed under that labor organization, the coopera
tion of their Union officials up to the present date have
been satisfactory.
ORION SHIPPING 8c TRADING CO..
N. Manolis
Inc.
SIU Stewards Dep't School Taking Shape
(Continued from Page 1)
data begin arriving, they will be
arranged, tabulated and filed for
reference, he explained.
Upon completion of this, phase
of the job, the committee will
correlate all of the pertinent in
jformation contained in the print
ed matter and then devise a set
of master forms, suitable to the
needs of. all companies.
, The Union will then request a
meeting with the operators in
^ effort to have a uniform sys
tem adopted.
Once e uniform method of
keeping store bopks, linen rec!
ords, inventory forms and simi
iJflr data has been achieved, "the
task of teaching our Stewards
to do their hook work properly
will be simplified immeasurably,
and one of the real somces of
trouble with the operators will
have been eliminated," Michelet
pointed out.
In another phase of the school
planning, A1 Bernstein, SIU In
ternational Representative, con
tacted the national headquarters
of the butchers, bakers and cul
inary unions, and has received
assurances that, each of these
national organizationa' will co
operate fully in furnishing all the
text bapks and pertktent mate
rial .necessary to set up an up
grading schpql second to none.
In addition, several of the un
ions have offered to designate
master journeymen in the re
spective trades to lecture at the
SIU Stewards Department classes.
COMPREHENSIVE FORM
Michelet also disclosed that
the mass of information being
accumulated will be "set up in
comprehensive form by the com
mittee and then passed on to
Headquarters Representative A1
Kerr, who will then work out
a simplified method of passing
this information on to our
Stewards Department person"*^
in the Union upgrading school."
Meauwhile, as reconstruction
of the Brooklyn building pro
gresses, installations are being
made for the galley, bakery and
butcher shop, which upon com
pletion will provide one of the
most modern, wellequipped on
thejob training facilities of its
kind.
Seafarers enrolling in the
Stewards Department Upgrading
School will have every oppor
tunity to become masters of their
respective jobs under actual
shipside conditions..
The school will have use of
the building's cafeteria, a priv
ate dining room, classrooms, ship
style sample bunks and other
facilities in u» abqard vessi^.
^ The SIU is continuing to sup
ply full crews for all contracted
ships without any delay in sail
ing schedules, despite the diffi
culties presented by the draft
boards' drain of manpower.
The Union's ability to crew up
all vessels of its old contracted,
operators, and those of the new
ly organized companies that have
acquired ships coming out of
the layup fleets, stems largely
from the fact that it marshalled
a reserve of manpower."
Shortly after the Korean con
flict broke out, the SIU began
accumulating a reserve of ex
perienced seamen from among
members who had sailed in
World War II.
In other maritime unions, how
ever, there are already signs '
that the manpower demands
posed by the nation's rapidlyex
panding merchant fleet ai'e hav
ing critical effect.
The NMU, for example, an
nounced this week that 142 of
its contracted ships were delayed
in meeting sailing schedules in
the last 30 days and that 125
more were forced to sail short
handed because skilled seamen
were not available.
In face of the withering effect
of the continued drafting of
• skilled men from its ranks, the
SIU's prompt manning of con
tracted ships has evoked fav
orable comment among the op
erators*. Examples of some of
the companies' testimony to the
Union's successful job appear in
the adjoining columns.
While maintaining that it could
deliver its end of the contract
in manning and sailing the ships,
the Union pointed out that it
was doing so in spite of the
drain on its manpower resulting
from the drafting of seamen,
which it is strongly opposihg.
3040 Ships
Coming Out
Every Month
The Government's transporta
tion requirements in carrying
out the military and foreign aid
programs means that "30 to 40>
ships a month" must be reacti.
vated for "a considerable period,".
ViceAdmiral Edward Cochrance,
Federal Maritime Administrator,
declared last week.
"The obvious probability of in
creased military demands calls,
for the nation's merchant marine
to fill its proper role in our,
security efforts," Admiral Coch
rane said.. •
In commenting on the manner.
of manning the ships, the Mari,
time Administrator said, "For its
manpower, we must rely on the;
maritime industry and labor." .
The Union's position op this
announcement was that in view
of its unfailing ability to man all,
of its contracted ships with no'
holdups in sailings, and the dif
ficulties faced by other maritime,
unions in getting: full crewS;
aboard their vessels, it appears,
that at least 50 percent of the
reactivated ships should go to,
the SIU.
Unless such a ratio is followed
in allocation of the ships to be.
placed into service, the Govern,
meat agency will obviously be
failing to act in tJie best interj
ests of maritime efficiency, a^
consequently, in the interests (
the nation in .the present ,emer/
^ency, the Union contends.
Page Four THE SE At ARERS LOG * Friday, February 23. 1951
Army Baif?
These Tips
May Aid You
Do you remember that sun
ny day when you left the
Army? The last words you
heard as you ran to catch the
bus were the fond farewell of
the topkick. "You'll be back,"
he said. "You'll be back."
For many that prediction is
coming true, if you're one of
those called up in the reserves—
or if you're going into the armed
forces for the first time—there
are a number of things you
should take care of before you
leave.
A check of each item on the
list can save you a mess of
trouble later on:
Power of Attorney: To handle
your affairs while you are away,
you should give your wife, or
your father, or your mother, a
power of attorney.
Papers: Get all your valuable
papers in; one safe place—a safe
deposit vault, if they are that
valuable, or at least get them
together in a tin box which you
can turn over to your wife (and
go through the papers with her,
so she knows what's there).
Wills: Prepare a will.
Life Insurance: Get your life
insurance in order. Be sure you
have designated the beneficiaries
you want today. Do you want
the insurance paid lumpsum or
in installments? Make arrange
ments to have your premiiuns
paid. You may want to change
your insurance by reducing the
cost without reducing the cover
age.
Leases: If you are renting,
make some arrangement about
your lease, to continue it or to
get out of it. If you give proper
notice, you have no liability un
der your lease after you enter
the service.
Fire Insurance: If you have
fire and personal property insur
ance, make some arrangement
about cancelling the policies if
you don't need them any more,
or to pay the premiums when
the premiums come due. If you
cancel, you are due a refund.
Cari Transfer the title of your
car to whoever is going to use
your car. Same with your auto
insurance. If your wife is going
to drive a lot less than you,
chances are you can get a re
fund on your insurance. And if
you sell your car, you are en
titled to a refund.
Valuables: Prepare a list of
everything of value you own,
including all life insurance pol
icies and all the benefits you
are entitled to, and turn the list
over to your wife or father.
Home: If you are buying your
; home, find out what your rights
I are under your mortgage, and
make some provision to keep
the payments up or to defer
# principal payments.
I Last Word: If you have any
feeling about how or where you
want Jto be buried, in ca.se that
p is necessary, leave instructions
with your family,
if Vote: If your state has ab
sentee ballots, arrange to get
them while you are away,
IMail: If you want your mail
forwarded, send the post office
a changeofaddress card.
Taxes: Pay up your property
income taxes.
Bank Acoount: Make your
account a joint account
ith your wife with survivor
^s. ,
Good Joe
Nicolas S a li b a, bartender
and waiter at Hotel Post, Port
de Bouc, France, has won a
host of friends among SIU
men because of the helping
hand he extends to them, ac
cording to Seafarers returning
from that port. Nick has copies
of the LOG on hand, at all
times.'
Shipping In Mobile
Continues To Be Good
By CAL TANNER
MOBILE — Shipping in this
port for the past two weeks
has been very good, but we still
have quite a few men on the
beach looking for a job.
For the coming two weeks
shipping should be fair, with
three offshore ships due for pay
off and a possibility of crewing
two ships from the laidup fleet.
These are the John P. Harris
and the Edward Janeway.
Ships due for payoff and re
placements are: the Alcoa Rang
er, Alcoa Corsair, Alcoa Pilgrim,
Alcoa Cavalier, Monarch of the
Sea, Desoto and the Fairhope.
Some of the men on the beach
at the present time are: E. D.
Moyd, Bill Wallace, W. Tracy,
Bill Manley and Andy George.
Men in the hospital include S.
Piner and Tim Burke.
A Senate report on LaborManagement
Relations in the East Coast Tanker Industry
was released recently. This covered our big •
beef with Cities Service. Old "LaborNeeds
Me" Taft in an individual view reported
that he could not see any value in review
ing the history of labor disputes which* were
dealt with satisfactorily by law, and where
labor relations were at the moment satis
factory. That's probably the same manner
in which he dreamed up the DaftHartley
Act. He further reported that he cannot find
any evidence of companydominated union
ism in the entire oil tanker industty. I
thought that even guys like Taft: had heard
of such outfits like Standard Oil.
Ray Oates writes in to let you all know
that hie can give you plenty of seatime
either, aboard ship or right in Seattle, where
the immediate area has been under water
for two weeks. ... James Mitchell, Paul
Haradon and R. F. Jacobs, who were for
merly employed aboard the Archer's Hope,
have overtime checks waiting foj them .in
the Organizer's office. . . . Ditdiddadiddit
—Just thought I'd try it out, Walter. . . .
Almost forgot—Edmund Spencer, off the
Bradford Island, also has a check laying
around waiting to be cashed.
Eddie Bis dropped us a post card from .
Daytona Beach, asking if it was safe to
come up North. The boy listened to us and
is now aboard the Chiwawa, which just
came back from a threemonth trip—at sea
of course. . . . Matthew Bruno, you have
not been forgotten. Remember, patience is
a virtue. What's that you say? Who the heck
wants to be virtuous? ... A fellow named
Joe Arabasz is now aboard the Strathcape
out of Galveston, which will undoubtedly
be of great interest to all who do not know
him.
The MSTS has asked for 34 additional
Victories to be taken out of layup for op
eration under charter to them. There are
reportedly only about 50 Victories left in
the reserve fleet. In the meantime the ship,
yard workers starve . . . The key personnel
for the proposed National Shipping Auth
ority have been selected by Vice Admiral
Cochrane, even though this outfit has not'
been officially established as yet. This Authr
ority will be the "big wheel" on future
maritime policy and affairs. Or so they say.
A Canadian chemist contends that kissing
originated as' pure and simple chemistry.'
The cave jnan needed salt to keep cool in
hot weather. He soon found that he could
get salt by licking his neighbor's cheek. He
also found out that if the neighbor was of
the opposite sex it was more spicy (good
pun), so he forgot all about the salt because
after he got his portion of salt it was still
hot. ... 88 percent of the privatelyowried
tanker fleet has qualified for participation
in the Voluntary Plan for Control of Tanker
Capacity to the Department of Defense.
Some title! This means that various oil car
riers agree to use their ships to carry oil
where directed by the Defense Department.
If such a plan was not set up, the govern
ment would have to step in and requisition
tankers NOT SO voluntarily.
Here we go again department—If you are
young enough to be drafted now, or if the
daft age, I mean draft age, is raised a few
years, you may help keep yourself aboard
ship IF you have ratings, and the more the
merrier. Pumpmen and, Electricians will be
handled with kid gloves, you know, not the
type Robinson used with La Motta. It is also
very important that you sail consistently
and keep in touch with your. local draft
board. Otherwise, Louis Coffin will be cus
sing you at the retirement eounter. Green
ticket ABs will give^ou the green light
with many a board.
Tell CC You Want Original Papers Back
By EARL SHEPPARD
NE'W YORK—The port of New
York is in good shape with busi
ness and shipping bringing no
complaints from anyone. A size
able number of ships hit in here
for payoffs during the past two
weeks and took replacements in
numbers large enough to dig
deep in the backlog of men.
All together we paid off 24 ships
and sigiied on 8.
The ships paid off are: .^Eli
zabeth, Robin Tuxford, Bienville,
Cape Mohican, Claiborne, Bull
Run, Sand Mate, Sand Chief,
Sand Captain, Beatrice, Inez,
Topa Topa, Alawai, Azalea City,
Evelyn, Frances, Marina, Fair
land, Wanda, Doncaster, Gate
way City, Puerto Rico, Lafay
ette, Golden City and Suzanne.
SIGNONS
Those signing (^n are: Steel Na
vigator, Beatrice Victory, Bea
trice, Cedar Rapids 'Victory,
Beauregard, Steel Executive and
Robin Tuxford.
The maritime security program
is now in full swing and sea
men are going through the nec
essary steps to take out the new
validated document, but it seems
that a lot of SIU men are get
ting a bit fouled up in the pro
cess.
Here's the procedure, pure and
simple, aijd is the method used
by every Coast Guard office in
the country: First you fill out
the form for validated papers
and give it to the Coast Guard.
They'll tell you to come back
in about two months.
TELL THEM
Then, when you return and
they have your approval back
from Coa.st Guard Headquarters,
then and there tell thefirst clerk
or official you speak to that you
want your original seamen's pa
pers back. If you don't tell them
at once the whole works is
fouled up.
Now that you've told them
you want your papers back
they'll process you past a dozen
or so clerks and at the end you'll
receive both your validated docu
ment and your original seamen's
papers back. If you don'I tell
them, you'll be processed past
the same clerks, but the papers
they fill out will be somewhat
different and at the end of the
line you'll find that ̂ mewhere
along the route your old papers
were heaved into the ash can. ,
Speak up to the first clerk
you come to and you'll have no
trouble • A:,';
One result bFtbe^^
ternational ̂ eftiergency' aiid the
rise in shipping is the necessHy
for all Seafarers to ship out only
at their'highest rating. No Cooks
should be sailing Messmen and
no Punripmen should be sailing
Watertender. As you go up the
rating scale in each department
the number of men available be
comes s'maller and smaller. In
light of the new companies now
under contract and the expansion
of some of the oldline outfits,
high^ rated men are at a prem
ium. The entry ratings are al
ways available.
Because of the strain on the
Union manpower facilities^ our
ability to supply full crews to
these sliips depends on the num
ber of key rated iflen we can
supply. If men are sailing below
their ratings they are not only
doing themselves an injustice,
but they are working a hardship
on the Union.
COOPERATION COUNTS
Only by the complete coope
ration of the rated members of
the "Union will we be able to
fulfill our obligations to our con
tracted operatois and™ equally
important will we be able
tb assure prospective,' contracted
oj^exatorkthat we can erew their
ships without any delay. In this
matter it is wholly up to the
members whether or not the Un
ion is successful in supplying
crews to our ships and being
able to supply pew operators
with crews on short notice.
Here|s a bit' of valuable ad
vice ta all men who purchase
gear from Army post exchanges
in the Far Eastern ports par
ticularly. It arises from the costly
and unfair treatment given the
crew of one of our vessels by
Army authorities.
ARMY PURCHASE
These lads left Mobile for
Far East ports without any
heavy or foulweather gear.^
"When they arrived in a part'
occupied by the Army,, they pur!
chased ̂the gear tfiey needed from
a post exchange.
"When they returned to the
States, Army authorities declar
ed that all holders of Army mer^
chandise must show receipts.'
Never having been issued re:
ceipts for their purchases, the
crew could show none. The Armyt
then confiscated .the gear.
Crewmembers wishing to avbidf
a similar experience Should make,
siire they 'are given receipts any
time^ they, buy gear ' from an!
Army exchange. :
>1
'!i
;V:,
Fziday. February 23, 1951 THE SEAFA.RERS LOG Page Fire
• V'TJ;..'
ISS
• p?
U', WHAT
ttWIIK.,
QUESTION; The last issue of the SEAFARERS LOG commented on the Auditors' Report on the first six months
of operation of the Seafarers Welfare Plan, which is operated jointly by the Unipn and the operators, with no insurance com
pany tieups. Among other things, the Report showed a surplus of $600,000, after all expenses and payments. In view of the Re
port, what is your opinion of the Plan's method of operation? ^ '
HENRY MIKULSKI, FWT: G. R. BURKEY, Chief Cook: B. THOMPSON. Deck Eng.: J. POLUCHOVICH, Firelhan: WALTER HUSSON. Oiler:
There's not much doubt in my
mind that the Welfare Plan is
one of the best things achieved
by the Union. The main thing
is that the Plan works entirely
for the benefit of the men who
are covered by the Plan, and not
for the benefit of any private
insurance company. Another fa
vorable part of our Plan is that
payments are always made
promptly to members in the hos
pital right at their bedside. There
are no long delays or red tape
involved in getting the payments.
Death .benefits are also paid out
right away, at a time when af
fected families need them most.
As the report on the Welfare
Plan activities ior the first six
months shows, it is one of the
best things the Union has come
up with. The present way of
rimning the Plan keeps all of
the money, outside of ihe small
administrative expenses and the
benefits, in the Welfare Fund
for the benefit of the members.
What I like about the Plan is
that it allows the men to receive
some benefits when, they need.it
and not when they're six feet
under. The Welfare Plan of the
Seafarers really shows how far
seamen have advanced in the
past few years.
It all proves what we have
.felt for so long—that the Wel
fare Plan is one of the best
things we could have done. I'm
in favor of it. 100 percent. With
many of our members getting
older and without any place to
go. I hope to see a home for
SIU men set up out of oiur Wel
fare Plan. In my own case. I've
been in the hospital on several
occasions and had no place to
go when 1 got out. Many , guys
need 30 to 40 days of rest after
getting out of the hospital be
fore being able to ship. A home
is the answer. Our Welfare Plan
has wonderful possibilities.
I think the program followed
by the Union in setting up its
Welfare Plan has proved to be
most economical and therefore
in the hest interests of the mem
bership. Another advantage of
the SIU way of handling the
plan, as against the insurance
company way, is that a guy
eligible for hospital benefits na
turally likes to see a Union
representative come around to
see him, and not have to go up
to a company office after he
gels out of the hospital. I'd say
that the Union takes care of all
of its membership. Yes sir. the
SIU takes care of its own.
I have been in the hospital
since our Welfare Plan went in
to operation and I have already
received hospital benefits. That's
why I can really appreciate the
benefits. They gave me the pri
vilege of riding home firstclass
when I got out. And they en
abled me to help out a bit at
home and still left me with a
little spending money. It sure
came in handy. As far as I am
concerned, we've got a very good
Plan. A member can't lose. A
good foundation has been laid
in the early stages of the Plan,
and from here on out. it'll get
belter and better.
F. NAPOLI, Second Cook:
I think our Welfare Plan is
good because, first of all, it
makes us more independent. It
shows that we can progress along
any line we set out io, without
the aid of any group—like in
surance companies, for example
—capitalizing on it. To the in
dividual member of the Union
it means that we can follow a
policy of functioning wholly for.
the membership's benefit. We
know that as long as we have
a Union working for our ad
vantage. we will continue to
receive the most in benefits that
our Welfare Plan can aiford.
Fewi if any, other organisations,
can offer such assurance, .
FRANK TETL OS:
As far as I can gather. I favor
the SIU plan for having the
Welfare Plan's Boerd of Trus
tees handle it, since they de
monstrated that their way is
cheaper than any other method.
The report of the auditors on
the first six months of the Plan's
operations proves 100 percent
that the decision to administer
the Plan without an insurance
company was very wise. Our
way is in the complete interest
of the seamenl. " While thh insur>
ance conrtpany mdthodmay 10^
good, it naturally isn't the v
plMi for all of ttie memljers. It
has too many restrictions to suit
me.
EDWARD HAMPSON, AB:
In my opinion, the Welfare
Plan is one of the best things
that has happened in this Union^
in many years. I say this not
only beeause> I have already ben
efitted from it personally, but
because I know that it has help
ed fully hundreds of other mem
bers of the Union. The Welfare
Fund is on solid ground and is
accumulating a good reserve. As
it continues to grow nndreaches
a substantial • figure, the benefits
should be incx;eased. One of the
benefits that I sliould like to see
added to toe present ones is a
rest home for the use of the
mtonbershipi ' ' : •
CARL JOHNSON, Bosun:
A good thing — that Welfare
Plan. Especially wise was the
decision to accumulate a surplus
and not go ahead and run the
chance of wiping out the re
serves and bankrupting it. as
unfortunately . happened when
the miners first began their wel
fare payments. Naturally. I hope
that the benefits of our Plan
can be increased in the future
—^ possibly to $10 a week for
hospital benefits. This would al'
low a guy in the hospital and
his family a chance to have more
help in meeting their expenses
while he is unemployable. But
we've just started and we're on
the right road.
S. WARTELSKY. Nt. Ck. & Bk.:
Aside from all the other con
siderations. one of the things
I like best about the Seafarers
Welfare Plan is the method of
paying the benefits. After a man
has spent his first week in the
hospital, he is visited by the
Union Patrolman and given his
benefits right on the spot. No
body has to wait long periods
of time, before he can get the
money he needs while he is in
the hospital, such as is the ceise
where insurance companies are
handling welfare plans for othe?
unions. Our Plan seems to be
second to none.
Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 23. 1951
Welfare Plan Invests In Future
m
lit:
iSf
JR
1?;
I'. '
jjv'.
Welfare Fund
Buys $500,000
Of Gov't Bonds
{Continued from Page 1}
for welfare benefits to Seafarers.
In announcing the transaction
at the last regular Headquarters
Branch membership meeting,
SecretaryTreasurer . Paul Hall
said that the Trustees were
constantly aiming at "making
the Seafarers Welfare Plan work
for the greatest advantage of its
beneficiaries — which are the
members of this Union."
With the Fund on solid finan
cial footing, the Board of Trus
tees is reviewing several possi
bilities for increasing benefits.
Above is a reproduction of
the check presented in pay
ment for the halfmillion dollar
bond purchase made by the
Seafarers Welfare Plan last
week.
In photo right, SIU Head
quarters Representative Joseph
Volpian, one of the Union
members of the Board of Trus
tees, signs the Welfare Fund
check, as Captain John N.
Boughman (left). Labor Rela
tions Director of the Isthmian
Steamship Company, waits to
affix his signature as a Trus
tee representing the operators.
In center is Max Hcurrison,
Administrator of the Plan.
Coast Guard Regulations Spell Out 'Subyersiyes'
The grounds upon which a
1seaman may be denied security
' 'clearance is printed below, as
taken from the "Proceedings of
the Merchant Marine Council,"
I J' published by the US Coast
T Guard.
BASIS FOR REJECTION
'0
Its
The Commandant will deny a
security clearance to any per
son if, upon full consideration,
he is satisfied that the applicant's
character and habits of life are
such as to authorize the belief
that the presence of the person
aboard vessels of the. United
States would be inimical to the
security of the United States;
and the basis of rejection as
above will be if, on all the
jevidence and information avail
able, reasonable grounds exist
for the belief that the individual:
(1) Has committed acts of trea
son or sedition, or has engaged
in acts of espionage or sabotage;
has actively advocated or aided
the commission of such acts by
I others; or has knowingly asso
I ciated with persons committing
I; such acts; or.
(2) Is employed by, or subject
to the influence of, a foreign
government under circumstances
which may jeopardize the secur
ity interests of the United States;
fror,
(3) Has actively advocated or
supported the overthrow of the
government of the United States
,by the use of force or violence;
military information classified
confidential or higher without
authority and with reasonable
knowledge or belief that it may
be transmitted to a foreign gov
ernment, or has intentionally
disclosed such information to
persons not authorized to re
ceive it; or,
(5) Is or recently has been
a member of, or affiliated, or
sympathetically associated with,
any foreign or domestic organi
zation, association, movement,
group, or combination. of per
sons (i) which is, or which has
been designated by the Attorney
General as being, totalitarian,
fascist, communist, or subversive,
(ii) which has adopted, or which
has been designated by the At
torney General as having adopt
ed, a policy of advocating or ap
proving the commission of acts
of force or violence to deny other
persons their rights imder the
Constitution of the United States,
or (iii) which seeks, or which
has been designated by the At
torney General as seeking, to
alter the form of the Govern
ment of the United States by un
constitutional means: Provided,
That access may be granted, not
withstanding such membership,
affiliation, or association, if it
is demonstrated, by more than
a mere denial, that the security
interests of the United States
will not thereby be jeopardized.
clearance, shall have the right |
to appeal from such action in
the manner described in this
part.
LOCAL APPEAL BOARDS
The Commandant will appoint
a Local Appeal Board in each
coastal Coast Guard District.
Each board will be composed of
three members, one to be desig
nated as Chairman who shall
represent the Coast Guard in
the public interest; the other
member.= of the Board shall, so
far as practicable, represent
management and labor and shall
be drawn from a panel contain
ing such representatives. The
Chairman of the Board shall de
signate from these panels the in
dividual members to hear each
appeal. In addition to the man
agement and labor representa
tives; other reputable citizens in
the community will be appointed
to these panels; they will act
as alternates in the event of sus
tained challenge or other un
availability of management and
labor representatives. If practic
able, at leas't one member of
each Board should be an at
torney.
European Trade Unionists Visit States
(4) Has intentionally disclosed
RIGHT OF APPEAL
Any person who has been de
nied a security clearance, or who
is required to surrender any
document evidencing security
~ Members of the delegation of European labor leaders who attended the National Assembly
for Moral Rearmament in Weishington last month called at SIU Hall this week during visit to
New York, Walter Siekmann explains dispatching procedure to group in which are Paul
Kurowski, Germany; Victor Laure, France; Max Bladeck, Germany; Jens Wilhelmsen, Norway:
Jeoffrey Dawkes, Britain; George MacFarlane, Washington; Vincent Vercuski, Los Angeles, and
Paul EmileDonlon, Switzerland.
%
m
Friday, February 23, 1951 THE SEAFARERS L O .G Page SeT«a
Seafaring, As It Was 100 Years Ago
By JOHN BUNKER
"Two Years Before The Mast" is a famous piece
of American literature — one of the best sea
stories ever written.
Not as well known as the book is its author,
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., pioneer champion of
seamen's rights and an advocate of better condi
tions for American merchant mariners.
Besides "Two Years Before The Mast," which
recounted the hard life on a small brig during
a voyage around the "Horn," Dana also wrote
a book called "The Seamen's Friend."
This manual for seamen is now obscure and
forgotten but, wheii published just 100 years ago,
it was one of the first books to come off the press
which combined an. appeal for better conditions
for seamen with a thorough, practical descrip
tion of the sailor's life, the requirements of his
profession, information on seamanship, and a
delineation of the law as it pertained to seamen,
officers and shipowners.
This book makes interesting reading today, for
it shows the great advances which have come
about in the profession of seafaring since Dana
stood up for the sailor in the first half of the
I9th century.
^ The sailorman of that period, as "The Seamen's
Friend" points out, was a skilled craftsman who
had to be proficient at a great variety of jobs.
An AB had to do such jobs as setting up rig
ging, worming, parceling, serving, splicing eyes
in the end of rigging, reeving braces, making
grommets, and tieing a wide variety of knots
used on sailing ships—^Turks Heads, bowlines,
hitches, figure of eights and b^ds. This assort
ment of knots was considered just a basic re
quirement for ABs.
Besides these talents, of course, an AB had
to handle any job in the daybyday task of
working ship; tacking, wearing, anchoring, reef
ing, and setting and furling sails. It was taken
for granted that he cotdd also sew canvas, send
yards up or down, handle a small boat, and steer
a fine course.
• MUSCLES REQUIRED
Being a helmsman was an arduous job in the
days before mechanical steering gear. It often
took a Very strong man as well as a good sea
man to keep a ship on her course, especially
when she was badly rigged, fouled with barn
acles, or otherwise cranky after a long trip.
In Dana's day most vessels carried three classes
of foremast hands; ABs, Ordinaries and "Boys."
Anyone making his first trip to sea was classed
as a "Boy," even though he might be thirty or
forty years of age.
It is interesting to note, incidentally, that men
at that time rated themselves when they ship
ped. An Ordinary knew better than to claim him
seii'^an AB, for he would soon be shown up after
a few hours at sea and his life would be miser
able during the rest of the voyage. .
Ordinaries were supposed to have about the
same capabilities as ABs, except that they
weren't expected to be as expert workmen on
jobs pertaining to rigging. "Boys" sometimes got
paid; sometimes worked as apprentices and were
given all the jobs that the trained sailors con
sidered beneath their dignity. They also stood
watches and, went aloft to reef and furl.
^ For all the skill and hard work that was re
quired of him 100 years ago, the AB was paid
about $12 a month, while Ordinaries got two
or three dollars less snd "Boys" were lucky to
get seven or eight. Wages varied considerably
and some ships paid higher than this; some less.
? Union shipping halls were unknown when
"The Seamen's Friend" was written, so the ship
ping of crews was a process that varied exten
sively and was subject to considerable abuse.
"In the manner of shipping a crew,'.' Dana
explained, "There is as great a difference as in
that of providing the stores. Usually the whole
thing is left to shipping masters, who are paid
so much a head for each of the crew, and are
responsible for their appearance on board at the
time of sailing. When this plan is adopted, neither
the Master or owner, except by accident, knows
anything of the crew before the vessel goes
to sea.
"The shipping master opens the articles at his
office, procures the men, sees that they sign,
pays them in advance, sees that they get . aboard,
and sends a bill for the whole thing to the
owners."
MANY IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED
Sometimes, the Master selected his own crew,
and, as Dana says, "occasionally the owner does
it if he has been to sea himself and understands
seamen; though a shipping master is still em
ployed to see them ahjoard and for other pur
poses." ^
From his own hardearned experience as a
foremast hand on a twoyear voyage under ardu
ous conditions, Dana was conscious of the many
things that needed improvement in the sailor's
life.
"On a long voyage," he emphasized in "The
Seamen's Friend," "the comfort and success of
which may depend much upon the character of
the crew, the Master or ownershould interest
himself to select ablebodied and respectable
men, to explain to them the nature and length
of the voyage they are going upon, what clothing
they will want, and the work that will be re
quired of them." How much better the sailor's
life would have been in the windjammer days
if even this simple advice had been followed!
Dana also made another important recommen
dation which, if it had been universally fol
lowed, would have made the seamen's life much
more endurable.
"The Master or owner," he advised, "should
go to the foc'sle and see that it is cleaned out,
whitewashed or painted, put in proper habitable
condition and furnished with every reasonable
convenience.
"It should seem best that the Master should
have something to do with selection of the pro
visions for his men, as^ he will usually be more
interested in securing their good will and com
fort than the owners would be."
While all shipboard meals are" scheduled for
regular hours at sea these days, such was not the
custom 100 years ago.
Breakfast was at seven bells and dinner at
noon unless the working of the ship prevented it.
If the vessel had to have her sail reduced or if
some other important job came up, the meals
came second and many a time the hardworked
sailor missed his chow.
Supper was held "whenever the day's work
is over," as "The Seamen's Friend" explains the
meal customs.
Whenever the day's work was over depended
on the Master and Mate. Quite often, it was con
sidered to be sundown. '
CHOW: WORMS, MAGGOTS
The regular fare on a long voyage consisted
of bread, beef and water and, because of the *
lack of refrigerating facilities, this seldom varied.
Needless to say, the bread, beef and water was
hard to stomach after a few weeks at sea.
Despite being preserved in brine, the meat got
wormy, the bread had maggots, and the water
became alive with all sorts of swimming
creatures.
Among the many customs of the sea in Dana's
time, it was always the rule for the Skipper to
supervise..^the food allowance. With all rations
being actually weighed out by the Second Mate.
Every time a barrel of provisions was opened,
it v/as duly registered in the log.
Every ship leaving on a foreign voyage was
required by law to have on board 60 gallons of
water, 100 pounds of salt beef and 100 pounds
of "wholesome" ship's bread for each person.
Theoretically, the crew could recover a day's
wages for each day during the voyage that they^
were forced to go on short rations, due to the
failure of the Master or owner to properly store
the ship before sailing.
Average food allowance per man was six
pounds of bread per week, 1% pounds of beef
per day, and three quarts of water a day.
Baths were reserved for good weather, when
rainfall enabled those who had a mind to wash
to get out on deck in the raw and soak in the
downpour.
Only the largest vessels such as the trans
Atlantic packet ships carried more than two
Mates. The watches were divided between the
First and Second Mates, with the Skipper, then
as now, only taking the deck when it pleased
him. It was usual, however, for the Captain to be
topsides for maneuvering of the ship and taking
in sail, at which time the First Mate was sta
tioned on the foc'sle lind the Second Mate in the
waist of the ship.
BEST ON SHIP
The First Mate had considerable authority and
delivered discipline with a free hand, although
the Skipper alone was, according to the law, sup,,
posed to deal out punishment when necessai^
Besides having to be the best seaman on board,
the First Mate was also rated as the quickest
with his fists. He was frequently wont to iise
the belaying pin for other than the arts of sea
manship.
The Second Mate, on the other hand, was a
sort of seagoing "bastard." He didn't have the
social status of the First Officer, always ate at
the "second table" and always turned to with the
crew at any job, pulling and hauling on the lines
and going aloft when need be.
A sort of privileged person in those days was
the ship's Carpenter, according to lawyersailor
Dana. He had no powers of command like the
Mates, but he lived in the steerage with the
Steward, stood no watches, and worked under
the sole direction of the Master. Like the Cook,
Steward, and Sailmaker, however, he could be
required to turn to and help with the sails in
bad weather.
Besides standing "watch and watch," and put
ting in long hours on deck offwatch to work
ship, the sailor of one hundred years ago was
also required to stay on deck from 1 pm till sun
down for regular ship's maintenance duties.
COFFEE TIME? —HA!
Recreation was limited to the "dog watch"—
a twohour stretch between four and eight pin,
when the two watches rotated in order to keep
one watch from standing the same hours through
out the voyage.
Mealtime had to come out of the watch below.
The practice of requiring shipping articles on^
American vessels dates back to the time when
George Washington was president of the United
States and in the 1850s all the larger coasting
vessels had to have articles as well as the off
shore ships.
Many of the present day provisions for the:
rights of seamen in our maritime codes date back
to the time of Richard Henry Dana. If a seaman
was discharged in a foreign port, for instance,
he was entitled to full wages for the voyage up
to the time the ship arrived back in the United
States.
In the days before seamen had union repref
sentation, such provisions were academic rather
than of practical benefit for the seaman, who
had nobody to support his case in a beef against
shipmaster or shipowner. Mr. Dana, in fact, was
one of the first lawyers to represent mistreated
seamen in a suit against ships' officers and
owners.
' Page Eight TSE S'E AF ARE RS LOG l^giiiaYi TibinxaxY 23/IWI
SBIPS' MINIJTES AMD MEWS
Seafarer Offers To Teach
Shipmates For Upgrading
Seafarer Paul Dayton, holder of Bopk No. 43889, is
solid proof that the Brotherhood of the Sea is more than
jusf a slogan.
In an effort to do his bit in the current Union cam
ip paign to get Seafarers to sail in the ratings for which they
'are qualified, Brother Dayton ofJ
I fared to teach any v crewman
aboard the SS "Winter Hill who
|ia interested in getting a Pump
man's endorsement.
Dayton made his offer at the
iFebruary 7 meeting held at. se§
©n the Cities Service tanker,
saying he was willing to devote
as much of his offtime as nec
essary to instruct any member
on how to discharge the duties
of a Pumpman.
. As it should. Brother Day
l^an's display of the spirit behind
lithe Brotherhood of Sea was
^received with acclaim by his
shipmates.
Michael Michalik, Ship's Dele
gate on the Winter Hill, praised
Dayton as being the kind of
,I member that has made the SHJ
s what it is today.
"I think if everybody who has
a rating did what Brother Day
ton is doing, the SIU wouldij't
have to worry about getting
|i rated men to crew their con
tracted ships should the emer
I gency shipping situation become
more critical," Michalik said.
""With more men like Brother
Dayton sailing ships in SIU
i ̂ yle, you can give any future
J government recruiting and man
mpg office the deep six."
Dayton's offer to pitch in and
held his shipmates was made in
answer to the Union's recently
instituted campaign urging all
qualified Seafarers to go after
higher ratings. The UUnion has
learned that a good many men
qualified by experience and skill
Imve not applied for endorse
ments for higher ratings.
' Men who do not seek higher
ratings, the UUnion pointed out,
aue, in effect, causing a waste of
needed skill in the current de
fense preparations.
The Union also learned that
some men have the necessary
seatime for higher ratings but
lack further technical training.
This data was obtained in re
plies to questionnaires sent by
SIU Headquarters to all SIU
contracted ships, which also con
tained an appeal similar to tboge
regularly appearing in the SEA
FARERS LOG for the men to
seek upgrading.
The replies from the shipa <hs
closed that on one vessel there
were six men with qualifications
to sail at least one rating higher
than that which they had signed
on, and in some cases, two rat
ings higher. A Fireman, for ex
ample, was qualified for a Pump
man, a rating for which there is
a critical need. In fact, three men
in the ship's engine room were
capable of sailing as Pumpmen.
These facts bore out the SIU's
contention that there is suffic
ient skill within the Union to
meet apy manpower needs caus
ed by the present emergency rise
in shipping.
As a result, the Union reiter
ated its plea that all members
with the proper qualifications
apply for upgrading, and that
the others take immediate steps
to complete their technical in
formation to qualify them 'for
endorsements. Brother Dayton's
offer of instructicuj is one of the
ways in which this can ea'sily
be accomplished.
New Oociiments Cause Ne Delay
^ Since the announcement that the SIU has been build
ing up a manpower reserve from among retired Seafarers,
who have expressed a desire to sail "again in the event they
are needed to man vessels in the nation's defense program,
scores of additional applications and inquiries have come
into Headquarters.
Among the most frequentlyasked question is the
one submitted this week by Frank Kuvakas, of 311 Albeyt
Street, Youngstown, Ohio. Frank, who retired Book No.
100038 in good standmg in July 1949, wrote; "I want
to begin sailing again. Can I sail before I receive the new
Coast Guard papers... ?
