http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/f445a1f58b83fa29257d4c76a717b8f0.PDF 51e58a6c6db379f76e80bbe3bdcb201d PDF Text Text -Story on Page 2 SEAFARERS LOG • OFFICiAl ORGAN OP THB SEAFARERS t N 7 E R N AT f O N A L UNION • ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL LOST SHIP UNSAFE CG HEARING TOLD T I Clampdown Bars All LSTs From Sailing -Story on Page 3 i I I Huddle Jk§ CG Hearina J^scussmg a point in the investigation of the disappearance of the LST Southern Districts, outside the Coast ™ Guard hearing room in New Orleans where an official probe is going on, Israel G. Seeger (2nd from left), associate of SIU general counsel Seymour W. Miller, talks with Seafarers Charles P. Johnsen (left), Charles E. Collins (2nd from right) and John • Flanagan, who were on the ship until her last voyage and testified .at the hearing. The missing ship had 23 men aboard. (Story on Page 3.) �Pare Two SEAFARERS LOG January 7, 1955 Grand Jury Begins Probe Of Plot To Murder Hall BpiBSiiBil HACKENSACK, NJ—A special Bergen County grand jury here began taking testimony this week in investigation of an alleged conspiracy to murder Paul Hall, secretary-treasurer of the Atlantic and Gulf District, SIU, at his home. The FBI, the Bi-State Waterfront Commission and law enforcement officials in four states are busy following up leads in the case in which five men have already been indicted and five other "John Doe tioned in connection with the case The money was in $100 bills and indictments have been are: was found wrapped in Tampa bank handed down. • Ben Sterling, 42, New York wrappers. Cobb told police that after the attorney, who was picked up by New York police and taken to the shots were fired he was to have Hillcrest Avenue station. He was abandoned the car and was to be I questioned there by Queens Assist­ driven by Taffe to Suffem, New Frank Green, who has reportedly ant District Attorney Thomas P. York, just over the Jersey state confessed that he was the "trigger line. There he was to catch a train man" of the alleged conspiracy. back to New York City, subse­ • Edward Taffe, 65, of West Milquently returning to Tampa by ford, NJ, indicted as a co-con­ plane. Double-Cross Seen spirator. Detective Carl De Marco of the • Carmen Priore, alias Thomas Balloting in the SIU's general election for officers .continues at prosecutor's office told newspaper Hodges, 52, of New York, indicted a near-record pace throughout the district, as in New Orleans, reporters, "If he (Cobb) had gone as a co-conspirator. where the crew of the Del Mar arrived in port to push the total through with the job and gone vote over the 1,000 mark. Here, Seafarer John R. Vazquez signs • Ray White, Tampa port agent back for his big payoff he'd have register to become the 1.000th voter in the port as membership of the SIU, who, according to Ber­ been done away with — his lips balloting committee of (1-r) Harold Jones (seated), Bill Mitchell and gen County prosecutor Guy Calissi, would have been sealed. They Vic Miorana look on. has been named by Cobb as the in­ wouldn't let him run around with dividual who hired him to do the this spending money and their job for $15,000. White is running names on his lips." against Hall for the post of secre­ Cobb himself was reported as tary-treasurer in the SIU elections saying that he had driven north which got underway November 15 earlier in the month but had got­ and will end January 15. ten cold feet and left his car with • White's brother. Steely Taffe. However, he alleged. White White, now being sought in Nor­ told him he had better go back and folk. Others who have been quesJames E. Cobb do the job. Police said Cobb told With all indications of a near-record turnout, voting in tlji them he had been warned he would Cullen. Subsequently, Sterling be "taken care of" if he failed to SIU A&G District's elections is rapidly drawing to a clos appeared for questioning before go through with the slaying. Just one week remains for Seafarers to vote' in all ports, Bergen County authorities and is Commenting on Cobb's confes­ fore the close of the balloting" scheduled to appear before the sion, Calissi declared that he was Bergen County Grand*Jury. Seafarers aboard vessels satisfied that Cobb had given a on January 15. • William Higgs, former member factual account of the plot. calling at Bangkok, Thailand, The heavy turnout was of the SIU, who was expelled for are urged to avoid losing or Cobb's arrest touched off a wide­ prompted by a record number of aiding the old ILA in its fight with spread investigation involving the candidates, 78 in all, for the 49 misplacing the so-called "land­ the AFL longshoremen's union. FBI and police of New York, New posts ing permits" issued to seamen open in uie election. Ap­ Early last year Higgs was placed Jersey, Virginia and Florida. by local authorities, at the parently the total vote will surpass on the ILA payroll and appeared risk of being denied shore Subsequently, assistant prosecu­ the 5,700 votes cast in the 1952 with ILA President William Brad­ tor Fred Galda of Bergen County election. leave while in port. Author­ ley at ILA meetings, where he went to Tampa to question White ities there report some diffi­ Committees To Be Elected culty caused by permits which attacked the SlU's role in the AFL and Higgs. White has refused to Membership meetings in all ports have been lost and have ex­ waterfront drive. He also aided waive extradition proceedings with the ILA in the preparation of the result that Governor Meyner on January 26 will elect tallying pressed concern that unau­ With the aid of clerks, cooj thorized persons may obtain scurrilous literature. of New Jersey has formally signed committees which will count the ers, checkers and other votes cast in their particular port them. For this reason, there ILA President Bradley has been papers requested his extradition. is a possibility that duplicates called to appear before the Bergen A hearing has been set for January and then forward their findings cellaneous crafts not coveV^ may not be issued and thus County Grand Jury for question­ 13 in Tampa. Meanwhile, White and the ballots to headquarters. by a longshore agreement, lea The headquarters tallying commit­ ers of the old ILA finally dr cause cancellation of shore ing. iSradley will be asked about is free on $5,000 bail. tee will serve as the tally commit­ gooned a favorable vote on ra leave for the affected seaman. funds purportedly given by him Bradley Credit Card tee for the entire district and head­ fication of a new two-year loii Seafarers who lose their land­ to Higgs and White, and about Galda reported finding evidence quarters, with the final results to shoremen's agreement. The c^ ing permits should report the Cobb's use of an airline credit card loss to the police immediately issued in Bradley's name. He will of frequent travel between New be reported to the following mem­ tract is virtully identical with agreement that longshoreii or at least before the vessel also be asked about lists of long­ York and Tampa by many of the bership meeting. | The majority of the vote was cast themselves rejected December sails. The permits are being shoremen allegedly found in principals. Airline schedules show that White and Higgs flew to New by a vote of 6,199 to 4,590. early during the balloting period, issued to provide seamen with Cobb's and Priore's possession. York on December 17, Cobb on which began on November 15. AFL forces on the docks local identification while they Shotgun In Car critical of both versions of December 18, Steely White on At stake in the election are the are ashore. According to Bergen • County December 19 and Cobb again, re­ posts of secretary-treasurer, six as­ contract because they did not prosecutor Calissi, a report was turning to Florida, on December sistant secretary - treasurers, nine vide the guaranteed eight hd received at his office on Thursday, day, 23-man gangs, sling Iq port agents and 33 patrolmen. (Continued on page 17) December 23, at 3:30 PM, that limits and other important clauq Hall was to be murdered within The only immediate gains Jan. 7. 1955 Vol. XVII, No. 1 an hour. Police and detectives im­ longshoremen were a seven ce As 1 See It Page 4 mediately rushed to Hall s home an hour wage increase. Burly Page 16 in Montvale, New Jersey. At 4:30 ILA leaders also declared Crossword Puzzle Page 8 PM, Calissi said, Cobb was arrested if the membership failed to Editorial Cartoon .......Page 9 in front of Hall's home in a 1951 prove the contract on Jan. 5 tl Editorials Page 9 Chevrolet with Georgia license would be voting for a strike. Wf Inquiring Seafarer Page 8 plates. Detective Charles Fromherz the first vote was conducted:^ Members of the SlU-affiliated Brotherhood of Marine En­ Labor Round-Up Page 8 and Captain John Ducotf of the the Hone.st, Ballet Association, Letter of The Week Page 9 Bergen County police found a gineers have reelected incumbents to office and approved a second t. • ly was left largely, in: Letters Page 16 double-barreled shotgun and two four-year term for officials in -he union's 60-day secret ballot hands of individual ILA l<j vote. The constitutional Maritime Page 8 shells on the seat beside Cobb. unions. Meet The Seafarer Page 8 Voting ran for 60 days from According to Calissi's tiffice, amendment on the ballot, in­ Meanwhile, a final breach Notices, Personals Page 17 Cobb talked freely about the plan. creasing the term of office October 1, to November 30, 1954, tween former ILA tugmen Off Watch Page 14 Cobb was quoted as saying he was from one to four years, was ap­ with ballots delivered to eligible Captain Bradley appeared wh Port Reports Pages 12, 13 originally approached by Ray proved by a majority of almost four voters in person or by, mail. Bal­ Joseph O'Hare, head of the Quiz Page 14 White two months ago, and was to one, well over the necessary lots were counted by a rank and local that recently returned to SIU History Cartoon Page 6 promised $2,000 down and $13,000 two-thirds required for ratifica­ file committee at the union's De­ AFL, revealed Bradley was cember membership meeting in tempting to break up the ut Vote of Thanks Page 9 to be paid later on by Sterling in tion. Washington News Letter. Page 7 Tampa for the assassination. On O'Hare charged that "Bradley| BME President Wilbur Dickey, New York' headquarters. Welfare Benefits Pages 18, 19 subsequent occasions, Cobb said, who was unopposed, was elected to Approximately 90 percent of the preached some of our deleg Welfare Report Page 18 he came to New York to discuss his second term. Others elected engineers eligible to vote took part with lavish promises of mone Your Dollar's Worth Page 5 the matter with White and with were Raymond McKay and John W. in the election. they would desert Local 333 Taffe and Priore. organize for the ILA." Bra Regan, vice-presidents; Raymond The BME was chartered by the Published biweekly at the headquarters Calissi said further that police Doell, treasurer; and an executive SIU of North America in 1949, and confirmed the breach by peti of the Seafarers International Union, At­ lantic & Gulf District AFL, 675 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn 32, NY. Tel. HYacinth found $2,000 in Taffe's home which board of three rank and file mem­ was granted its autonomy in 1953. ing the tug owners for a con 9-66I*. Entered as tecend class matter Cobb said was given to Taffe for bers, Gordon Small, Leon Berlage It held its first election in the. faU iii the name of the now-de| at the Post Office in Brooklyn, NY, under |L^. maiine divisioq., tijjs pqrt In the abortive consij^racy. the Act of August 24, 1912. . - • Those indicted thus far in elude the following: •James Cobb, 33, alias SIU Election To End Jan. 15; Voting Heavy