To Brother Kuvakas and others with ^ similar ques
tion. the answer is this: Members returning to sqa can
sail with their old seamen's papers. Qowevex, they must
apply the emergepcytypq pi document when tjhey
signon aboard ship. After they have been screened and
approved, they will be issupd the new papers. They do
not lose any time in waiting for the new papers.
As fot shipping out, the regular procedure is still
followed, A man must register and take a job. in his
regular turn, in accordance with therotarysystem of
shipping.
SIU Started Commie Crqckup
In Cnwtdn, Says ExCSU
One of the original group of members of the de
funct Canadian Seamen's Union who saw in the SIU
the opportunity to smash communist control of Canada's
sfafaring men declared^ this week that events of the past
two years have proved the correctness of their move.
During a visit to the
Check It—But Good
Check the slop chest be
fore your boat sails. Make
sure that the slop chest con
tains an adequate supply of
all the things you are liable
to need. If it doesn't, call the
Union Hall immediately.
Quiet Eating EUace
Crewmembers turn iQ pn the sea fare offered by the
galley gang aboard the SS Seatrain New York. Pho|p was^
taken in crew'a messroom by Glen Vinson. ^ I
a visit to
office. Chiles MacQon^d re
viewed the Canadian beef that
erupted in early 1949 when CSU
members revolted against the
sellout tactics of their commu
fnist leadership and: sought repr
resentatipn by the SIU's Cana
dian District.
. lyiacDoijald, who was among
the most militant rank and file
anticommunist members of the
CSU, had for several, years op
posed the use of that union for
political purposes. At one ship
board meeting his vigorous de
nunciation of commie policy
eqded. in a brawl He was se^
verely beaten up wd warned
to keep his mouth shut in the
future.
MacDonald; known to his ship
mates by the nickname of Koky,
vowed to continue the .antt
eommie fight. Whenever he
could, he exposed the commie
hand to his fellow members of
the CSU. He was among the first
to come Into the SIU when the
Canadian beef broke and played
an important part in bringing
the true story to men in the
CSU.
A native of Halifax, Mac
Donald has been a member of
the SIU Canadian District since
1949. On the West Coast of the
• United States when the, Korqan
war broke out," MacDqnald ship
pd out on an A&G District con
tract vessel, from which he re
cently paid off.
Mac maintains that the SIU
played an important role in rid
ding .the Canadian waiterfropt of^
the, communist tlureat, "The Sltf
was the first organization to
e commies out of unions in
Canada," he said. "In doing so,
it inspired other unions to do
the same.
"The SIU anticommie fight
had international significance,"
he continued, "especially in the
countries where the CSU strike
had repercussions. It opened up
the eyes of the people and per
mitted them to spe that thg
commies were a regl evil.
"Up to the time the SlU came
Into the picture, I don't think
the. people of Canada realized
the extent of the commies' hold
on the labor movement," Mac
Donald said. .
Brother Uncovers
Moon's Miracle
Of 20 Years Ago
Hardly a day goes by down
New Orleans way when SIU
members don't indulge in some
banter about the classic 20round
battle of almost two decades ago
in which Seafarer Moon Kouns
decisioned K O. Baer.
Having heard about every
thing to. be said on the matter,
Vic Miorana decided last week
to dig into the records to get
the score on the titantic struggle
as it was presented by New Or
leans' top fight reporters the
fpllo>ving morning.
In the New Orleans Item ofr' •
April 1, 1932, Miorana found the
column of Fred Digby, now with,
the Sugar Bowl Associajtion,
which sponsors the annual foot
bail classic in the Crescent City..^
Digby called the KounsBaer^
fight "Another Sports Miracle,"
and said:
""When Moon Kouns and K. O,
Baer battled through 20 rounds
at the Westside last night, aware
that their end of the gate would,
amount to only a few cents oyer,
$15.00, they set a precedent, fpr..
some of the prima donnas of
boxing."
Of course, it must be remem
>ered that $15 went a little ways
in those days, as guys who had/
• two dimes to rub together were
,n't all. over the place, it bpiug
at Ibe height of the famed de
pression of the oarly thirties.
Nevertheless, sports columnist
Digby further commented that
"Most of the presentday fight
ers are greatly overpaid in pro
portion to, thq amount oji effort
they forth for the fapg. They'd
all laugh at a promoter for sug
gesting a winner takeall fight.
"That (Kouns and Baer) went
through with the battle and ac^
tuaUy fought every step of the
way is certainly a miracle in,,
this day and; time," Digby con
cluded.
And that should just about
take care of any ThomSses who
doubt the legendary exploits of
tho fantastic Moon Kouns.
ii
i
Charlie MacDonald during, visit to Headqu^axa Branch
f^aafr, Ftibxu^ 29, 19^ TBB SB AB Mnt: ks 1,0 c "P&ge ffiitB
Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings
FRANCES (Bull). Jan. 9 —
Chairman, Bill Janisch; Secre
iary, H. Ricci. Delegates reported
^0 beefs. Deck Delegate brought
tip Subject of gangway watches
and when overtime should be
paid. Laundry to be kept clean.
S, 4, it
DEL RIO (Mississippi), Dec.
10—Chairman, Petcy Boyer; Sec
retary, Fred Hicks. Delegates re
ported all okay. Discussion on
performers and penalties crew
will put against men who will
jtoul up. Crew told one day's
lodging aiid one day's subsist
ence due them for tinle ship was
in New Orleans.
^ X %
STEEL DIRECTOR (Isthmian),
Jan. 22—Chairman, Robert Gil
bert; Secretary, M. Harris. Dele
gates reported all okay. Com
munication from Headquarters
concerning unloaiking of cargo
fe foi'dgn ports and denial of
ahorO liberty read and accepted.
Ship's Delegate to see Hall about
proper procedure ^or getting
hew Coast Guaid ducuxnent.
committee of belegates to check
'the slopchest.
XXX
CANTIGNY (Cities Service),
Jan. 24—Chairmam J. Trodeau:
iSecretary, S. DiMaggie. Crew
members were told they could
have their mall sent to them
care of the Lake Charles SlU
HaU. Ship's fund reported as
being $42. Ship's Delegate re
ported that Captain promised to
do all he can to post correct
sailing board time when ship
hits port. Report given on money
donated to Hank's Fund. An edu
cational talk was given on
harmful effects drunks and per
formers have on entire crew.
XXX
STEEL VOYAGER (Isthmian),
Jan. 7—Chairman, Wiley Par
rott: Secretary, F. Steen. Dele
gates reported number of men
in their departments. Motion
carried to have drinking water
analyzed, if it doesn't clear up.
Ship's Delegate asked men who
do not know how to operate
washing machine to contact him
before doing their laundry. Let
ter to be written Union concern
ing $2.50 bonus before ship
reaches Colombo.
X X X
STEEL RECORDER (Isth
mian), Nov. 3—Chairman, D.
Harmon; Secretary, C. Wood.
Delegates reported no beefs. Mo
tion carried to refund money for
washing machine to men who
are' not going to make the for
eign trip. Motion carried to take
$10$15 from the ship's fund for
magazines.
Dec. 30—Chairman, Thompson;
Secretary, Harmon. Delegates re
ported that all was okay. Ship's
Delegate suggerted that every
bne leave procuring of mail and
passes to him. Steward asked to
clarify mess situation, particular
ly serving of steaks.
4 4 »
WINTER HILL (Cities Ser
vice), Jan. 18—Chairman, James
HEdpin; Secretary, Percy Mays.
Deck and Stewards Delegates
reported disputed overtime. Crew
went on record to take drastic
nction against members who re
fuse to obey orders. Talk given
in importance of seamen keeping
^ir noses clean, especially in
view of the international situa
tion, which' antilabor
)OME C«EWS CEftoRTTVKnHEYPTD/^
PERS(2NAI I^ND UAIIOAJ /VWIU
\m\lB Ihi EUROPEAMAND EAR EASIER^
VVlAnERS. CMEC<JNS WllHTWEGCWmWfES
REVfeAlS THAT THE MA\l SEW OUT
N AMPIE TIME TD REACH THE SHIPS .
CTrb INSURE OEUVteR/OF/HAII.TO VCH/I^
SHIP, CHISCK WITH THE COMFAf^
OFFCE IN THE PORT; IF IN THE FAR EAST
UNDER MSiS
CHARTER f C^^BCK
WITH THE/iRMy
columnists to take swipes at the
merchant marine.
Jan'. 25—Chairman, Paul Day
ton; Secretary, Percy Mays. Dele
gates' reports accepted. Motion
carried to notify Headquarters
of inadequate milk supply and
to ask for 120 quarts of milk in
stead of the present 80.. Day Man
stated that three men should be
used to shift butterworth hoses
at all times. Delegates were ask
ed to keep a check for gashounds
and performers, and if any turn
up the crew will take. action.
Jan. 31—Chairman, S. Truner;
Secretary, Percy Mays. Delegates
reported some disputed overtime.
Discussion on new Coast Guard
papers. Discussion on Headquar
ters communication cohcerning
time off and unloading of cargo.
Suggestion made that night lunch
be bettered.
Feb. 7—Chairman, Paul Day
ton; Secretary. Percy Mays. Dele
gates reported all okay. Motion
carried to have vapor gauge put
aboard to protect crewmembers
working in tanks. Motion carried
to see Patrolman about increas
ing milk to 120 quarts. Messman
asked to know why crew takes
beefs to Steward and not to Dele
gate. Paul Dayton, Pumpman,
stated that if anyone is interest
ed in getting a Pumpman's en
dorsement, he would give up his
off time to show the member
fhe ins and outs of getting the
endorsement.
to hospital duties and the medi
cal attention of creW. Suggestion
to have passageways and rooms
painted added to repair list.
Feb. 5 — Chairman, Edward
Thompson; Secretary, James Ter
racin. Delegates reported every
thing in good shape. Commimi
cation from Headquarters read
concerning unloading cargo and
denial of time ashore. Discussion
on both issued with entire crew
being in favor of positions taken
in communication. Crew told to
have rooms in good shape for
new crew.
XXX
ARCHER HOPE (Cities Ser
vice), Feb. 10—Chairman, Mich
ael Prochak; Secretary, S. Lip
schitz. Delegates reported all
okay. Motion carried to see Chief
Engineer about washing ntiach
ine. Motion carried that itio one
payoff without Patrolman, be
cause Deck Maintenance has
overtime Coming from previous
voyage.
XXX
LAFAYETTE (Waterman). Jan.
20—Chairman, C. Webber; Sec
retary, E. Smith. Delegates re
ported no beefs. Delegates to dis
XXX
TOPA TOPA (Waterman). Feb.
4—Chairman, Edward Vail; Sec
retary, M. Basar. Delegates re
ported number of books and
permits in their department. Mo
tion carried that Delegates make
up repair list for each depart
ment. Discussion on washing
machine repair and maintenance.
X X X
FAIRPORT (Waterman),. Jan.
29—^Chairman, J. Carrol; Secre
tary, Julian Lelinski. Delegates
reported all okay. Crew was re
minded to take better care of
the washing machine. Beef raised
on pressure in the sanitary sys
tem.
X ill X
CLAIBORNE (Waiermkn), Jan.
8—Chairman, A. Blomsson; Sec
retary, Leskowsky., Delegates re
ported no beefs. Ship's Delegate
reported $20.50 in ship's fund.
Motion carried to unanimously
apjprove LOG item concerning
longshore work by crew in for
eign ports. Motion carried to
transfer library to linen locker.
ALAWAI fwaterman), Feb. 3
—Chairman, E. Moyd; Secretary,
C. Miller. Delegates reported
some disputed overtime in all
departments. Communication
from Headquarters read concern
ing unloading cargo and denial
of time ashoi'e. Both matters ap
proved unanimously. Discussion
oi| needed repairs.
XXX .
MAIDEN CREEK (Waiermsn),
Secretary, P. Latorre. Delegate?
reported no beefs, listed the
books and permits in their de
partments. Delegates to get a
new library in the next port.
Beef on food situation to be
taken to Captain first, then to
Patrolman.
XXX
FAIRISLE (Waterman), Feb. 4
—Chairman. P. Naujalis: Secre
tary, James Clinton. Delegates
reported no beefs. Discussion on
Union communications concern
ing cargo and shore time.
XXX
ANDREW JACKSON (Water
man), Jan. 21—Chairman, Robert
Barrett; Secretary, P. Carbone.
Ship's Delegate to see about hav
ing ship's fresh water tanks
cleaned. Suggestion made that
slopchest be opened at a more
favorable time. Discussion on
man who fouled up in Galves
ton. Motion carried that matter
be referred to Headquarters. Mo
tion carried to quiz Captain
about disputed overtime from
last trip.
XXX
NOONDAY (Waterman), Nov.
8—Chairman. J, Ryan; Secrefary,
E. Ray. Delegates reported all
okay, except Deck and Engine,
who reported some disputed
overtime. Discussion on sanding
and paiiSting messhall chairs.
XXX
HURRICANE (Waterman), Jan.
21—Chairman, Arnando Frissora;
Secretary, Paul Whitlow. Dele
gates reported that the washing
machine had been fixed. Letter
of registration for aliens read.
All unauthorized crewmembers
• were told to keep out of galley
and pantry.
XXX
BIENVILLE (Waterman), Jan.
20—Chairman, J. Higginbotham;
Secretary. W. Cameron. Delegates
reported on number of books
and permits in their depart
ments. Delegates to check with
Patrolmen concerning frozen
vegetables. Steward to order
linen that will fit bunks; present
supplies are too short.
WILD RANGER^ (Waterman).
Jan. 26—Chairman. James B.
Morton; Secretary, D. McCorvey.
Delegates' reports accepted. Mo
tion carried to accept communi
cation from Headquarters con
cerning time off and unloading
of cai'go in foreign ports. Steam
line in laundry to be fixed.
XX X
MALDEN VICTORY (Mississ
ippi), Chairman. A. Mitchell:
Secrefary. V. Harding. Delegates
reported all okay. Department
repair list made up arid approv
ed. New library to be put aboard
in next port.
aboard. Discussion held on feed
ing of men in foreign ports.
XXX
STEEL SURVEYOR (Isth^
mian), Jan. 28—Chairman (not i
given); Secretary, H. Nicholsotl.
Delegates reported all okay. Mo
tion carried to see Captain aboift
living up to agreement, and not
to put to sea until ship is prop
erly secured. Motion carried tio I
assess each crewmember $1 fotr 1
ship's fund.
XXX
STEEL KING (Isthmian), Jan.]
21 — Chairman, Martin Rubio;
Secrefary, Pedro Velez. Delegate j
reported that an Oiler ha(f miss
ed the ship in Baltimore, and it j
report on him should be sent to
Union. Discussion on laund^.
Request made that all cooperate |
in keeping laundry clean.
XXX
STEEL FABRICATOR (Isth
mian), Jan. 10—Chairnian, Bro
ther Hume; Secretary. M. Mc
Cfarile. Delegates reported
okay. Suggestion made that all
men cooperate in boat drilL
Crew Pantryman commended for |
doing a good job.
XXX
STEEL ARCHITECT (Isth
mian). Jan. 14—Chairman. Eii I
Nooney; Secretary, M. Pierpoin
ski. Ship's Delegate reported a
crewmember had been hospital
ized due to injury on gangway.
Motion carried to see about a |
better night lunch. Motion car
ried to see about getting safer]
beds.
Jan. 21—Chairman. V. Meehan;
Secretary, A. Aragones. Dele
gates reported all okay in their j
departments. Ship's Delegate to
see Patrolman concerning Cap [
tain's violation of Union contract. I
XXX
STEEL RECORDER (Isth
mian), Jan. 21—Chairman (nofcl
given); Secretary, D. Harmoiu
Delegates reported all okay. One
minute of silence observed for
Wah Suey Yee, Stewards Until
ity, who was lost at sea neat ]
Belawan Deli on January 14.
Steward reported that Captafitt
had promised all painting would
be handled on return trip.
cuss with Master the need of the
Chief Mate to be riiore atfentivejJan. 29—Chairtpari, A. Hobillaxd;
XXX
STEEL SCIENTIST (Isthmian),
Jan. 17—Chairman, C. Peppier;
Secretary. S. Sloneski. Motion
carried to have Delegate talk to
Mate about a deck rack for the
laundry. Motion carried to com
pensate Electricians for time
spent repairing the washing ma
chine. Satisfaction expressed for
ability of Steward and Cooks.
XXX
STEEL TRAVELER (Isth
mian), Feb. 4—Chairman, E. .An
derson; Secretary, F. Jones. Dele
gates asked men to make less
noise in the passageways. Motion
carried to see about having a
Night Cook and Baker put
XXX
COUNCIL GROVE (Cities Ser
vice), Jan. 3 — Chairman. D. |
Oman; Secretary, F. Parsorie. I
Delegates reported no beefsjJ
listed the number of books and [
permits in their departpients.
Ship's Delegate appointecf'to get I
forms for crew to fill out foir j
validated document.
x" X X
CHIWAWA (Cities Service), ]
Jan. 28—Chairman. R. PawlakK
Secretary. H. McAleer. Delegates J
reported no beefs. Discussion on j
unfair rate of currency exchangiefJ
in Rio. Suggestion made to send
overtime beefs ahead to Hall to |
facilitate payoff.
XXX
FRENCH CREEK (Cities iSer
vice). Feb. 3—Chairman, E. Wil
isch; Secretary, J. Dodge. Dele j
gates reported all okay, except]
a few hours of disputed over|
time in the Engine and Stewards |
Departments. Request made that|
ship payoff in Houston.
Jan. .21—Chairman, Roy Pap
pan; Secretary, J. P. Gavixu i
(Continued on fage 16}
Pag* Tan THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, FabRUOy 23* 1951
.r»"
How To Conduct A Union Meeting
The Union meeting is the pulse of the member may be appointed to act as ushers, doormen and
ship. At the meetings the officials get the reac to keep order at all meetings.
.tion of the membership to the various problems
that arise from time to time and are thus better
able to carry out their duties. On the other hand
it is here that the membership is able to hear
first hand just what the officials have been do
ing. It is the privilege of any member to ques
.tiori the reports of the officials and to take what
action he deems necessary or proper.
The action of the membership at these meet
ings is of vital importance to the Union as a
whole. The meeting is the court of the Union. It
is in the regular meetings that trials are con
ducted and appeals heard. Beefs of doubtful
status are brought before the membership and
discussion generally determines their validity.
In the meeting it is not the opinion of one or
a few that decides an issue, but rather the com
bined knowledge of the entire assemblage.
With the growth and progress of the Union it
is important that each member of the Union
; learns how to have his say at the Union meeting
[ and how each meeting should be conducted.
It is obvious that meetings must be conducted
in an orderly fashion if any results are to be
I pbtMned, If every one were to try to speak at
once the result would be chaos. On the other
band, if every one kept quiet nothing would
ever be accomplished. For that reason the con
stitution and bylaws of the Union contain an
established Agenda and a set of rules governing
the conduct of a meeting. On any matters not
covered in these rules, Robert's Rules of Order
shall prevail.
RULES OF ORDER
' Roberts Rules of Order are the accepted rules
governing meetings of all types throughout the
THE AGENDA
The Agenda is simply the order in which the
business of the meeting is conducted. It runs as
follows:
1. Call io order.
2. Election of officers—Chairman, etc.
3. Reading of the minutes of previous meet
' ings.
4. Reading of the Branch Agent's report, and
action thereon.
5. Communications, and action thereon.
6. Resolutions, and action thereon. y
7. New Business.
8. Secretary's financial report and presenta
tion of bills.
9. Election of the Auditing Committee and
Unfinished Business.
10. Secretary's verbal report.
11. Patrolman's reports. Auditing Committee,
Special Committees.
12. Obligations.
13. Good and Welfare.
14. Adjournment.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The meeting is called to order by the Agent
who^alls first for the nominations for Chairman.
He recognizes only those who raise their hands.
Names shouted from sections of the assembly
are not recbgnized. To nominate a Brother for
Chairman after you have recognized, you rise
and state "I nominate Brother ..."
After a suitable number of nominations have
been made the nominations may be closed by a
motion.
The Agent then asks for acceptances or de
clinations. Those who accept are then voted upon
English speaking world. This goes for everything by a hand vote nnd the one receiving the largest
from the Congress of the United States to a
country political caucus.
Special rules are adopted to fit special needs
of groups but rules of order generally are based
on the Roberts text which covers all possible
cirqumstances.
THE QUORUM
number of votes is declared Chairman and takes
over the conduct of the meeting.
The Chairman then follows the same proced
ure in the election of other meeting officers.
THE RIGHT TO SPEAK
The Chairman is the conductor and regulator
of the meeting. Every member has a right to
Ibe word quorum simply denotes the number speak but no member has the right to infringe
of members in good standing necessary to con
stitute a working attendance at a meeting. Due. to
the fact that the majority of our membership is
away at sea, the quorum established is twenty
five. This means that twentyfive full bookmem
bers in good standing must be present when the
meeting is called to order, or the meeting cannot
proceed.
J . j TIME OF MEETING
I The membership has decided by a referendum
I vote that meetings shall be held every other
week on Wednesdays. The meeting hall will be
^ open at seven o'clock and if a quorum is present
^e meeting shall be called to order. If no quo
lijpum is present, the Business Agent will remain
the meeting hall until seventhirty and then
again callfor a count to determine if a quorum
has been obtained. If twentyfive bookmembers
are not then present, the Agent shall declare
"no meeting."
Attendance at every meeting is compulsory for
aU members on the shipping list. The penalty for
upon the rights of any other members. For that
reason no one should speak until he has been
recognized by the chair. He may obtain this rec
ognition by holding up his hand or rising as
the chair shall direct."
MAKING A MOTION
The method of bringing anything to the atten
tion of the membership for action is to make a
motion. The motion is simply a proposal, or a
verbal, orderly way of initiating action.
. If every one started flipping lids and sounding
Ofl at onl everytime a report was made, nothing
would ever be accomplished. The making of a is loss of shipping date. A member must then
reregister and go to ther bottom of the shipping
fist. Employed members not on the shipping list
f are ̂ couraged to attend all meetings but may
or ihay not, as they so desire.
All officials are fequired to attend all meet
ings occupied on official Union business.
Only members are allowed to attend meetings.
All have voice, but only full members in good
Standing have a vote.
MASTERSATARMS
As many mastersatarms as are necessary
motion is the way to initiate discussion or/ any
given point of the agenda or issuM that arises.
DISCUSSION CAN ONLY TAKE PLACE AF
TER A MOTION HAS BEEN MADE AND SEC
ONDED, EXCEPT IN THAT PART OF THE
AGENDA TITLED GOOD AND WELFARE.
A motion is "in order" when it has something
to do with the fixed order of business, such as
motions "to accept" or "to reject" a report. The
same holds to resolutions, which should be acted
upon with motions "to concur" or "to noacoh
cur." If you are in doubt as to the content of
any report you are always in order to make
the motion "I move to refer this matter to New
Business." The object in such a motion is to
permit the regular business of the meeting to
continue according to the agenda or order of
business, and then later discuss the issue.
No motion is valid until it has been "second
ed." The procedure is to be recognized by the
chair and then to rise and say, "I second/he
motion."
When required by the chair, all makers and
seconders of motions shall give their, name and
book number and present their book to the Re
cording Secretary for verification.
DISCUSSION
A motion is open to discussion only after it
has been seconded and entered in the minutes
by the Recording Secretary.
Before any discussion takes place the Chair
pian requests the Recording Secretary to read
the motion as entered and then opens the floor
for discussion. Discussion should continue only
so long as the pro and opposite viewpoints are
clearly expressed by the membership and then
a motion "to close discussion" should be acted
upon. ,
Discussion on the motion can also be closed by
any member being recognized and saying "I
call for the question," meaning that it is his
wish that the motion be acted upon by the mem
bership at the meeting.
Generally, motions are acted upon by those
in favor answering with "Ayes" when called
upon, and those opposing answering with "No/es.'*
In close counts where the voice vote is uncer
tain, a show of hands can be called for at the
discretion of the Chair.
The Chair determines the result by announc
ing that "The Ayes have it—the motion is car
ried," or if the motion is lost, "The Noes have
it—the motion is lost."
CHAIRMAN'S AUTHORITY
It is the Chairman's duty at all meetings to
decide whether or not a motion is in order. It is
well to remember, however, that a Chairman
may be wrong and therefore the voting member
always has a right to appeal the decision of the
chair.
If any member disagrees with the decision of
the Chairman all he has to do is to rise and
state, "I appeal the decision of the Chair." After
this motion is made and seconded, the Chairman
turns the gavel over to the Recording Secretary.
No discussion is permitted except by the maker
of the appeal and the Chairman, who are allowed
to explain their points. The Recording Secretary
then takes a vote as temporary Chairman by
asking, "Shall the decision of the Chair be sus
tained?" The vote is taken by "Ayes" and "Noes"
and if the Chair is sustained by a "Aye" vote
majority, the appeal is lost and the meeting
continues under the decision of the Chairman.
AMENDMENTS
A motion may sound good but it may not
have the meat to make it substantial; on the
other hand it may be too flowery and therefore
weak because it does not clearly express the
intent. In this event an amendment to the motion
is in order.
No amendment is in order, however, if it de
stroys the meaning or the force of the motion. *
An amendment is only in order wheh it either"
simplifies or improves the motion.
In other words the amendment must in no
way supplant or change the original intent of the
motion as the vote on the amendment carrys
the motion automatically.
In addition there can always be an '• amend
ment to the amendment" which is limited simply
to clarifying the wording, to adding clarity or to
broadening the scope so as to lend force to the
original motion and amendment.
J
1
'i V
Friday. Fabruaxy 23. 1951 r0£ SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven
Qn Board: Ship
And Shoreside
SUBSTITUTIONS
Often a motion will be made, seconded, amend
ed and the amendment v/ill be amended. This
creates a general confusion and can be eliminat
ed by some member tjaking the floor and incorpo
rating the whole thing into a single motion not
conflicting with the original motion or amend
ments. The vote is taken on the substitute and
if it is carried it becomes the regular motion
supplanting the regular motion offered at first.
STOW THE GAFF
Some guys like to hear themselves talk and
want to pop up a dozen times on the same issue.
The idea of discussion isn't to let one guy sell
^ bill of goods but rather to get the ideas of the
whole meeting. The idea is to keep the meeting
lively and not a gab fest. After the viewpoint
pro and con has been sufficiently expressed, it
is then in order to make a motion to close dis
cussion. This motion is not debatable and if car
ried brings the point to an immediate decision.
\ LIMITS
On points of sharp debate where the matter
is liable to consume : the entire meeting if un
. hampered, a motion can be made to limit the
ftumber of speakers and the time allotted to each.
TQ TABLE
• A motion to "table" means simply that you do
• hot desire to take action at that time on the sub
jlcct being discussed. It may be because informa
tion is inadequate of because it is hot an im
mediate issue. This should never be used to kill
. potion or discussion .on any matter but merely
to postpone it for later consideration. It can be
moved to table temporarily or to table until the
pext meeting.
TO REFER
Another way of stopping too much tonsil burst
ing on any subject, is to move to, refer it to a
committee. The committee is elected and reports
on the entire matter at a later time.
POSTPONING INDEFINITELY
If something comes before the meeting which
you think is imwise to have brought up, you can
make a motion to postpone the matter indefinite
ly. This motion, if seconded, is debatable, and if
carried means that the matter can only be
brought up again after a motion to reconsider.
POINT OF ORDER '
This is the headache of the Chairman—the
most misused privilege of all meetings any
where. A "point of order" can never be used as
a pretex to gain the floor. It is simply what it
calls for. A "point of order" is a question on pro
cedure. For example, a motion is under discus
sion and a speaker starts to discuss something
else. A "point of order" can and should be called
for to have the Chairman clarify the rules of
order so that the business in issue can be han
dled. This holds good in all matters where there
is a question as to whether or not the proper
procedure is being followed.
J SPECIAL PRIVILEGE
"Privilege" is the right of any Union member
but must never be used except where it benefits
the members as a whole. If the room is too hot,
a point of "privilege" can be called for to have
'the fans turned on. If some drunk has slijrped
past the doorman, then it is in order to call for
a point of "privilege" to have him removed from
the meting. In plain words "special privilege" is
a point to be used in any event where the en
tire assemblage can be aided and never used as
a pretex to stifle any point of business.
GOOD AND WELFARE
Good and Welfare is that part of the meeting
where you can get up and talk about what you
think should be done by the Union and in the
Union, and for the benefit of the Union.
This is a good place where the oldtimers csui
ALL OF THE RULES AT A GLANCE
• rf
Uotion 4V D*baMU Amtndabl , Riqukii c
' Second
Foie
Required
tn Order
When
Another ti
Speakint
Can Be
Recontiderei
Motiotu
1 to Which
It Appeals
IfotiOm ,
Which Apply
to It
1 Tone for Nest Meeting
(wlicn prmleged) No Yea Yen Majority No No None
=:=s=ssi
Amend
n Adjourn ~ No No Yet Majority No No None None
9 Reeeaa No Yea Yea Majority No No None None
1
Queation of Privilege
(treat aa Main Motion]
Ordera of the Day
> Yea
No
Yea
No
Yea
No
Majority
None; it takes
% to postpone
special order
Yes
Yea
Yes
No
None
Any special
order
All
None; except
to postpone
orden
Appeal No No Yea Majority Yea Yea Any decision
of the chair
Lay on table
Close debate
Reconsider
i Point of Order No No No
None; unless
appealed; then
majority
Yea No Any motion
« or act None i Objection to Conaideratior
m Queation • No No No % Yet Yes
Main questions
and questions
of privilege
Reconsider
H
O
Reading Papera No No Yea Majority No Yes None None
§ Withdrawal of Motion No No No Majority No Yes Any motion Reconsider
Suapenaion of Rules No No Yea % No No
Any motion
where needed None
lay on the TaUc No No Yea Msjofity No No
1 Mam oueationa,
appcala, quea.
« privilege,
reconsider
None
PrevioiH Queation
(cfoaed^ate)
No No Yea % No Yes Any dcbauble
motion
Rcconaider
1
Liiiiif or Extend Limiu
of Debate
Postpone to a
Ddinite Time
No
Yco
Yea
Yea
Yea
Yet
%
Majority
No
No
Yea
Yea
Any debatable
motion
Mailt motion,
quea. of
privilege
Reconsider
Amend
Reconsider
Limit or
1
Refer or Commit Yea Yea Yea Majority No Yea Main motion,
quea. of
privilege
Amend
Reconaidet
Limit or
fioff debate
Amend Yea Yea Yet Majority No Yea
Main motion,
limit debate,
refer, poetpone,
' fix time of
next meeting*
Amend
Reconsider
Close debate
1 Poatponc Indcfioitdy Yea No Yea Majority No Yea
Main morion,
quea. of
privlago
Limit or
Qooe debate
Reconsider
MAIN MOTION Yea Yea Yea Majority No Yea None AU
Kec«n«i4«fation*
Y^il
motion to
whicii it
appiica ia
drbatabfe
No Yea Majority Yat No
Any motion
except adjourn
suspend rulea
lay on table
Limit debate
Layoatable
Postpone
definitrly
RodndT
*ThfK ire irntrd ai if ilicy
Yea
were main r
Yaa
notions.
Yee
% of aaaoibrra
prcaant; mt
jority irbcn
notieo to tea*
rind was ghrcn
at prcviout
meeting
No Yes
Main motions,
appcala. quea.
of privilqto
An
clarify issues and give the score to the new
comers.
No motions can be made or actions taken dur
ing Good and Welfare. It is strictly a discussion
period where the membership can clear the air,
and give and get information.
PREPARING YOUR TALK
An old and wise philosopher once wrote:
"It is net enough to know what we are
to say.
We must say it the right way."
In other words, all of Roberts Rules of Order
wiU not put your point across to the membership.
The rules will only provide for an orderly meet
ing so that you caa be heard. How effeqtive you
are when given the floor—depends upon yourself.
It is well to keep in mind a few simple rules
when you prepare to speak. Speak briefly, and
organize your talk so it comes directly' to the
point.
What is the right way to organize a talk? Every
talk of any length should contain three parts:
The introduction, the body, and the conclusion.
The purpose of the introduction is to tell the
membership what you are going to discuss, what
problems are involved, and what you advocatei
doing about those problems. (
In the body of the talk you present the factii
and the conclusions you want to be drawn fromi
the facts.
In the conclusion you sum up your points and
make your recommendations for action.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER . . .
• Keep to the point.
• Convince with facts. :
• Don't become personal.
• Keep it short.
m A pint of tact is worth more thar
a case of scotch.
SHIPBOARD MEETINGS
Shipboard meetings should be held regularly
to take care of the routine Union business.
Special meetings should be called when any dis
pute between individuals or departments arise
that cannot be settled by the departmental
delegates.
Shipboard meetings, too, need an agenda t<K
keep the meeting going on an even keel. Since
many things that are taken up at shoreside meet
ings will not occur aboard ship, the following
agenda should fit the bill:
1. Call the meeting to order.
2. Election of officers—Chairman, etc.
3. Reading of minutes.
4. Ship's Delegates' reports, reports of
committees, etc.. and action thereon*
5. New Business.
6. Good and Welfare. M
7. Adjdumment.
Remember, Union democracy operates aboard
the ships as well as ashore. Hold a meeting—and
let the majority decide!
;:ll
• '1
I
W'
Page Twdve THE S E AF AREnS L^V Fddar, Fabmakr 23^ 2952
Ir
if'
r.v • •
No Hitches In Fort Hoskins'
4Month Persian Gulf
Still Interested In His Union Paper
To ihe Editor:
We're homebound from a four
month's round of the Persian
trulf. We would like everyone
to know that we have had a
clean, record trip.
In our first European port,
Haniburg, everybody had a swell
time, but at sailing time all were
on board, fit for duty.
The company agent and the
police in this port had the sur
prise of their lives. According to
them ours was the first tanker
sailing from Hamburg with a
tuU crew in years.
Our last contact with civiliza
tion was at Swansea last De
cember under the first snowstorm
cf the season, and Brother, it
Was cold outside, aU right.
DULL DAYS
There is nothing to say about
fe good time. Plenty of drink at
tegular hoiirs, but no Marthas,
Helens or Marys to remember
England by. Christmas iDay we
Were crossing the Suez Canal,
and on New Year's we were right
in the middle of the Persian
Gulf. Both days were as dry
as a log.
We have read the letter from
the Organizing Committee and
We agree 100 percent that it is
a fine piece of work that the
boys have been doing on these
Cities Service ships. And I want
to remind every SIU Brother
on these ships that the job is not
finished. So keep up the good
work and the Organizing and
Negotiating Committees will do
the rest for us.
We are doing a darn good job
on this ship, the SS Fort Hos
kins, ourselves. Not one single
little trouble in the fourmonth
trip. Naturally, the clarification
Some Peepers
Only eight months oldr but
already showing signs of be
coming a hearibreaker to fe
males in a couple of decades,
is Eugene SuUiveui, son of Sea^
farer John wd Mary Sullivan
of 128 East 981h St., New York
City. Pop's been an SIU man
since 1946.
sent to us from the Hall helps
a lot. Reading them makes us
feel good. At least we know that
pur work is not only for us
alone, but for all of the SIU
Brotherhood of the Sea.
BENEFITS IN EVIDENCE
And one thing for sure. We
notice the benefits of our con
tract everywhere. Regarding
some sharp comers that have to
be smoothed out, things are com
ing along better every day. I
think it's a, good idea to let old
timers ashore knovir that these
ships are coming along in SIU
style. They are loosening up on
overtime and the grub is • fair.
How about helpiiig the yotmg
fellows with the finishing
todches?
Some of the gang are gomg
to sign off, but the majority are
going to stick arotmd for awhile.
Too cold ashore, they say.
Soon as we get some pictures
developed, we'H send them over.
Happy days and smooth sailing
to all Union Brothers.
Frank Caspar
SS Fort Hoskins
Board Transfers
Ammo^arrying
Seamen To Army
To the Editor:
I am now in a job vital to our
national security—in the Army.
I sailed in the SIU from No
vember, 1944, to October, 1950.
I was a slacker according to my
draft, board, but they sure cured
that fast.
I was on a vacation—carrying
a load of ammunition from Fris
co to Pusan in September. We
were two days from Pusan to
Yokohama, At that pomt I was
notified that my butt no longer
belonged to me; it belonged to
Uncle Sam.
I was sent to Fort Devins ahd
then to Camp Pickett. Since com
ing here, I believe I have walked
farther than I have sailed, with
almost as much cargo. I have
become quite handy with an en
trenching tool, otherwise known
as a shovel.
PLEASE WRITE
You can tell the gang I sailed
with that if any of them have
any time. I would appreciate it
if they would drop me a line.
There are a lot of exSIU
men here. And I was talking to
a guy who was a Chief Engineer
for the US Lines. He's in this
organization now. '
If you ever hear anything of
them letting seamen out of the
Army to sail the ships (I under
stand that happened at the be
ginning of the last war, when
skilled seamen were badly need
ed) I would be interested.
Well, I better take off from
here before I get stuck with a
detail. "So I'll say so long.
. Pvt. Charles ROiff
Canip Pickett, Va.
Paul Duval, who retired his SlU bbok in 1949 tb enter
Army, reads the SEAFARERS LOC to keep post^ on mari
timie activities. A member of the ^lU since 1943, Paul'will
resume his seagoing career when he's discharged. Meanwhile
he's heading for the West Ctfast for asngnm^ht as a combat
enspneer.
Up To Metnbet^hip To Keep
Union Strong, Yoiitzy Says
To the Editor:
Well, they have another Sea
farer in the United States Army.
1 was iiiducted on December 14,
1950 at Altoona, Pa., and ar
rived here in Fort Hnox, Ky.,
on December 15.