DouH Lose That Bangkok ^Visa^ ILA Rigs Pact Okay In 2iid Voti SEAFARERS LOG BME Votes Officers For Four'Year Term r V- �SEAFARERS LOG January 7, 1955 Meeting Night Everg 2 Weeks Regular membership meet* Ings in SIU headquarters and at all branches are held every second Wednesday night at 7 PM. The schedule for the next few meetings Is as follows: Jan. 12, Jan. 26, Feb. 9. All Seafarers reglsiered on the shipping list are required to attend the meetings. Page Three 'Districts' Probe Opens; Cancel All L5T Sailings NEW ORLEANS— Damaging testimony by Seafarers that the missing LST, Southern Districts, was an unseaworthy rustbucket, was underscored by Coast Guard withdrawal of ocean-going certificates for all other LST-type ships. Further, evidence was offered at Coast Guard hearings here that the ship was carrying far more tonnage than was originally reported and the question has been raised as to whether or not the ship was overloaded. The Southern Districts was en route from Port Sulphur, Louisiana, to Bucksport, Maine, with a 23-man Suez Canal Blocked By Tanker Crash crew aboard when it vanished without a trace some­ where between Florida and Maine. An intensive air-sea search begun on December 11 was called off on the 21st without turning up a trace of the ship. It was not until January 2 that a lifering of the missing ship turned up off the Florida Keys. A sister ship, the Southern Isles, was lost three years ago off Cape Hatteras with 17 of her crew. — kin in this country is an uncle liv­ The Coast Guard's ac­ ing in Norfolk, Va. Previously, 11 tion was viewed as virtually other Seafarers and two SUP mem­ Radiophoto shows Liberian flag tanker World Peace jammed up against railway swing bridge at El Ferdan in Suez Canal. Tanker ran into bridge on December 31, causing a three-day jam of ship­ ping at both ends of the vital waterway. Dad Lost, Family Of 5 Faces Uncertain Future Lake Charles, La.—Like 23 other families struck by tragedy in the loss of the Southern Districts, Mrs. Thomas T. Nichols faces the New Year with a heavy heart—and the future of providing for her four small children without their father. Seafarer Thomas Nichols, 29, was AB aboard the ill-" fated ship. For the present, Mrs. Nich­ ols plans to remain at her resi­ dence near Lake Charles until the oldest of her children, nine-yearold Winston, completes his present school term. After that, she said, she may move to Birmingham to live with a sister. The first word Mrs. Nichols had that the ship with her husband aboard was missing was when an account of the search for the Southern Districts appeared in the daily newspapers. Since then she contacted the company offices of the Southern Steamship Company, operator of the ship, in Wilming­ ton. SIU representatives have been constant contact with her since It first became known the ship was missing. At first, Mrs. Nichols was In dire financial circumstances. Then, SIU Welfare Services ad­ vanced her $100 and now the com­ pany has sent to her $153.80, repre­ senting the new amount of wages due her husband, plus $500 as his clothing allowance. Decision to Come Questions concerning what may have been the fate of the missing Southern Districts are holding up payment to Mrs. Nichols of the SIU's $2,500 death benefit, a $1,000 double indemnity insurance policv which her husband had in force Mrs. Thomas T. Nichols is shown at home with her four children, Winston, 9; Thomas T. Jr., 2; Johnny Ray, four months and Freda Gai^ 3. Loss of husband aboard Southern Districts has left her with virtually no financial resources. and insurance which would pay out the balance due on a 1954 automo­ bile which Nichols purchased re­ cently. These questions may be settled by the Coast Guard ruling expected to result from a hearing in the Southern Districts case now being conducted by a Coast Guard investigating board in New Orleans. Meanwhile, Mrs. Nichols i^ fnak- ing ends meet on the sums she has received to date. Won't Abandon Hope Of course, she and the children, Winston; Freda Gail, 3; Thomas T. Jr., 2 and Johnny Ray, four months, will be the last to give up the final ray of hope that some clue to the missing Southern Districts and the fate of the crew'will'bd UhcoVer^d: confirming charges that the Southern Districts was an un­ safe vessel for seagoing pur­ poses. An announcement handed to the press at the start of the hearings stated, "The commandant of the Coast Guard has withdrawn authorization for unlimited ocean and coastwise routes for LSTt y p e vessels." Coast Guard in­ spectors are al­ ready boarding LST's upon ar­ rival in port and picking up their ' Gelardos certificates, jjending further action. Indications are that the ships will be severely restricted in fu­ ture movements if allowed to sail at all. Ten LST's still sailing are affected by the order including four other SlU-contracted ships: the Southern States and Southern Cities, sister ships of the South­ ern Districts; the Bethcoaster (Calmar); and Excello (Excello). Other ships affected are the tend­ ers S-21, S-23, S-24 owned by the California Company, New Orleans; the R. W. Mcllvain, owned by the Pure Oil Company; the Coos Bay, owned by H. W. Irwin of Oregon; and the Eagle, owned by Gulf Oil. SIU Represented Hearings on the loss of the Southern Districts and her 23-man crew opened with SIU representa­ tives in attendance, and participatRepresenting the office of SIU General Counsel Seymour W. Mil­ ler at the hearing is Israel G. Seegar. Three members of the Sea­ farers Union who had sailed with the ship testified as to the poor condition of the vessel. Numei'ous leaks, malfunctioning cf pumps and steering gear, rusted, nearly rotted-through decks, doggeddown "doorways to crew quarters, and wooden plugs in holes below the waterline were cited as con­ tributing to the unseaworthiness of the missing ship. Victor Matukas, loading foreman at Port Sulphur also testified, stat­ ing that he had put 3,900 tons of ore into the hold at the direction of the captain. First repoi'ts had it that the ship was carrying only 2,659 tons. This raised the'ques­ tion, of an overload, and subse­ quently, there was doubt indicated that the ship had sufficient free­ board. Meanwhile, the Southern Steam­ ship Company, operators of the Southern Districts, belatedly added another name tq the list of miss­ ing crewmembers. He, is Sotlrios Gelardos; OS; 22,' whose next of bers were listed as missing along with nine officers. The hearings heard the ill-fated ship described by Seafarer Charles E. Collins, AB, as "one big bucket of rust" at the time he got off the vessel in the Todd Shipbuilding Company yards here just before she sailed on her last voyage. The vessel was put in drydock here for repairs after having run aground in Tampa. •Afraid Of Ship' Collins testified he had been going to sea since 1939 and the Southern Districts was the "first ship in my life 1 was ever afraid to ride." Explaining he left the ship after being a member of the crew about three months, Collins said he just didn't want to make the trip North "in the rough weather you find up there at this time of the year. "She groaned and creaked too much for me," he testified. "She was a terrible steering ship. If the weather got just a little rough, she would fall off as much as 10 to 15 degrees and nobody said anything because nobody, the officer on watch or anybody else, could do any better." Patches Over Holes Collins said it was the practice never to do any chipping aboard the Southern Districts, but to paint over the rusty deck and hull plates. On four different occasions, he said, he saw the mate welding patches over holes on deck. Once, he said, the chief mate (Continued on page 17) Boss Still Chisels Pay You think the bosses today are any better when it comes to chisel­ ing their employees on overtime and other items than the employers of years ago? Not according to the US Labor Department's Wage and Hour Divi­ sion, which investigated 6.600 firms in the New York-New Jersey area during the year just ended. The Federal ageney found that one out of every two employers investigated had violated either the overtime, minimum wage or ehild labor requirements of the law. The Federal wage minimum is now 75 cents per hour. Viola- • tions on this score alone were found in 450 cases. On the good side, the division also reported a collection totalling $1.2 niillion in back wages for 16,000 workei's throughout its jurisdictions ' �raie Four I15;'-^' SEArARBRS January 7. 195S tOC 'Right-T«-Work' Laws REVIEW of TRIALS and APPEALS # CONDUCTED JULY-DECEMBER 1954 f This is the fourth review of trials and ap­ peals conducted under the SIU's constitu­ tion and printed every six months in the SEAFARERS LOG. This review covers the period from July 1, 1954, through December. 31,1954. Once again, the limited number of cases reflects the determination of the membership in all but a handful of instances to abide by the standards adopted by the membership in the Union's constitution. The first trials and appeals report, believed to be\inique in the labor movement, was is­ sued on July 10, 1953, and subsequent reports have been issued at the six-month intervals. As specified in the SIU constitution, all trials must be conducted by elected rank and file trial committees from which officials are barred. Standard courtroom procedure is followed as closely as possible, with proper notification of the accused, cross-examina­ tion, presentation of defense witnesses and similar procedures provided for. The consti­ tution also specifies ah appeals procedure to a rank and file appeals committee, as well as a final appeal to the international convention. All such steps pass for review before Union membership meetings. In the last six months there have been six trials, all of which resulted in findings of guilt. In one trial the membership non-con­ curred in the findings, turning down the trial committee's recommendations. There were no appeals made during the period. Names of accused individuals and of their accusers are not used for purposes of publica­ tion. September 9, 1954 September 23, 1954 December 2. 1954 Accused: B-770, Accuser: S-3. Accused: Z-33, Accusers: S-2, S-33. Accused: S-823. Accusers: T-5, W-1. Charges: While a crewmember aboard the Steel Seafarer, accused was found to have marijuana in his possession and was taken off ship by Customs officials. Trial Committee: Peter Jomides J-65, D. B. Moon M-664, George Fleming F-138, Michael Dusevitch D-433. J. T. Higgins H-43. E. A. Olsen 0-37. Findings: Guilty as charged. $100 fine and one year's probation. (Above findings were non-concurred In by the memberahip as penalty levied was In violation of the SIU constitution.) i t November 18. 1954 4" Accused: C-221, Accuser: M-1. Charges: On evening of November 10, 1954, in the course of special dedication ceremonies for new Union Hall in Balti­ more, accussed became intoxicated and used violent, abusive and obscene lan­ guage in presence of members, officials and guests. Trial Committee: C. Bedell B-139, G. Perry P-371, R. Musselwhite M-293, W. B. Baylors S-633, H. Wheeler W-179. Findings: Guilty as charged. Suspended 90 days and a $50 fine. Charges: Entered Baltimore hall on Sep­ tember 20 in drunken condition and inter­ fered with agent's discharge of duties by invading port agent's office and disrupt­ ing conduct of Union business. Behaved in a disorderly manner in the Union hall. Trial Committee: James Corcoran C-18. A. Bearden B-204, Charles Moss M-502, Vincent Quinn Q-10, Kay Nichoison N-161, Robert Pomerlane P-437. Findings: Guilty as charged. "$50 fine and an apology to the port agent. 