I am now in my third week
at basic training and I have 11
more to go. It's a little bit
rough in this outfit and we
don't have any contract or work
ing rules, so we go from can to
can't. I sure do miss that good
chow on SIU ships.
I'm not griping because I'm
in the Army. I'm just fighting
for the Union in a different way.
I'm fighting to keep the right
to have unions.
So it's up to you, tiie mem
bership, t6 keep our Union
strdng arid to keep and improve
our contracts. Keeping our Un
ion strong and united is keeping
faith with our departed Brothers
and those of us who were called
to the service of our country. So
Brothers, it's up to you.
Would you please serid me the
LOG so I can keep in touch
with my old shipmates. My book
wiU arrive later for retirefne'nt
and I hope I can soon return
^^nd start sailing again with the
best damn Union in the world.
Please print my address in
the LOG so that if anybody
wants to write to me thtey cari.
Rcl. Ralph W. (Sonny) Youfey
US52076101
Co. C, 36 Arm'd Inf. Bn.
CCA, 3rd Arm'd Div.
Fort Knox, Ky. .
Lag'A -Rhythms
The Captive
" By LOUIS MARTINELLI
Retired Member !
Adds Name To ;
Manpower List
To the Editor:
I follow with great interest
the wonderful work you are do
ing in reporting the trends" of
our merchant seamen's work in
oUr Union. I know that you have
been a big factor ift making th'6
seamen of the American Federal
tion of Labor a tremendous
force in the world maritimeinr
dustry.
Besides this, you have helped
the American fflercharit mafTrii
become a potrint force in world
ev^ts in spite of tremendous
pressure against us at home and
aboard.
I certainly appreciate the hrf^
and guidance I got from youtr
older members, and the Union
as. a whole, when I was an ac
tive meriiber of the SIU. Besides
^ this, I made some fine friend
ships that will never be for
gotten.
Put me on your list of avail
able manpower, if the 'timb
should ever cofne when we are
forced to cope with an emergr
ericy in the manning of SIU
ships. ^
i airi enclosing $3 as a dona
tion for the LOG.
John T. Skavlem
Plymouth, Wise.
(Ed. Note: Thanks. We'U
let you knoW, along with the
hundreds Of others who have •
written in, Vrhen you aife
needed.)
Air
He who loved and roved the sea
Gave up that vagrant life for me,
Ahd sleeps contented at my side,
Yet knows a hunger he must hide.
The dour is closed, the lamp is lit.
But little thohght he gives to it;
He hears beyond that cottage door.
The call of far oiff Singapore.
/
And where the turffire shadows play
He sees an island in Malay,
And with his cheek against my cheek,
His heart mUst stray to Mozambique.
His spirit is not at home with rqe, ' ̂
But half a world away at sea.
LOG, MAIL SOtJGHT
BY SEAFARER
IN US AIR FORCE
Tol the Editor: . ̂
I would like to inform you
that I have been transferred and
would like to continue receiving
the LOG. I am now at 9th Main
tenance Squadron, Travis
Force Base, Fairfield, Calif.
I would appreciate it if yuu
would run this in one of yot^^
ei^itions and ask my. old ship
mates to write to mo. My lasl:
trips before I retired iriy booS:
and entered the Air Force Werfe
on the Marine Star and tbfe
Robin Tuxford. ,
At present I am taking on
th'ejob training as an armorer
arid like the tj^pe of work Vei^
much. Here's a tip to some d!
the Brothers who may be draft
ed. If they enter the service
they might try the Air Force.
There are a host of advantages.
Pfc. John D. Marbifto
AF12342848
1^'
White Horse Bar Adds
An Attraction—the LOG
To Ibe Editor;
The Brothers might be inter
ested to know that Wj Griffeift,
aft SUP inelriber, is operating p
bar in Genoa, Italy.
The place is the White Horse
Dancing Bar, a really nice pikce
where Seafarers can get a fair
deal, the SE.^FARERS LOG arid
music. Griffen's place is at Via
Del Camp 61, Genoa.
Li
jipseph E. Carandier
Friday. Fd>ruar7 23. 1931 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Thirteen
P|e* T(* A(aeetii;4 standoff
The, Del Sud's softball. sockexs axe. out tp sla^ down all opposition in the course of their pres
ent voyage. Most of alt ili^y ward to avenge a standoff played against a South American team
last trip. When daxknesa ha^ed the contest, the score stood at 1414. Front row, left to right:
1^ King, BU Robprts; middle row: J. Procell, L. Blpnchaxd. W. McLeod, J. Robinson, J. McGuf
fey, T. Reat^ous. J. MpRap and Collins; rear ^w: Ek»un, L. Bumatay apd L. B. Browtu
^iithern Cities
Is Gettijig Things
^uared Away
To the Editor:
Please excuse the paper this
is written on but we on this
sulphurladen LSTMV Sputhern
Cities of the Southern ^Trading
Company thought you might be
interested in hearing from us.
As you know we are in the
process of getting things squared
away in SIU style since a con
tract was signed with this com
ply and I can happUy say that
process is being mada
^ We have gotten a lot of paint
ing done, we've gotten soine
new percolators and we expect
to have a lot of other things,
when our shipyard repairs are
finished.
DRYDOCK AHEAD
. We are scheduled to enter the
shipyard in Norfolk on Febru
ary 28.
.A vote of thanks for a job
well done on this ship gpes to.
Jerry Cunningham, a Brother out
of Galyeston. at>d. one of our
better Electricians, who has very
efficiently handled, the job of
Ship's Delegate.
The Ship's Delegate job has
not been an easy one and, tp
us it seems that a good word
well placed 'is in order for
Brother Cunningham.
CREDIT DUE
.Also, a lot of credit for the
fine condition of this ship should,
gp to G a 1V e s t on Patrolmen
Charles Tannehill and Mickey
Wilburn, They have been as close
to us as the nearest telephone
whenever we were in that area.
" Well, so long for now, but
you'll be hearing from us again.
We might break down and send
in a. few pictures—if we can get
the old camera oiit of the hock
shop.
Paul Bole
MV Southern Cities
Some of; the Seafarers whp make up the crack Stewards
Department aboard, the Del, Sud group for the jphotpgrapher in
the ship's bar. In the group are. Chief Stewd)^
Galiano, Chief Stewardess A. Satterthwaite, T. McDavitt. C.
Carmel. P. Maechling, S. Hawkins, Mike Liuzza. T. Alleman,
and E. Sepulveda. editor, of the ship's paper, the "Southern
Cross." Ship's Delegate Brown submitted the pix.
Siees Need For L^w To Speed
Paytn^ts To Kin Of Seanwn
AnENTION!
If you don't lind linen
when you go aboard your
ship, notify the Hall at once.
A telegram from LeHarve or
Singapore won't do you any
good. It's your bed and you
have to lie in it.
To the Editor:
The whiskeydrinking, cigar
smoking, ppkerplaying Senators
are gambling 'V^ith the lives of
American seamen if they think
that the niggardly pumber of 5,0
odd vessels making not more
than 20 knots, added to the in
adequate US Merchant Marine,
will win for them the battle of
the Atlantic in the coming war
at sea.
They are as bad as the Bour
bons if they haven't learned "Tjy
now that a. foreign power has
about completed the construc
tion of a few, 37,000ton battle
ships, 14 cruisers of 9,500 tons
"each, and 2 heavy cruisers of
15,200 tons each. These ships,
airplane carrying, are all equip
ped with a secret weapon, called
"Dubrotin's device." Then, there
are the subs or schnorkels, some
300 of them, which, also equip
ped with the secret weapon,
have the speed of 20 knots per
hour, when submerged a 1,000
feet.
Compelled, as we are, tp tpke
the above stated into grave con
sideration, it seems Ihiat the
American seamen will not have
much of a chanCe when toipedo
ed at sea on a dark and wintery
night when the wind blows hard
and seas run rough. The enemy
schnorkel will not stop to rescue
the struggling survivors'; it will
go on, on its "mission," to sink
another American ship without
a trace and make her a ship
"missing at sea" with the result
that no insurance for the lives
lost will be paid for some time,
causing anguish and hardship to
the near and dear ones of the
American seamen at home.
It is, therefore, that a new law
covering the American seamen
"missing" or lost at sea should
be made in order that the in
surance be promptly paid a
month after the vessel is re
ported missing at sea.
It is time the Senators gave a
thought to the men who go down
to the sea in ships.
R. J. Peiexson
Reactivated Lynn Victory
Whipped Into Shape By Crew
To the Editor:
The mail service out here is
nil. We were getting it up until
about a month ago, but it has
slowed down so much now that
we are wondering if it has stop
ped.
Had a meeting on January 3,
at which we took up the matter
of having to stand a security
watch. Because of this, two
thirds of the crew is required
to be put aboard at all times.
We are told this is an order
put out by the local Army au
thorities, but we haven't seen
an order from them yet pro
claiming the same.
NO HARD RULE
Talked to some of the 'crew
members of other ships in this
area with same type of cargo.
Some said they were under the
same setup, others said no.
We are not getting any fresh
vegetables or fruit. The Steward
put them on the requisition, but
for some reason they were
struck off. We are trying to find
out why. Been without for a
couple of months now.
The Deck Departanent is about
to run out of paint but they got
one coat on. Looks much better
too.
The engine room is in pretty
good shape. Had plenty of work
to do to get that way, as this is
her first trip after being in the
layup fleet for two years.
DARN TOOTIN'
We've caught up so much down
below now that our main pro
ject is the making of a new
air whistle out of brass tubing.
Some of the guys on board
seem to be getting a little stir
crazy. They are learning to use
the abacus (bead frame) that the
Japs start to use every time
they start to shake you down.
(The ediacus referred to here
is of Chinese origin, although it
is familial' to most Americans.
It consists of beads strung on
wires or rods set in a wooden
frame, and is used in making
simple calculations—Editor.)
One of the fellows says that
the next time a Japanese pulls
one on, him—^he's gonna pull out
his.
A. Woton
Ship's Delegate
SS Lynn Victory
Rates Baltimore
Hospital With
Best In World
To the Editor:
Here I am in drydock in the
Baltimore Marine Hospital. I
want the boys to know that we
have the best of care from the
doctors and nurses. And the sur
gical skill of these people is im
surpassed.
I've been in hospitals the world
over and I'll put this one up
against any of them.' I don't
think enough of the guys show
proper appreciation for all the
care we do get. The least we
can do is give the hospital a
writeup to show how we feel.
NO BETTER PLACE
I'll be glad to get out, but
since I have to be—laid up for
repairs (the deep tank was out
of commission) I can^ think of a
better place. Maybe Fll be head
ing Florida way in a month or
so.
I'd like to say hello to all the
boys at Headquarters. In closing
I say thanks a million to all on
the staff of the hospital on be
half of myself and all SIU boys
here. Especially Drs. Howard,
Southworth, Spies and all the
nurses who are always on their
toes. W. D. Warmack
SAID THE STEWARD TO THE PORTER
By OSCAR WINFREE
• (Scene: Stewards messhall, SS Alcoa Cavalier)
Second Steward: All right, all right, let's get going — there's
bauxite to be cleaned.
Day Porter: Ah, gee. Steward, take it easy. Rome wasn't built in
a day.
Second Steward: Hell, I wasn't a foreman or a Steward on that
damn job.
SIU Brotherhood
Goes Into Action
In Korean Port
To the Editor:
I am just dropping a few lines
to the SEAFARERS LOG to
let the members know of the
hospitality shown to me by two
Brothers from the Jefferson City
Victory while that ship was in
the port of Pusan, Korea.
The hospitality that I speak of
consisted of showers, food and
many other things that are a
luxury in any part of Korea.
The two Brothers who were
so kind did not know anjdhing
about me, other than the fact
that I told them I had been a
member of the SIU before en
tering the Army. I don't know
if they still think I put on a
big act just to achieve the things
mentioned, but I would like to
see something, in the LOG men'
tioning their kindness and thank
ing them for everything they
did for me.
The two men are Ira Bridges,
GUer, who holds Book No. 29484,
and Fred Easter, FWT, with
Book NQ. 10717.
Some group pictures were
taken, but I never could get
hold of them. The GI who tool?
them shipped out.
Pfc. Edwud Rudxinski
(Ed Note: Pfc. Rudrinski,
who retired his SIU book in
1948 when he entered the
Army, is on duty in Korea.)
Smiling Seafarer
E. Bi McAuIey, who took this
happy beeuning view of Deck
Enspneer Emil Nordstrom on
the SS Hastings, says that
Emil "doesn't usually smile
this way." He had just got^n
the winches in gpod shape, so
he turxied on the pleased IftSk.
f
K
^ ^ 'r ^ '
Page Fourieen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. February 23, 1951
Men Bursting With Beefs
On NMU Feeding, He Finds
On Leave
To the Editor:
I have just read Frenchy Mich
elet's "Guide to Stewards." I
think that this article is a real
service to the membership, and
that, if our Stewards Department
Brothers follow the advice that
he gives them, it can't help but
improve both feeding and serv
ice aboard our ships.
Frenchy is absolutely right
when he says that conditions .pn
our ships are so much better
than those on NMU ships.
I should know, because I hang
out in a bar on 23rd Street in
New York that is frequented
by NMU crews. You should hear
them scream! '
HUNGRY SHIPS
That's about all you hear in
the place—^food beefs. Seems like
the NMU companies are going
back to the old Shipping Board
practices of rationing what little
food that is put aboard their
ships. Seems that they have will
ing stooges in the Chief Stew
ards.
Things are getting so bad that
the NMU is forced to print solid
pages of food beefs from various
crews in their paper. I picked
up a copy of their paper that
some guy left on the bar the
other night, and found that the
thing was full of squawks about
starvation conditions, and they
even had a headline on the front
page from one of their port
Steward Department officials
who was blaming the whole
stinking mess on the Companies
Port Stewards.
Sure it's the Port Stewards
who are responsible for the
starvation conditions on NMU
ships. But if the NMU was half
a union, they wouldn't be trying
to cop out, but would get busy
and see that the people respon
sible for starving their crews
would straighten up and fly
right.
In closing I would like to re
mind the Stewards and Cooks
on our ships that we are en
joying the best conditions in the
shipping industry, and that we
can't expect to hold them unless
we dd our part. I think that
we should have a school in our
new building to teach the Stew
ards and Cooks and Messmen
to get the rftost out of the food
that our militant Union focces
the shipowners to put on our
ships. L. J. White I
Pearl Harbor's Pier Snafu
Not Funny To Puzzled Crew
ExSeafarer James G. Watt,
who last sailed on the Jeffer
son City Victory, pdiises at
front door of his Santa Ana,
Calif., home during furlough
from Army. ^ A medic, Jim
wishes to be remembered to
all his Union Brothers.
To the Editor:
We just thought we'd write
the LOG to register a loud com
plaint about certain policies the
Navy has imposed upon us while
parked in their great big fat
Pearl Harbor.
We hauled a load of ammuni
tion here from Port Chicago and
unloaded it out at a place called
Westloch. While at Westloch we
had full shore, leave, they pro
vided a' bus on the hour out of
the place and brought us back
to the ship in a jeep from the
gate if we missed the bus in.
The place was guarded by Ma
rines.
Then we moved to Pearl Har
bor and tied up at pier N5.
First they posted a notice in
the messroom which read, word
for. word, "Busses "leave for
Honolulu every hour round the
clock at the head of the pier."
So along comes four in the
Tommy Tucker Has His Fill Of Near Misses
So He Drops The Del Mar Like A Hot Potato
To the Editor:
'Army Wishes
To Join Me'
— Wennberg
To the Editor:
Thank you for remembering
me after this time, but I'm
afraid that your notice has come
a little late.
As usual, my luck has outdone
itself and at present I am re
cuperating from a broken hand
caused by an automobile run
ning into me. Aforesaid automo
bile is greatly damaged by this
headon collision. My head and
his fender.
DOUBLE CONCUSSION
At this point, one would think
there could be no more confu
sion added to this mind still
suffering from concussion. But
now another matter of conse
quence comes to agitate still
further — a largesize envelope
bearing greetings from the Presi
dent of the ^United States. It
seems that the Army wishes to
join me.
Understand now that your let
ter coming to me brings not
good cheer but another madden
ing frustration. I >will, however,
fill out this form and send it
along with an eye to the future.
I go now to drown my sor
rows in a large mug of beer. If
time allows and if the breweries
can hold the pace, I shall at
tempt to toast each man I have
sailed with. ?
Hay A. Wennberg
(Ed. note: Brother Wenn
berg is a retired member of
the SIU. Th& "remembering
me" he, speaks of is the let
ter sent to him by the Un
ion telling him of the re
serve numpower the SIU is
building and asking if he
would be available in the
event of an emergency.)
Just arrived back in New Or
leans after several nearserious
accidents on the Del Mar. The
ship came in with a bow that
looked like an accordion and
dropped that ship like a hot po
tato.
What I was worried about was
where I was going to stay. My
former landlady lost her old
place, the Russell 'Hotel, to the
brewery on November 1. And
Mrs. Oliver was burnt out of
the Oliver Hotel hot long ago,
so I was beginning to wonder
where I was going to stay,
walked into the Spotlight to see
who was around. Who do I see
but Edna, who told me she had
just gotten another place.
It is in the next block, the
Bourbon Hotel, 425 Bourbon
Street. I have a nice room and
I am sure all of her old friends
will be glad to know where she
is located. I hope Mrs. Oliver
can get a place soon. I am sure
her friends do, too.
I think I'll try to catch a
Korean run; there I'll probably
be safer than on the Del Mar.
As a result of a collision last
month with the Del Mar, a C3
went to the bottom in Santos.
Thirty feet of the Del Mar's
MOTHER \\^ILL READ
LOG, THEN PASS IT
ON TO SOLDIER SON
To the Editor:
My son, Nigel F. Stoneburg,
one of your members, was re
cently drafted into the Army.
He has asked me to forward
the LOG to him every other
week, as this seems to be one
of his favorite publications and
being that he is personally ac
quainted with so many of your
boys.
We had been receiving the
paper until last November and
we, too, have missed reading it
very much.
Nigel • was drafted after his
last trip home from Hong Kong.
His address is US55036735, Com
pany G, 2nd B'n, T.R.T.C., Fort
Eustis, Va.
Please send the LOG to me
and I wiU forward it to him
each time.
Mrs. A. F. Snyder
Minneapolis, Minn.
bow stuck into the engine room
of the ship, the Moormacstar,
and she was called a total loss.
But we were very fortunate
that no one was hurt. To top it
all in Buenos Aires, the steve
dore working the No. 3 king
post dropped from his bosun's
chair and hit the deck from
about 25 feet. He almost got up
and walked away, but two of
his amigos escorted him to an
ambulance. I hope he got along
all right. He had the Del Mar's
sympathy.
But before going south there
was another minor accident,
v/hich could have been serious.
The No. 6 boom dropped on the
port side nexf to the dock and
fell across the bulwarks. Luckily,
no one was on the docks when
it fell because the boom end fell
on some passengers' baggage.
But outside of all the near
accidents, I really did enjoy the
trip. Nothing like a trip to
South America. Plenty of ex
citement, always.
To all my friends on the Del
Mar, best of luck to all.
Tommy Tucker
Brother Suggests Schedule
For UnionRun Cook School
To the Editor:
I should like to offer some
suggestions for the setting up of
Unionconducted cook school,
such as was announced in the
last issue of the LOG.
A student should enroll for a
course in the art of cooking for
period of three weeks, with
classes begirming at 9 AM each
day and continuing to 1 PM,
the same time as is worked
aboard ships.
During the course, the men
should be taught the prepara
tion of good soups, how to roast
meats and poultry, baking and
frying fish, and cooking vege
tables. They should also be
taught how to grill the various
cuts of meat and fish.
The offduty period should be
between 1 and 3 PM, at which
time the student should return
for further instruction.
Messmen should be taught to
make beds properly and in the
afternoon session should take
charge of the utensils used by
the cooks in preparing the din
ners.
Bakers should also be study
ing at the same hours as the
cooks. The food cooked by the
Cooks and Bakers can be served
in our own re^urant. Every
afternoon there should be a lec
ture with demonstrations of
cooking and baking by the in
structors.
A splendid idea would be to
invite some of the big shots t f
the steamship companies into thi:
school to view the cooking and
I baking students at work, so they
can get an idea of how capable
men will be working aboard
their ships. ^
For a student to obtain his
Cook's certificate, his cooking
should be sampled by an expert
chef orsomeone of similar quali
fications.
Arnold Boyle
afternoon and the Steward and
a couple of other boys stroll
down the gangway to go ashore.
Two civilian guards stop them
at the foot of the gangway and
tell them they can't walk up to
the head of the pier without an
escort, that the escort appears
every hour, that there is no bus
we would be allowed on anyway,
and that in order to 'get ashore
we have to ask them to call a
civilian taxi to take us out to
the gate under guard, and from
the gate we have the privilege
of going to Honolulu any way
we goddam please, and the tariff
for the cab is four bits per man.
PIECE OFF?
'These two phony commandos
tell us that the only way we can
go to the gate is in a taxi, that
there is no other way. Also
they denied any shore leave at
all to four of the crew who
were aliens, three. Stewards De
partment and one Black Gang.
These men aren't even allowed
off the gangway! However, offi
cers on the .'Ship have the run
of the place here, can walk any
place they please or ^ke any
bus they want within the base.
Now when the Navy forces us
to pay a buck to get to and
from the gate of their silly base^
and pay it to some civilian taxi
company, when they treat us for
all the world like a bunch of
dangerous subversives and let
people like the excuse for a pur
ser we have aboard here wander
about at will, we think others
should know about it and have
a laugh too.
BIG LAUGH
And when men who had to be
screened in 'Washington to make
the trip, because of being aliens,
are treated like they all pack
pockets full of bombs around,
we think the stupidity of the
gold braid behind all these
stunts should be revealed for
all to laugh at. Of course we
don't think it's so goddam funny
right now but we can take any
thing the Navy can sling at us.
And we'll still deliver to them •
their goddam shells and smoke
less powder.
Crew of the
Clarksburg Victory
Injuries Put Hoslusky In
Staten Island Hospital
To the Editor:
I take, great pleasure in writ
ing a little line to the SEAFAR
ERS LOG.
I am now at the US Marine
Hospital in Staten Island. I want
to thank the Union for what it
has done for me.
I was in' bad shape and the
doctors here are still working
on me, , taking xrays and so
forth. .
They tell me my injuries are
pretty bad and that there is not
much they can do. The only
thing is for me to make the best
of the situation.
The eye or my hearing cannot
be restored. My spine is also in
bad shape. As a result my walk
ing is very poor. The doctors
are going to work on the head
so they csiti possibly help prevent
those diffy spells I have been
suffering from.
Yes, I sure would like to get
well and get back to sea and I
am very glad that I belong to
the best Union in the World. One
in which" the Brothers will al
ways stand by to help one an
other, and to see that their Bro
thers in the SIU get their full
rights.
I am in Ward B5 on the fifth
floor of the Staten Island hospi .
tal. I'm, waiting to see how
things come out.
Tell all the Brothers that I
wish them the best of health and
the best of luck. Keep the ships
sailing.
Joseph Hoslusky
(Ed. note: Wo can't help
feeling that with the kind
of spirit shown by Brother
Hoslusky, things will come
out aU right. Meanwhile, all
hands' extend their sincere
wishes for a rapid recovery.
Perhaps some of his ship
mates wUl find time to stop
by and pay liim a visit, or:
drop him a line.)
:
4,; J i
' /uvv,
Friday, February 23, 1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fifteen
Contrasts In Seafaring
The range of crewmen's activities aboard ships at sea
is, perhaps, best depicted pictorially, according to those
Seafarers who never forget to tote their cameras up the
gangway. Among the picture records submitted by lens
enthusiasts to the LOG this week were those of Harry
Hurton, Delegate aboard the Cavalier, and Ken Gelzhiser,
Wiper on the Cities Service tanker French Creek. Both
contributions appear on this page.
In submitting his photos, Hurton said everything is
going fine on the bauxite trailer. Most of the crew, he
added, are sporting loud shirts and Trinidad tans. Gelz
hiser said his pictures, taken while the French Creek was
towing a disabled freighter to Aruba, speak for themselves.
Chrislmas on the Cavalier was made a bit more real by an unidentified crewmember who
assumed the role of Santa with all thai gentleman's custoi«Ary trappings. Here he spurns an
edible role offered by a shipmate to wave to the folks out there in the crew's messroom. With
him are Chino, Meoion, Ducksworth, Flood and Greenveld.
Members of the French Creek's Deck Gang are busy ai
work aft.' In the background is' the freighter to whose SOS
the CS tanker responded for a tow job to Aruba. The rescue
operation took place some 300 miles north of Aruba.
Whether this shot was taken before the Cavalier's Chrislmas parly is not kn9wn. There's
no doubt, however, that men in photo are (seated, left to right): Wilson, Burch, Rayford, Stearns,
Santiago and Sfieffield. Standing: Davis, Taggert, Stillman, Marinello, Sullivan, Vaughn and
Adams. i
Coffee time is always a good
time to break out the camera.
French Creek Seafarer Leon
ard Fiend releixes with coffee
cup and cigareto.
The French Creek's fantail became a popular spot for taking pictures once the vessel got
under 'w^y with the disabled freighter in tow. Looking quite happy about everything in
general me some members of the tanker's Stewards Department, who Gelshiser said, did a,
pretty good job of feeding.
Crewmember Eddie Farrell
took his turn at the rail dur
ing 8 pause for refreshing
coffee but kept right on taking
a deep drag, camera or no.
Page Sixteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 23, 1951
Vi •
::r ;::r
Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings
(Continued from Page 9)
Delegates reported few beefs.
Suggestion made that meetings
be held every two weeks. Mo
tion carried that overtime and
salvage money would not be ac
cepted until brought to Patrol
man.
4 a>
LONE JACK (Cities Service),
Jan. 26—Chairman. John Thomp
son; Secretary, Bernard Kimber
ly. Communication from Head
quarters read concerning unload
ing cargo and time ashore. Mo
tion carried to see Patrolman
why ship gets 40 quarts of milk
less on the southern end of the
trip than on the northern end.
Discussion held on shipboard
safety. Educational talk on his
tory of maritime unionism given
by Chairman.
MV SOUTHERN CITIES (Sou
thern Trading), Feb. 10—Chair
man, J. Cunningham; Secretary,
Bob Brown. Delegates asked to
prepare notes concerning beef
in Houston. Deck Delegate re
ported on security watches not
held on weekends. Steward re
ported on present stores to be
checked with Captain. Motion
carried unanimously to fine $5
anyone who performs.
Jan. 22 — Chairman, J. Cun
ningham; Secretary, Bob Brown.
Ship's Delegate reported that
company operating manager
okayed most of the repair list
and items will be put aboard as
soon as possible. Motion carried
to investigate cleaning of officers'
heads by Messman. Each man
to donate 50 cents toward ship's
, fund.
4. i it
MV SOUTHERN COUNTIES
(Southern Trading). Jam. 16 —
Chairman, Andy Anderson; Sec
retary, D. Richardson. Delegates
elected. Motion carried to have
Ship's Delegate contact Union
for contracts and overtime sheets.
Motion carried to see Captain
about painting all crew's spaces
and messrooms so they can be
kept clean.
4 4 4
GATEWAY CITY (Waterman),
Feb. II — Chairman. Ed Killi
grew; Secretary, J. Holoboski.
Delegates reported number of
books and permits in their de
partments. Communication from
Headquarters concerning roster
to be filled out listing ratings
read and accepted, Suggestion
made that men fill out applica
tions for Coast Guard papers.
Motion carried that wash water
• tanks be tested and cleaned as
the water is coming out rusty
and greasy.
washing machine pick up ma
chine and have it repaired while
ship is on coastwise run. Repair
list to be made up by each de
partment.
4 4 4
JOHN B. WATERMAN (Wa
terman), Feb. 2—Chairman. E.
Black; Secretary, H. Wirtz. Dele
gates' reports read and accepted.
Motion carried that repair list
be made in triplicate' and one
copy be turned oVer to depart
ment head and other retained in
department.
4 4 4
CANTIGNY (Cities Service),
Feb. 6 —. Chairman, J. Teicher;
Secretary, J. DiMaggio. Delegates
reported number of books and
permits in their departments.
Discussion, on exchanging library
for a new one. Chairman read
Headquarters commtmication con
cerning time off and unloading
of cargo.' Motion carried that
the question of milk be settled
at once as 80 quarts of milk is
insufficient.
4 4 4,
WACOSTA (Waterman), Nov.
12—Chairman, O. Morgan; Sec
retary, N. Gravelle. Delegates
reported no beefs. Vote of thanks
given Chief Steward and the
men of his departmen(; for the
fine food they, have put out dur
ing trip.
4 4 4*
GOLDEN CITY (Waterman),
Feb. 4—Chairman, Frank Wala
ska; Secretary, Walter Bulter^n.
Delegates reported no beefs. Mo
tion carried to have ag,en%. fori
4 4 4
BENTS FORT (Cities Service),
Jan. 14—Chairman, L. Paradise;
Secretary, A. Wilbert. Patrolman
contacted about getting more
milk aboard. Delegates reported
no beefs. Engine Delegate re
ported he will correct Engineers
when they are found doing un
licensed men's work. Ship's Dele
gate reported that bound volumes
of the LOG of 1946 through 1949
are now available in the library.
Jan. 20—Chairman, S. Frei
bish; Secretary, A. Wilbert. Dele
gates reported all okay, except
small amount of disputed over
time in Stewards and Deck De
partments. Vote of thanks given
R. Fink for his fine job as Ship's
Delegate. New men notified of
abundance of Union literature
in library. Report made that
Captain, Mates and Chief En
gineer are working together to
counteract any parts of the
agreement which don't meet with
their approval.
4 4 4
MOTHER M. L. (EagleOcean
Transport), Feb. 8 — Chairman,
Edmund Abialy; Secretary,
James McLinden. Repair list
read and accepted. Steward
warned to stop playing favorites
topside and attend to his respon
sibilities toward the crew. Stew
ard told to prepare a list of bad
stores and action will be taken
next trip. List of grievances
against Captain drawn up.
4 4 4
SEATRAIN NEW YORK (Sea
train Lines), Feb. 11 — Chair
man, S. Garcia; Secretary, A.
Arnold. Delegates reported num
ber of books and permits in
their department/. Motion car
ried to concur with Headquar
ters communication <?onceming
upgrading. Discussion on ven
tilators, painting of decks, in
rooms.
4 4 4
ROBIN MOWBRAY (Seas
Shipping), Jan. 7—Chairman, Ed
ward Yancyi Secretary, Amos
Baum. Delegates' reports accept
ed. Old washing machine to be
repaired and kept for an emerg
ency; .new, ipachine to be pur
chased. Motion carried to fix up
hospital when ship hits States.
ALCOX PENNANT (Alcoa),
Feb. 7 — Oialnnan. Red Sully;
Secretary, D. Bouderux. Deck
Delegate reported one hour dis
puted time for supper hour. Mo
tion carried to take $51 from
ship's fund for purchasie of mo
tor for washing machine.
4 4 4
BLACK EAGLE (NaiT Cargo
Carriers), Feb. 4—Chairman, J.
Henkle; Secretary, Frank Winter.
Delegates reported some disputed
overtime. Chief Engineer to be
seen about an extra fan in each
foc'sle.. Painting of black gang
foc'sles to be done after repair
work is cleaned up. Men who
want can opener may buy their
own as Steward does not put
them out. Article from LOG on
cleanliness of foc'sles read and
accepted.
4 4 4
WANDA (Epiphany Tankers),
Jan. 20—Chairman, C. Wandell;
Secretary, Frank Nigro. , Dele
gates reported number of books
and permits in their departments.
Motion carried to. paycff at sea,
when ship hits port no one will
go ashore without seeing Patrol
man first. New washing machine
to be bought in name of Union.
In case ship is sold or laid up,
the machine will be sent to
nearest Hall to be put aboard
another SIU ship.:
4 4 4
CLARKSBURG VICTORY
(Mississippi), Feb. 4—Chairman,
C. Lawson; Secretary, P. Schad,.
Delegates reported number of
books and permits in their de
partments. Motion carried to
bring charges against men not
adhering to Union constitution.
All men to clean their foc'sles
before paying off. Captain to be
seen about painting of galley.
new and old bonus areas. Vote
of thanks to Chief and 2nd Elec
trician for setting up washing
machine, a present from the' SS
Steel Chemist.
4 4 4
DEL SUD (Mississippi), Jan.
21 — Chairman, L.. Clarke; Sec
retary, E. Sepulveda. Ship's Del
egate reported that faulty gen
eral alarm had been fixed. Ship's
Delegate recommended that> a
Maytag washing machine be
bought, as parts for "this ma
chine can be bought in South
America. Vote of thanks given
Jose Louis for his fine work in
making base markers for the
baseball team.
4 4 4
BULL RUN (Petrol Tankers),
Jan. 4 — Chairman, L. Blan
chard; Secretary, J. Burrowes.
Delegates reported number of
books and permits in iheir de
parments. Pantryman to be
brought on charges at north end
of trip. Ship's fund reported as
standing at $51.80.
4 4 .4.
BEATRICE (Bull), Feb. 3 —
Chairman, Claude Fisher; Secre^i
tary, F. Yoxmg. Delegates re
ported all . in order. Bulletins
from Headquarters read and re
ferred ltd Ship's Delegate for ac
tion. Educational talk given and
men having arguments ashore
were urged to settle them there
and not bring them aboard the
ship. ~ "
4 4 4
SOUTHLAND (South Atlantic),
Feb. 1 — Chairman, C. Mosley;
Secretary, J. Faircloth. Excerpts
from LOG on imloading cargo
and denial of time ashore dis
cussed and adopted imanimously;.
Motion carried to keep peddlers
off ship in Rotterdam. It was
pointed out that the peddlers,
two • women, sell high priced
junk, peddle communist litera
ture and steal ship's, gear. Senti
ment of crew that the money
spent to these peddlers goes to
promote communism.
4 4 4
ALCOA PURITAN (Alcoa),
Jan. 31—Chairman, LeRoy Wil
liams; Secretary, R. Carringtou.
Delegates rep<)(rted.;!all okay. Mo
tion carriedr to ^ adopts message
from Headquarteifs on unloading
cargo and fim^ otf.! 1^^ car
ried thai Ship's.'Delegate coii
tact Headquarters cohberifi^
4 4 4
McKETTRICK HILLS (Pacific
Tankers), Jan. 21 — Chairman,
George Qiunones;. Secretary, A.
Schiavone. Motion carried that
Ship's Delegate write a letter
to Union in reference to slop
chest, which is now empty. Sug
gestion made that medical chest
be replenished.
4 4 4
MASSMAR (Calmar), Feb. 4r
'Chairman, C. Hostetter; Secre
tary, S. Holden. Delegates re
ported number of books and
permits in their departments.
Oath of Obligation read and dis
cussed.
4 4 4
DEL NORTE (Mississippi). Jan.
21—Chairman, Lewis; Secretary,
Barbarin. Discussion on Head
quarters bulletins concerning
timeoff and unloading of cargo.
Ship's Delegate reported .that re
pairs involving sheet nietal could
Gangway Watch
For the protection of the
crew's gear and the ship's
equipment, and for the pro
tection of the SIU agree
ment, men standing gangway
. watches should remain at
their post, in the same man
ner as the Fireman below
miut stand his watch. Gang
ways cannot bp covered from
the messhall or foc'sle.
The gangway watch is as
much a part of our agree
ment with the shipowners as
the wage scale.' The job is
easy and the overtime earn
: ed on the weekends: fattens
' i^e pejroff bundle. Stick
f fey 'fefiaii ' gangway when on
5 wat'cfe: '
not be handled, as sheet metal
workers are on strike. Quarter
masters told to turn to when
tying up and letting go, and if
not turned to to put in for the
overtime. Editor of "Navigator"
made his report, accepted. Mo
tion carried to limit ship's fund
to $500.
4 4 4
DEL ORO (Mississippi), Jan. 21
Chairman. William Carroll; Sec
retary, Guy Plahm New washing
machine purchased, ,bill turned
over to Ship's Delegate. Motion
carried to turn old washer over
to Union to be put on another
ship.
4 4 4
QUARTETTE (formerly Jamea
Swan, Standard SS), Feb. 5 —;
Chairman, Parker; Secretary,.
Paul Cassidy. Delegates elected
in all departments. Ship's Dele
gate agreed to contact Hall and"
get needed supplies on ship plus;
overtime sheets, contracts, LOGs
and other Union materials. 'Tar
paulin muster taken for purchase
of new washing machine. Inas
much as ship is a new one, crew
resolved to bring her back from
her first trip clean in all de
partments.
4 4 4
EUGENIE (Oro Navigation)i
Jan. 24 — Chairman, Andre Au
bin; Secretary. T. Ortiz. Dele
gates reported number of books
and permits in their departments.
Store list to • be made up by
Chief Cook. Certain men repri
manded for being too chummy
topside, and instructed to attend
to their duties. Discussion on
necessary cleanliness on ship. ~
4 4 4
EILEEN (Metro Petroleum),
Feb. 21 — Chairman, H. Henke;
Secretary, L. Schmidt. Delegates
reported all okay. Beef over meat
not being put back in icebox.
Better balanced meals asked.
4 4 4
PUERTO RICO (Bull), Jan. 14
— Chairman, Scolty Aubusson;
Secretary, Jim Murphy. Dele
gates reported all running
smoothly. Ship's Delegate gave
warning to men returning late
to ship in Ciudad Trujillo. Fifl
ancial Secretary reported $354 in
ship's fund.
J':
4 4 4
SANDMATE (Construction Ag
gregates), Jan. 31 — Chairman,
Ed Bender; Secretary, John Cole.