4" August 12, 1954 t 4" Charges: Came into New Orleans hall badly ^Intoxicated. When asked to leave hall by authorized official refused to do so. Had to be removed from hall on four separate occasions when intoxicated and caused disturbance in the process. Trial Committee: S. Mancino M-386, C. Lewellyn L-194, C. Wright W-239. W. Mitchell M-22, H. Gunther G-174. Findings; Guilty on both counts. $fOe fine. $ 4^ jr December 2, 1954 Accused: F-216, Accuser: W-1. Accused: 0-12, Accusers: D-136, B-137, Charges: Accused, without authoriza­ C-95, L-285. tion from the membership, employed an Charges: Left watch in engine room temporarily but failed to return and was found sleeping in quarters under influ­ ence of alcohol. On various other occa­ sions turned to under influence of alcohol causing general disturbance aboard ship. Trial Committee: H. B. Belts B-395, J. Johnston J-225, W. A. Young Y-5, J. W. Ward W-4, H. H. Hurlstone H-375. Findings: Guilty as charged. $50 fine. outside commercial photographer, and at­ tempted to get him into the New Orleans hall to take photographs of special Union proceedings and information, for the pur­ pose of unauthorized and unlawful dis­ closure of such private Union business and proceedings. Trial Committee: Same as above. Findings: Guilty. Expelled from mem­ bership. Crew Blasts Transfer 'Piracy' NORFOLK—Crewmembers aboard the former SIU ship Seacoral dramatized the protest of all American seamen against the Maritime Administration's ship transfer policy last week when they hoisted the traditional flag of piracy—the skull and crossbones—on their vessel to emphasize that it was pirat­ ing American wage standards ship's American registry was actu­ "Jolly Roger" on the ship's stern. and stealing American sea­ ally surrendered on Dec. 25, the The vessel's career as a "pirate m... ji,(.,... men's jobs. The Seacoral and six other ves­ sels were approved for transfer to foreign registry during the past two weeks in a "clarification" of the MA'S earlier-announced "halt" on trainpship transfers. The Gov­ ernment ship agency completely reversed itself one day after de­ claring no more transfers would be permitted, when US tramp opera­ tors raised a howl. Fifty-seven dry cargo Liberty ships had been okayed for transfer to Panamanian and Liberian regis­ try when the short-lived "halt" in transfers was called last month. Now the "clarification" has already given the green light to seven more. It is explained by the MA as a move to enable vessel owners whose applications for transfers were already processed to take ad­ vantage of the Government escape hatch transfer policy. 23 SIU Ships Gone Nineteen former SlU-contracted vessels have already been trans­ ferred, in addition to the Seacoral and three others of those just okayed, the Taddei (Shipenter), National Freedom (American Wa­ terways) and the Marven (Interna­ tional Navigation). Thus, a total of 23 SlU-manned ships are involved cut of 64 US Libertys which have switched registry altogether. Reports indicate that there are up to 12 more transfer applica­ tions pending before the MA, some or all of which still may be ap­ proved. About one-third of these are probably SIU ships also. Meanwhile, events aboard the Seacoral, which arrived here De­ cember 31 from Yugoslavia to load coal for Japan, caused somewhat of a sensation. Although the ' Opening gun in AFL-CIO efforts to block adoption of anti-labor "right-to-work" law in Maryland was fired recently by Father William J, Kelley of Catholic University, noted authority on labor legislation. The clergyman called "right-to-work" laws "immoral.** His remarks kicked off rally for Maryland labor held in hiring hall of new SIU Baltimore hall. new Liberian registry did not ar­ rive until six days later-. Thus, with the ship in port and officially no longer entitled to fly the US flag, SIU crewmembers hoisted the ship" ended soon after, however. The Liberian registry papers and a new crew of Greek seamen ar­ rived to take over, and she became just another "runaway" instead. Travelers Check Draws End Exchange Rate Loss A favorable response toward the SlU-sponsored use of travelers checks for issuance of draws in foreign ports has been reported from the Steel Apprentice. Although the- ship stopped in obscure ports where currency exchange can tain went ashore and dug up some be a real headache and where local exchange. Better Money Exchange travelers checks are not wide­ ly known. Seafarer Leon White reported that the checks proved their worth. White, who was chief electrician aboard the Apprentice, said that the only difficulties came in a few shoreside shops where local people were not familiar with the way travelers checks work. He predict­ ed though that once their use becomes general. Seafarers will have no difficulties on that score. Used In Basra Among ports in which the travel­ ers checks were used satisfactorily were such out-of-the-way places as Basra in Iraq and Massawa, Eri­ trea. Of particular advantage. White noted, was the fact that draws could be issued the night before arrival in port, eliminating the alltoo-common aggravating delay in issuance of currency. Under the old system, the crew often had to wait for . the draw while the cap­ The travelers checks meant that crewmembers were receiving the equivalent of US money, which they could exchange themselves. TR most places this meant getting a better rate of exchange than they would get otherwise and con­ sequently more purchasing power for the dollar. The advantage of carrying the equivalent of American money was underscored by the experience of the Steel Artisan crew last sum­ mer at an Iranian port. The com­ pany agent in the port gave the crew Iranian rials at the rate of only 32 to the dollar. The legal rate of exchange at the time was 80 to 90 rials to the dollar. The Union has since taken this matter up with the company, and the Seafarers involved are now en­ titled to receive the difference between what they got and the legal exchange rate, amounting in some cases to as much as $100 a man. MENTION OF THE WORDS "TAFT-HARTLEY" TO LAWMAKERS and other interested parties usually stirs up a dust-cloud of argument and controversy. However, despite the emotional nature of the issue, the incoming Congress could perform a great service to the nation if it set afoot a move to examine just how the law has been working in certain areas. After all, Taft-Hartley has been on the books for VA years now. Leaving the legal technicalities and the political slogans out of the picture, there is a good opportunity now to examine how the law has been administered in certain areas and how it has worked out in various industries. Such an examination would determine, among other things, whether the law has worked to stabilize management-labor relations in any given area. The examination would be of particular value if it took a long hard look at various vital industries, including the mari­ time industry. Your Union cannot vouch for what is happening elsewhere, but it is the contention of the SIU that the administration of T-H in maritime has served to hurt legitimate unions in this industry and promote the interests of the waterfront section of the Communist Party. This is a serious charge, but your Union is convinced that it is in a position today to offer definite and very real evidence on that score. The manner in which the law is being administered by the National Labor Relations Board is opening the floodgates to the Party and on the verge of giving it a field day in maritime. All parties will agree, including the Seafarer, the shipowner and the administration in Washington, that the worst thing that could happen is to let any section of the industry fall into the hands of the water­ front Communists. The chaos and instability that would result would be a severe blow to our merchant marine, which is already plagued by numerous problems. Yet the narrow, legalistic outlook employed by the Labor Board is in effect promoting the chaos that the law seeks to avoid. The sittiation today calls for a realistic approach to what could be­ come a major national problem. This organization is ready and willing to make its case before any interested Congressional committee. Your Union believes that there is a genuine opportunity here for interested Congressional groups, to put a halt to developments that could be detrimental to this nation's security. 4' 4" t YOUR UNION, AMONG OTHER ORGANIZATIONS, HAS BEEN putting up a beef for quite some time about the use of "runaway" flags for ship registry. While this has been of considerable concern to the maritime Industry, those on. the outside have not felt the impact and consequently have shown little interest in the problem. Now, it appears that some people are trying to interest other corpo­ rate enterprises in registering a dummy front outfit in Liberia as a means of escaping US wages and taxes, just as the shipowner does. It has been suggested, seriously, that motion picture produ-'.-on com-j panics be incorporated in Liberia. The production companies would be created as dummies for the purpose of making films overseas in other countries for the American market. Neither the country in which the film was made, nor the US, would be able to tax the profits made by the production company which would be a "Liberian" concern. All this, of course, would be quite different from the practice of cer­ tain Hollywood outfits of making pictures "on location" overseas,! since these companies are still US firms and subject to US taxes. YetJ even this practice has been cause for concern for craft unions in thef industry whose employment is affected accordingly. It appears then, that Liberian registry possibly offers a threat tc far more than the maritime industry, and the practice should rightlj become the concern of'all of the'dabor'movement. �rr JmaUmrr 1, 19SS SEAFARERS LOG Pain» Fhr* Movie Go's Also Eye $ CG Playing 'Possum As Under Flag Of Liberia Seafarers Rap Test Plan . Professor Frabjous J. Entwhislle's dream is coming true. .J'he apparent reluctance of the Coast Guard to announce open hearings on its proposed A New York attorney and accountant has suggested, seri­ system of physical and mental tests for screening seamen has failed to halt the snowballing ously, that US motion picture companies should incorporate opposition to the plan this week as Seafarers in all ports echoed the SIU's formal rejection oi the scheme. in Liberia to escape US taxes• A resolution adopted unani­ sist of an exhaustive series of ex­ industry late last year. Following and wages, after the fajhion pany pays no taxes tP Liberia be­ mously at the New Orleans aminations to check mental and the publication of a story in the of US steamship companies. cause all its business is done out­ branch meeting December 15 and physical characteristics such as a LOG on the subject, a spokesman Readers of the SEAFARERS LOG will remember that Professor Pntwhistle, a handy figment of the imagination, put forth a grandiose theory of mass transfer of Ameri­ can industry to runaway flags. His theoix as appearing in the August 20 LOG, was simple enough. If all of American industry followed the e.xample of shipping companies and transferred to runaway flags, their profits would be tremendous because they wouldn't- have to worry about wage standards, safety provisions, taxes, strict inspection systems and the like. Of course, under the non-existent professor's system, millions of Americans would be unemployed and the US standard of living would go to pot, a slight handicap that doesn't seem to worry the transfer addicts. Straight From Shipowners Now an attorney named Julian Weiner actually wants to translate this fantasy into the real thing. Weiner learned all about it by working for a shipping company— naturally. In a headlined story in "Variety," show business bible, he says that American film companies "have neglected to investigate the possibilities of Liberia, to his