Crew warned to conserve milk
being put out for meals. Ship's
Delegate reported that if any
one gets gassed up the crew
will take disciplinary action.
Suggestion made that a check
be made of men sailing below
their ratings and the form be
completed in accordance with
Headquarters' fequest. Sugges
tions made for new innovations
to be put in new Headquarters
Hall.
V 4 4
SEADREAM (Colonial), Jan.
14 — Chairman, Rusty Jowers;
Secretary, D. Furman. All Dele
gates reported all okay. Vote of
thanks given Stewards Depart
ment for holiday dinners and re:
freshments. List of necessary fe
paics made up aiid approved. I •
Friday, Febnuuy 23. 1951 r0£ S£.4IF,4R£RS LOG Page Sevenleen
Strikers Use SIU facilities In Brooklyn LflbOr DSHIdlillS ACtlVC RolC
in All Mobilization Agencies
On strike against the Genial Woodcr^t Con>oration. members of ILA Plants and Factories
Local 1702, have been using facilities on site of SIU's new Brooklyn building to hold meetings
and relax between stints on the picketline. The struck firm is located only a short distance
from the SIU Hall. Be^ had been settled pnce, but workers went out when boss started hard
timing them again.
OldAge And Survivors hsurante Explained
What is oldage and survivors
insurance? It is a government
insurance program to provide a
monthly income for workers and
their families when the worker
stops work at age 65 or later
and for his family when he dies.
Who comes under this pro
gram? This insurance system
operates for workers in com
merce and industry, for their
families, and for survivors of
certain World War II veterans.
' Seamen come under this law* and
workers in factories, mills, mines,
offices, stores, banks, garages,
hotels, restaurants, beauty par
lors, and the like are "covered"
by this insurance system. (Not
covered by law are, in general,
jobs in agriculture; domestic
service in private homes; Feder
al, State or local government
servic?} work in religious, char
itable, and certain otber non
profit organizations; the. self
employed; and sopie others.)
What is meant by an "insured"
worker? An insured worker is
a person who has worked long
enough in jobs that come under
the Federal social security law
and was paid enough wages to
meet the requirements of that
law. The length of employment
necessary depends on the work
er's age. In general, a person
who has worked roughly half the
time on jobs covered by social
security singe 1937 or his 21st
birthday, whichever is later, up
to the time he reaches age 65 or
dies, is "fully insured."
A worker who has worked
roughly half the time during
the three years immediately be'
fore his death is "currently in
sured." There are some differ
ences in the types of payments
which can be made on the
basis of the records of workers
who are "fully" or "currently"
insured. In no case can a work
er be "insured" unless he has
worked about a year and a half
on jobs "covered" by social se
curity.
^ How much does ' a retired
worker get? That depends main
ly, on his average earnings, on
' j^s which come • tinder social
M sdcUrity; 'Monthly benefits for a
> worker. Whd retires at age 65^ or
• over may now. be anywhere ,from
$10 to $45.60 a month. These
benefits are not payable for any
month in which he earns more
than $14.99 on a job "covered
by social security.
Can a retired worker's family
get benefits too? Yes. When a 65
year old worker qualifies for
retirement benefits, his wife may
become eligible for a monthly
check' as soon as she reaches
age 65. In some cases the re
tired worker may have one or
more unmarried children who
are not yet 18. These children
would also receive social security
benefits.
Do benefits go to the families
of workers who die? When an
insured worker dies, monthly
benefits are paid to his children
until they are 18. His widow will
also receive a monthly payment
as long as she is caring for a
child entitled to monthly bene
fits. Her benefits will go on un
til Ihe youngest child is 18 and
start again when she herself is
65. A. widow's social security
payments, however, are always
stopped if she remarries.
How much does the family re
ceive each month? The most that
can be paid to a family is $85
a month. The exact amount de
pends on the worker's earnings
in jobs under social security and
the number of young children
in the family.
What happens if a worker
dies and leaves a widow but no
young children? If his widow
is not yet 65, she receives a
lumpsum payment. Monthly
payments will begin when she
reaches that age; If she is 65
yhen the worker ,dies, monthly
payments start at once.
Are any benefits payable if
an unmarried worker dies? Yes.
If he is survived by aged par
ents who were chiefly depend
ent upon him for support, they
may receive monthly benefits.
When there is no one eligible
for monthly benefits, a lump
sum payment may be made to
the person who took care of the
burial expenses. •
Caii A worker check up oh his
social > security acoMiht? Every
worker should check up'on his
account " every year or so and
at least once every four years.
Some errors cannot be corrected
after that length of time. Post
cards for requesting a statement
of wages credited to his social
security account can be obtained
by workers from any social se
curity office.
How are benefits applied for?
Oldage and survivors insur
ance payments are made as a
matter of right. Payment is not
based on need. Benefits are not
paid automatically — an applica
tion must be made. For this rea
son, all workers age 65 or over
and the survivors of those who
have died should call or write
the nearest social security office.
Organized labor in America
has established a United Labor
Policy Committee composed of
representatives of the American
Federation of Labor, the Con
gress of Industrial Organizations,
and the Railway Labor Execu
tives Association.
Deeply concerned for the coun
try's security and welfare, the
committee realizes that the se
curity, the, dignity and material
wellbeing of the wageearner in
America, as well as throughout
the whole world, are dependent
upon the pi'eservation and exten
sion of the democratic way of
life. Fully aware of the grave
emergency confronting our na
tion, it dedicates itself to help
make the country strong and to
use that strength to bring peace
and abundance to mankind.
The committee insists that la
bor be granted active partici
pation and real leadership in
every important agency in our
mobilization effort, and regrets
that to date labor has not en
joyed opportunity for full par
ticipation in the mobilization ef
fort.
Free labor, says the committee,
can make its fullest contribution
only if it is permitted to serve
at all levels of defense mobili
zation both with respect to policy
and administration. No one
group, it feels, has a monopoly
of ideas in the mobilization of
our resources. Eacli group has
much to offer, and cooperatively
can defeat the worldwide chal
lenge pf dictatorship.
The program of the committee
is summarized below:
LIVING COSTS
The cPritrol of the prices of
all the elements in the working
man's everyday necessities is the
cfentral problem in wage stabil
ization. Under the provisions of
the Defense Production Act of
Canadian Brother On SIU Tour
James Errington. Headquarters Representative of the SIU's
Cimadian District, studies A8EG District Educational literature
during visit last week to the New York Hall. Errington, who
toured all SIU facilitieSi including new building in Brooklyn,
observed all A&G District operations, with a view to using
some of them as a base in Canadian operations. Present plans
of the Canadian District call for publication of Union educa
tional literature along lines of A&G District's material.
Errington laff Nww York for a tour of the Great Lakes'
ports, in which Canadian District has contracts, to aid in prep
aralion| for resumption Of shipping activity when the liskes
'ihaw, . • • •
1950, it is impossible to control
these prices. .
Under this legislation great in
creases are specifically permit
ted in the price of food, which
constitutes approximately 40 per
cent of the living expenses of
the average American family. In
addition, rents, which constitute
about 13 percent of living costs,
are not now effectively controll
ed.
So .long as food prices and
rents are thus subject to sharp
and drastic increases, compen
satory wage adjustments must
be permitted.
The present prohibitions upon
control of food prices and rents
are an effective barrier to any
system of price or wage con
trols, and the elimination of
these prohibitions is a prelimin
ary to apy workable stabiliza
tion action.
Effective control of retail food
prices can be achieved and at
the same time farmers can be
assured fair prices for their pro
ducts.
The Defense Production Act
should be promptly amended by
the Congress to acomplish these
ends.
The wage stabilization policy
permit the adjustment of wage
rates to compensate for incieases
in the cost of living. Wage stab
ilization must not become wage
freezing. This policy must also
provide for the correction of sub
standard wages and the adjust
ment of inequities in existing
wage rates within or between in
dustries.
The now well recognized prin
ciple that wageearners should
share in the benefits of industrial
progress and increase in produc
tivity, which the nation must
and will have from its industrial
workers, should be specifically
embodied in the wage stabiliza
tion policy.
Any wage stabilization policj^
rnust recognize existing collect
ive bargaining agreements which
themselves assure stability. This
would apply, for example, to the
automobile and other industries
where existing contracts provide
for the orderly adjustment of
wage rates.
The abrogation of contracts ar
rived at' through collective bar,
gaining would inevitably lead to
industrial unrest, and this' will
defeat the very goal of stabili
zation.
Overtime payments for pre
mium work now protected by
collective bargaining agreements
or existing law must continue to
be held inviolate. These provis
ions do not in any way preclude
the working of a workweek
longer than that now considered
to be normal. They merely pro
vide the incentive for productive
overtime and holiday work.
MANPOWER
Our labor force is the nation's
greatest single asset. Steps
should be taken to stiengthen
and enlarge our manpower re
sources. These steps must rec
ognize the fact that free labor
can outproduce slave labor. Free
labor will play its role in attain
ing our objective of maximum
production.
World War II experience dem
onstrates that maximum effici
ency, cooperation and morale can
be secured through voluntary
manpower policies. Use of com
pulsory civilian labor will d^
feat our efforts to attain our.
goal of maximum production. ; :
THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 23, 1951
Every iday in every way
they get ^tter and better.
The photos t^en by Sea
farer Lest^ Moore, that is.
And no wonder. Les rightly
believes that the way topho
tograi^c perfection is
through practice, so he's
been doing just that over ̂
the years. Aware that ship
board life and personnel of
fer about the best subject
matter anywhere, Broth^
Moore, an, Oder, has been a
regular contributor of pho
tos for quite a while now.
Each new batch of pics he
submits sliows definite signs
of his improving technique.
His latest work, of shipmates
on the Seatrain Havana, ap
pear on this page.
ABOVE—Having just return
ed to the Seatrain Havana
from a shopping stint ashore,
William Jones, Oiler, pauses
to admire charms of gal on
cover of magazine included in
reading matter he purchased
to while away his leisure time.
• !>•
RIGHT—Sharp and gay as
a blade is Fireman Anthony
Seay, Ship's Delegate on the
Beatrain vesseL «« he prepares
to go ashore. Moore had no
trouble getting Brother Seay
to turn on the smiles. Pretty
• evidinat, though.
) " I
ABOVE—^Virtually surround
ed by railroad cars on the
deck of the traincarrying Ha
vana, Deck Engineer Kazimierc
Tomczyk keeps right on work
ing despite presence of Brother
Moore and his kibitzing camera.
LEFT—O. W. Orr, AB^waS ;
on gan^ay watch whan the
roving cameraman caught up '
with him. The Havana was tied
up at the Seatrain docks in '
. Edgewafer, N. J., when this
pboto was taken.
Wbrkisig on deck in dead of winter is a pretty
cold j^posilion. so Brother J. Eesehity moves
gingerly about his job. Zeschity is an Ordinary
..::afanKd'ffae''Hav8n8...
Just so 90 one woidd forget the loerie of all these pbotes.
Brother Moore set up this uonveiatienal ehot of a trie of
mates and a life ring. Left ^ rl^btt Come. Stewart Q.
W, Orr, AB, end Julio Torres, CM. ^ :
It was at oofCee time tluU. this shot of A1
jVfcttss, Third Cook, was taken. AL however*
a sneeiKer. Mot being a eoffaeilover, be
.;i|ii!i ..the, cup contabied A,
VN
Friday, February 23, 1891 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nineteen
Minutes Of A&G Branch Meetings in Brief
BOSTON Due lo a lack of a
quorum no regu^r meeting could
be held. Agent Lawson reported
that shipping was the best it has
been in two years.
lit
PHILADELPHIA — Chairman.
Hanson, 51459; Recording Secre
tary, J. Mitchell, 39578; Reading
Clerk, S. CarduUo, 24599.
. All Branch Minutes accepted
as read as was Agent's report.
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM
with 60 members present.
Ill
BALTIMORE—Chairman, WU
liam Rentz, 26445; Recording
Secretary, G. A. Masterson,
20297; Reading Clerk, F. A.
Stansbury, 4683.
All Branch Minutes accepted
as read as was Baltimore's fi
.nancial reports. SecretaryTreas
luer's financial report and Head
quarters Report to the member
;ship accepted as read. Excuses
referred to the Dispatcher and
one minute of silence was held
for Brothers lost'at sea. Meeting
adjourned at 8:10 PM with 280
members present. '
' 111
NORFOLK—Due to a lack ,of
a quorum no regular meeting
could be held. A special meet
ing was h^d for the purpose of
checking shipping cards.
Ill
SAVANNAH^Chairman, C. M.
Rice, 40707; Recording Secretary,
E. M. Bryant, 25806; Reading
Clerk, E. B, Tilley, 75.
^All Branch Minutes accepted
as read. SecretaiyTreasurer's
weekly financial reports and
Headquarters Report to the
Membership accepted as read.
Agent reported that full crews
would be put on two ships.
A&G Shipping From Jan, 31 To Feb. 14
PORT
Boston. :.
New York........
Philadelphia....— ,....
Baltimore
Norfolk.
Savannah
Tampa
Mobile
New Orleans
Galveston
West Coast
GRAND TOTAL.
vMMMm
REG. REG. REG. TOTAL
DECK ENG. STWDS. REG.
21 ' 21 18 60
102 111 107 320
22 15 20 • • 57
89 69 63 221
10 14 5 29,
8 8 9 25
11 8 8 27
66 63 59 188
55 58 50 163
18 10 11 39
39 36 25 100
441 .413 375 1,229
SHIPPED SHIPPED SHIPPED TOTAL
DECK ENG. STWDS. SHIPPED
25 17 10 52
144 119 106 369
23 16 • 10 49
78 73 63 214
13 11 4 28
6 7 9 22
6 5 7 18
78 49 54 181
62 56 66 184
46 44 • 19 109
53 46 37 136
534 443 385 1,362
' [£JS
SS SOUTHWIND
The men listed below, who
paid off in San Francisco in Jan
uary, 1951, can collect their dis
j)Uted^ overtime, in the amounts
listed, by w^riting the South At
lantic Steamship Company.
• Ben H. Mctendon, $8.00; Wil
, bur Taylor, $8.00; Robert Eisen
graeber, $8.00; Edward Dudek,
$33.28; Harry Henze, $33.28;
w Francis A. Parker, $33.28; Wil
liam S. Porter, $34.64; Edward
Wallace, $34.64;
. Earl F. Neidlinger, $35.99;
Thomas J. Moore, $29.67; James
E. Van Sant, $35.99; Richard W.
Clark, $34.64; George S. Velie,
$8.00; G. C. Rife, $8.00; L. E.
Hodges, $32.37 WiUiam Pedlar,
$33.28; James A. Pewith, $29.67;
Frank Fava, $33.28.
. John L. Sikes, $29.67; James E.
McCranie, $29.67; Jack W. Grav
en, $8.00; James McDonald, $8.00;
i. M. Peacock, $8.00; Lowell E.
Harris, $8.00; Joseph Martin,
$8.00; Glen;R. Adams, $8.00: W.
H. Thompson, $8.00; James H.
Maxey, $8.00; William Ambrose,
. $8.00; Elsbury Ambrose, $8.00;
George F. Crabtree, $8.ui, Bo
rland A, Hoffman, J)% $8J)0.> V
Hoped to pay off the SS Mother
M. L. and the SS Southland.
Under New Business a motion
was made to give a vote of
thanks to the Negotiations Com
mittee for the work that they
are doing in obtaining new con
tracts for our Union. One min
ute of silence was held for de
parted members. Meeting ad
journed at 7:55 PM with 29
members present.
4, i 4
TAMPA—No regular meeling
was held due to a lack of quqr
um. Agent reported things still
very slow.
MOBILE—Chairman, L. NeirsL
26393: Recording Secretary, W.
Wallace; Reading Clerk, IL Jor
dan, 71.
All Branch minutes accepted
as read. Headquarters Report to
the membership and Secretary
Treasurer's financial reports ac
cepted. Agent reported that
seven ships paid off and seven
ships signed on. Seven ships
were due in for payoff and re
placements. Meetings to be held
with representatives of the
Bloomfield Steamship Company
and the Elam Steamship Com
pany regarding the ships that
are to be crewed up from the
laid up fleet. Agent concluded
his report by telling the mem
bers that it was most important
that when aboard these ships the
men be on their good behavior.
Oiie minute of silence for mem
bers lost at sea. Meeting adjour
ned at 7:40 PM, with 251 mem
bers present.
i ^ %
NEW ORLEANS — Chairman,
Leroy Clarke. 23062; Recording
Secretary, Herman Troxclair,
6743; Reading Clerk, Buck Steph
ens, 76.
All Branch minutes accepted
as read. SecretaryTreasurer's fi
nancial reports and Headquar
ters Report to the Membership
accepted as read. Agent reported
that the affairs'of the port were
in very good shape and business
and shipping had picked up
quite a bit since the last^meet
ing. Paid off six ships and "had
seven signons. Thirtytwo ships
were in intransit.All members
that have the necfssary six
months sea time should go get
a qualified engine rating and
Deck Department m e m b e r s
should try for their AB tickets.
All hands should dp all in their
power to get additional ratings.
Excuses were referred to the
Dispatcher and one minute, of
silence was hqld' • for members
lost at sea. Under=Gbpd anff Wei
fare .a di^ussfbh vrai re
garding members hanging arQUttd
in front of the buildings Mem
bers were requested to stay in
the h^aU and avoid a beef with
the local policemen. Meeting ad
journed at 8 PM, with approxi
mately 210 members present.
GALVESTON — Chairman,
Keith Alsop, 7311; Recording
Secretary, R. Wilbum, 37739;
Reading Clerk, Pat Willis, 50348.
All Branch minutes accepted
as read. SecretaryTreasurer's fi
nancial reports and Headquarters
Report to the Membership ac
cepted as read. One minute of
silence was held for departed
Brothers lost at sea. Meeting ad
journed at 7:30 PM with 27
members present.
4 4
NEW YORK—Chairman, Ed
Mooney,. 46671; Recording Sec
retary, Freddie Stewart, 4935:
Reading Clerk, A1 Kerr.
Motion carried to accept Sec
retaryTreasurer's financial re
port as read. Minutes of other
Branch meetings approved as
read.'In report on activities of
Headquarters Branch, Assistant
SecretaryTreasurer Earl Shep
pard said a sizeable number of
ships had been in for payoffs and
signons and replacements, but
all manpower calls were easily
handled. In addition Sheppard
advised members applying for
emergency Coast Guard docu
ments to stress that they want
their original seamen's paper re
turned. If this is made clear, he
said, there'll be no foulup when
it comes time to get your papers
back. Sheppard urged all quali
fied men to obtain their ratings
or higher ratings as soon as pos
sible. Motion carried to accept
his report. In Headquarters re
port to the membership, Secre
taryTreasurer Hall discussed the
progress of reconstruction work
on the new building, with 30 of
the 33 tons of steel work already
having been installed. He re
ported that the Trustes of the
Seafarers Welfare Plan had con
curred in a motion to invest a
halfmillion dollars of the re
serve fund in interestbearing
Government bonds. The Trustees
are also investigating the pos
sibilities of establishing a home
for seamen, he said. The Secre
taryTreasurer reported that the
organizing staff, with the able
assistance of Bull Sheppard and
Morris Weisberger has been ne
gotiating with new steamship
companies. He named the com
panies which the Union had
signed to contracts in the past
several weeks. Motion carried to
concur in Secretary Treasurer's
report to the membership.
Charges were read and referred
to a trial committee. Meeting ad
journed at 7:30 PM, with 731
members present.
t, i. t.
SAN FRANCISCO—No meet
ing due lo lack of a quorum.
Committee was elected lo pick
up shipping cards until 7:30 PM.
WILLIAM EARL SCOTT
Please telephone your mother.
4^4
PERCY j. THORNTON
Get in touch at once with
Witty Fendrick, 334 20th Street,
Miami Beach, Florida.
4 4 4
RICHARD R. LEIKAS
Write your brother. Matt, in
Arizona.' He has information on
an income tax return.
tr i %
EDWARD B. YOUNGBLOOD
Get in touch with your par
ents, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Young
blood, 325 W. Oakland Avenue,
Sumter, South Carolina; or your
brother, T. Doug Youngblood, 13
Cherokee Road, Sumter. They
are very anxious to hear from
you. Anyone knowing this Bro
ther's whereabouts are urged to
notify his parents or brother.
4 4 4
HAROLD^ E. ARLINGHAUS
The gear you left on the SS
Coe Victory was turned into the
SIU baggage room, 4th floor, 51
Beaver Street, New York City,
by Ship's Delegate, Sir Charles..
4 4 4
BOB HOMMEL
Chuck Bousquet asks that you
write to him at the following
gddress: ' C. Bousquet, US5507
3992, 50th " Ord. : Group, PRO
Training Co., Fort Knox, Ky.
' 4 4 4 •
GEORGE GLENN GOLiMITH
Get in touoh with your wife in
New Orleans as it is very im
portant. .. • .v,: ,
CONST. SOFOUNIOS
Get in touch with H. V. Gus
tafson. Safe Deposit Department,
Seamen's Bank for Savings.
4 4 4
ROBERT H. KLINE. Sr.
Your wife is extremely anxious
to get in touch with you as your
son requires an operation. Write
to her at 616 W. 37th St., Savan
nah, Ga., giving the name of
vessel you are on and the com
pany's name, so that she can
communicate with you.
4 4 4'
FRANCIS PANNETT
Yom mother asks that you
write to her. The address: 6 N.
Cedar Street, Mobile, Ala. You
can phone between 6 AM and
2 PM.
4 4 4
G. E. MURPHY. Book No. 47741
Pick up your papers on the
sixth deck of the New York
Hall.
Holder of Receipt No. 85542
Will the man holding the above
numbered receipt, issued in San
Francisco at payoff of Clarksburg
Victory on Jan. 20, 1951, please
bring it to Headquarters or the
Frisco Hall so that his name can
be entered on it and payment
properly credited.
ENRIQUE VENTUREIRA
Your son is sick—get in touch
with your wife a t215 San An
tonio Street, Quintana, Hato Rey,
Puerto Rico.
4 4 4
ALBERTO C. TORRES
JOE R. LOZADA
TOM SCANLON
Please get in touch with Joe
Algina at New York Hall regard
ing injury to Charles Mehl.
4 4 4
JAMES M. TARRANT
Get in touch with your local
draft board in New York City
at once.
4 4 4
DAVID DIXON
LEO WALZAK
These men from MV Great
Isaac, which salvaged SS John
Dickinson in 1947, can collect
their salvage money upon sign
ing releases at office of Benja
min Sterling, 42 Broadway, Room
1539, New York 4, N. Y.
4 4 4
SS ROBIN KIRK
Anyone who paid off this ship
in San Francisco and did not
receive all money due on trans
portation can get same at com
pany office.
4 4 4
ALCOA CAVALIER CREWMEN
Crew members aboard this ship
on or about Oct 9, 1947, and
who witnessed accident in which
Marion A. Caraway was injured,
get in touch with Herman Rab
son or Benjamin B. Sterling, 42
Broadway, New York 4,
. ..'ft J >• "Vx:,
Page Twenly THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 23, 1951
I':
im
I &•
Constant Beefing By NMU Crews On Sbipbeard Feeding
Sbews Tbe importance Of Shipping Stewards Off Beard
Several issues ago, an article by Frenchy
Michelet.pointed up several ways by which the
efficiency of the Stewards Department aboard
ship could be improved. (The article, by the
way, will be incorporated into the course of
study in the Stewards Upgrade School in the
new Brooklyn Building.) Michelet's pointers
were well received by all, and was the subject
of letters to the LOG and. much discussion,
particularly aboard ship.
One of the points made by Michelet was that
the SIU ships were such good feeders because
the Stewards are all Union men, whose jobs
come off the shipping board, and not through
the companies' offices.
Because they are Union men first, Michelet
said, they are genuinely interested in seeing that
the men are well fed. They make sure that the
ships are satisfactorily stored, according to the
contract, with the best grades of food. They
see to it that the meals are appetizing, well
planned and varied. .If a crewmember has a
beef about food he. doesn't hesitate to raise it,
because he knows that the Steward will listen
to him.
Those Seafarers who have never sailed under
the companystiff Steward cannot realize what
this can mean to the crew. The NMU Stewards,
for example, under the NMU contract, are
chosen by the company and their responsibili
ties are only to the companies. If he feeds too
well, or even tries to follow the "contract's spe
cifications on stores, the company may—and
generally does—^fire him.
Because of this, food beefs on NMU ships
are common. On this page we have reproduced
from the NMU paper, the "Pilot," some of
the letters from NMU crews on their feeding
beefs. All of these letters are from just
one issue of the "Pilot"—that of Febru
ary 8, 1951. "Food Situation Flares Up Again,"
says one headline. That is putting it conserva
tively—it is always there, because .it arises out
of the method of choosing Stewards.
(We wonder why shipping companies, sup
posedly^ smart operators, allow this morale
shattering practice to continue? We should
think that their first concern would be to have
a satisfied crew, happy in their jobs, and ready
and willing to turn out a day's work. It pays
off in the long run.)
These letters emphasize why the SIU con
siders its right to ship Union Stewards off the
Union shipping board one of the greatest it
has—and one that it will fight all the way to
keep. ,
Food Situation Flares Up Again
SS AMERICAN MERCHANT
Nov. 6—The food was shown to
the Patrolman last trip and he
agreed that it was not first qual
ity, but the company said unless
a certified Government inspector
checked it, there would be
change.
SS AMERICAN JURIST,
if or. iO—T..y .Liwuieidi VC;. C ail
Jt'. ..n lA a..,!'
A few . suggeitioiu from
brothers: that Patrolman should
sea that more first elasi and less
second class meats wars stored;
SS FLYING ARROW. Ort. 15
—A letter was sent to the. New
York port officials condemning
the rationing of linen, matches
and soap on this vessel. Part of
the letter follows:
"The Ship's Committee con
tacted the captain, but nothing
was accomplished except for an
increase of matches from three
to five boxes a week. We feel
that one bar of soap ie not suf
ficient to take us through the
terrific heat of this run (Red
Sea, sunmer in Ii^ia and other
inconveniences). It' is necessary
that tbe one spread issued every
ftvy ' weeks be changed and
washed since it gives off a ter
rifle odor. We suggest that the
company be contacted to find
out if they or the steward are
responsible for these complaints."
T /. Stevenson'
Has Troubks
SS T. J. STEVENSON, Nov. 5
—Conditions were lukewarm be
cause of a complete lack of co
operation in the Stewards De
partment." The crew does not feel
that the food has been up to
standard — not enough Variety,
poor, baking and using bad tast^'
ing leftovers, all were listed un
der complaints.
m
Rationing of
Coffee & Food
Vexes Crew
' . • • n
SS EXTAVIA, Dec. 3 •
SS JOSHUA TREE, Nov. 13—
..f.L',... :
Duriitg • fourteen da^ trip,
water and eggs w^re riltioned.
What would happen on a long
trip, the crew wanted to know?
Why does the crew have to sign
twelvemonth articles for a near
by foreign trip instead of regu
lar threemonth articles?
Although the steward claims
hb is only allowed six pounds of
coffee a day, the crew :^ants
more became this amount is nob
enough to supply the night
watches in the cold weather.
SS AMERICAN
TER, Nov. 23 «iksa « • f • •
1 Ks • V
Friction over the rationing of
coffee has been a thorn in every
one's side, yet the vessel is arriv
ing in port with plenty (A coffee
In the storeroom. Rationing would
be understandable if therewas a
shortage, but with plenty aboard,
there should be no reason to ra
tion coffee. Recently, the stew
ard was called at night to get
soffee for tht men going on
watch, but he refused to give
them any. The Thanksgiving din
ner was not up to snuff, the
members, saying it was, just, like
filid the majority of comidaiiits justified in that *
. • ariety and ho tableclflthii^rft the
;|Sie cpmpaid^s have planned To put aboard only wew messhaii, wh^
, • • • "vV hv holiday dinh«!r^on Am)^^^^
barely sufficient quantity of,stores lo.last th? pay? . .
Leo Stoute, Port Committeeman^
For tbe past months we have received letters
from ships' crews describing hardships they
are forced io endure because of inadequate
food supplies aboard. Some of these letters
are general in nature, others are very specific.
} After checking with the sufject companies we
^ • • • • • • — — —. 'OT. •
The entire crew agreed to have
the Ship's Cemmittee check with
the National Office on the food
situation aboard United States
Lines ships. The crew was nnder
the impression that the «om
pany's cost for feeding a man
had dropped from |1.90 to 31.45
per day in the last couple of
years, making this a possibly im
portant factor responsible for all
the inferior food complaints.
National Offiee
hforM About
food Situation
SS HELEN LYKES, Jan. 3—
At the last meeting held Decem
ber 80, 1950, the crew unani
mously wenton record to inform
the National Office of conditions
aboard ship at this time.
W« left New Orleans on MSTS
charle'r with^fou'r, ippnUis stores
, on .Ju)y 2^ Since our,stoves
.• hhViehave not re
ceived">Uough'^fdpd. in amount
Variety, except for canned
SS ORIENTE, Nov. 19— Gen
eral Union conditions were con
sidered poor, the Deck Depart
ment reporting the company was
asking for more work from the
same number of men while the
Stewards Department complained
about the food. Why didn't the'
company hire more deckhandsfor
the extra work, thte deck members
asked.
The food situation was dis
cussed, the Chairman asking
each member what, his particular
beef about it was. It was the gen
eral consensus that the food
could be much better. However,
the steward said he had to cut
down because the port steward
ordered it; this was verified by
a member who had overheard the
order. Since every channel and
avenue to settle this beef had
already been tried unsuccessfully;
it was suggested that the Port
Agent be given the job of settl
ing the dispute. The beef boiled
down to generally poor quality
of food, no variety, short menus,
no pork loins, or yehl chops, or
fried chicken (steward eaid there
was chicken but not enough togo
; Around), and no juices. • ^ '
V. >
• i* 'A I
Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America
VOL. XIII NEW YORK, N. Y., FRIDAY. FEBRUARY 23, 1951 No. 4
WELFARE PLAN INVESTS
500 Gs IN GOV'T BONDS
Deferment Of Seamen
On A National Scale
NecessaryForDefense
Matthew Dushane, Washington representative of the
Seafarers International Union, this week again urged Na
tional Selective Service and Goveriunent representatives
to immediately effect draft deferment of merchant seamen
to insure continued skilled manning of the nation's rapidly
expanding fleet.
In a plea for "realistic handling of the nation's defense
needs," the SIU representative lashed out at the present
procedure, which leaves deferment to the discretion of local
boards, as "failing to meet' >
the problem squarely."
Manning of the vessels
that carry supplies and war
• ;.;V
materiel ta the • nation's armed
forces and allies throughout the
world is a national problem and
cannot be dealt v/ith at local
levels, Dushane pointed out. Con
sequently, a national directive
placing skilled seamen in de
ferred status is essential, he de
clared.
' Dushane's demand for toplevel
action is the latest of repeated
calls made by the SIU for a
clearcut, uniform policy of de
ferment for seamen.
URGED POLICY
Ever since the outbreak of hos^
tilities in Korea, the SIU has
been urging adoption of a policy
that recognizes the needs of the
maritime industry in carrying
out its role in the defense setup.
"In pushing for deferment of
seamen, the Union has appealed
to Selective Service officials on
all levels, national, state and
iQcal. Throughout the campaign
it has pointed up the fact that
the absence of a deferment classi
fication for seamen is not only
taking skilled manpower from
the ships but is cutting down
th^e supply of potential officer
ipaterial.
• In this week's demand for ac
tion, Dushane said that the con
tinued drafting of seamen shiow
e'd that the local boards appar
ently db not understand thb na^
tional iinportimce of the maritime
industry, "t
The Seafarers Welfare Plan put a halfmillion dollars of its reserve
fund to work last week in solid, interestbearing United States Government
bonds. With the purchase of two series of Government issues of $250,000 each,
the fund began earning money which will go toward defraying the adminis
trative costs of operating the Welfare Plan. One of the series pays 2'/^ per
cent interest, and the other 2'/^ percent.
The transaction was arranged through the Chase National Bank of
New York, which will hold the bonds in custody. John Heffeman, an official
of the banking institution handled the details of the negotiation, which was
consummated in the offices of the Seafarers Welfare Plan, 11 Broadway,
New York City.
In the presence of members of the Board of Trustees, representing the Union
and companies. Administrator Max Harrison turned a check for $500,000 over to the
Chase Bank oflFicer.' .
The decision to purchase the Government bonds was made by the Plan's Trus
tees in view of the strong reserve accumulated in the first sixmonths of operation.
• 'In addition to earning in
come, the bond investment
represents a substantial and
safe contingency reserve,
further solidifying the status
of the Welfare Fimd.
The sound financial position
of the Welfare Fund was re
vealed in a report on the first
six months of operation, issued
by the auditing firm of Arthur
A. Andersen and Company of
New York.
As a result of the bond pur
chase, the objective for which
the Union representatives on
the Board of Trustees have beeii
shooting — to eventually make
the Fund selfsustaining so that .
all company contributions will
go for benefit payments — came
closer to realization.
Interest on the bonds will cut
down the administrative costs
and, should the Fund be in' a
position to invest similarly in.
the future, the income could
conceivably be sufficient to cov-
er all administrative costs. At
that point every penny paid into
the Fund would be used solely,
{Continued on Page 6)
Max Harrison (right >, Seafarers Welfare Plan Administrator, presents check for $500,000
bond purchase to John Heffernan, Custody Officer representing the Chase National Bank of
New York in the transaction.
. » ^
SIU Stewards Dep't School Taking Shape
Plans formulated several weeks
ago for establishment of « Stew
ards Department ading
school in the Sltf ̂ new^ Head
quarters Kew. i^brk Brghc^
building are v. rapidljr ' taking
.shape. • • ;
According, to X FifMchYlto
Ib^t, »peirinanent Ttfiairsq^',^^, thf„
committee of Stewards Depart
ment personnel, which met re
cently to discuss means of utiliz
ing the building's fnodern galley
facilities to increase department
al efficiency, and to trqin new
ineh for shipF^kterd < duties, '^eal
;pipgtes$ is. being made. '
be
ready to function when our new
building is completed this
spring."
The committee chairman re
vealed that efforts'ate being con
centrated on achieving a uni
fonh system of ; Stewards De
partment operation oh all SFJ
contracted ships; • •
"Letters have been s«jt to
each of our 74 contracted ope j^'J
rators, requesting a complete set
of literature used by them in f I
their Stewards Department ope
rations," Michelet said.
Piles have been set up and
si3 the store books and othe?
V fCbeitiww* w ^
> F'
Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. February 23. 1951
• ,r".
SEAFARERS LOG
Vuhlhhei Every Other Week by the
' SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION
OF NORTH AMERICA
Atlantic and Gulf District
Afiiliated with the American Federation of Labor
At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y.
HAnover 22784
Reentered as second class matter August 2, 1949, at the Post
Office in New York, N.Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912.
267
Li
11
What Manpower Problem?
"Leave nothing to chance" aptly describes the
theory behind the SIU's planning for the multitude of
problems that constantly aris in the maritime industry.
Maritime is unlike any shoreside industry. Its prob
lems are different in almost every respect. Chief among
these is the upanddown nature of shipping which has
prevailed since the late Thirties.
To a large degree the responsibility for this instabil
ity rests with those in our Government who failed to
heed the repeated warnings issued by the Seafarers and
other sections of the marine industry that there was a
vital need for a longrange program to insure an ade
quate merchant fleet, both in peacetime and in emer
gency situations.
The prevailing emergency, deeply affecting. our na
tional security as it does, sharply points up the validity
of those unheeded warnings.
Had a longrange shipping program been instituted
by our Government immediately after the last, war, when
it became apparent that our fleet was rapidly shrinking,
it is most probable that the hasty hauling of ships out of
the layup fleets would not be necessary.
And just as important, there would not have been
any loss of the vast amount of skilled manpower that
was built up in the course of manning the wartime mer
ichant fleet.
But lamentable as this situation was, simply shed
ding tears over it has no corrective value.
The SIU's experience in the maritime industry has
"taught it that unless clear, independent judgment is ex
ercised in preparing for any situation, we could be
caught with our pants down. And equally important as
foreseeing a problem is being ready, able and willing to
do something about it.
Thanks to that philosophy, the current manpower
shortage, which has other maritime organizations in a
dither, is no problem of the SIU, despite the increased
manning needs of a constantly expanding fleet. ^ The
NMU, for exarriple, this week announced that, in the
past 30 days, 142 of its contracted ships has been delayed
in sailing, and 125 more had sailed short because it lack
ed men.
True, the iailure of the Government to set up a
national policy of draft deferment has eaten into the
ranks of skilled seamen. But the fact that the SIU is
fully able to meet all demands for manpower niiade by
its contracted operators arid its ability to keep the ships
sailing right on schedtde is no accident.
The SIU was not caught with its pants down, be
cause it saw what was coming and prepared itself for
the situation. It goes back to early last fall, when it be
came obvious that the communists w'ere determined to
prolong the Korean conflict.
The SIU immediately turned to. Contact was made
with all retired meriibers who had been skilled seamen in
,World War II, asking if they would be available in an
emergency. Large numbers of these men indicated they
would, and have become a source of skilled manpower to
be tapped w^n needed. '
Sounds simple now, doesn't it? But it was a tremen
dous project when it was first laid out those many
months ago. At any rate, as fast as new ships are ac
quired, either through our older contracted outfits, or
through newly contracted companies, they are sailing
on schedule, with full crews.