know­ ledge the world's only democracy where native corporations aren't required to pay taxes in income derived from outside the country." In other words, shipping com­ panies incorporated in Liberia don't pay any income tax as long as they stay away from that coun­ try—something which isn't too hard for a busy shipowner tp do. Movie companies, says Weiner, can do the same thing. It's all very simple, says Weiner. The movie company, organizes a Liberian corporation. The Liberian corporation makes the picture somewhere outside of Liberia. The picture is sold to a US distributing company, with the sale taking place outside the US. Consequently, the Liberian com­ side of that country. And it owes npthing to Uncle Sam either. Even if the company was incor­ porated in Liberia but had to make its picture in the US it would not have to pay taxes on earned income from showing the picture in for­ eign countries. "Ultimately," Weiner concludes, "the earnings of the Liberian com­ pany, accumulated tax-free, could be distributed to its stockholders via a corporate liquidation taxable as capital gain." —Move over Professor Entwhistle. Make room for a real-life rival. concurred in by the district-wide membership at the last meeting pointedly supported the SIU dec­ laration of Nov. 26 that "if any proposals such as that advanced by the Coast Guard go into effect in any shape or form whatever, that the Uhion is prepared to reopen its contract and negotiate a pension plan specifically to protect Sea­ farers who are deprived of their livelihood by the Coast Guard's scheme." There has been little favorable comment so far on the CG's pro­ posed brain-body tests, which con­ man's sense of smell, family back­ passed off the, entire affair as ground, shipboard record (as seen something very tentative and a by the captain) and similar items. matter which was yet to be put 'Questionable,' Says Expert before the Coast Guard's legal de­ Many medical authorities, in­ partment. cluding a psychiatrist who renThe "maritime unions" had comdered an opinion on the proposals ; pletely misinterpreted the intent of at the request of the SEAFARERS the CG, he said. Most observers LOG, sharply question the value of were inclined to discount the ex­ the entire procedure for determin­ planation that CG attorneys hadn't ing the man's fitness to sail. even seen the proposals as highly Meanwhile the Coast Guard con­ unlikely in the case of such an ex­ tinues to maintain silence on what plosive matter. Pressed to name it plans to do regarding the draft a date and place for a hearing on of physical and mental standards the proposals before they are put which it began circulating in the into effect, the CG still remains miute. Attack On Jones Act In line with SIU members' de­ nunciation of the scheme as "an outright power grab which could result in blackballing out of the industry any seaman now sailing" and "an underhanded attempt to wreck the Jones Act on behalf of insurance companies and shipown­ ers," an analysis of the entire Coast Guard draft by a man who has been sailing as a master for years and who has suffered from diabetes for 30, is particularly in­ teresting. Preferring to remain anonymous, the captain, now a harbor pilot, notes how the regular meal hours and steady life aboard ship have aided him immeasurably in his affliction and adds that under the CG scheme of things he, as a dia­ betic, would not be allowed to sail. He adds that the same could apply to such sea immortals as Matthew F. Maury, a diabetic who later also •suffered the loss of both legs. An outstanding seaman a century ago, Maury's discoverie.S^n ocean cur­ rents and similar data are still vital to navigation many years after his death. Also cited as being unac­ ceptable under the Coast Guard's plan would be George Washington Explanation of how SIU shipping system works is presented by Union headquarters representative because of facial smallpox scars Keith Terpe (right) to group from New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Cor­ and John Paul Jones because of nell University. They are, (left to right) Joseph Risluccia, Professor Maurice Neufeld, Seafarer Ed his background of illegitimacy. Larkin, who arranged for the visit, and Miss Naomi Spatz. Larkin is currently attending the school. If' College Group Briefed On Rotary Shipping YOUR DOLLAR'S SEAFARERS GUIDE TO BETTER BUYING Beware Vacuum Cleaner Deals So many workingmen's families are buying expensive vacuum cleaners from house-to-house canvassers on the installment plan that it's time we have a frank airing of this problem before many .Seafarers' families get involved in these costly deals. Buying a vacuum cleaner solely on the basis of a home demonstration without comparing other makes is definite­ ly not the way to shop. Some families who can ill afford the expense, have found themselves signed up to pay as much as $250 for a cleaner with a lot of extra attachments. Some other makes of cleaners sold house-to-house cost $00-$100. "This is not as steep as $250, but even so, you should know that you can go to a store and buy one of several makes of excellent cleaners for as little as $50-$60, and often, less. The lower prices do not mean these vacuum cleaners are inferior. In fact, some of the lesscostly cleaners are actually more efficient than several of the most expensive makes sold by canvassers. In one case, 'the canvassers gain admittance to the homes by representing that your name has been picked out for a TV quiz. As one woman reports her experience: "You get a phone call stating that your name has been picked, and would you be home on such and such a night;. In order to verify that, the caller says, they will have a man call the same day and he will tell you about the quiz, ^ut when he calls, he has the cleaner." • In the first place, the Government home economists have recommended, don't buy a cleaner for the