AU wo can say at this j^int is: Bring on the
ghlps! Well ke^ on manning and sailing them
on time
MANHATTAN BEACH
FRED W. GRIMES
JOSE DE JESUS
E. LOPEZ
H. TUTTLE
J. H. ASHURST
E. FERRER
JOHN T. EDWARDS
JOHN DRISCOLL
VIC MILAZZO
MATTHEW DRUNO
PETER VORKE
R. A. BLAKE
JOHN PADZIK
A. LOMAS
R. F. LARSEN
T. P. SULLIVAN
B. T. KNEW
^ %
FORT STANTON
. SILVESTER WALKER
WILLIAM J. MEEHAN
HARRY THURMAN
GIDLOW WOODS
DONALD P. McDONALD
^ 3}
STATEN ISLAND
L. BLIZZARD
J. SLAMAN
EUGENE E. MILANESI
S. GLYPTIE
P. PRON
G. BRAXTON
K. C. CROWE
T. CONNELL
C. COLLETTI
F. CHRISTNED
R. GUZMAN
S. C. CUNNINGTON
B. ZIELINSKI
FRANK B. STRELITZ
J. B. GARRISON
J. FIGUERAU
K. SKARI .
R; PELASOJA
C. RAMOS
R. CONWAY
C. HUNEYCUTT
, * % X
SAN • FRANCISCO
RUSSELL E. MORRISON
R. H. PITZER
WILLIAM J. SULLH^'AN
PAUL GAY
CHARLES JOHNSON
JAMES HODO
JAMES n
E. L. PRITCHARD
C. L. MOATS
HARVEY HILL
E. ROBINSON
EDWARD .DANBACH
t
WELFARE ISLAND
THOMAS COYNE
XXX
DEERS HEAD
Salisbury, Md.
MICHAEL J. LUCAS .
XXX
BALTIMORE
JOHN GREER
LUDVIG KRISTIANSEN
WILLIAM" D. WARMACK
J. J. LONG
G. L. SHARTZER
XXX
NEW ORLEANS
C. A. BROWN
M. F. BUSBY
W. O. CARA
R. CRUZ
R. ELLISON
E. H. FAIRBANKS
A. W. GATEWOOD ,
G. C. GIERCZIC
E. E. GROSS
L. A. HOLMES
D. D. KELLY
G. KRETZER
H. P. LAGAN
LEO LANG
A. MARTIN
M. McDONALD
K. RAANA
CLAUDE RAY
C. R. SANDE^RSON
S, S. SCHIEFFLER
ROBERT W. THOMPSON
L. TICKLE
XXX
BOSTON
T. F. DALY
F. J. DIRKESMEYER
R. LUFLIN , s
A. D. LEVA
A. FERRIE
XXX
SAVANNAH
ROBERT C. BENNETT
IVEY PEACOCK
H. HENZE
^ GALVESTON
T. HlCKEY
A. MACIEL
J. O. McCANN
O. P. SMITH
X X X
MOBILE
S. PINER
TIM BURKE
'A. McGUIGAN
Men In Hospitals
Seafarers who want to
be eligible for the Wei
fare Plan's weekly hos<
piial benefits should make
sure they have their Un
ion books, seaman's pa
pers and copies of their
last discharges with them
upon entering the hos
pital.
Union Patrolmen will
pay the sevendollar ben,
efits to . the eligible mem
bers for each full week
of hospitalization during
their weekly visits. Fail
ure of a hospitalized Sea
farer to have the above
mentioned papers with
him will prevent the Pa
trolman from making the
benefit payments.
Hospitalized members
who have not yet filled
out beneficiary cards for
the Welfare Plan cui ob
t»i:i th ie&m the Hos
pStal Patrolmen.*
I
'f
.Friday. February 23. 1951 0 THE SEAFARERS LOG
;7SE^,s • &,: '; • >>
:9. • •
Page Three
SlU Manpower Program Delivers In Pinch
'R^arkable Job In Keeping Our Ships Manned'
Despite the heavy demands made upon the Seafarers'by its contracted operators—old and new
—no SIXJ ship was delayed in sailing, or was forced to sail shorthanded—all were manned by experi
enced seamen, thanks to our farsighted manpower program. Printed below are a few of the comments
made by our operators within the past few days, proof enough that the SIU has fulfilled its contract
in all respects. '
^ To those in Washington who have fears about manning any new ships that may be pulled out of
the honeyards, we say, "Give them to us. We have plenty of experienced men on hand and on tap. We'll
crew them all, with experienced, capable crews."
We wish lo express to your organization, our grat
itude. for the spendid cooperation extended to us by
your Headquarters officials and various port agents.
With shipping conditions as they are today, your
organization has done a remarkable job in keeping our
ships manned. On many recent occasions we would call
upon your port agents to expedite a vessel's signon
and they personally saw to it that the missing jobs were
filled in time for vessel's clearance.
Last weekend we were able to crewup two ships
through your Mobile Hall withfar four hours' notice,
while others who held contracts with other unions
couldn't meet their sailing schedule due to crew short
ages. even though they had given over twentyfour
hours' notice to hire.
We ieel we would be very ungrateful had we not
taken the time to rcognize your success in meeting oifr
demands under present day conditions.
MARTRADE CORPORATION
James A. Poll
Marine Personnel
was rejected by the Coast Guard screening committee.
At the hour of reporting aboard for sailing all hands
were present and sober and no delay whatever occurred.
This Company is very pleased with such favorable
cooperation by the Union* and it's membership and
relies on future departures being equally smooth and
uneventful.
EASTERN STEAMSHIP LINES. Inc.
R. M. Litchfield, !
Marine Superintendent
This Company was first founded in 1948 and has
never had a vessel delayed due to the Union's inability
to furnish men. There are times when we call upon the
Union to fly men to Europe to replace crews whose ar
ticles have terminated, and they have always cooper
ated with us in this respect.
UNITED STATES PETROLEUM CARRIERS. Inc.
Walter Schafer.
Manager
Recently Eastern Steamship Lines. Inc.. bareboat
chartered from the Maritime Administration the SS
Cedar Rapids Victory. This vessel sailed from Brooklyn.
N. Y.. at 1:30 A.M.. February I4th, with a full cargo of
bulk wheat destined for the Austrian Government' at the
port of Trieste. .
Being the initial voyage after having been laid up
several years the crew was assigned progressively as
required. As each call was made for men the Union,
dispatched them promptly with their gear and in all
respects ready to turn to. Preparing the vessel for her
first voyage required night, Sunday and Holiday work
which was carried out by the crew efficiently and with
out delay. At the time of signon the entire crew was
present, signed the articles without qumtion as to des
tination. term of months> area of payoff, etc.. and all
members passed the physical examination;, no member
We wish to take this opportunity to express our
thanks and appreciation for the cooperation and good
will shown by you and the membership in general of
the SIU.
Ever since we signed an Agreement with you in
May. 1948. we have had nothing but praise for the
Seafarers from the Masters and Officers of our vessels.
We are to this date, and believe will remain, absolutely
satisfied with the quality and caliber of seamen supplied
by your Union.
In all the payoffs we have had on our vessels for
the last 2V2 years, we cannot remember one that has
caused this Company any inconvenience, loss of time
or in any way interfered with the operation of the ves
sels. We are proud of this record, because it shows only
too clearly that harmony can and must exist between
labor and management.
Li praising the Seafarers, we must not forget to
give credit for this smooth relationship to your staff
members here in New York and elsewhere for whom
no problem is too trivial to iron out. Their help and
cooperation have been most important.
In concluding let us say that with SIU crews on
board our vessels have performed like few others could.
We are proud of the Seafarers. *
STRATHMORE SHIPPING COMPANY. Inc.
A. T= Vatis
SecretaryTreasurer
We have several vessels, both tanker and dry cargo,
under contract with the Seafarers International Union,
and up to this very date, we have had no delays in
procuring any personnel for our vessels under agree
ment with the Seafarers International Union. Particul
arly during the last few weeks, when additional vessels
were placed under that labor organization, the coopera
tion of their Union officials up to the present date have
been satisfactory.
ORION SHIPPING 8c TRADING CO..
N. Manolis
Inc.
SIU Stewards Dep't School Taking Shape
(Continued from Page 1)
data begin arriving, they will be
arranged, tabulated and filed for
reference, he explained.
Upon completion of this, phase
of the job, the committee will
correlate all of the pertinent in
jformation contained in the print
ed matter and then devise a set
of master forms, suitable to the
needs of. all companies.
, The Union will then request a
meeting with the operators in
^ effort to have a uniform sys
tem adopted.
Once e uniform method of
keeping store bopks, linen rec!
ords, inventory forms and simi
iJflr data has been achieved, "the
task of teaching our Stewards
to do their hook work properly
will be simplified immeasurably,
and one of the real somces of
trouble with the operators will
have been eliminated," Michelet
pointed out.
In another phase of the school
planning, A1 Bernstein, SIU In
ternational Representative, con
tacted the national headquarters
of the butchers, bakers and cul
inary unions, and has received
assurances that, each of these
national organizationa' will co
operate fully in furnishing all the
text bapks and pertktent mate
rial .necessary to set up an up
grading schpql second to none.
In addition, several of the un
ions have offered to designate
master journeymen in the re
spective trades to lecture at the
SIU Stewards Department classes.
COMPREHENSIVE FORM
Michelet also disclosed that
the mass of information being
accumulated will be "set up in
comprehensive form by the com
mittee and then passed on to
Headquarters Representative A1
Kerr, who will then work out
a simplified method of passing
this information on to our
Stewards Department person"*^
in the Union upgrading school."
Meauwhile, as reconstruction
of the Brooklyn building pro
gresses, installations are being
made for the galley, bakery and
butcher shop, which upon com
pletion will provide one of the
most modern, wellequipped on
thejob training facilities of its
kind.
Seafarers enrolling in the
Stewards Department Upgrading
School will have every oppor
tunity to become masters of their
respective jobs under actual
shipside conditions..
The school will have use of
the building's cafeteria, a priv
ate dining room, classrooms, ship
style sample bunks and other
facilities in u» abqard vessi^.
^ The SIU is continuing to sup
ply full crews for all contracted
ships without any delay in sail
ing schedules, despite the diffi
culties presented by the draft
boards' drain of manpower.
The Union's ability to crew up
all vessels of its old contracted,
operators, and those of the new
ly organized companies that have
acquired ships coming out of
the layup fleets, stems largely
from the fact that it marshalled
a reserve of manpower."
Shortly after the Korean con
flict broke out, the SIU began
accumulating a reserve of ex
perienced seamen from among
members who had sailed in
World War II.
In other maritime unions, how
ever, there are already signs '
that the manpower demands
posed by the nation's rapidlyex
panding merchant fleet ai'e hav
ing critical effect.
The NMU, for example, an
nounced this week that 142 of
its contracted ships were delayed
in meeting sailing schedules in
the last 30 days and that 125
more were forced to sail short
handed because skilled seamen
were not available.
In face of the withering effect
of the continued drafting of
• skilled men from its ranks, the
SIU's prompt manning of con
tracted ships has evoked fav
orable comment among the op
erators*. Examples of some of
the companies' testimony to the
Union's successful job appear in
the adjoining columns.
While maintaining that it could
deliver its end of the contract
in manning and sailing the ships,
the Union pointed out that it
was doing so in spite of the
drain on its manpower resulting
from the drafting of seamen,
which it is strongly opposihg.
3040 Ships
Coming Out
Every Month
The Government's transporta
tion requirements in carrying
out the military and foreign aid
programs means that "30 to 40>
ships a month" must be reacti.
vated for "a considerable period,".
ViceAdmiral Edward Cochrance,
Federal Maritime Administrator,
declared last week.
"The obvious probability of in
creased military demands calls,
for the nation's merchant marine
to fill its proper role in our,
security efforts," Admiral Coch
rane said.. •
In commenting on the manner.
of manning the ships, the Mari,
time Administrator said, "For its
manpower, we must rely on the;
maritime industry and labor." .
The Union's position op this
announcement was that in view
of its unfailing ability to man all,
of its contracted ships with no'
holdups in sailings, and the dif
ficulties faced by other maritime,
unions in getting: full crewS;
aboard their vessels, it appears,
that at least 50 percent of the
reactivated ships should go to,
the SIU.
Unless such a ratio is followed
in allocation of the ships to be.
placed into service, the Govern,
meat agency will obviously be
failing to act in tJie best interj
ests of maritime efficiency, a^
consequently, in the interests (
the nation in .the present ,emer/
^ency, the Union contends.
Page Four THE SE At ARERS LOG * Friday, February 23. 1951
Army Baif?
These Tips
May Aid You
Do you remember that sun
ny day when you left the
Army? The last words you
heard as you ran to catch the
bus were the fond farewell of
the topkick. "You'll be back,"
he said. "You'll be back."
For many that prediction is
coming true, if you're one of
those called up in the reserves—
or if you're going into the armed
forces for the first time—there
are a number of things you
should take care of before you
leave.
A check of each item on the
list can save you a mess of
trouble later on:
Power of Attorney: To handle
your affairs while you are away,
you should give your wife, or
your father, or your mother, a
power of attorney.
Papers: Get all your valuable
papers in; one safe place—a safe
deposit vault, if they are that
valuable, or at least get them
together in a tin box which you
can turn over to your wife (and
go through the papers with her,
so she knows what's there).
Wills: Prepare a will.
Life Insurance: Get your life
insurance in order. Be sure you
have designated the beneficiaries
you want today. Do you want
the insurance paid lumpsum or
in installments? Make arrange
ments to have your premiiuns
paid. You may want to change
your insurance by reducing the
cost without reducing the cover
age.
Leases: If you are renting,
make some arrangement about
your lease, to continue it or to
get out of it. If you give proper
notice, you have no liability un
der your lease after you enter
the service.
Fire Insurance: If you have
fire and personal property insur
ance, make some arrangement
about cancelling the policies if
you don't need them any more,
or to pay the premiums when
the premiums come due. If you
cancel, you are due a refund.
Cari Transfer the title of your
car to whoever is going to use
your car. Same with your auto
insurance. If your wife is going
to drive a lot less than you,
chances are you can get a re
fund on your insurance. And if
you sell your car, you are en
titled to a refund.
Valuables: Prepare a list of
everything of value you own,
including all life insurance pol
icies and all the benefits you
are entitled to, and turn the list
over to your wife or father.
Home: If you are buying your
; home, find out what your rights
I are under your mortgage, and
make some provision to keep
the payments up or to defer
# principal payments.
I Last Word: If you have any
feeling about how or where you
want Jto be buried, in ca.se that
p is necessary, leave instructions
with your family,
if Vote: If your state has ab
sentee ballots, arrange to get
them while you are away,
IMail: If you want your mail
forwarded, send the post office
a changeofaddress card.
Taxes: Pay up your property
income taxes.
Bank Acoount: Make your
account a joint account
ith your wife with survivor
^s. ,
Good Joe
Nicolas S a li b a, bartender
and waiter at Hotel Post, Port
de Bouc, France, has won a
host of friends among SIU
men because of the helping
hand he extends to them, ac
cording to Seafarers returning
from that port. Nick has copies
of the LOG on hand, at all
times.'
Shipping In Mobile
Continues To Be Good
By CAL TANNER
MOBILE — Shipping in this
port for the past two weeks
has been very good, but we still
have quite a few men on the
beach looking for a job.
For the coming two weeks
shipping should be fair, with
three offshore ships due for pay
off and a possibility of crewing
two ships from the laidup fleet.
These are the John P. Harris
and the Edward Janeway.
Ships due for payoff and re
placements are: the Alcoa Rang
er, Alcoa Corsair, Alcoa Pilgrim,
Alcoa Cavalier, Monarch of the
Sea, Desoto and the Fairhope.
Some of the men on the beach
at the present time are: E. D.
Moyd, Bill Wallace, W. Tracy,
Bill Manley and Andy George.
Men in the hospital include S.
Piner and Tim Burke.
A Senate report on LaborManagement
Relations in the East Coast Tanker Industry
was released recently. This covered our big •
beef with Cities Service. Old "LaborNeeds
Me" Taft in an individual view reported
that he could not see any value in review
ing the history of labor disputes which* were
dealt with satisfactorily by law, and where
labor relations were at the moment satis
factory. That's probably the same manner
in which he dreamed up the DaftHartley
Act. He further reported that he cannot find
any evidence of companydominated union
ism in the entire oil tanker industty. I
thought that even guys like Taft: had heard
of such outfits like Standard Oil.
Ray Oates writes in to let you all know
that hie can give you plenty of seatime
either, aboard ship or right in Seattle, where
the immediate area has been under water
for two weeks. ... James Mitchell, Paul
Haradon and R. F. Jacobs, who were for
merly employed aboard the Archer's Hope,
have overtime checks waiting foj them .in
the Organizer's office. . . . Ditdiddadiddit
—Just thought I'd try it out, Walter. . . .
Almost forgot—Edmund Spencer, off the
Bradford Island, also has a check laying
around waiting to be cashed.
Eddie Bis dropped us a post card from .
Daytona Beach, asking if it was safe to
come up North. The boy listened to us and
is now aboard the Chiwawa, which just
came back from a threemonth trip—at sea
of course. . . . Matthew Bruno, you have
not been forgotten. Remember, patience is
a virtue. What's that you say? Who the heck
wants to be virtuous? ... A fellow named
Joe Arabasz is now aboard the Strathcape
out of Galveston, which will undoubtedly
be of great interest to all who do not know
him.
The MSTS has asked for 34 additional
Victories to be taken out of layup for op
eration under charter to them. There are
reportedly only about 50 Victories left in
the reserve fleet. In the meantime the ship,
yard workers starve . . . The key personnel
for the proposed National Shipping Auth
ority have been selected by Vice Admiral
Cochrane, even though this outfit has not'
been officially established as yet. This Authr
ority will be the "big wheel" on future
maritime policy and affairs. Or so they say.
A Canadian chemist contends that kissing
originated as' pure and simple chemistry.'
The cave jnan needed salt to keep cool in
hot weather. He soon found that he could
get salt by licking his neighbor's cheek. He
also found out that if the neighbor was of
the opposite sex it was more spicy (good
pun), so he forgot all about the salt because
after he got his portion of salt it was still
hot. ... 88 percent of the privatelyowried
tanker fleet has qualified for participation
in the Voluntary Plan for Control of Tanker
Capacity to the Department of Defense.
Some title! This means that various oil car
riers agree to use their ships to carry oil
where directed by the Defense Department.
If such a plan was not set up, the govern
ment would have to step in and requisition
tankers NOT SO voluntarily.
Here we go again department—If you are
young enough to be drafted now, or if the
daft age, I mean draft age, is raised a few
years, you may help keep yourself aboard
ship IF you have ratings, and the more the
merrier. Pumpmen and, Electricians will be
handled with kid gloves, you know, not the
type Robinson used with La Motta. It is also
very important that you sail consistently
and keep in touch with your. local draft
board. Otherwise, Louis Coffin will be cus
sing you at the retirement eounter. Green
ticket ABs will give^ou the green light
with many a board.
Tell CC You Want Original Papers Back
By EARL SHEPPARD
NE'W YORK—The port of New
York is in good shape with busi
ness and shipping bringing no
complaints from anyone. A size
able number of ships hit in here
for payoffs during the past two
weeks and took replacements in
numbers large enough to dig
deep in the backlog of men.
All together we paid off 24 ships
and sigiied on 8.
The ships paid off are: .^Eli
zabeth, Robin Tuxford, Bienville,
Cape Mohican, Claiborne, Bull
Run, Sand Mate, Sand Chief,
Sand Captain, Beatrice, Inez,
Topa Topa, Alawai, Azalea City,
Evelyn, Frances, Marina, Fair
land, Wanda, Doncaster, Gate
way City, Puerto Rico, Lafay
ette, Golden City and Suzanne.
SIGNONS
Those signing (^n are: Steel Na
vigator, Beatrice Victory, Bea
trice, Cedar Rapids 'Victory,
Beauregard, Steel Executive and
Robin Tuxford.
The maritime security program
is now in full swing and sea
men are going through the nec
essary steps to take out the new
validated document, but it seems
that a lot of SIU men are get
ting a bit fouled up in the pro
cess.
Here's the procedure, pure and
simple, aijd is the method used
by every Coast Guard office in
the country: First you fill out
the form for validated papers
and give it to the Coast Guard.
They'll tell you to come back
in about two months.
TELL THEM
Then, when you return and
they have your approval back
from Coa.st Guard Headquarters,
then and there tell thefirst clerk
or official you speak to that you
want your original seamen's pa
pers back. If you don't tell them
at once the whole works is
fouled up.
Now that you've told them
you want your papers back
they'll process you past a dozen
or so clerks and at the end you'll
receive both your validated docu
ment and your original seamen's
papers back. If you don'I tell
them, you'll be processed past
the same clerks, but the papers
they fill out will be somewhat
different and at the end of the
line you'll find that ̂ mewhere
along the route your old papers
were heaved into the ash can. ,
Speak up to the first clerk
you come to and you'll have no
trouble • A:,';
One result bFtbe^^
ternational ̂ eftiergency' aiid the
rise in shipping is the necessHy
for all Seafarers to ship out only
at their'highest rating. No Cooks
should be sailing Messmen and
no Punripmen should be sailing
Watertender. As you go up the
rating scale in each department
the number of men available be
comes s'maller and smaller. In
light of the new companies now
under contract and the expansion
of some of the oldline outfits,
high^ rated men are at a prem
ium. The entry ratings are al
ways available.
Because of the strain on the
Union manpower facilities^ our
ability to supply full crews to
these sliips depends on the num
ber of key rated iflen we can
supply. If men are sailing below
their ratings they are not only
doing themselves an injustice,
but they are working a hardship
on the Union.
COOPERATION COUNTS
Only by the complete coope
ration of the rated members of
the "Union will we be able to
fulfill our obligations to our con
tracted operatois and™ equally
important will we be able
tb assure prospective,' contracted
oj^exatorkthat we can erew their
ships without any delay. In this
matter it is wholly up to the
members whether or not the Un
ion is successful in supplying
crews to our ships and being
able to supply pew operators
with crews on short notice.
Here|s a bit' of valuable ad
vice ta all men who purchase
gear from Army post exchanges
in the Far Eastern ports par
ticularly. It arises from the costly
and unfair treatment given the
crew of one of our vessels by
Army authorities.
ARMY PURCHASE
These lads left Mobile for
Far East ports without any
heavy or foulweather gear.^
"When they arrived in a part'
occupied by the Army,, they pur!
chased ̂the gear tfiey needed from
a post exchange.
"When they returned to the
States, Army authorities declar
ed that all holders of Army mer^
chandise must show receipts.'
Never having been issued re:
ceipts for their purchases, the
crew could show none. The Armyt
then confiscated .the gear.
Crewmembers wishing to avbidf
a similar experience Should make,
siire they 'are given receipts any
time^ they, buy gear ' from an!
Army exchange. :
>1
'!i
;V:,
Fziday. February 23, 1951 THE SEAFA.RERS LOG Page Fire
• V'TJ;..'
ISS
• p?
U', WHAT
ttWIIK.,
QUESTION; The last issue of the SEAFARERS LOG commented on the Auditors' Report on the first six months
of operation of the Seafarers Welfare Plan, which is operated jointly by the Unipn and the operators, with no insurance com
pany tieups. Among other things, the Report showed a surplus of $600,000, after all expenses and payments. In view of the Re
port, what is your opinion of the Plan's method of operation? ^ '
HENRY MIKULSKI, FWT: G. R. BURKEY, Chief Cook: B. THOMPSON. Deck Eng.: J. POLUCHOVICH, Firelhan: WALTER HUSSON. Oiler:
There's not much doubt in my
mind that the Welfare Plan is
one of the best things achieved
by the Union. The main thing
is that the Plan works entirely
for the benefit of the men who
are covered by the Plan, and not
for the benefit of any private
insurance company. Another fa
vorable part of our Plan is that
payments are always made
promptly to members in the hos
pital right at their bedside. There
are no long delays or red tape
involved in getting the payments.
Death .benefits are also paid out
right away, at a time when af
fected families need them most.
As the report on the Welfare
Plan activities ior the first six
months shows, it is one of the
best things the Union has come
up with. The present way of
rimning the Plan keeps all of
the money, outside of ihe small
administrative expenses and the
benefits, in the Welfare Fund
for the benefit of the members.
What I like about the Plan is
that it allows the men to receive
some benefits when, they need.it
and not when they're six feet
under. The Welfare Plan of the
Seafarers really shows how far
seamen have advanced in the
past few years.
It all proves what we have
.felt for so long—that the Wel
fare Plan is one of the best
things we could have done. I'm
in favor of it. 100 percent. With
many of our members getting
older and without any place to
go. I hope to see a home for
SIU men set up out of oiur Wel
fare Plan. In my own case. I've
been in the hospital on several
occasions and had no place to
go when 1 got out. Many , guys
need 30 to 40 days of rest after
getting out of the hospital be
fore being able to ship. A home
is the answer. Our Welfare Plan
has wonderful possibilities.
I think the program followed
by the Union in setting up its
Welfare Plan has proved to be
most economical and therefore
in the hest interests of the mem
bership. Another advantage of
the SIU way of handling the
plan, as against the insurance
company way, is that a guy
eligible for hospital benefits na
turally likes to see a Union
representative come around to
see him, and not have to go up
to a company office after he
gels out of the hospital. I'd say
that the Union takes care of all
of its membership. Yes sir. the
SIU takes care of its own.
I have been in the hospital
since our Welfare Plan went in
to operation and I have already
received hospital benefits. That's
why I can really appreciate the
benefits. They gave me the pri
vilege of riding home firstclass
when I got out. And they en
abled me to help out a bit at
home and still left me with a
little spending money. It sure
came in handy. As far as I am
concerned, we've got a very good
Plan. A member can't lose. A
good foundation has been laid
in the early stages of the Plan,
and from here on out. it'll get
belter and better.
F. NAPOLI, Second Cook:
I think our Welfare Plan is
good because, first of all, it
makes us more independent. It
shows that we can progress along
any line we set out io, without
the aid of any group—like in
surance companies, for example
—capitalizing on it. To the in
dividual member of the Union
it means that we can follow a
policy of functioning wholly for.
the membership's benefit. We
know that as long as we have
a Union working for our ad
vantage. we will continue to
receive the most in benefits that
our Welfare Plan can aiford.
Fewi if any, other organisations,
can offer such assurance, .
FRANK TETL OS:
As far as I can gather. I favor
the SIU plan for having the
Welfare Plan's Boerd of Trus
tees handle it, since they de
monstrated that their way is
cheaper than any other method.
The report of the auditors on
the first six months of the Plan's
operations proves 100 percent
that the decision to administer
the Plan without an insurance
company was very wise. Our
way is in the complete interest
of the seamenl. " While thh insur>
ance conrtpany mdthodmay 10^
good, it naturally isn't the v
plMi for all of ttie memljers. It
has too many restrictions to suit
me.
EDWARD HAMPSON, AB:
In my opinion, the Welfare
Plan is one of the best things
that has happened in this Union^
in many years. I say this not
only beeause> I have already ben
efitted from it personally, but
because I know that it has help
ed fully hundreds of other mem
bers of the Union. The Welfare
Fund is on solid ground and is
accumulating a good reserve. As
it continues to grow nndreaches
a substantial • figure, the benefits
should be incx;eased. One of the
benefits that I sliould like to see
added to toe present ones is a
rest home for the use of the
mtonbershipi ' ' : •
CARL JOHNSON, Bosun:
A good thing — that Welfare
Plan. Especially wise was the
decision to accumulate a surplus
and not go ahead and run the
chance of wiping out the re
serves and bankrupting it. as
unfortunately . happened when
the miners first began their wel
fare payments. Naturally. I hope
that the benefits of our Plan
can be increased in the future
—^ possibly to $10 a week for
hospital benefits. This would al'
low a guy in the hospital and
his family a chance to have more
help in meeting their expenses
while he is unemployable. But
we've just started and we're on
the right road.
S. WARTELSKY. Nt. Ck. & Bk.:
Aside from all the other con
siderations. one of the things
I like best about the Seafarers
Welfare Plan is the method of
paying the benefits. After a man
has spent his first week in the
hospital, he is visited by the
Union Patrolman and given his
benefits right on the spot. No
body has to wait long periods
of time, before he can get the
money he needs while he is in
the hospital, such as is the ceise
where insurance companies are
handling welfare plans for othe?
unions. Our Plan seems to be
second to none.
Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 23. 1951
Welfare Plan Invests In Future
m
lit:
iSf
JR
1?;
I'. '
jjv'.
Welfare Fund
Buys $500,000
Of Gov't Bonds
{Continued from Page 1}
for welfare benefits to Seafarers.
In announcing the transaction
at the last regular Headquarters
Branch membership meeting,
SecretaryTreasurer . Paul Hall
said that the Trustees were
constantly aiming at "making
the Seafarers Welfare Plan work
for the greatest advantage of its
beneficiaries — which are the
members of this Union."
With the Fund on solid finan
cial footing, the Board of Trus
tees is reviewing several possi
bilities for increasing benefits.
Above is a reproduction of
the check presented in pay
ment for the halfmillion dollar
bond purchase made by the
Seafarers Welfare Plan last
week.
In photo right, SIU Head
quarters Representative Joseph
Volpian, one of the Union
members of the Board of Trus
tees, signs the Welfare Fund
check, as Captain John N.
Boughman (left). Labor Rela
tions Director of the Isthmian
Steamship Company, waits to
affix his signature as a Trus
tee representing the operators.
In center is Max Hcurrison,
Administrator of the Plan.
Coast Guard Regulations Spell Out 'Subyersiyes'
The grounds upon which a
1seaman may be denied security
' 'clearance is printed below, as
taken from the "Proceedings of
the Merchant Marine Council,"
I J' published by the US Coast
T Guard.
BASIS FOR REJECTION
'0
Its
The Commandant will deny a
security clearance to any per
son if, upon full consideration,
he is satisfied that the applicant's
character and habits of life are
such as to authorize the belief
that the presence of the person
aboard vessels of the. United
States would be inimical to the
security of the United States;
and the basis of rejection as
above will be if, on all the
jevidence and information avail
able, reasonable grounds exist
for the belief that the individual:
(1) Has committed acts of trea
son or sedition, or has engaged
in acts of espionage or sabotage;
has actively advocated or aided
the commission of such acts by
I others; or has knowingly asso
I ciated with persons committing
I; such acts; or.
(2) Is employed by, or subject
to the influence of, a foreign
government under circumstances
which may jeopardize the secur
ity interests of the United States;
fror,
(3) Has actively advocated or
supported the overthrow of the
government of the United States
,by the use of force or violence;
military information classified
confidential or higher without
authority and with reasonable
knowledge or belief that it may
be transmitted to a foreign gov
ernment, or has intentionally
disclosed such information to
persons not authorized to re
ceive it; or,
(5) Is or recently has been
a member of, or affiliated, or
sympathetically associated with,
any foreign or domestic organi
zation, association, movement,
group, or combination. of per
sons (i) which is, or which has
been designated by the Attorney
General as being, totalitarian,
fascist, communist, or subversive,
(ii) which has adopted, or which
has been designated by the At
torney General as having adopt
ed, a policy of advocating or ap
proving the commission of acts
of force or violence to deny other
persons their rights imder the
Constitution of the United States,
or (iii) which seeks, or which
has been designated by the At
torney General as seeking, to
alter the form of the Govern
ment of the United States by un
constitutional means: Provided,
That access may be granted, not
withstanding such membership,
affiliation, or association, if it
is demonstrated, by more than
a mere denial, that the security
interests of the United States
will not thereby be jeopardized.
clearance, shall have the right |
to appeal from such action in
the manner described in this
part.
LOCAL APPEAL BOARDS
The Commandant will appoint
a Local Appeal Board in each
coastal Coast Guard District.
Each board will be composed of
three members, one to be desig
nated as Chairman who shall
represent the Coast Guard in
the public interest; the other
member.= of the Board shall, so
far as practicable, represent
management and labor and shall
be drawn from a panel contain
ing such representatives. The
Chairman of the Board shall de
signate from these panels the in
dividual members to hear each
appeal. In addition to the man
agement and labor representa
tives; other reputable citizens in
the community will be appointed
to these panels; they will act
as alternates in the event of sus
tained challenge or other un
availability of management and
labor representatives. If practic
able, at leas't one member of
each Board should be an at
torney.
European Trade Unionists Visit States
(4) Has intentionally disclosed
RIGHT OF APPEAL
Any person who has been de
nied a security clearance, or who
is required to surrender any
document evidencing security
~ Members of the delegation of European labor leaders who attended the National Assembly
for Moral Rearmament in Weishington last month called at SIU Hall this week during visit to
New York, Walter Siekmann explains dispatching procedure to group in which are Paul
Kurowski, Germany; Victor Laure, France; Max Bladeck, Germany; Jens Wilhelmsen, Norway:
Jeoffrey Dawkes, Britain; George MacFarlane, Washington; Vincent Vercuski, Los Angeles, and
Paul EmileDonlon, Switzerland.
%
m
Friday, February 23, 1951 THE SEAFARERS L O .G Page SeT«a
Seafaring, As It Was 100 Years Ago
By JOHN BUNKER
"Two Years Before The Mast" is a famous piece
of American literature — one of the best sea
stories ever written.
Not as well known as the book is its author,
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., pioneer champion of
seamen's rights and an advocate of better condi
tions for American merchant mariners.
Besides "Two Years Before The Mast," which
recounted the hard life on a small brig during
a voyage around the "Horn," Dana also wrote
a book called "The Seamen's Friend."
This manual for seamen is now obscure and
forgotten but, wheii published just 100 years ago,
it was one of the first books to come off the press
which combined an. appeal for better conditions
for seamen with a thorough, practical descrip
tion of the sailor's life, the requirements of his
profession, information on seamanship, and a
delineation of the law as it pertained to seamen,
officers and shipowners.
This book makes interesting reading today, for
it shows the great advances which have come
about in the profession of seafaring since Dana
stood up for the sailor in the first half of the
I9th century.
^ The sailorman of that period, as "The Seamen's
Friend" points out, was a skilled craftsman who
had to be proficient at a great variety of jobs.
An AB had to do such jobs as setting up rig
ging, worming, parceling, serving, splicing eyes
in the end of rigging, reeving braces, making
grommets, and tieing a wide variety of knots
used on sailing ships—^Turks Heads, bowlines,
hitches, figure of eights and b^ds. This assort
ment of knots was considered just a basic re
quirement for ABs.
Besides these talents, of course, an AB had
to handle any job in the daybyday task of
working ship; tacking, wearing, anchoring, reef
ing, and setting and furling sails. It was taken
for granted that he cotdd also sew canvas, send
yards up or down, handle a small boat, and steer
a fine course.
• MUSCLES REQUIRED
Being a helmsman was an arduous job in the
days before mechanical steering gear. It often
took a Very strong man as well as a good sea
man to keep a ship on her course, especially
when she was badly rigged, fouled with barn
acles, or otherwise cranky after a long trip.
In Dana's day most vessels carried three classes
of foremast hands; ABs, Ordinaries and "Boys."
Anyone making his first trip to sea was classed
as a "Boy," even though he might be thirty or
forty years of age.
It is interesting to note, incidentally, that men
at that time rated themselves when they ship
ped. An Ordinary knew better than to claim him
seii'^an AB, for he would soon be shown up after
a few hours at sea and his life would be miser
able during the rest of the voyage. .
Ordinaries were supposed to have about the
same capabilities as ABs, except that they
weren't expected to be as expert workmen on
jobs pertaining to rigging. "Boys" sometimes got
paid; sometimes worked as apprentices and were
given all the jobs that the trained sailors con
sidered beneath their dignity. They also stood
watches and, went aloft to reef and furl.
^ For all the skill and hard work that was re
quired of him 100 years ago, the AB was paid
about $12 a month, while Ordinaries got two
or three dollars less snd "Boys" were lucky to
get seven or eight. Wages varied considerably
and some ships paid higher than this; some less.
? Union shipping halls were unknown when
"The Seamen's Friend" was written, so the ship
ping of crews was a process that varied exten
sively and was subject to considerable abuse.
"In the manner of shipping a crew,'.' Dana
explained, "There is as great a difference as in
that of providing the stores. Usually the whole
thing is left to shipping masters, who are paid
so much a head for each of the crew, and are
responsible for their appearance on board at the
time of sailing. When this plan is adopted, neither
the Master or owner, except by accident, knows
anything of the crew before the vessel goes
to sea.
"The shipping master opens the articles at his
office, procures the men, sees that they sign,
pays them in advance, sees that they get . aboard,
and sends a bill for the whole thing to the
owners."
MANY IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED
Sometimes, the Master selected his own crew,
and, as Dana says, "occasionally the owner does
it if he has been to sea himself and understands
seamen; though a shipping master is still em
ployed to see them ahjoard and for other pur
poses." ^
From his own hardearned experience as a
foremast hand on a twoyear voyage under ardu
ous conditions, Dana was conscious of the many
things that needed improvement in the sailor's
life.
"On a long voyage," he emphasized in "The
Seamen's Friend," "the comfort and success of
which may depend much upon the character of
the crew, the Master or ownershould interest
himself to select ablebodied and respectable
men, to explain to them the nature and length
of the voyage they are going upon, what clothing
they will want, and the work that will be re
quired of them." How much better the sailor's
life would have been in the windjammer days
if even this simple advice had been followed!
Dana also made another important recommen
dation which, if it had been universally fol
lowed, would have made the seamen's life much
more endurable.
"The Master or owner," he advised, "should
go to the foc'sle and see that it is cleaned out,
whitewashed or painted, put in proper habitable
condition and furnished with every reasonable
convenience.
"It should seem best that the Master should
have something to do with selection of the pro
visions for his men, as^ he will usually be more
interested in securing their good will and com
fort than the owners would be."
While all shipboard meals are" scheduled for
regular hours at sea these days, such was not the
custom 100 years ago.
Breakfast was at seven bells and dinner at
noon unless the working of the ship prevented it.
If the vessel had to have her sail reduced or if
some other important job came up, the meals
came second and many a time the hardworked
sailor missed his chow.
Supper was held "whenever the day's work
is over," as "The Seamen's Friend" explains the
meal customs.
Whenever the day's work was over depended
on the Master and Mate. Quite often, it was con
sidered to be sundown. '
CHOW: WORMS, MAGGOTS
The regular fare on a long voyage consisted
of bread, beef and water and, because of the *
lack of refrigerating facilities, this seldom varied.
Needless to say, the bread, beef and water was
hard to stomach after a few weeks at sea.
Despite being preserved in brine, the meat got
wormy, the bread had maggots, and the water
became alive with all sorts of swimming
creatures.
Among the many customs of the sea in Dana's
time, it was always the rule for the Skipper to
supervise..^the food allowance. With all rations
being actually weighed out by the Second Mate.
Every time a barrel of provisions was opened,
it v/as duly registered in the log.
Every ship leaving on a foreign voyage was
required by law to have on board 60 gallons of
water, 100 pounds of salt beef and 100 pounds
of "wholesome" ship's bread for each person.
Theoretically, the crew could recover a day's
wages for each day during the voyage that they^
were forced to go on short rations, due to the
failure of the Master or owner to properly store
the ship before sailing.
Average food allowance per man was six
pounds of bread per week, 1% pounds of beef
per day, and three quarts of water a day.
Baths were reserved for good weather, when
rainfall enabled those who had a mind to wash
to get out on deck in the raw and soak in the
downpour.
Only the largest vessels such as the trans
Atlantic packet ships carried more than two
Mates. The watches were divided between the
First and Second Mates, with the Skipper, then
as now, only taking the deck when it pleased
him. It was usual, however, for the Captain to be
topsides for maneuvering of the ship and taking
in sail, at which time the First Mate was sta
tioned on the foc'sle lind the Second Mate in the
waist of the ship.
BEST ON SHIP
The First Mate had considerable authority and
delivered discipline with a free hand, although
the Skipper alone was, according to the law, sup,,
posed to deal out punishment when necessai^
Besides having to be the best seaman on board,
the First Mate was also rated as the quickest
with his fists. He was frequently wont to iise
the belaying pin for other than the arts of sea
manship.
The Second Mate, on the other hand, was a
sort of seagoing "bastard." He didn't have the
social status of the First Officer, always ate at
the "second table" and always turned to with the
crew at any job, pulling and hauling on the lines
and going aloft when need be.
A sort of privileged person in those days was
the ship's Carpenter, according to lawyersailor
Dana. He had no powers of command like the
Mates, but he lived in the steerage with the
Steward, stood no watches, and worked under
the sole direction of the Master. Like the Cook,
Steward, and Sailmaker, however, he could be
required to turn to and help with the sails in
bad weather.
Besides standing "watch and watch," and put
ting in long hours on deck offwatch to work
ship, the sailor of one hundred years ago was
also required to stay on deck from 1 pm till sun
down for regular ship's maintenance duties.
COFFEE TIME? —HA!
Recreation was limited to the "dog watch"—
a twohour stretch between four and eight pin,
when the two watches rotated in order to keep
one watch from standing the same hours through
out the voyage.
Mealtime had to come out of the watch below.
The practice of requiring shipping articles on^
American vessels dates back to the time when
George Washington was president of the United
States and in the 1850s all the larger coasting
vessels had to have articles as well as the off
shore ships.
Many of the present day provisions for the:
rights of seamen in our maritime codes date back
to the time of Richard Henry Dana. If a seaman
was discharged in a foreign port, for instance,
he was entitled to full wages for the voyage up
to the time the ship arrived back in the United
States.
In the days before seamen had union repref
sentation, such provisions were academic rather
than of practical benefit for the seaman, who
had nobody to support his case in a beef against
shipmaster or shipowner. Mr. Dana, in fact, was
one of the first lawyers to represent mistreated
seamen in a suit against ships' officers and
owners.
' Page Eight TSE S'E AF ARE RS LOG l^giiiaYi TibinxaxY 23/IWI
SBIPS' MINIJTES AMD MEWS
Seafarer Offers To Teach
Shipmates For Upgrading
Seafarer Paul Dayton, holder of Bopk No. 43889, is
solid proof that the Brotherhood of the Sea is more than
jusf a slogan.
In an effort to do his bit in the current Union cam
ip paign to get Seafarers to sail in the ratings for which they
'are qualified, Brother Dayton ofJ
I fared to teach any v crewman
aboard the SS "Winter Hill who
|ia interested in getting a Pump
man's endorsement.
Dayton made his offer at the
iFebruary 7 meeting held at. se§
©n the Cities Service tanker,
saying he was willing to devote
as much of his offtime as nec
essary to instruct any member
on how to discharge the duties
of a Pumpman.
. As it should. Brother Day
l^an's display of the spirit behind
lithe Brotherhood of Sea was
^received with acclaim by his
shipmates.
Michael Michalik, Ship's Dele
gate on the Winter Hill, praised
Dayton as being the kind of
,I member that has made the SHJ
s what it is today.
"I think if everybody who has
a rating did what Brother Day
ton is doing, the SIU wouldij't
have to worry about getting
|i rated men to crew their con
tracted ships should the emer
I gency shipping situation become
more critical," Michalik said.
""With more men like Brother
Dayton sailing ships in SIU
i ̂ yle, you can give any future
J government recruiting and man
mpg office the deep six."
Dayton's offer to pitch in and
held his shipmates was made in
answer to the Union's recently
instituted campaign urging all
qualified Seafarers to go after
higher ratings. The UUnion has
learned that a good many men
qualified by experience and skill
Imve not applied for endorse
ments for higher ratings.
' Men who do not seek higher
ratings, the UUnion pointed out,
aue, in effect, causing a waste of
needed skill in the current de
fense preparations.
The Union also learned that
some men have the necessary
seatime for higher ratings but
lack further technical training.
This data was obtained in re
plies to questionnaires sent by
SIU Headquarters to all SIU
contracted ships, which also con
tained an appeal similar to tboge
regularly appearing in the SEA
FARERS LOG for the men to
seek upgrading.
The replies from the shipa <hs
closed that on one vessel there
were six men with qualifications
to sail at least one rating higher
than that which they had signed
on, and in some cases, two rat
ings higher. A Fireman, for ex
ample, was qualified for a Pump
man, a rating for which there is
a critical need. In fact, three men
in the ship's engine room were
capable of sailing as Pumpmen.
These facts bore out the SIU's
contention that there is suffic
ient skill within the Union to
meet apy manpower needs caus
ed by the present emergency rise
in shipping.
As a result, the Union reiter
ated its plea that all members
with the proper qualifications
apply for upgrading, and that
the others take immediate steps
to complete their technical in
formation to qualify them 'for
endorsements. Brother Dayton's
offer of instructicuj is one of the
ways in which this can ea'sily
be accomplished.
New Oociiments Cause Ne Delay
^ Since the announcement that the SIU has been build
ing up a manpower reserve from among retired Seafarers,
who have expressed a desire to sail "again in the event they
are needed to man vessels in the nation's defense program,
scores of additional applications and inquiries have come
into Headquarters.
Among the most frequentlyasked question is the
one submitted this week by Frank Kuvakas, of 311 Albeyt
Street, Youngstown, Ohio. Frank, who retired Book No.
100038 in good standmg in July 1949, wrote; "I want
to begin sailing again. Can I sail before I receive the new
Coast Guard papers... ?
To Brother Kuvakas and others with ^ similar ques
tion. the answer is this: Members returning to sqa can
sail with their old seamen's papers. Qowevex, they must
apply the emergepcytypq pi document when tjhey
signon aboard ship. After they have been screened and
approved, they will be issupd the new papers. They do
not lose any time in waiting for the new papers.
As fot shipping out, the regular procedure is still
followed, A man must register and take a job. in his
regular turn, in accordance with therotarysystem of
shipping.
SIU Started Commie Crqckup
In Cnwtdn, Says ExCSU
One of the original group of members of the de
funct Canadian Seamen's Union who saw in the SIU
the opportunity to smash communist control of Canada's
sfafaring men declared^ this week that events of the past
two years have proved the correctness of their move.
During a visit to the
Check It—But Good
Check the slop chest be
fore your boat sails. Make
sure that the slop chest con
tains an adequate supply of
all the things you are liable
to need. If it doesn't, call the
Union Hall immediately.
Quiet Eating EUace
Crewmembers turn iQ pn the sea fare offered by the
galley gang aboard the SS Seatrain New York. Pho|p was^
taken in crew'a messroom by Glen Vinson. ^ I
a visit to
office. Chiles MacQon^d re
viewed the Canadian beef that
erupted in early 1949 when CSU
members revolted against the
sellout tactics of their commu
fnist leadership and: sought repr
resentatipn by the SIU's Cana
dian District.
. lyiacDoijald, who was among
the most militant rank and file
anticommunist members of the
CSU, had for several, years op
posed the use of that union for
political purposes. At one ship
board meeting his vigorous de
nunciation of commie policy
eqded. in a brawl He was se^
verely beaten up wd warned
to keep his mouth shut in the
future.
MacDonald; known to his ship
mates by the nickname of Koky,
vowed to continue the .antt
eommie fight. Whenever he
could, he exposed the commie
hand to his fellow members of
the CSU. He was among the first
to come Into the SIU when the
Canadian beef broke and played
an important part in bringing
the true story to men in the
CSU.
A native of Halifax, Mac
Donald has been a member of
the SIU Canadian District since
1949. On the West Coast of the
• United States when the, Korqan
war broke out," MacDqnald ship
pd out on an A&G District con
tract vessel, from which he re
cently paid off.
Mac maintains that the SIU
played an important role in rid
ding .the Canadian waiterfropt of^
the, communist tlureat, "The Sltf
was the first organization to
e commies out of unions in
Canada," he said. "In doing so,
it inspired other unions to do
the same.
"The SIU anticommie fight
had international significance,"
he continued, "especially in the
countries where the CSU strike
had repercussions. It opened up
the eyes of the people and per
mitted them to spe that thg
commies were a regl evil.
"Up to the time the SlU came
Into the picture, I don't think
the. people of Canada realized
the extent of the commies' hold
on the labor movement," Mac
Donald said. .
Brother Uncovers
Moon's Miracle
Of 20 Years Ago
Hardly a day goes by down
New Orleans way when SIU
members don't indulge in some
banter about the classic 20round
battle of almost two decades ago
in which Seafarer Moon Kouns
decisioned K O. Baer.
Having heard about every
thing to. be said on the matter,
Vic Miorana decided last week
to dig into the records to get
the score on the titantic struggle
as it was presented by New Or
leans' top fight reporters the
fpllo>ving morning.
In the New Orleans Item ofr' •
April 1, 1932, Miorana found the
column of Fred Digby, now with,
the Sugar Bowl Associajtion,
which sponsors the annual foot
bail classic in the Crescent City..^
Digby called the KounsBaer^
fight "Another Sports Miracle,"
and said:
""When Moon Kouns and K. O,
Baer battled through 20 rounds
at the Westside last night, aware
that their end of the gate would,
amount to only a few cents oyer,
$15.00, they set a precedent, fpr..
some of the prima donnas of
boxing."
Of course, it must be remem
>ered that $15 went a little ways
in those days, as guys who had/
• two dimes to rub together were
,n't all. over the place, it bpiug
at Ibe height of the famed de
pression of the oarly thirties.
Nevertheless, sports columnist
Digby further commented that
"Most of the presentday fight
ers are greatly overpaid in pro
portion to, thq amount oji effort
they forth for the fapg. They'd
all laugh at a promoter for sug
gesting a winner takeall fight.
"That (Kouns and Baer) went
through with the battle and ac^
tuaUy fought every step of the
way is certainly a miracle in,,
this day and; time," Digby con
cluded.
And that should just about
take care of any ThomSses who
doubt the legendary exploits of
tho fantastic Moon Kouns.
ii
i
Charlie MacDonald during, visit to Headqu^axa Branch
f^aafr, Ftibxu^ 29, 19^ TBB SB AB Mnt: ks 1,0 c "P&ge ffiitB
Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings
FRANCES (Bull). Jan. 9 —
Chairman, Bill Janisch; Secre
iary, H. Ricci. Delegates reported
^0 beefs. Deck Delegate brought
tip Subject of gangway watches
and when overtime should be
paid. Laundry to be kept clean.
S, 4, it
DEL RIO (Mississippi), Dec.
10—Chairman, Petcy Boyer; Sec
retary, Fred Hicks. Delegates re
ported all okay. Discussion on
performers and penalties crew
will put against men who will
jtoul up. Crew told one day's
lodging aiid one day's subsist
ence due them for tinle ship was
in New Orleans.
^ X %
STEEL DIRECTOR (Isthmian),
Jan. 22—Chairman, Robert Gil
bert; Secretary, M. Harris. Dele
gates reported all okay. Com
munication from Headquarters
concerning unloaiking of cargo
fe foi'dgn ports and denial of
ahorO liberty read and accepted.
Ship's Delegate to see Hall about
proper procedure ^or getting
hew Coast Guaid ducuxnent.
committee of belegates to check
'the slopchest.
XXX
CANTIGNY (Cities Service),
Jan. 24—Chairmam J. Trodeau:
iSecretary, S. DiMaggie. Crew
members were told they could
have their mall sent to them
care of the Lake Charles SlU
HaU. Ship's fund reported as
being $42. Ship's Delegate re
ported that Captain promised to
do all he can to post correct
sailing board time when ship
hits port. Report given on money
donated to Hank's Fund. An edu
cational talk was given on
harmful effects drunks and per
formers have on entire crew.
XXX
STEEL VOYAGER (Isthmian),
Jan. 7—Chairman, Wiley Par
rott: Secretary, F. Steen. Dele
gates reported number of men
in their departments. Motion
carried to have drinking water
analyzed, if it doesn't clear up.
Ship's Delegate asked men who
do not know how to operate
washing machine to contact him
before doing their laundry. Let
ter to be written Union concern
ing $2.50 bonus before ship
reaches Colombo.
X X X
STEEL RECORDER (Isth
mian), Nov. 3—Chairman, D.
Harmon; Secretary, C. Wood.
Delegates reported no beefs. Mo
tion carried to refund money for
washing machine to men who
are' not going to make the for
eign trip. Motion carried to take
$10$15 from the ship's fund for
magazines.
Dec. 30—Chairman, Thompson;
Secretary, Harmon. Delegates re
ported that all was okay. Ship's
Delegate suggerted that every
bne leave procuring of mail and
passes to him. Steward asked to
clarify mess situation, particular
ly serving of steaks.
4 4 »
WINTER HILL (Cities Ser
vice), Jan. 18—Chairman, James
HEdpin; Secretary, Percy Mays.
Deck and Stewards Delegates
reported disputed overtime. Crew
went on record to take drastic
nction against members who re
fuse to obey orders. Talk given
in importance of seamen keeping
^ir noses clean, especially in
view of the international situa
tion, which' antilabor
)OME C«EWS CEftoRTTVKnHEYPTD/^
PERS(2NAI I^ND UAIIOAJ /VWIU
\m\lB Ihi EUROPEAMAND EAR EASIER^
VVlAnERS. CMEC<JNS WllHTWEGCWmWfES
REVfeAlS THAT THE MA\l SEW OUT
N AMPIE TIME TD REACH THE SHIPS .
CTrb INSURE OEUVteR/OF/HAII.TO VCH/I^
SHIP, CHISCK WITH THE COMFAf^
OFFCE IN THE PORT; IF IN THE FAR EAST
UNDER MSiS
CHARTER f C^^BCK
WITH THE/iRMy
columnists to take swipes at the
merchant marine.
Jan'. 25—Chairman, Paul Day
ton; Secretary, Percy Mays. Dele
gates' reports accepted. Motion
carried to notify Headquarters
of inadequate milk supply and
to ask for 120 quarts of milk in
stead of the present 80.. Day Man
stated that three men should be
used to shift butterworth hoses
at all times. Delegates were ask
ed to keep a check for gashounds
and performers, and if any turn
up the crew will take. action.
Jan. 31—Chairman, S. Truner;
Secretary, Percy Mays. Delegates
reported some disputed overtime.
Discussion on new Coast Guard
papers. Discussion on Headquar
ters communication cohcerning
time off and unloading of cargo.
Suggestion made that night lunch
be bettered.
Feb. 7—Chairman, Paul Day
ton; Secretary. Percy Mays. Dele
gates reported all okay. Motion
carried to have vapor gauge put
aboard to protect crewmembers
working in tanks. Motion carried
to see Patrolman about increas
ing milk to 120 quarts. Messman
asked to know why crew takes
beefs to Steward and not to Dele
gate. Paul Dayton, Pumpman,
stated that if anyone is interest
ed in getting a Pumpman's en
dorsement, he would give up his
off time to show the member
fhe ins and outs of getting the
endorsement.
to hospital duties and the medi
cal attention of creW. Suggestion
to have passageways and rooms
painted added to repair list.
Feb. 5 — Chairman, Edward
Thompson; Secretary, James Ter
racin. Delegates reported every
thing in good shape. Commimi
cation from Headquarters read
concerning unloading cargo and
denial of time ashore. Discussion
on both issued with entire crew
being in favor of positions taken
in communication. Crew told to
have rooms in good shape for
new crew.
XXX
ARCHER HOPE (Cities Ser
vice), Feb. 10—Chairman, Mich
ael Prochak; Secretary, S. Lip
schitz. Delegates reported all
okay. Motion carried to see Chief
Engineer about washing ntiach
ine. Motion carried that itio one
payoff without Patrolman, be
cause Deck Maintenance has
overtime Coming from previous
voyage.
XXX
LAFAYETTE (Waterman). Jan.
20—Chairman, C. Webber; Sec
retary, E. Smith. Delegates re
ported no beefs. Delegates to dis
XXX
TOPA TOPA (Waterman). Feb.
4—Chairman, Edward Vail; Sec
retary, M. Basar. Delegates re
ported number of books and
permits in their department. Mo
tion carried that Delegates make
up repair list for each depart
ment. Discussion on washing
machine repair and maintenance.
X X X
FAIRPORT (Waterman),. Jan.
29—^Chairman, J. Carrol; Secre
tary, Julian Lelinski. Delegates
reported all okay. Crew was re
minded to take better care of
the washing machine. Beef raised
on pressure in the sanitary sys
tem.
X ill X
CLAIBORNE (Waiermkn), Jan.
8—Chairman, A. Blomsson; Sec
retary, Leskowsky., Delegates re
ported no beefs. Ship's Delegate
reported $20.50 in ship's fund.
Motion carried to unanimously
apjprove LOG item concerning
longshore work by crew in for
eign ports. Motion carried to
transfer library to linen locker.
ALAWAI fwaterman), Feb. 3
—Chairman, E. Moyd; Secretary,
C. Miller. Delegates reported
some disputed overtime in all
departments. Communication
from Headquarters read concern
ing unloading cargo and denial
of time ashoi'e. Both matters ap
proved unanimously. Discussion
oi| needed repairs.
XXX .
MAIDEN CREEK (Waiermsn),
Secretary, P. Latorre. Delegate?
reported no beefs, listed the
books and permits in their de
partments. Delegates to get a
new library in the next port.
Beef on food situation to be
taken to Captain first, then to
Patrolman.
XXX
FAIRISLE (Waterman), Feb. 4
—Chairman. P. Naujalis: Secre
tary, James Clinton. Delegates
reported no beefs. Discussion on
Union communications concern
ing cargo and shore time.
XXX
ANDREW JACKSON (Water
man), Jan. 21—Chairman, Robert
Barrett; Secretary, P. Carbone.
Ship's Delegate to see about hav
ing ship's fresh water tanks
cleaned. Suggestion made that
slopchest be opened at a more
favorable time. Discussion on
man who fouled up in Galves
ton. Motion carried that matter
be referred to Headquarters. Mo
tion carried to quiz Captain
about disputed overtime from
last trip.
XXX
NOONDAY (Waterman), Nov.
8—Chairman. J, Ryan; Secrefary,
E. Ray. Delegates reported all
okay, except Deck and Engine,
who reported some disputed
overtime. Discussion on sanding
and paiiSting messhall chairs.
XXX
HURRICANE (Waterman), Jan.
21—Chairman, Arnando Frissora;
Secretary, Paul Whitlow. Dele
gates reported that the washing
machine had been fixed. Letter
of registration for aliens read.
All unauthorized crewmembers
• were told to keep out of galley
and pantry.
XXX
BIENVILLE (Waterman), Jan.
20—Chairman, J. Higginbotham;
Secretary. W. Cameron. Delegates
reported on number of books
and permits in their depart
ments. Delegates to check with
Patrolmen concerning frozen
vegetables. Steward to order
linen that will fit bunks; present
supplies are too short.
WILD RANGER^ (Waterman).
Jan. 26—Chairman. James B.
Morton; Secretary, D. McCorvey.
Delegates' reports accepted. Mo
tion carried to accept communi
cation from Headquarters con
cerning time off and unloading
of cai'go in foreign ports. Steam
line in laundry to be fixed.
XX X
MALDEN VICTORY (Mississ
ippi), Chairman. A. Mitchell:
Secrefary. V. Harding. Delegates
reported all okay. Department
repair list made up arid approv
ed. New library to be put aboard
in next port.
aboard. Discussion held on feed
ing of men in foreign ports.
XXX
STEEL SURVEYOR (Isth^
mian), Jan. 28—Chairman (not i
given); Secretary, H. Nicholsotl.
Delegates reported all okay. Mo
tion carried to see Captain aboift
living up to agreement, and not
to put to sea until ship is prop
erly secured. Motion carried tio I
assess each crewmember $1 fotr 1
ship's fund.
XXX
STEEL KING (Isthmian), Jan.]
21 — Chairman, Martin Rubio;
Secrefary, Pedro Velez. Delegate j
reported that an Oiler ha(f miss
ed the ship in Baltimore, and it j
report on him should be sent to
Union. Discussion on laund^.
Request made that all cooperate |
in keeping laundry clean.
XXX
STEEL FABRICATOR (Isth
mian), Jan. 10—Chairnian, Bro
ther Hume; Secretary. M. Mc
Cfarile. Delegates reported
okay. Suggestion made that all
men cooperate in boat drilL
Crew Pantryman commended for |
doing a good job.
XXX
STEEL ARCHITECT (Isth
mian). Jan. 14—Chairman. Eii I
Nooney; Secretary, M. Pierpoin
ski. Ship's Delegate reported a
crewmember had been hospital
ized due to injury on gangway.
Motion carried to see about a |
better night lunch. Motion car
ried to see about getting safer]
beds.
Jan. 21—Chairman. V. Meehan;
Secretary, A. Aragones. Dele
gates reported all okay in their j
departments. Ship's Delegate to
see Patrolman concerning Cap [
tain's violation of Union contract. I
XXX
STEEL RECORDER (Isth
mian), Jan. 21—Chairman (nofcl
given); Secretary, D. Harmoiu
Delegates reported all okay. One
minute of silence observed for
Wah Suey Yee, Stewards Until
ity, who was lost at sea neat ]
Belawan Deli on January 14.
Steward reported that Captafitt
had promised all painting would
be handled on return trip.
cuss with Master the need of the
Chief Mate to be riiore atfentivejJan. 29—Chairtpari, A. Hobillaxd;
XXX
STEEL SCIENTIST (Isthmian),
Jan. 17—Chairman, C. Peppier;
Secretary. S. Sloneski. Motion
carried to have Delegate talk to
Mate about a deck rack for the
laundry. Motion carried to com
pensate Electricians for time
spent repairing the washing ma
chine. Satisfaction expressed for
ability of Steward and Cooks.
XXX
STEEL TRAVELER (Isth
mian), Feb. 4—Chairman, E. .An
derson; Secretary, F. Jones. Dele
gates asked men to make less
noise in the passageways. Motion
carried to see about having a
Night Cook and Baker put
XXX
COUNCIL GROVE (Cities Ser
vice), Jan. 3 — Chairman. D. |
Oman; Secretary, F. Parsorie. I
Delegates reported no beefsjJ
listed the number of books and [
permits in their departpients.
Ship's Delegate appointecf'to get I
forms for crew to fill out foir j
validated document.
x" X X
CHIWAWA (Cities Service), ]
Jan. 28—Chairman. R. PawlakK
Secretary. H. McAleer. Delegates J
reported no beefs. Discussion on j
unfair rate of currency exchangiefJ
in Rio. Suggestion made to send
overtime beefs ahead to Hall to |
facilitate payoff.
XXX
FRENCH CREEK (Cities iSer
vice). Feb. 3—Chairman, E. Wil
isch; Secretary, J. Dodge. Dele j
gates reported all okay, except]
a few hours of disputed over|
time in the Engine and Stewards |
Departments. Request made that|
ship payoff in Houston.
Jan. .21—Chairman, Roy Pap
pan; Secretary, J. P. Gavixu i
(Continued on fage 16}
Pag* Tan THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, FabRUOy 23* 1951
.r»"
How To Conduct A Union Meeting
The Union meeting is the pulse of the member may be appointed to act as ushers, doormen and
ship. At the meetings the officials get the reac to keep order at all meetings.
.tion of the membership to the various problems
that arise from time to time and are thus better
able to carry out their duties. On the other hand
it is here that the membership is able to hear
first hand just what the officials have been do
ing. It is the privilege of any member to ques
.tiori the reports of the officials and to take what
action he deems necessary or proper.
The action of the membership at these meet
ings is of vital importance to the Union as a
whole. The meeting is the court of the Union. It
is in the regular meetings that trials are con
ducted and appeals heard. Beefs of doubtful
status are brought before the membership and
discussion generally determines their validity.
In the meeting it is not the opinion of one or
a few that decides an issue, but rather the com
bined knowledge of the entire assemblage.
With the growth and progress of the Union it
is important that each member of the Union
; learns how to have his say at the Union meeting
[ and how each meeting should be conducted.
It is obvious that meetings must be conducted
in an orderly fashion if any results are to be
I pbtMned, If every one were to try to speak at
once the result would be chaos. On the other
band, if every one kept quiet nothing would
ever be accomplished. For that reason the con
stitution and bylaws of the Union contain an
established Agenda and a set of rules governing
the conduct of a meeting. On any matters not
covered in these rules, Robert's Rules of Order
shall prevail.
RULES OF ORDER
' Roberts Rules of Order are the accepted rules
governing meetings of all types throughout the
THE AGENDA
The Agenda is simply the order in which the
business of the meeting is conducted. It runs as
follows:
1. Call io order.
2. Election of officers—Chairman, etc.
3. Reading of the minutes of previous meet
' ings.
4. Reading of the Branch Agent's report, and
action thereon.
5. Communications, and action thereon.
6. Resolutions, and action thereon. y
7. New Business.
8. Secretary's financial report and presenta
tion of bills.
9. Election of the Auditing Committee and
Unfinished Business.
10. Secretary's verbal report.
11. Patrolman's reports. Auditing Committee,
Special Committees.
12. Obligations.
13. Good and Welfare.
14. Adjournment.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The meeting is called to order by the Agent
who^alls first for the nominations for Chairman.
He recognizes only those who raise their hands.
Names shouted from sections of the assembly
are not recbgnized. To nominate a Brother for
Chairman after you have recognized, you rise
and state "I nominate Brother ..."
After a suitable number of nominations have
been made the nominations may be closed by a
motion.
The Agent then asks for acceptances or de
clinations. Those who accept are then voted upon
English speaking world. This goes for everything by a hand vote nnd the one receiving the largest
from the Congress of the United States to a
country political caucus.
Special rules are adopted to fit special needs
of groups but rules of order generally are based
on the Roberts text which covers all possible
cirqumstances.
THE QUORUM
number of votes is declared Chairman and takes
over the conduct of the meeting.
The Chairman then follows the same proced
ure in the election of other meeting officers.
THE RIGHT TO SPEAK
The Chairman is the conductor and regulator
of the meeting. Every member has a right to
Ibe word quorum simply denotes the number speak but no member has the right to infringe
of members in good standing necessary to con
stitute a working attendance at a meeting. Due. to
the fact that the majority of our membership is
away at sea, the quorum established is twenty
five. This means that twentyfive full bookmem
bers in good standing must be present when the
meeting is called to order, or the meeting cannot
proceed.
J . j TIME OF MEETING
I The membership has decided by a referendum
I vote that meetings shall be held every other
week on Wednesdays. The meeting hall will be
^ open at seven o'clock and if a quorum is present
^e meeting shall be called to order. If no quo
lijpum is present, the Business Agent will remain
the meeting hall until seventhirty and then
again callfor a count to determine if a quorum
has been obtained. If twentyfive bookmembers
are not then present, the Agent shall declare
"no meeting."
Attendance at every meeting is compulsory for
aU members on the shipping list. The penalty for
upon the rights of any other members. For that
reason no one should speak until he has been
recognized by the chair. He may obtain this rec
ognition by holding up his hand or rising as
the chair shall direct."
MAKING A MOTION
The method of bringing anything to the atten
tion of the membership for action is to make a
motion. The motion is simply a proposal, or a
verbal, orderly way of initiating action.
. If every one started flipping lids and sounding
Ofl at onl everytime a report was made, nothing
would ever be accomplished. The making of a is loss of shipping date. A member must then
reregister and go to ther bottom of the shipping
fist. Employed members not on the shipping list
f are ̂ couraged to attend all meetings but may
or ihay not, as they so desire.
All officials are fequired to attend all meet
ings occupied on official Union business.
Only members are allowed to attend meetings.
All have voice, but only full members in good
Standing have a vote.
MASTERSATARMS
As many mastersatarms as are necessary
motion is the way to initiate discussion or/ any
given point of the agenda or issuM that arises.
DISCUSSION CAN ONLY TAKE PLACE AF
TER A MOTION HAS BEEN MADE AND SEC
ONDED, EXCEPT IN THAT PART OF THE
AGENDA TITLED GOOD AND WELFARE.
A motion is "in order" when it has something
to do with the fixed order of business, such as
motions "to accept" or "to reject" a report. The
same holds to resolutions, which should be acted
upon with motions "to concur" or "to noacoh
cur." If you are in doubt as to the content of
any report you are always in order to make
the motion "I move to refer this matter to New
Business." The object in such a motion is to
permit the regular business of the meeting to
continue according to the agenda or order of
business, and then later discuss the issue.
No motion is valid until it has been "second
ed." The procedure is to be recognized by the
chair and then to rise and say, "I second/he
motion."
When required by the chair, all makers and
seconders of motions shall give their, name and
book number and present their book to the Re
cording Secretary for verification.
DISCUSSION
A motion is open to discussion only after it
has been seconded and entered in the minutes
by the Recording Secretary.
Before any discussion takes place the Chair
pian requests the Recording Secretary to read
the motion as entered and then opens the floor
for discussion. Discussion should continue only
so long as the pro and opposite viewpoints are
clearly expressed by the membership and then
a motion "to close discussion" should be acted
upon. ,
Discussion on the motion can also be closed by
any member being recognized and saying "I
call for the question," meaning that it is his
wish that the motion be acted upon by the mem
bership at the meeting.
Generally, motions are acted upon by those
in favor answering with "Ayes" when called
upon, and those opposing answering with "No/es.'*
In close counts where the voice vote is uncer
tain, a show of hands can be called for at the
discretion of the Chair.
The Chair determines the result by announc
ing that "The Ayes have it—the motion is car
ried," or if the motion is lost, "The Noes have
it—the motion is lost."
CHAIRMAN'S AUTHORITY
It is the Chairman's duty at all meetings to
decide whether or not a motion is in order. It is
well to remember, however, that a Chairman
may be wrong and therefore the voting member
always has a right to appeal the decision of the
chair.
If any member disagrees with the decision of
the Chairman all he has to do is to rise and
state, "I appeal the decision of the Chair." After
this motion is made and seconded, the Chairman
turns the gavel over to the Recording Secretary.
No discussion is permitted except by the maker
of the appeal and the Chairman, who are allowed
to explain their points. The Recording Secretary
then takes a vote as temporary Chairman by
asking, "Shall the decision of the Chair be sus
tained?" The vote is taken by "Ayes" and "Noes"
and if the Chair is sustained by a "Aye" vote
majority, the appeal is lost and the meeting
continues under the decision of the Chairman.
AMENDMENTS
A motion may sound good but it may not
have the meat to make it substantial; on the
other hand it may be too flowery and therefore
weak because it does not clearly express the
intent. In this event an amendment to the motion
is in order.
No amendment is in order, however, if it de
stroys the meaning or the force of the motion. *
An amendment is only in order wheh it either"
simplifies or improves the motion.
In other words the amendment must in no
way supplant or change the original intent of the
motion as the vote on the amendment carrys
the motion automatically.
In addition there can always be an '• amend
ment to the amendment" which is limited simply
to clarifying the wording, to adding clarity or to
broadening the scope so as to lend force to the
original motion and amendment.
J
1
'i V
Friday. Fabruaxy 23. 1951 r0£ SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven
Qn Board: Ship
And Shoreside
SUBSTITUTIONS
Often a motion will be made, seconded, amend
ed and the amendment v/ill be amended. This
creates a general confusion and can be eliminat
ed by some member tjaking the floor and incorpo
rating the whole thing into a single motion not
conflicting with the original motion or amend
ments. The vote is taken on the substitute and
if it is carried it becomes the regular motion
supplanting the regular motion offered at first.
STOW THE GAFF
Some guys like to hear themselves talk and
want to pop up a dozen times on the same issue.
The idea of discussion isn't to let one guy sell
^ bill of goods but rather to get the ideas of the
whole meeting. The idea is to keep the meeting
lively and not a gab fest. After the viewpoint
pro and con has been sufficiently expressed, it
is then in order to make a motion to close dis
cussion. This motion is not debatable and if car
ried brings the point to an immediate decision.
\ LIMITS
On points of sharp debate where the matter
is liable to consume : the entire meeting if un
. hampered, a motion can be made to limit the
ftumber of speakers and the time allotted to each.
TQ TABLE
• A motion to "table" means simply that you do
• hot desire to take action at that time on the sub
jlcct being discussed. It may be because informa
tion is inadequate of because it is hot an im
mediate issue. This should never be used to kill
. potion or discussion .on any matter but merely
to postpone it for later consideration. It can be
moved to table temporarily or to table until the
pext meeting.
TO REFER
Another way of stopping too much tonsil burst
ing on any subject, is to move to, refer it to a
committee. The committee is elected and reports
on the entire matter at a later time.
POSTPONING INDEFINITELY
If something comes before the meeting which
you think is imwise to have brought up, you can
make a motion to postpone the matter indefinite
ly. This motion, if seconded, is debatable, and if
carried means that the matter can only be
brought up again after a motion to reconsider.
POINT OF ORDER '
This is the headache of the Chairman—the
most misused privilege of all meetings any
where. A "point of order" can never be used as
a pretex to gain the floor. It is simply what it
calls for. A "point of order" is a question on pro
cedure. For example, a motion is under discus
sion and a speaker starts to discuss something
else. A "point of order" can and should be called
for to have the Chairman clarify the rules of
order so that the business in issue can be han
dled. This holds good in all matters where there
is a question as to whether or not the proper
procedure is being followed.
J SPECIAL PRIVILEGE
"Privilege" is the right of any Union member
but must never be used except where it benefits
the members as a whole. If the room is too hot,
a point of "privilege" can be called for to have
'the fans turned on. If some drunk has slijrped
past the doorman, then it is in order to call for
a point of "privilege" to have him removed from
the meting. In plain words "special privilege" is
a point to be used in any event where the en
tire assemblage can be aided and never used as
a pretex to stifle any point of business.
GOOD AND WELFARE
Good and Welfare is that part of the meeting
where you can get up and talk about what you
think should be done by the Union and in the
Union, and for the benefit of the Union.
This is a good place where the oldtimers csui
ALL OF THE RULES AT A GLANCE
• rf
Uotion 4V D*baMU Amtndabl , Riqukii c
' Second
Foie
Required
tn Order
When
Another ti
Speakint
Can Be
Recontiderei
Motiotu
1 to Which
It Appeals
IfotiOm ,
Which Apply
to It
1 Tone for Nest Meeting
(wlicn prmleged) No Yea Yen Majority No No None
=:=s=ssi
Amend
n Adjourn ~ No No Yet Majority No No None None
9 Reeeaa No Yea Yea Majority No No None None
1
Queation of Privilege
(treat aa Main Motion]
Ordera of the Day
> Yea
No
Yea
No
Yea
No
Majority
None; it takes
% to postpone
special order
Yes
Yea
Yes
No
None
Any special
order
All
None; except
to postpone
orden
Appeal No No Yea Majority Yea Yea Any decision
of the chair
Lay on table
Close debate
Reconsider
i Point of Order No No No
None; unless
appealed; then
majority
Yea No Any motion
« or act None i Objection to Conaideratior
m Queation • No No No % Yet Yes
Main questions
and questions
of privilege
Reconsider
H
O
Reading Papera No No Yea Majority No Yes None None
§ Withdrawal of Motion No No No Majority No Yes Any motion Reconsider
Suapenaion of Rules No No Yea % No No
Any motion
where needed None
lay on the TaUc No No Yea Msjofity No No
1 Mam oueationa,
appcala, quea.
« privilege,
reconsider
None
PrevioiH Queation
(cfoaed^ate)
No No Yea % No Yes Any dcbauble
motion
Rcconaider
1
Liiiiif or Extend Limiu
of Debate
Postpone to a
Ddinite Time
No
Yco
Yea
Yea
Yea
Yet
%
Majority
No
No
Yea
Yea
Any debatable
motion
Mailt motion,
quea. of
privilege
Reconsider
Amend
Reconsider
Limit or
1
Refer or Commit Yea Yea Yea Majority No Yea Main motion,
quea. of
privilege
Amend
Reconaidet
Limit or
fioff debate
Amend Yea Yea Yet Majority No Yea
Main motion,
limit debate,
refer, poetpone,
' fix time of
next meeting*
Amend
Reconsider
Close debate
1 Poatponc Indcfioitdy Yea No Yea Majority No Yea
Main morion,
quea. of
privlago
Limit or
Qooe debate
Reconsider
MAIN MOTION Yea Yea Yea Majority No Yea None AU
Kec«n«i4«fation*
Y^il
motion to
whicii it
appiica ia
drbatabfe
No Yea Majority Yat No
Any motion
except adjourn
suspend rulea
lay on table
Limit debate
Layoatable
Postpone
definitrly
RodndT
*ThfK ire irntrd ai if ilicy
Yea
were main r
Yaa
notions.
Yee
% of aaaoibrra
prcaant; mt
jority irbcn
notieo to tea*
rind was ghrcn
at prcviout
meeting
No Yes
Main motions,
appcala. quea.
of privilqto
An
clarify issues and give the score to the new
comers.
No motions can be made or actions taken dur
ing Good and Welfare. It is strictly a discussion
period where the membership can clear the air,
and give and get information.
PREPARING YOUR TALK
An old and wise philosopher once wrote:
"It is net enough to know what we are
to say.
We must say it the right way."
In other words, all of Roberts Rules of Order
wiU not put your point across to the membership.
The rules will only provide for an orderly meet
ing so that you caa be heard. How effeqtive you
are when given the floor—depends upon yourself.
It is well to keep in mind a few simple rules
when you prepare to speak. Speak briefly, and
organize your talk so it comes directly' to the
point.
What is the right way to organize a talk? Every
talk of any length should contain three parts:
The introduction, the body, and the conclusion.
The purpose of the introduction is to tell the
membership what you are going to discuss, what
problems are involved, and what you advocatei
doing about those problems. (
In the body of the talk you present the factii
and the conclusions you want to be drawn fromi
the facts.
In the conclusion you sum up your points and
make your recommendations for action.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER . . .
• Keep to the point.
• Convince with facts. :
• Don't become personal.
• Keep it short.
m A pint of tact is worth more thar
a case of scotch.
SHIPBOARD MEETINGS
Shipboard meetings should be held regularly
to take care of the routine Union business.
Special meetings should be called when any dis
pute between individuals or departments arise
that cannot be settled by the departmental
delegates.
Shipboard meetings, too, need an agenda t<K
keep the meeting going on an even keel. Since
many things that are taken up at shoreside meet
ings will not occur aboard ship, the following
agenda should fit the bill:
1. Call the meeting to order.
2. Election of officers—Chairman, etc.
3. Reading of minutes.
4. Ship's Delegates' reports, reports of
committees, etc.. and action thereon*
5. New Business.
6. Good and Welfare. M
7. Adjdumment.
Remember, Union democracy operates aboard
the ships as well as ashore. Hold a meeting—and
let the majority decide!
;:ll
• '1
I
W'
Page Twdve THE S E AF AREnS L^V Fddar, Fabmakr 23^ 2952
Ir
if'
r.v • •
No Hitches In Fort Hoskins'
4Month Persian Gulf
Still Interested In His Union Paper
To ihe Editor:
We're homebound from a four
month's round of the Persian
trulf. We would like everyone
to know that we have had a
clean, record trip.
In our first European port,
Haniburg, everybody had a swell
time, but at sailing time all were
on board, fit for duty.
The company agent and the
police in this port had the sur
prise of their lives. According to
them ours was the first tanker
sailing from Hamburg with a
tuU crew in years.
Our last contact with civiliza
tion was at Swansea last De
cember under the first snowstorm
cf the season, and Brother, it
Was cold outside, aU right.
DULL DAYS
There is nothing to say about
fe good time. Plenty of drink at
tegular hoiirs, but no Marthas,
Helens or Marys to remember
England by. Christmas iDay we
Were crossing the Suez Canal,
and on New Year's we were right
in the middle of the Persian
Gulf. Both days were as dry
as a log.
We have read the letter from
the Organizing Committee and
We agree 100 percent that it is
a fine piece of work that the
boys have been doing on these
Cities Service ships. And I want
to remind every SIU Brother
on these ships that the job is not
finished. So keep up the good
work and the Organizing and
Negotiating Committees will do
the rest for us.
We are doing a darn good job
on this ship, the SS Fort Hos
kins, ourselves. Not one single
little trouble in the fourmonth
trip. Naturally, the clarification
Some Peepers
Only eight months oldr but
already showing signs of be
coming a hearibreaker to fe
males in a couple of decades,
is Eugene SuUiveui, son of Sea^
farer John wd Mary Sullivan
of 128 East 981h St., New York
City. Pop's been an SIU man
since 1946.
sent to us from the Hall helps
a lot. Reading them makes us
feel good. At least we know that
pur work is not only for us
alone, but for all of the SIU
Brotherhood of the Sea.
BENEFITS IN EVIDENCE
And one thing for sure. We
notice the benefits of our con
tract everywhere. Regarding
some sharp comers that have to
be smoothed out, things are com
ing along better every day. I
think it's a, good idea to let old
timers ashore knovir that these
ships are coming along in SIU
style. They are loosening up on
overtime and the grub is • fair.
How about helpiiig the yotmg
fellows with the finishing
todches?
Some of the gang are gomg
to sign off, but the majority are
going to stick arotmd for awhile.
Too cold ashore, they say.
Soon as we get some pictures
developed, we'H send them over.
Happy days and smooth sailing
to all Union Brothers.
Frank Caspar
SS Fort Hoskins
Board Transfers
Ammo^arrying
Seamen To Army
To the Editor:
I am now in a job vital to our
national security—in the Army.
I sailed in the SIU from No
vember, 1944, to October, 1950.
I was a slacker according to my
draft, board, but they sure cured
that fast.
I was on a vacation—carrying
a load of ammunition from Fris
co to Pusan in September. We
were two days from Pusan to
Yokohama, At that pomt I was
notified that my butt no longer
belonged to me; it belonged to
Uncle Sam.
I was sent to Fort Devins ahd
then to Camp Pickett. Since com
ing here, I believe I have walked
farther than I have sailed, with
almost as much cargo. I have
become quite handy with an en
trenching tool, otherwise known
as a shovel.
PLEASE WRITE
You can tell the gang I sailed
with that if any of them have
any time. I would appreciate it
if they would drop me a line.
There are a lot of exSIU
men here. And I was talking to
a guy who was a Chief Engineer
for the US Lines. He's in this
organization now. '
If you ever hear anything of
them letting seamen out of the
Army to sail the ships (I under
stand that happened at the be
ginning of the last war, when
skilled seamen were badly need
ed) I would be interested.
Well, I better take off from
here before I get stuck with a
detail. "So I'll say so long.
. Pvt. Charles ROiff
Canip Pickett, Va.
Paul Duval, who retired his SlU bbok in 1949 tb enter
Army, reads the SEAFARERS LOC to keep post^ on mari
timie activities. A member of the ^lU since 1943, Paul'will
resume his seagoing career when he's discharged. Meanwhile
he's heading for the West Ctfast for asngnm^ht as a combat
enspneer.
Up To Metnbet^hip To Keep
Union Strong, Yoiitzy Says
To the Editor:
Well, they have another Sea
farer in the United States Army.
1 was iiiducted on December 14,
1950 at Altoona, Pa., and ar
rived here in Fort Hnox, Ky.,
on December 15.
I am now in my third week
at basic training and I have 11
more to go. It's a little bit
rough in this outfit and we
don't have any contract or work
ing rules, so we go from can to
can't. I sure do miss that good
chow on SIU ships.
I'm not griping because I'm
in the Army. I'm just fighting
for the Union in a different way.
I'm fighting to keep the right
to have unions.
So it's up to you, tiie mem
bership, t6 keep our Union
strdng arid to keep and improve
our contracts. Keeping our Un
ion strong and united is keeping
faith with our departed Brothers
and those of us who were called
to the service of our country. So
Brothers, it's up to you.
Would you please serid me the
LOG so I can keep in touch
with my old shipmates. My book
wiU arrive later for retirefne'nt
and I hope I can soon return
^^nd start sailing again with the
best damn Union in the world.
Please print my address in
the LOG so that if anybody
wants to write to me thtey cari.
Rcl. Ralph W. (Sonny) Youfey
US52076101
Co. C, 36 Arm'd Inf. Bn.
CCA, 3rd Arm'd Div.
Fort Knox, Ky. .
Lag'A -Rhythms
The Captive
" By LOUIS MARTINELLI
Retired Member !
Adds Name To ;
Manpower List
To the Editor:
I follow with great interest
the wonderful work you are do
ing in reporting the trends" of
our merchant seamen's work in
oUr Union. I know that you have
been a big factor ift making th'6
seamen of the American Federal
tion of Labor a tremendous
force in the world maritimeinr
dustry.
Besides this, you have helped
the American fflercharit mafTrii
become a potrint force in world
ev^ts in spite of tremendous
pressure against us at home and
aboard.
I certainly appreciate the hrf^
and guidance I got from youtr
older members, and the Union
as. a whole, when I was an ac
tive meriiber of the SIU. Besides
^ this, I made some fine friend
ships that will never be for
gotten.
Put me on your list of avail
able manpower, if the 'timb
should ever cofne when we are
forced to cope with an emergr
ericy in the manning of SIU
ships. ^
i airi enclosing $3 as a dona
tion for the LOG.
John T. Skavlem
Plymouth, Wise.
(Ed. Note: Thanks. We'U
let you knoW, along with the
hundreds Of others who have •
written in, Vrhen you aife
needed.)
Air
He who loved and roved the sea
Gave up that vagrant life for me,
Ahd sleeps contented at my side,
Yet knows a hunger he must hide.
The dour is closed, the lamp is lit.
But little thohght he gives to it;
He hears beyond that cottage door.
The call of far oiff Singapore.
/
And where the turffire shadows play
He sees an island in Malay,
And with his cheek against my cheek,
His heart mUst stray to Mozambique.
His spirit is not at home with rqe, ' ̂
But half a world away at sea.
LOG, MAIL SOtJGHT
BY SEAFARER
IN US AIR FORCE
Tol the Editor: . ̂
I would like to inform you
that I have been transferred and
would like to continue receiving
the LOG. I am now at 9th Main
tenance Squadron, Travis
Force Base, Fairfield, Calif.
I would appreciate it if yuu
would run this in one of yot^^
ei^itions and ask my. old ship
mates to write to mo. My lasl:
trips before I retired iriy booS:
and entered the Air Force Werfe
on the Marine Star and tbfe
Robin Tuxford. ,
At present I am taking on
th'ejob training as an armorer
arid like the tj^pe of work Vei^
much. Here's a tip to some d!
the Brothers who may be draft
ed. If they enter the service
they might try the Air Force.
There are a host of advantages.
Pfc. John D. Marbifto
AF12342848
1^'
White Horse Bar Adds
An Attraction—the LOG
To Ibe Editor;
The Brothers might be inter
ested to know that Wj Griffeift,
aft SUP inelriber, is operating p
bar in Genoa, Italy.
The place is the White Horse
Dancing Bar, a really nice pikce
where Seafarers can get a fair
deal, the SE.^FARERS LOG arid
music. Griffen's place is at Via
Del Camp 61, Genoa.
Li
jipseph E. Carandier
Friday. Fd>ruar7 23. 1931 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Thirteen
P|e* T(* A(aeetii;4 standoff
The, Del Sud's softball. sockexs axe. out tp sla^ down all opposition in the course of their pres
ent voyage. Most of alt ili^y ward to avenge a standoff played against a South American team
last trip. When daxknesa ha^ed the contest, the score stood at 1414. Front row, left to right:
1^ King, BU Robprts; middle row: J. Procell, L. Blpnchaxd. W. McLeod, J. Robinson, J. McGuf
fey, T. Reat^ous. J. MpRap and Collins; rear ^w: Ek»un, L. Bumatay apd L. B. Browtu
^iithern Cities
Is Gettijig Things
^uared Away
To the Editor:
Please excuse the paper this
is written on but we on this
sulphurladen LSTMV Sputhern
Cities of the Southern ^Trading
Company thought you might be
interested in hearing from us.
As you know we are in the
process of getting things squared
away in SIU style since a con
tract was signed with this com
ply and I can happUy say that
process is being mada
^ We have gotten a lot of paint
ing done, we've gotten soine
new percolators and we expect
to have a lot of other things,
when our shipyard repairs are
finished.
DRYDOCK AHEAD
. We are scheduled to enter the
shipyard in Norfolk on Febru
ary 28.
.A vote of thanks for a job
well done on this ship gpes to.
Jerry Cunningham, a Brother out
of Galyeston. at>d. one of our
better Electricians, who has very
efficiently handled, the job of
Ship's Delegate.
The Ship's Delegate job has
not been an easy one and, tp
us it seems that a good word
well placed 'is in order for
Brother Cunningham.
CREDIT DUE
.Also, a lot of credit for the
fine condition of this ship should,
gp to G a 1V e s t on Patrolmen
Charles Tannehill and Mickey
Wilburn, They have been as close
to us as the nearest telephone
whenever we were in that area.
" Well, so long for now, but
you'll be hearing from us again.
We might break down and send
in a. few pictures—if we can get
the old camera oiit of the hock
shop.
Paul Bole
MV Southern Cities
Some of; the Seafarers whp make up the crack Stewards
Department aboard, the Del, Sud group for the jphotpgrapher in
the ship's bar. In the group are. Chief Stewd)^
Galiano, Chief Stewardess A. Satterthwaite, T. McDavitt. C.
Carmel. P. Maechling, S. Hawkins, Mike Liuzza. T. Alleman,
and E. Sepulveda. editor, of the ship's paper, the "Southern
Cross." Ship's Delegate Brown submitted the pix.
Siees Need For L^w To Speed
Paytn^ts To Kin Of Seanwn
AnENTION!
If you don't lind linen
when you go aboard your
ship, notify the Hall at once.
A telegram from LeHarve or
Singapore won't do you any
good. It's your bed and you
have to lie in it.
To the Editor:
The whiskeydrinking, cigar
smoking, ppkerplaying Senators
are gambling 'V^ith the lives of
American seamen if they think
that the niggardly pumber of 5,0
odd vessels making not more
than 20 knots, added to the in
adequate US Merchant Marine,
will win for them the battle of
the Atlantic in the coming war
at sea.
They are as bad as the Bour
bons if they haven't learned "Tjy
now that a. foreign power has
about completed the construc
tion of a few, 37,000ton battle
ships, 14 cruisers of 9,500 tons
"each, and 2 heavy cruisers of
15,200 tons each. These ships,
airplane carrying, are all equip
ped with a secret weapon, called
"Dubrotin's device." Then, there
are the subs or schnorkels, some
300 of them, which, also equip
ped with the secret weapon,
have the speed of 20 knots per
hour, when submerged a 1,000
feet.
Compelled, as we are, tp tpke
the above stated into grave con
sideration, it seems Ihiat the
American seamen will not have
much of a chanCe when toipedo
ed at sea on a dark and wintery
night when the wind blows hard
and seas run rough. The enemy
schnorkel will not stop to rescue
the struggling survivors'; it will
go on, on its "mission," to sink
another American ship without
a trace and make her a ship
"missing at sea" with the result
that no insurance for the lives
lost will be paid for some time,
causing anguish and hardship to
the near and dear ones of the
American seamen at home.
It is, therefore, that a new law
covering the American seamen
"missing" or lost at sea should
be made in order that the in
surance be promptly paid a
month after the vessel is re
ported missing at sea.
It is time the Senators gave a
thought to the men who go down
to the sea in ships.
R. J. Peiexson
Reactivated Lynn Victory
Whipped Into Shape By Crew
To the Editor:
The mail service out here is
nil. We were getting it up until
about a month ago, but it has
slowed down so much now that
we are wondering if it has stop
ped.
Had a meeting on January 3,
at which we took up the matter
of having to stand a security
watch. Because of this, two
thirds of the crew is required
to be put aboard at all times.
We are told this is an order
put out by the local Army au
thorities, but we haven't seen
an order from them yet pro
claiming the same.
NO HARD RULE
Talked to some of the 'crew
members of other ships in this
area with same type of cargo.
Some said they were under the
same setup, others said no.
We are not getting any fresh
vegetables or fruit. The Steward
put them on the requisition, but
for some reason they were
struck off. We are trying to find
out why. Been without for a
couple of months now.
The Deck Departanent is about
to run out of paint but they got
one coat on. Looks much better
too.
The engine room is in pretty
good shape. Had plenty of work
to do to get that way, as this is
her first trip after being in the
layup fleet for two years.
DARN TOOTIN'
We've caught up so much down
below now that our main pro
ject is the making of a new
air whistle out of brass tubing.
Some of the guys on board
seem to be getting a little stir
crazy. They are learning to use
the abacus (bead frame) that the
Japs start to use every time
they start to shake you down.
(The ediacus referred to here
is of Chinese origin, although it
is familial' to most Americans.
It consists of beads strung on
wires or rods set in a wooden
frame, and is used in making
simple calculations—Editor.)
One of the fellows says that
the next time a Japanese pulls
one on, him—^he's gonna pull out
his.
A. Woton
Ship's Delegate
SS Lynn Victory
Rates Baltimore
Hospital With
Best In World
To the Editor:
Here I am in drydock in the
Baltimore Marine Hospital. I
want the boys to know that we
have the best of care from the
doctors and nurses. And the sur
gical skill of these people is im
surpassed.
I've been in hospitals the world
over and I'll put this one up
against any of them.' I don't
think enough of the guys show
proper appreciation for all the
care we do get. The least we
can do is give the hospital a
writeup to show how we feel.
NO BETTER PLACE
I'll be glad to get out, but
since I have to be—laid up for
repairs (the deep tank was out
of commission) I can^ think of a
better place. Maybe Fll be head
ing Florida way in a month or
so.
I'd like to say hello to all the
boys at Headquarters. In closing
I say thanks a million to all on
the staff of the hospital on be
half of myself and all SIU boys
here. Especially Drs. Howard,
Southworth, Spies and all the
nurses who are always on their
toes. W. D. Warmack
SAID THE STEWARD TO THE PORTER
By OSCAR WINFREE
• (Scene: Stewards messhall, SS Alcoa Cavalier)
Second Steward: All right, all right, let's get going — there's
bauxite to be cleaned.
Day Porter: Ah, gee. Steward, take it easy. Rome wasn't built in
a day.
Second Steward: Hell, I wasn't a foreman or a Steward on that
damn job.
SIU Brotherhood
Goes Into Action
In Korean Port
To the Editor:
I am just dropping a few lines
to the SEAFARERS LOG to
let the members know of the
hospitality shown to me by two
Brothers from the Jefferson City
Victory while that ship was in
the port of Pusan, Korea.
The hospitality that I speak of
consisted of showers, food and
many other things that are a
luxury in any part of Korea.
The two Brothers who were
so kind did not know anjdhing
about me, other than the fact
that I told them I had been a
member of the SIU before en
tering the Army. I don't know
if they still think I put on a
big act just to achieve the things
mentioned, but I would like to
see something, in the LOG men'
tioning their kindness and thank
ing them for everything they
did for me.
The two men are Ira Bridges,
GUer, who holds Book No. 29484,
and Fred Easter, FWT, with
Book NQ. 10717.
Some group pictures were
taken, but I never could get
hold of them. The GI who tool?
them shipped out.
Pfc. Edwud Rudxinski
(Ed Note: Pfc. Rudrinski,
who retired his SIU book in
1948 when he entered the
Army, is on duty in Korea.)
Smiling Seafarer
E. Bi McAuIey, who took this
happy beeuning view of Deck
Enspneer Emil Nordstrom on
the SS Hastings, says that
Emil "doesn't usually smile
this way." He had just got^n
the winches in gpod shape, so
he turxied on the pleased IftSk.
f
K
^ ^ 'r ^ '
Page Fourieen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. February 23, 1951
Men Bursting With Beefs
On NMU Feeding, He Finds
On Leave
To the Editor:
I have just read Frenchy Mich
elet's "Guide to Stewards." I
think that this article is a real
service to the membership, and
that, if our Stewards Department
Brothers follow the advice that
he gives them, it can't help but
improve both feeding and serv
ice aboard our ships.
Frenchy is absolutely right
when he says that conditions .pn
our ships are so much better
than those on NMU ships.
I should know, because I hang
out in a bar on 23rd Street in
New York that is frequented
by NMU crews. You should hear
them scream! '
HUNGRY SHIPS
That's about all you hear in
the place—^food beefs. Seems like
the NMU companies are going
back to the old Shipping Board
practices of rationing what little
food that is put aboard their
ships. Seems that they have will
ing stooges in the Chief Stew
ards.
Things are getting so bad that
the NMU is forced to print solid
pages of food beefs from various
crews in their paper. I picked
up a copy of their paper that
some guy left on the bar the
other night, and found that the
thing was full of squawks about
starvation conditions, and they
even had a headline on the front
page from one of their port
Steward Department officials
who was blaming the whole
stinking mess on the Companies
Port Stewards.
Sure it's the Port Stewards
who are responsible for the
starvation conditions on NMU
ships. But if the NMU was half
a union, they wouldn't be trying
to cop out, but would get busy
and see that the people respon
sible for starving their crews
would straighten up and fly
right.
In closing I would like to re
mind the Stewards and Cooks
on our ships that we are en
joying the best conditions in the
shipping industry, and that we
can't expect to hold them unless
we dd our part. I think that
we should have a school in our
new building to teach the Stew
ards and Cooks and Messmen
to get the rftost out of the food
that our militant Union focces
the shipowners to put on our
ships. L. J. White I
Pearl Harbor's Pier Snafu
Not Funny To Puzzled Crew
ExSeafarer James G. Watt,
who last sailed on the Jeffer
son City Victory, pdiises at
front door of his Santa Ana,
Calif., home during furlough
from Army. ^ A medic, Jim
wishes to be remembered to
all his Union Brothers.
To the Editor:
We just thought we'd write
the LOG to register a loud com
plaint about certain policies the
Navy has imposed upon us while
parked in their great big fat
Pearl Harbor.
We hauled a load of ammuni
tion here from Port Chicago and
unloaded it out at a place called
Westloch. While at Westloch we
had full shore, leave, they pro
vided a' bus on the hour out of
the place and brought us back
to the ship in a jeep from the
gate if we missed the bus in.
The place was guarded by Ma
rines.
Then we moved to Pearl Har
bor and tied up at pier N5.
First they posted a notice in
the messroom which read, word
for. word, "Busses "leave for
Honolulu every hour round the
clock at the head of the pier."
So along comes four in the
Tommy Tucker Has His Fill Of Near Misses
So He Drops The Del Mar Like A Hot Potato
To the Editor:
'Army Wishes
To Join Me'
— Wennberg
To the Editor:
Thank you for remembering
me after this time, but I'm
afraid that your notice has come
a little late.
As usual, my luck has outdone
itself and at present I am re
cuperating from a broken hand
caused by an automobile run
ning into me. Aforesaid automo
bile is greatly damaged by this
headon collision. My head and
his fender.
DOUBLE CONCUSSION
At this point, one would think
there could be no more confu
sion added to this mind still
suffering from concussion. But
now another matter of conse
quence comes to agitate still
further — a largesize envelope
bearing greetings from the Presi
dent of the ^United States. It
seems that the Army wishes to
join me.
Understand now that your let
ter coming to me brings not
good cheer but another madden
ing frustration. I >will, however,
fill out this form and send it
along with an eye to the future.
I go now to drown my sor
rows in a large mug of beer. If
time allows and if the breweries
can hold the pace, I shall at
tempt to toast each man I have
sailed with. ?
Hay A. Wennberg
(Ed. note: Brother Wenn
berg is a retired member of
the SIU. Th& "remembering
me" he, speaks of is the let
ter sent to him by the Un
ion telling him of the re
serve numpower the SIU is
building and asking if he
would be available in the
event of an emergency.)
Just arrived back in New Or
leans after several nearserious
accidents on the Del Mar. The
ship came in with a bow that
looked like an accordion and
dropped that ship like a hot po
tato.
What I was worried about was
where I was going to stay. My
former landlady lost her old
place, the Russell 'Hotel, to the
brewery on November 1. And
Mrs. Oliver was burnt out of
the Oliver Hotel hot long ago,
so I was beginning to wonder
where I was going to stay,
walked into the Spotlight to see
who was around. Who do I see
but Edna, who told me she had
just gotten another place.
It is in the next block, the
Bourbon Hotel, 425 Bourbon
Street. I have a nice room and
I am sure all of her old friends
will be glad to know where she
is located. I hope Mrs. Oliver
can get a place soon. I am sure
her friends do, too.
I think I'll try to catch a
Korean run; there I'll probably
be safer than on the Del Mar.
As a result of a collision last
month with the Del Mar, a C3
went to the bottom in Santos.
Thirty feet of the Del Mar's
MOTHER \\^ILL READ
LOG, THEN PASS IT
ON TO SOLDIER SON
To the Editor:
My son, Nigel F. Stoneburg,
one of your members, was re
cently drafted into the Army.
He has asked me to forward
the LOG to him every other
week, as this seems to be one
of his favorite publications and
being that he is personally ac
quainted with so many of your
boys.
We had been receiving the
paper until last November and
we, too, have missed reading it
very much.
Nigel • was drafted after his
last trip home from Hong Kong.
His address is US55036735, Com
pany G, 2nd B'n, T.R.T.C., Fort
Eustis, Va.
Please send the LOG to me
and I wiU forward it to him
each time.
Mrs. A. F. Snyder
Minneapolis, Minn.
bow stuck into the engine room
of the ship, the Moormacstar,
and she was called a total loss.
But we were very fortunate
that no one was hurt. To top it
all in Buenos Aires, the steve
dore working the No. 3 king
post dropped from his bosun's
chair and hit the deck from
about 25 feet. He almost got up
and walked away, but two of
his amigos escorted him to an
ambulance. I hope he got along
all right. He had the Del Mar's
sympathy.
But before going south there
was another minor accident,
v/hich could have been serious.
The No. 6 boom dropped on the
port side nexf to the dock and
fell across the bulwarks. Luckily,
no one was on the docks when
it fell because the boom end fell
on some passengers' baggage.
But outside of all the near
accidents, I really did enjoy the
trip. Nothing like a trip to
South America. Plenty of ex
citement, always.
To all my friends on the Del
Mar, best of luck to all.
Tommy Tucker
Brother Suggests Schedule
For UnionRun Cook School
To the Editor:
I should like to offer some
suggestions for the setting up of
Unionconducted cook school,
such as was announced in the
last issue of the LOG.
A student should enroll for a
course in the art of cooking for
period of three weeks, with
classes begirming at 9 AM each
day and continuing to 1 PM,
the same time as is worked
aboard ships.
During the course, the men
should be taught the prepara
tion of good soups, how to roast
meats and poultry, baking and
frying fish, and cooking vege
tables. They should also be
taught how to grill the various
cuts of meat and fish.
The offduty period should be
between 1 and 3 PM, at which
time the student should return
for further instruction.
Messmen should be taught to
make beds properly and in the
afternoon session should take
charge of the utensils used by
the cooks in preparing the din
ners.
Bakers should also be study
ing at the same hours as the
cooks. The food cooked by the
Cooks and Bakers can be served
in our own re^urant. Every
afternoon there should be a lec
ture with demonstrations of
cooking and baking by the in
structors.
A splendid idea would be to
invite some of the big shots t f
the steamship companies into thi:
school to view the cooking and
I baking students at work, so they
can get an idea of how capable
men will be working aboard
their ships. ^
For a student to obtain his
Cook's certificate, his cooking
should be sampled by an expert
chef orsomeone of similar quali
fications.
Arnold Boyle
afternoon and the Steward and
a couple of other boys stroll
down the gangway to go ashore.
Two civilian guards stop them
at the foot of the gangway and
tell them they can't walk up to
the head of the pier without an
escort, that the escort appears
every hour, that there is no bus
we would be allowed on anyway,
and that in order to 'get ashore
we have to ask them to call a
civilian taxi to take us out to
the gate under guard, and from
the gate we have the privilege
of going to Honolulu any way
we goddam please, and the tariff
for the cab is four bits per man.
PIECE OFF?
'These two phony commandos
tell us that the only way we can
go to the gate is in a taxi, that
there is no other way. Also
they denied any shore leave at
all to four of the crew who
were aliens, three. Stewards De
partment and one Black Gang.
These men aren't even allowed
off the gangway! However, offi
cers on the .'Ship have the run
of the place here, can walk any
place they please or ^ke any
bus they want within the base.
Now when the Navy forces us
to pay a buck to get to and
from the gate of their silly base^
and pay it to some civilian taxi
company, when they treat us for
all the world like a bunch of
dangerous subversives and let
people like the excuse for a pur
ser we have aboard here wander
about at will, we think others
should know about it and have
a laugh too.
BIG LAUGH
And when men who had to be
screened in 'Washington to make
the trip, because of being aliens,
are treated like they all pack
pockets full of bombs around,
we think the stupidity of the
gold braid behind all these
stunts should be revealed for
all to laugh at. Of course we
don't think it's so goddam funny
right now but we can take any
thing the Navy can sling at us.
And we'll still deliver to them •
their goddam shells and smoke
less powder.
Crew of the
Clarksburg Victory
Injuries Put Hoslusky In
Staten Island Hospital
To the Editor:
I take, great pleasure in writ
ing a little line to the SEAFAR
ERS LOG.
I am now at the US Marine
Hospital in Staten Island. I want
to thank the Union for what it
has done for me.
I was in' bad shape and the
doctors here are still working
on me, , taking xrays and so
forth. .
They tell me my injuries are
pretty bad and that there is not
much they can do. The only
thing is for me to make the best
of the situation.
The eye or my hearing cannot
be restored. My spine is also in
bad shape. As a result my walk
ing is very poor. The doctors
are going to work on the head
so they csiti possibly help prevent
those diffy spells I have been
suffering from.
Yes, I sure would like to get
well and get back to sea and I
am very glad that I belong to
the best Union in the World. One
in which" the Brothers will al
ways stand by to help one an
other, and to see that their Bro
thers in the SIU get their full
rights.
I am in Ward B5 on the fifth
floor of the Staten Island hospi .
tal. I'm, waiting to see how
things come out.
Tell all the Brothers that I
wish them the best of health and
the best of luck. Keep the ships
sailing.
Joseph Hoslusky
(Ed. note: Wo can't help
feeling that with the kind
of spirit shown by Brother
Hoslusky, things will come
out aU right. Meanwhile, all
hands' extend their sincere
wishes for a rapid recovery.
Perhaps some of his ship
mates wUl find time to stop
by and pay liim a visit, or:
drop him a line.)
:
4,; J i
' /uvv,
Friday, February 23, 1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fifteen
Contrasts In Seafaring
The range of crewmen's activities aboard ships at sea
is, perhaps, best depicted pictorially, according to those
Seafarers who never forget to tote their cameras up the
gangway. Among the picture records submitted by lens
enthusiasts to the LOG this week were those of Harry
Hurton, Delegate aboard the Cavalier, and Ken Gelzhiser,
Wiper on the Cities Service tanker French Creek. Both
contributions appear on this page.
In submitting his photos, Hurton said everything is
going fine on the bauxite trailer. Most of the crew, he
added, are sporting loud shirts and Trinidad tans. Gelz
hiser said his pictures, taken while the French Creek was
towing a disabled freighter to Aruba, speak for themselves.
Chrislmas on the Cavalier was made a bit more real by an unidentified crewmember who
assumed the role of Santa with all thai gentleman's custoi«Ary trappings. Here he spurns an
edible role offered by a shipmate to wave to the folks out there in the crew's messroom. With
him are Chino, Meoion, Ducksworth, Flood and Greenveld.
Members of the French Creek's Deck Gang are busy ai
work aft.' In the background is' the freighter to whose SOS
the CS tanker responded for a tow job to Aruba. The rescue
operation took place some 300 miles north of Aruba.
Whether this shot was taken before the Cavalier's Chrislmas parly is not kn9wn. There's
no doubt, however, that men in photo are (seated, left to right): Wilson, Burch, Rayford, Stearns,
Santiago and Sfieffield. Standing: Davis, Taggert, Stillman, Marinello, Sullivan, Vaughn and
Adams. i
Coffee time is always a good
time to break out the camera.
French Creek Seafarer Leon
ard Fiend releixes with coffee
cup and cigareto.
The French Creek's fantail became a popular spot for taking pictures once the vessel got
under 'w^y with the disabled freighter in tow. Looking quite happy about everything in
general me some members of the tanker's Stewards Department, who Gelshiser said, did a,
pretty good job of feeding.
Crewmember Eddie Farrell
took his turn at the rail dur
ing 8 pause for refreshing
coffee but kept right on taking
a deep drag, camera or no.
Page Sixteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 23, 1951
Vi •
::r ;::r
Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings
(Continued from Page 9)
Delegates reported few beefs.
Suggestion made that meetings
be held every two weeks. Mo
tion carried that overtime and
salvage money would not be ac
cepted until brought to Patrol
man.
4 a>
LONE JACK (Cities Service),
Jan. 26—Chairman. John Thomp
son; Secretary, Bernard Kimber
ly. Communication from Head
quarters read concerning unload
ing cargo and time ashore. Mo
tion carried to see Patrolman
why ship gets 40 quarts of milk
less on the southern end of the
trip than on the northern end.
Discussion held on shipboard
safety. Educational talk on his
tory of maritime unionism given
by Chairman.
MV SOUTHERN CITIES (Sou
thern Trading), Feb. 10—Chair
man, J. Cunningham; Secretary,
Bob Brown. Delegates asked to
prepare notes concerning beef
in Houston. Deck Delegate re
ported on security watches not
held on weekends. Steward re
ported on present stores to be
checked with Captain. Motion
carried unanimously to fine $5
anyone who performs.
Jan. 22 — Chairman, J. Cun
ningham; Secretary, Bob Brown.
Ship's Delegate reported that
company operating manager
okayed most of the repair list
and items will be put aboard as
soon as possible. Motion carried
to investigate cleaning of officers'
heads by Messman. Each man
to donate 50 cents toward ship's
, fund.
4. i it
MV SOUTHERN COUNTIES
(Southern Trading). Jam. 16 —
Chairman, Andy Anderson; Sec
retary, D. Richardson. Delegates
elected. Motion carried to have
Ship's Delegate contact Union
for contracts and overtime sheets.
Motion carried to see Captain
about painting all crew's spaces
and messrooms so they can be
kept clean.
4 4 4
GATEWAY CITY (Waterman),
Feb. II — Chairman. Ed Killi
grew; Secretary, J. Holoboski.
Delegates reported number of
books and permits in their de
partments. Communication from
Headquarters concerning roster
to be filled out listing ratings
read and accepted, Suggestion
made that men fill out applica
tions for Coast Guard papers.
Motion carried that wash water
• tanks be tested and cleaned as
the water is coming out rusty
and greasy.
washing machine pick up ma
chine and have it repaired while
ship is on coastwise run. Repair
list to be made up by each de
partment.
4 4 4
JOHN B. WATERMAN (Wa
terman), Feb. 2—Chairman. E.
Black; Secretary, H. Wirtz. Dele
gates' reports read and accepted.
Motion carried that repair list
be made in triplicate' and one
copy be turned oVer to depart
ment head and other retained in
department.
4 4 4
CANTIGNY (Cities Service),
Feb. 6 —. Chairman, J. Teicher;
Secretary, J. DiMaggio. Delegates
reported number of books and
permits in their departments.
Discussion, on exchanging library
for a new one. Chairman read
Headquarters commtmication con
cerning time off and unloading
of cargo.' Motion carried that
the question of milk be settled
at once as 80 quarts of milk is
insufficient.
4 4 4,
WACOSTA (Waterman), Nov.
12—Chairman, O. Morgan; Sec
retary, N. Gravelle. Delegates
reported no beefs. Vote of thanks
given Chief Steward and the
men of his departmen(; for the
fine food they, have put out dur
ing trip.
4 4 4*
GOLDEN CITY (Waterman),
Feb. 4—Chairman, Frank Wala
ska; Secretary, Walter Bulter^n.
Delegates reported no beefs. Mo
tion carried to have ag,en%. fori
4 4 4
BENTS FORT (Cities Service),
Jan. 14—Chairman, L. Paradise;
Secretary, A. Wilbert. Patrolman
contacted about getting more
milk aboard. Delegates reported
no beefs. Engine Delegate re
ported he will correct Engineers
when they are found doing un
licensed men's work. Ship's Dele
gate reported that bound volumes
of the LOG of 1946 through 1949
are now available in the library.
Jan. 20—Chairman, S. Frei
bish; Secretary, A. Wilbert. Dele
gates reported all okay, except
small amount of disputed over
time in Stewards and Deck De
partments. Vote of thanks given
R. Fink for his fine job as Ship's
Delegate. New men notified of
abundance of Union literature
in library. Report made that
Captain, Mates and Chief En
gineer are working together to
counteract any parts of the
agreement which don't meet with
their approval.
4 4 4
MOTHER M. L. (EagleOcean
Transport), Feb. 8 — Chairman,
Edmund Abialy; Secretary,
James McLinden. Repair list
read and accepted. Steward
warned to stop playing favorites
topside and attend to his respon
sibilities toward the crew. Stew
ard told to prepare a list of bad
stores and action will be taken
next trip. List of grievances
against Captain drawn up.
4 4 4
SEATRAIN NEW YORK (Sea
train Lines), Feb. 11 — Chair
man, S. Garcia; Secretary, A.
Arnold. Delegates reported num
ber of books and permits in
their department/. Motion car
ried to concur with Headquar
ters communication <?onceming
upgrading. Discussion on ven
tilators, painting of decks, in
rooms.
4 4 4
ROBIN MOWBRAY (Seas
Shipping), Jan. 7—Chairman, Ed
ward Yancyi Secretary, Amos
Baum. Delegates' reports accept
ed. Old washing machine to be
repaired and kept for an emerg
ency; .new, ipachine to be pur
chased. Motion carried to fix up
hospital when ship hits States.
ALCOX PENNANT (Alcoa),
Feb. 7 — Oialnnan. Red Sully;
Secretary, D. Bouderux. Deck
Delegate reported one hour dis
puted time for supper hour. Mo
tion carried to take $51 from
ship's fund for purchasie of mo
tor for washing machine.
4 4 4
BLACK EAGLE (NaiT Cargo
Carriers), Feb. 4—Chairman, J.
Henkle; Secretary, Frank Winter.
Delegates reported some disputed
overtime. Chief Engineer to be
seen about an extra fan in each
foc'sle.. Painting of black gang
foc'sles to be done after repair
work is cleaned up. Men who
want can opener may buy their
own as Steward does not put
them out. Article from LOG on
cleanliness of foc'sles read and
accepted.
4 4 4
WANDA (Epiphany Tankers),
Jan. 20—Chairman, C. Wandell;
Secretary, Frank Nigro. , Dele
gates reported number of books
and permits in their departments.
Motion carried to. paycff at sea,
when ship hits port no one will
go ashore without seeing Patrol
man first. New washing machine
to be bought in name of Union.
In case ship is sold or laid up,
the machine will be sent to
nearest Hall to be put aboard
another SIU ship.:
4 4 4
CLARKSBURG VICTORY
(Mississippi), Feb. 4—Chairman,
C. Lawson; Secretary, P. Schad,.
Delegates reported number of
books and permits in their de
partments. Motion carried to
bring charges against men not
adhering to Union constitution.
All men to clean their foc'sles
before paying off. Captain to be
seen about painting of galley.
new and old bonus areas. Vote
of thanks to Chief and 2nd Elec
trician for setting up washing
machine, a present from the' SS
Steel Chemist.
4 4 4
DEL SUD (Mississippi), Jan.
21 — Chairman, L.. Clarke; Sec
retary, E. Sepulveda. Ship's Del
egate reported that faulty gen
eral alarm had been fixed. Ship's
Delegate recommended that> a
Maytag washing machine be
bought, as parts for "this ma
chine can be bought in South
America. Vote of thanks given
Jose Louis for his fine work in
making base markers for the
baseball team.
4 4 4
BULL RUN (Petrol Tankers),
Jan. 4 — Chairman, L. Blan
chard; Secretary, J. Burrowes.
Delegates reported number of
books and permits in iheir de
parments. Pantryman to be
brought on charges at north end
of trip. Ship's fund reported as
standing at $51.80.
4 4 .4.
BEATRICE (Bull), Feb. 3 —
Chairman, Claude Fisher; Secre^i
tary, F. Yoxmg. Delegates re
ported all . in order. Bulletins
from Headquarters read and re
ferred ltd Ship's Delegate for ac
tion. Educational talk given and
men having arguments ashore
were urged to settle them there
and not bring them aboard the
ship. ~ "
4 4 4
SOUTHLAND (South Atlantic),
Feb. 1 — Chairman, C. Mosley;
Secretary, J. Faircloth. Excerpts
from LOG on imloading cargo
and denial of time ashore dis
cussed and adopted imanimously;.
Motion carried to keep peddlers
off ship in Rotterdam. It was
pointed out that the peddlers,
two • women, sell high priced
junk, peddle communist litera
ture and steal ship's, gear. Senti
ment of crew that the money
spent to these peddlers goes to
promote communism.
4 4 4
ALCOA PURITAN (Alcoa),
Jan. 31—Chairman, LeRoy Wil
liams; Secretary, R. Carringtou.
Delegates rep<)(rted.;!all okay. Mo
tion carriedr to ^ adopts message
from Headquarteifs on unloading
cargo and fim^ otf.! 1^^ car
ried thai Ship's.'Delegate coii
tact Headquarters cohberifi^
4 4 4
McKETTRICK HILLS (Pacific
Tankers), Jan. 21 — Chairman,
George Qiunones;. Secretary, A.
Schiavone. Motion carried that
Ship's Delegate write a letter
to Union in reference to slop
chest, which is now empty. Sug
gestion made that medical chest
be replenished.
4 4 4
MASSMAR (Calmar), Feb. 4r
'Chairman, C. Hostetter; Secre
tary, S. Holden. Delegates re
ported number of books and
permits in their departments.
Oath of Obligation read and dis
cussed.
4 4 4
DEL NORTE (Mississippi). Jan.
21—Chairman, Lewis; Secretary,
Barbarin. Discussion on Head
quarters bulletins concerning
timeoff and unloading of cargo.
Ship's Delegate reported .that re
pairs involving sheet nietal could
Gangway Watch
For the protection of the
crew's gear and the ship's
equipment, and for the pro
tection of the SIU agree
ment, men standing gangway
. watches should remain at
their post, in the same man
ner as the Fireman below
miut stand his watch. Gang
ways cannot bp covered from
the messhall or foc'sle.
The gangway watch is as
much a part of our agree
ment with the shipowners as
the wage scale.' The job is
easy and the overtime earn
: ed on the weekends: fattens
' i^e pejroff bundle. Stick
f fey 'fefiaii ' gangway when on
5 wat'cfe: '
not be handled, as sheet metal
workers are on strike. Quarter
masters told to turn to when
tying up and letting go, and if
not turned to to put in for the
overtime. Editor of "Navigator"
made his report, accepted. Mo
tion carried to limit ship's fund
to $500.
4 4 4
DEL ORO (Mississippi), Jan. 21
Chairman. William Carroll; Sec
retary, Guy Plahm New washing
machine purchased, ,bill turned
over to Ship's Delegate. Motion
carried to turn old washer over
to Union to be put on another
ship.
4 4 4
QUARTETTE (formerly Jamea
Swan, Standard SS), Feb. 5 —;
Chairman, Parker; Secretary,.
Paul Cassidy. Delegates elected
in all departments. Ship's Dele
gate agreed to contact Hall and"
get needed supplies on ship plus;
overtime sheets, contracts, LOGs
and other Union materials. 'Tar
paulin muster taken for purchase
of new washing machine. Inas
much as ship is a new one, crew
resolved to bring her back from
her first trip clean in all de
partments.
4 4 4
EUGENIE (Oro Navigation)i
Jan. 24 — Chairman, Andre Au
bin; Secretary. T. Ortiz. Dele
gates reported number of books
and permits in their departments.
Store list to • be made up by
Chief Cook. Certain men repri
manded for being too chummy
topside, and instructed to attend
to their duties. Discussion on
necessary cleanliness on ship. ~
4 4 4
EILEEN (Metro Petroleum),
Feb. 21 — Chairman, H. Henke;
Secretary, L. Schmidt. Delegates
reported all okay. Beef over meat
not being put back in icebox.
Better balanced meals asked.
4 4 4
PUERTO RICO (Bull), Jan. 14
— Chairman, Scolty Aubusson;
Secretary, Jim Murphy. Dele
gates reported all running
smoothly. Ship's Delegate gave
warning to men returning late
to ship in Ciudad Trujillo. Fifl
ancial Secretary reported $354 in
ship's fund.
J':
4 4 4
SANDMATE (Construction Ag
gregates), Jan. 31 — Chairman,
Ed Bender; Secretary, John Cole.
Crew warned to conserve milk
being put out for meals. Ship's
Delegate reported that if any
one gets gassed up the crew
will take disciplinary action.
Suggestion made that a check
be made of men sailing below
their ratings and the form be
completed in accordance with
Headquarters' fequest. Sugges
tions made for new innovations
to be put in new Headquarters
Hall.
V 4 4
SEADREAM (Colonial), Jan.
14 — Chairman, Rusty Jowers;
Secretary, D. Furman. All Dele
gates reported all okay. Vote of
thanks given Stewards Depart
ment for holiday dinners and re:
freshments. List of necessary fe
paics made up aiid approved. I •
Friday, Febnuuy 23. 1951 r0£ S£.4IF,4R£RS LOG Page Sevenleen
Strikers Use SIU facilities In Brooklyn LflbOr DSHIdlillS ACtlVC RolC
in All Mobilization Agencies
On strike against the Genial Woodcr^t Con>oration. members of ILA Plants and Factories
Local 1702, have been using facilities on site of SIU's new Brooklyn building to hold meetings
and relax between stints on the picketline. The struck firm is located only a short distance
from the SIU Hall. Be^ had been settled pnce, but workers went out when boss started hard
timing them again.
OldAge And Survivors hsurante Explained
What is oldage and survivors
insurance? It is a government
insurance program to provide a
monthly income for workers and
their families when the worker
stops work at age 65 or later
and for his family when he dies.
Who comes under this pro
gram? This insurance system
operates for workers in com
merce and industry, for their
families, and for survivors of
certain World War II veterans.
' Seamen come under this law* and
workers in factories, mills, mines,
offices, stores, banks, garages,
hotels, restaurants, beauty par
lors, and the like are "covered"
by this insurance system. (Not
covered by law are, in general,
jobs in agriculture; domestic
service in private homes; Feder
al, State or local government
servic?} work in religious, char
itable, and certain otber non
profit organizations; the. self
employed; and sopie others.)
What is meant by an "insured"
worker? An insured worker is
a person who has worked long
enough in jobs that come under
the Federal social security law
and was paid enough wages to
meet the requirements of that
law. The length of employment
necessary depends on the work
er's age. In general, a person
who has worked roughly half the
time on jobs covered by social
security singe 1937 or his 21st
birthday, whichever is later, up
to the time he reaches age 65 or
dies, is "fully insured."
A worker who has worked
roughly half the time during
the three years immediately be'
fore his death is "currently in
sured." There are some differ
ences in the types of payments
which can be made on the
basis of the records of workers
who are "fully" or "currently"
insured. In no case can a work
er be "insured" unless he has
worked about a year and a half
on jobs "covered" by social se
curity.
^ How much does ' a retired
worker get? That depends main
ly, on his average earnings, on
' j^s which come • tinder social
M sdcUrity; 'Monthly benefits for a
> worker. Whd retires at age 65^ or
• over may now. be anywhere ,from
$10 to $45.60 a month. These
benefits are not payable for any
month in which he earns more
than $14.99 on a job "covered
by social security.
Can a retired worker's family
get benefits too? Yes. When a 65
year old worker qualifies for
retirement benefits, his wife may
become eligible for a monthly
check' as soon as she reaches
age 65. In some cases the re
tired worker may have one or
more unmarried children who
are not yet 18. These children
would also receive social security
benefits.
Do benefits go to the families
of workers who die? When an
insured worker dies, monthly
benefits are paid to his children
until they are 18. His widow will
also receive a monthly payment
as long as she is caring for a
child entitled to monthly bene
fits. Her benefits will go on un
til Ihe youngest child is 18 and
start again when she herself is
65. A. widow's social security
payments, however, are always
stopped if she remarries.
How much does the family re
ceive each month? The most that
can be paid to a family is $85
a month. The exact amount de
pends on the worker's earnings
in jobs under social security and
the number of young children
in the family.
What happens if a worker
dies and leaves a widow but no
young children? If his widow
is not yet 65, she receives a
lumpsum payment. Monthly
payments will begin when she
reaches that age; If she is 65
yhen the worker ,dies, monthly
payments start at once.
Are any benefits payable if
an unmarried worker dies? Yes.
If he is survived by aged par
ents who were chiefly depend
ent upon him for support, they
may receive monthly benefits.
When there is no one eligible
for monthly benefits, a lump
sum payment may be made to
the person who took care of the
burial expenses. •
Caii A worker check up oh his
social > security acoMiht? Every
worker should check up'on his
account " every year or so and
at least once every four years.
Some errors cannot be corrected
after that length of time. Post
cards for requesting a statement
of wages credited to his social
security account can be obtained
by workers from any social se
curity office.
How are benefits applied for?
Oldage and survivors insur
ance payments are made as a
matter of right. Payment is not
based on need. Benefits are not
paid automatically — an applica
tion must be made. For this rea
son, all workers age 65 or over
and the survivors of those who
have died should call or write
the nearest social security office.
Organized labor in America
has established a United Labor
Policy Committee composed of
representatives of the American
Federation of Labor, the Con
gress of Industrial Organizations,
and the Railway Labor Execu
tives Association.
Deeply concerned for the coun
try's security and welfare, the
committee realizes that the se
curity, the, dignity and material
wellbeing of the wageearner in
America, as well as throughout
the whole world, are dependent
upon the pi'eservation and exten
sion of the democratic way of
life. Fully aware of the grave
emergency confronting our na
tion, it dedicates itself to help
make the country strong and to
use that strength to bring peace
and abundance to mankind.
The committee insists that la
bor be granted active partici
pation and real leadership in
every important agency in our
mobilization effort, and regrets
that to date labor has not en
joyed opportunity for full par
ticipation in the mobilization ef
fort.
Free labor, says the committee,
can make its fullest contribution
only if it is permitted to serve
at all levels of defense mobili
zation both with respect to policy
and administration. No one
group, it feels, has a monopoly
of ideas in the mobilization of
our resources. Eacli group has
much to offer, and cooperatively
can defeat the worldwide chal
lenge pf dictatorship.
The program of the committee
is summarized below:
LIVING COSTS
The cPritrol of the prices of
all the elements in the working
man's everyday necessities is the
cfentral problem in wage stabil
ization. Under the provisions of
the Defense Production Act of
Canadian Brother On SIU Tour
James Errington. Headquarters Representative of the SIU's
Cimadian District, studies A8EG District Educational literature
during visit last week to the New York Hall. Errington, who
toured all SIU facilitieSi including new building in Brooklyn,
observed all A&G District operations, with a view to using
some of them as a base in Canadian operations. Present plans
of the Canadian District call for publication of Union educa
tional literature along lines of A&G District's material.
Errington laff Nww York for a tour of the Great Lakes'
ports, in which Canadian District has contracts, to aid in prep
aralion| for resumption Of shipping activity when the liskes
'ihaw, . • • •
1950, it is impossible to control
these prices. .
Under this legislation great in
creases are specifically permit
ted in the price of food, which
constitutes approximately 40 per
cent of the living expenses of
the average American family. In
addition, rents, which constitute
about 13 percent of living costs,
are not now effectively controll
ed.
So .long as food prices and
rents are thus subject to sharp
and drastic increases, compen
satory wage adjustments must
be permitted.
The present prohibitions upon
control of food prices and rents
are an effective barrier to any
system of price or wage con
trols, and the elimination of
these prohibitions is a prelimin
ary to apy workable stabiliza
tion action.
Effective control of retail food
prices can be achieved and at
the same time farmers can be
assured fair prices for their pro
ducts.
The Defense Production Act
should be promptly amended by
the Congress to acomplish these
ends.
The wage stabilization policy
permit the adjustment of wage
rates to compensate for incieases
in the cost of living. Wage stab
ilization must not become wage
freezing. This policy must also
provide for the correction of sub
standard wages and the adjust
ment of inequities in existing
wage rates within or between in
dustries.
The now well recognized prin
ciple that wageearners should
share in the benefits of industrial
progress and increase in produc
tivity, which the nation must
and will have from its industrial
workers, should be specifically
embodied in the wage stabiliza
tion policy.
Any wage stabilization policj^
rnust recognize existing collect
ive bargaining agreements which
themselves assure stability. This
would apply, for example, to the
automobile and other industries
where existing contracts provide
for the orderly adjustment of
wage rates.
The abrogation of contracts ar
rived at' through collective bar,
gaining would inevitably lead to
industrial unrest, and this' will
defeat the very goal of stabili
zation.
Overtime payments for pre
mium work now protected by
collective bargaining agreements
or existing law must continue to
be held inviolate. These provis
ions do not in any way preclude
the working of a workweek
longer than that now considered
to be normal. They merely pro
vide the incentive for productive
overtime and holiday work.
MANPOWER
Our labor force is the nation's
greatest single asset. Steps
should be taken to stiengthen
and enlarge our manpower re
sources. These steps must rec
ognize the fact that free labor
can outproduce slave labor. Free
labor will play its role in attain
ing our objective of maximum
production.
World War II experience dem
onstrates that maximum effici
ency, cooperation and morale can
be secured through voluntary
manpower policies. Use of com
pulsory civilian labor will d^
feat our efforts to attain our.
goal of maximum production. ; :
THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 23, 1951
Every iday in every way
they get ^tter and better.
The photos t^en by Sea
farer Lest^ Moore, that is.
And no wonder. Les rightly
believes that the way topho
tograi^c perfection is
through practice, so he's
been doing just that over ̂
the years. Aware that ship
board life and personnel of
fer about the best subject
matter anywhere, Broth^
Moore, an, Oder, has been a
regular contributor of pho
tos for quite a while now.
Each new batch of pics he
submits sliows definite signs
of his improving technique.
His latest work, of shipmates
on the Seatrain Havana, ap
pear on this page.
ABOVE—Having just return
ed to the Seatrain Havana
from a shopping stint ashore,
William Jones, Oiler, pauses
to admire charms of gal on
cover of magazine included in
reading matter he purchased
to while away his leisure time.
• !>•
RIGHT—Sharp and gay as
a blade is Fireman Anthony
Seay, Ship's Delegate on the
Beatrain vesseL «« he prepares
to go ashore. Moore had no
trouble getting Brother Seay
to turn on the smiles. Pretty
• evidinat, though.
) " I
ABOVE—^Virtually surround
ed by railroad cars on the
deck of the traincarrying Ha
vana, Deck Engineer Kazimierc
Tomczyk keeps right on work
ing despite presence of Brother
Moore and his kibitzing camera.
LEFT—O. W. Orr, AB^waS ;
on gan^ay watch whan the
roving cameraman caught up '
with him. The Havana was tied
up at the Seatrain docks in '
. Edgewafer, N. J., when this
pboto was taken.
Wbrkisig on deck in dead of winter is a pretty
cold j^posilion. so Brother J. Eesehity moves
gingerly about his job. Zeschity is an Ordinary
..::afanKd'ffae''Hav8n8...
Just so 90 one woidd forget the loerie of all these pbotes.
Brother Moore set up this uonveiatienal ehot of a trie of
mates and a life ring. Left ^ rl^btt Come. Stewart Q.
W, Orr, AB, end Julio Torres, CM. ^ :
It was at oofCee time tluU. this shot of A1
jVfcttss, Third Cook, was taken. AL however*
a sneeiKer. Mot being a eoffaeilover, be
.;i|ii!i ..the, cup contabied A,
VN
Friday, February 23, 1891 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nineteen
Minutes Of A&G Branch Meetings in Brief
BOSTON Due lo a lack of a
quorum no regu^r meeting could
be held. Agent Lawson reported
that shipping was the best it has
been in two years.
lit
PHILADELPHIA — Chairman.
Hanson, 51459; Recording Secre
tary, J. Mitchell, 39578; Reading
Clerk, S. CarduUo, 24599.
. All Branch Minutes accepted
as read as was Agent's report.
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM
with 60 members present.
Ill
BALTIMORE—Chairman, WU
liam Rentz, 26445; Recording
Secretary, G. A. Masterson,
20297; Reading Clerk, F. A.
Stansbury, 4683.
All Branch Minutes accepted
as read as was Baltimore's fi
.nancial reports. SecretaryTreas
luer's financial report and Head
quarters Report to the member
;ship accepted as read. Excuses
referred to the Dispatcher and
one minute of silence was held
for Brothers lost'at sea. Meeting
adjourned at 8:10 PM with 280
members present. '
' 111
NORFOLK—Due to a lack ,of
a quorum no regular meeting
could be held. A special meet
ing was h^d for the purpose of
checking shipping cards.
Ill
SAVANNAH^Chairman, C. M.
Rice, 40707; Recording Secretary,
E. M. Bryant, 25806; Reading
Clerk, E. B, Tilley, 75.
^All Branch Minutes accepted
as read. SecretaiyTreasurer's
weekly financial reports and
Headquarters Report to the
Membership accepted as read.
Agent reported that full crews
would be put on two ships.
A&G Shipping From Jan, 31 To Feb. 14
PORT
Boston. :.
New York........
Philadelphia....— ,....
Baltimore
Norfolk.
Savannah
Tampa
Mobile
New Orleans
Galveston
West Coast
GRAND TOTAL.
vMMMm
REG. REG. REG. TOTAL
DECK ENG. STWDS. REG.
21 ' 21 18 60
102 111 107 320
22 15 20 • • 57
89 69 63 221
10 14 5 29,
8 8 9 25
11 8 8 27
66 63 59 188
55 58 50 163
18 10 11 39
39 36 25 100
441 .413 375 1,229
SHIPPED SHIPPED SHIPPED TOTAL
DECK ENG. STWDS. SHIPPED
25 17 10 52
144 119 106 369
23 16 • 10 49
78 73 63 214
13 11 4 28
6 7 9 22
6 5 7 18
78 49 54 181
62 56 66 184
46 44 • 19 109
53 46 37 136
534 443 385 1,362
' [£JS
SS SOUTHWIND
The men listed below, who
paid off in San Francisco in Jan
uary, 1951, can collect their dis
j)Uted^ overtime, in the amounts
listed, by w^riting the South At
lantic Steamship Company.
• Ben H. Mctendon, $8.00; Wil
, bur Taylor, $8.00; Robert Eisen
graeber, $8.00; Edward Dudek,
$33.28; Harry Henze, $33.28;
w Francis A. Parker, $33.28; Wil
liam S. Porter, $34.64; Edward
Wallace, $34.64;
. Earl F. Neidlinger, $35.99;
Thomas J. Moore, $29.67; James
E. Van Sant, $35.99; Richard W.
Clark, $34.64; George S. Velie,
$8.00; G. C. Rife, $8.00; L. E.
Hodges, $32.37 WiUiam Pedlar,
$33.28; James A. Pewith, $29.67;
Frank Fava, $33.28.
. John L. Sikes, $29.67; James E.
McCranie, $29.67; Jack W. Grav
en, $8.00; James McDonald, $8.00;
i. M. Peacock, $8.00; Lowell E.
Harris, $8.00; Joseph Martin,
$8.00; Glen;R. Adams, $8.00: W.
H. Thompson, $8.00; James H.
Maxey, $8.00; William Ambrose,
. $8.00; Elsbury Ambrose, $8.00;
George F. Crabtree, $8.ui, Bo
rland A, Hoffman, J)% $8J)0.> V
Hoped to pay off the SS Mother
M. L. and the SS Southland.
Under New Business a motion
was made to give a vote of
thanks to the Negotiations Com
mittee for the work that they
are doing in obtaining new con
tracts for our Union. One min
ute of silence was held for de
parted members. Meeting ad
journed at 7:55 PM with 29
members present.
4, i 4
TAMPA—No regular meeling
was held due to a lack of quqr
um. Agent reported things still
very slow.
MOBILE—Chairman, L. NeirsL
26393: Recording Secretary, W.
Wallace; Reading Clerk, IL Jor
dan, 71.
All Branch minutes accepted
as read. Headquarters Report to
the membership and Secretary
Treasurer's financial reports ac
cepted. Agent reported that
seven ships paid off and seven
ships signed on. Seven ships
were due in for payoff and re
placements. Meetings to be held
with representatives of the
Bloomfield Steamship Company
and the Elam Steamship Com
pany regarding the ships that
are to be crewed up from the
laid up fleet. Agent concluded
his report by telling the mem
bers that it was most important
that when aboard these ships the
men be on their good behavior.
Oiie minute of silence for mem
bers lost at sea. Meeting adjour
ned at 7:40 PM, with 251 mem
bers present.
i ^ %
NEW ORLEANS — Chairman,
Leroy Clarke. 23062; Recording
Secretary, Herman Troxclair,
6743; Reading Clerk, Buck Steph
ens, 76.
All Branch minutes accepted
as read. SecretaryTreasurer's fi
nancial reports and Headquar
ters Report to the Membership
accepted as read. Agent reported
that the affairs'of the port were
in very good shape and business
and shipping had picked up
quite a bit since the last^meet
ing. Paid off six ships and "had
seven signons. Thirtytwo ships
were in intransit.All members
that have the necfssary six
months sea time should go get
a qualified engine rating and
Deck Department m e m b e r s
should try for their AB tickets.
All hands should dp all in their
power to get additional ratings.
Excuses were referred to the
Dispatcher and one minute, of
silence was hqld' • for members
lost at sea. Under=Gbpd anff Wei
fare .a di^ussfbh vrai re
garding members hanging arQUttd
in front of the buildings Mem
bers were requested to stay in
the h^aU and avoid a beef with
the local policemen. Meeting ad
journed at 8 PM, with approxi
mately 210 members present.
GALVESTON — Chairman,
Keith Alsop, 7311; Recording
Secretary, R. Wilbum, 37739;
Reading Clerk, Pat Willis, 50348.
All Branch minutes accepted
as read. SecretaryTreasurer's fi
nancial reports and Headquarters
Report to the Membership ac
cepted as read. One minute of
silence was held for departed
Brothers lost at sea. Meeting ad
journed at 7:30 PM with 27
members present.
4 4
NEW YORK—Chairman, Ed
Mooney,. 46671; Recording Sec
retary, Freddie Stewart, 4935:
Reading Clerk, A1 Kerr.
Motion carried to accept Sec
retaryTreasurer's financial re
port as read. Minutes of other
Branch meetings approved as
read.'In report on activities of
Headquarters Branch, Assistant
SecretaryTreasurer Earl Shep
pard said a sizeable number of
ships had been in for payoffs and
signons and replacements, but
all manpower calls were easily
handled. In addition Sheppard
advised members applying for
emergency Coast Guard docu
ments to stress that they want
their original seamen's paper re
turned. If this is made clear, he
said, there'll be no foulup when
it comes time to get your papers
back. Sheppard urged all quali
fied men to obtain their ratings
or higher ratings as soon as pos
sible. Motion carried to accept
his report. In Headquarters re
port to the membership, Secre
taryTreasurer Hall discussed the
progress of reconstruction work
on the new building, with 30 of
the 33 tons of steel work already
having been installed. He re
ported that the Trustes of the
Seafarers Welfare Plan had con
curred in a motion to invest a
halfmillion dollars of the re
serve fund in interestbearing
Government bonds. The Trustees
are also investigating the pos
sibilities of establishing a home
for seamen, he said. The Secre
taryTreasurer reported that the
organizing staff, with the able
assistance of Bull Sheppard and
Morris Weisberger has been ne
gotiating with new steamship
companies. He named the com
panies which the Union had
signed to contracts in the past
several weeks. Motion carried to
concur in Secretary Treasurer's
report to the membership.
Charges were read and referred
to a trial committee. Meeting ad
journed at 7:30 PM, with 731
members present.
t, i. t.
SAN FRANCISCO—No meet
ing due lo lack of a quorum.
Committee was elected lo pick
up shipping cards until 7:30 PM.
WILLIAM EARL SCOTT
Please telephone your mother.
4^4
PERCY j. THORNTON
Get in touch at once with
Witty Fendrick, 334 20th Street,
Miami Beach, Florida.
4 4 4
RICHARD R. LEIKAS
Write your brother. Matt, in
Arizona.' He has information on
an income tax return.
tr i %
EDWARD B. YOUNGBLOOD
Get in touch with your par
ents, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Young
blood, 325 W. Oakland Avenue,
Sumter, South Carolina; or your
brother, T. Doug Youngblood, 13
Cherokee Road, Sumter. They
are very anxious to hear from
you. Anyone knowing this Bro
ther's whereabouts are urged to
notify his parents or brother.
4 4 4
HAROLD^ E. ARLINGHAUS
The gear you left on the SS
Coe Victory was turned into the
SIU baggage room, 4th floor, 51
Beaver Street, New York City,
by Ship's Delegate, Sir Charles..
4 4 4
BOB HOMMEL
Chuck Bousquet asks that you
write to him at the following
gddress: ' C. Bousquet, US5507
3992, 50th " Ord. : Group, PRO
Training Co., Fort Knox, Ky.
' 4 4 4 •
GEORGE GLENN GOLiMITH
Get in touoh with your wife in
New Orleans as it is very im
portant. .. • .v,: ,
CONST. SOFOUNIOS
Get in touch with H. V. Gus
tafson. Safe Deposit Department,
Seamen's Bank for Savings.
4 4 4
ROBERT H. KLINE. Sr.
Your wife is extremely anxious
to get in touch with you as your
son requires an operation. Write
to her at 616 W. 37th St., Savan
nah, Ga., giving the name of
vessel you are on and the com
pany's name, so that she can
communicate with you.
4 4 4'
FRANCIS PANNETT
Yom mother asks that you
write to her. The address: 6 N.
Cedar Street, Mobile, Ala. You
can phone between 6 AM and
2 PM.
4 4 4
G. E. MURPHY. Book No. 47741
Pick up your papers on the
sixth deck of the New York
Hall.
Holder of Receipt No. 85542
Will the man holding the above
numbered receipt, issued in San
Francisco at payoff of Clarksburg
Victory on Jan. 20, 1951, please
bring it to Headquarters or the
Frisco Hall so that his name can
be entered on it and payment
properly credited.
ENRIQUE VENTUREIRA
Your son is sick—get in touch
with your wife a t215 San An
tonio Street, Quintana, Hato Rey,
Puerto Rico.
4 4 4
ALBERTO C. TORRES
JOE R. LOZADA
TOM SCANLON
Please get in touch with Joe
Algina at New York Hall regard
ing injury to Charles Mehl.
4 4 4
JAMES M. TARRANT
Get in touch with your local
draft board in New York City
at once.
4 4 4
DAVID DIXON
LEO WALZAK
These men from MV Great
Isaac, which salvaged SS John
Dickinson in 1947, can collect
their salvage money upon sign
ing releases at office of Benja
min Sterling, 42 Broadway, Room
1539, New York 4, N. Y.
4 4 4
SS ROBIN KIRK
Anyone who paid off this ship
in San Francisco and did not
receive all money due on trans
portation can get same at com
pany office.
4 4 4
ALCOA CAVALIER CREWMEN
Crew members aboard this ship
on or about Oct 9, 1947, and
who witnessed accident in which
Marion A. Caraway was injured,
get in touch with Herman Rab
son or Benjamin B. Sterling, 42
Broadway, New York 4,
. ..'ft J >• "Vx:,
Page Twenly THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 23, 1951
I':
im
I &•
Constant Beefing By NMU Crews On Sbipbeard Feeding
Sbews Tbe importance Of Shipping Stewards Off Beard
Several issues ago, an article by Frenchy
Michelet.pointed up several ways by which the
efficiency of the Stewards Department aboard
ship could be improved. (The article, by the
way, will be incorporated into the course of
study in the Stewards Upgrade School in the
new Brooklyn Building.) Michelet's pointers
were well received by all, and was the subject
of letters to the LOG and. much discussion,
particularly aboard ship.
One of the points made by Michelet was that
the SIU ships were such good feeders because
the Stewards are all Union men, whose jobs
come off the shipping board, and not through
the companies' offices.
Because they are Union men first, Michelet
said, they are genuinely interested in seeing that
the men are well fed. They make sure that the
ships are satisfactorily stored, according to the
contract, with the best grades of food. They
see to it that the meals are appetizing, well
planned and varied. .If a crewmember has a
beef about food he. doesn't hesitate to raise it,
because he knows that the Steward will listen
to him.
Those Seafarers who have never sailed under
the companystiff Steward cannot realize what
this can mean to the crew. The NMU Stewards,
for example, under the NMU contract, are
chosen by the company and their responsibili
ties are only to the companies. If he feeds too
well, or even tries to follow the "contract's spe
cifications on stores, the company may—and
generally does—^fire him.
Because of this, food beefs on NMU ships
are common. On this page we have reproduced
from the NMU paper, the "Pilot," some of
the letters from NMU crews on their feeding
beefs. All of these letters are from just
one issue of the "Pilot"—that of Febru
ary 8, 1951. "Food Situation Flares Up Again,"
says one headline. That is putting it conserva
tively—it is always there, because .it arises out
of the method of choosing Stewards.
(We wonder why shipping companies, sup
posedly^ smart operators, allow this morale
shattering practice to continue? We should
think that their first concern would be to have
a satisfied crew, happy in their jobs, and ready
and willing to turn out a day's work. It pays
off in the long run.)
These letters emphasize why the SIU con
siders its right to ship Union Stewards off the
Union shipping board one of the greatest it
has—and one that it will fight all the way to
keep. ,
Food Situation Flares Up Again
SS AMERICAN MERCHANT
Nov. 6—The food was shown to
the Patrolman last trip and he
agreed that it was not first qual
ity, but the company said unless
a certified Government inspector
checked it, there would be
change.
SS AMERICAN JURIST,
if or. iO—T..y .Liwuieidi VC;. C ail
Jt'. ..n lA a..,!'
A few . suggeitioiu from
brothers: that Patrolman should
sea that more first elasi and less
second class meats wars stored;
SS FLYING ARROW. Ort. 15
—A letter was sent to the. New
York port officials condemning
the rationing of linen, matches
and soap on this vessel. Part of
the letter follows:
"The Ship's Committee con
tacted the captain, but nothing
was accomplished except for an
increase of matches from three
to five boxes a week. We feel
that one bar of soap ie not suf
ficient to take us through the
terrific heat of this run (Red
Sea, sunmer in Ii^ia and other
inconveniences). It' is necessary
that tbe one spread issued every
ftvy ' weeks be changed and
washed since it gives off a ter
rifle odor. We suggest that the
company be contacted to find
out if they or the steward are
responsible for these complaints."
T /. Stevenson'
Has Troubks
SS T. J. STEVENSON, Nov. 5
—Conditions were lukewarm be
cause of a complete lack of co
operation in the Stewards De
partment." The crew does not feel
that the food has been up to
standard — not enough Variety,
poor, baking and using bad tast^'
ing leftovers, all were listed un
der complaints.
m
Rationing of
Coffee & Food
Vexes Crew
' . • • n
SS EXTAVIA, Dec. 3 •
SS JOSHUA TREE, Nov. 13—
..f.L',... :
Duriitg • fourteen da^ trip,
water and eggs w^re riltioned.
What would happen on a long
trip, the crew wanted to know?
Why does the crew have to sign
twelvemonth articles for a near
by foreign trip instead of regu
lar threemonth articles?
Although the steward claims
hb is only allowed six pounds of
coffee a day, the crew :^ants
more became this amount is nob
enough to supply the night
watches in the cold weather.
SS AMERICAN
TER, Nov. 23 «iksa « • f • •
1 Ks • V
Friction over the rationing of
coffee has been a thorn in every
one's side, yet the vessel is arriv
ing in port with plenty (A coffee
In the storeroom. Rationing would
be understandable if therewas a
shortage, but with plenty aboard,
there should be no reason to ra
tion coffee. Recently, the stew
ard was called at night to get
soffee for tht men going on
watch, but he refused to give
them any. The Thanksgiving din
ner was not up to snuff, the
members, saying it was, just, like
filid the majority of comidaiiits justified in that *
. • ariety and ho tableclflthii^rft the
;|Sie cpmpaid^s have planned To put aboard only wew messhaii, wh^
, • • • "vV hv holiday dinh«!r^on Am)^^^^
barely sufficient quantity of,stores lo.last th? pay? . .
Leo Stoute, Port Committeeman^
For tbe past months we have received letters
from ships' crews describing hardships they
are forced io endure because of inadequate
food supplies aboard. Some of these letters
are general in nature, others are very specific.
} After checking with the sufject companies we
^ • • • • • • — — —. 'OT. •
The entire crew agreed to have
the Ship's Cemmittee check with
the National Office on the food
situation aboard United States
Lines ships. The crew was nnder
the impression that the «om
pany's cost for feeding a man
had dropped from |1.90 to 31.45
per day in the last couple of
years, making this a possibly im
portant factor responsible for all
the inferior food complaints.
National Offiee
hforM About
food Situation
SS HELEN LYKES, Jan. 3—
At the last meeting held Decem
ber 80, 1950, the crew unani
mously wenton record to inform
the National Office of conditions
aboard ship at this time.
W« left New Orleans on MSTS
charle'r with^fou'r, ippnUis stores
, on .Ju)y 2^ Since our,stoves
.• hhViehave not re
ceived">Uough'^fdpd. in amount
Variety, except for canned
SS ORIENTE, Nov. 19— Gen
eral Union conditions were con
sidered poor, the Deck Depart
ment reporting the company was
asking for more work from the
same number of men while the
Stewards Department complained
about the food. Why didn't the'
company hire more deckhandsfor
the extra work, thte deck members
asked.
The food situation was dis
cussed, the Chairman asking
each member what, his particular
beef about it was. It was the gen
eral consensus that the food
could be much better. However,
the steward said he had to cut
down because the port steward
ordered it; this was verified by
a member who had overheard the
order. Since every channel and
avenue to settle this beef had
already been tried unsuccessfully;
it was suggested that the Port
Agent be given the job of settl
ing the dispute. The beef boiled
down to generally poor quality
of food, no variety, short menus,
no pork loins, or yehl chops, or
fried chicken (steward eaid there
was chicken but not enough togo
; Around), and no juices. • ^ '
V. >
• i* 'A I