attach­ ments. Dirt-removal capacity .and convenieiice oL use are more important. You can generally add attachments as you need them. The $250 set mentioned above has such varied attachments as one for polishing or waxing floors; another for polishing silver, shai'pcning knives, etc.; a sprayer and other attachments. But if you really did need all these tools, you could buy separate ones, plus an ex­ cellent vacuum cleaner, for much less than the cost of this set. Tips on Buying Cleaners Canister-type vacuum cleaners have become popular because they are compact and easy to emptly. They have no dust bag but use paper disposal bags or dust containers which are easy to empty. Too, many of the canister clesfners are more powerful than tank or cylinder-type cleaners, and thus'more efficient for cleaning large rug areas. In shopping for a cleaner, one of the points to compare is the motor capacity. Some of the more powerfui tank and canister-type cleaners have one-half to one horsepower motors. Here are other points to check; Try out the various makes of cleaners to see which clean well and are convenient to handle. See if the dust contain|r or bag is easy to remove, the cord is long enough, the attachments are easy to insert, and the rugcleaning nozzle is adjustable to different heights of rug pile. One of the most reasonably priced of all the canistertype cleaners is the Eureka Roto-Matic. Even at its list price of $69.50 it sells for $20-$30 less than other national brands, and many discount houses and independent re­ tailers sell it at net prices ranging from $41 to $54. It is an outstanding value, and is S convenient and efficient c^aner. ... • . - . Written exclusively for THE SEAFARERS LOG. by Sidney Margolius, Leading Expert on Buying Among other well-made canister vacuum cleaners are the Lewyt, Apex and Universal, although they cost more than the Eureka. Among the more reasonable and well-made tank-type cleaners, the Hamilton Beach is well-constructed and one of the most convenient to use. It moves on swivel wheels instead of skids like most tank cleaners. Hoover cleaners are generally powerful and well constructed but are among the costlier makes. The mail-order houSes—Sears, Montgornery-Ward, Alden's and Spiegel—also have their own brand vacuum cleaners at reasonable prices. The Montgomery-Ward cleaners are made by Eureka and are excellent quality. For a small home where there are no large rug areas to clean, and where the cleaner is used largely for gen­ eral household cleaning, a light but efficient low-priced make is the Regina Elektrikbroom. It weighs only six and one-half pounds and can be hung in a closet like a broom. It lists at $49.40 but is available at discounts for $40 or less. Beware Bait Ads As this department has warned before, avoid being caught by bait ads on television and in newspapers for rebuilt cleaners at fantastically low prices, like $12.50 or $15. These offers are generally a ruse to get you down to a store .where the salesman disparages his own "bar­ gain" cleaner and attempts to high-pressure you into buy­ ing a much more expensive one. If the salesman is reluc­ tant to sell you the advertised special and attempts to get you to buy a higher-priced cleaner, you will be safer shopping elsewhere., , n 's • - n, --"•I • 4 �JsBuarr 7, idte itlFiiREkk idc W' Union Host At Holiday Feasts m m: m FIELDS TO STAY IN HUNGARY—The mystery of Noel Field ap­ parently will remain unsolved. The Hungarian government has an­ nounced that Field and his wife had asked for and received asylum In that country. Both had recently been released from Hungarian jails after disappearing behind the Iron Curtain five years ago. Still to be heard from is Hermann Field, brother of Noel, who was imprisoned by Poland and recently released. si- ii> S> t> DRAFT CUTS ANNOUNCED—A scheduled reduction in the Army from 3,300,000 to 2,815,000 was announced by the Defense Department. Further draft calls will be cut in half from 23,000 to about 11,000 a month and draftees will have their term of service reduced to 23 and 22 months as against two full years at present. it NEW MOSCOW PURGES—Four more Soviet officials have been shot after a military trial on charges that they were associated with the conspiracy of the late Lavrenti Beria, former secret police head. West­ ern observers, on the basis of evidence available, conclude that mili­ tary leaders are gaining more and more control in the Soviet Union. 4i Sparkling new Baltimore cafeteria had full house for Christmas Day dinner. 4 3) INSECURE SECURITY CLEARANCES—Security clearance methods of Government agencies will undergo Congressional L vestigation as the result of contradictory treatment of a veteran Federal employee. The employee. Wolf Ladejinsky, has worked in Japan for several years as a land reform expert and was given full clearance by the State Department. Recently his job was transferred to the Department of Agriculture, and he was then dismissed as a security risk on the basis of his personal file in the State Department. FRENCH REVERSE SELVES ON GERMAN ARMS—After first voting down German rearmament, the French Chamber of Deputies reversed itself and finally approved proposals to bring West Germany into the European military alliance. The first vote on Christmas Eve caused anxious concern in the US and Britain. Despite the subsequent re­ versal the whole episode emphasized France's dubious outlook toward German arms. 4" i 3) HOLIDAY DEATH TOLLS SOAR—A two day Christmas weekend chalked up a record of 391 traffic deaths with another 123 deaths from other causes. Officials were busy toting up New Year's weekend traffic deaths, a holiday which usually produces large numbers of auto accidentf COLD WAVE GRIPS ALASKA, SIBERIA —Fort Yukon, Alaska, shivered from a chilly 66 degrees below zero last week while radio reports from Siberia spoke of temperatures of 88 below zero. The coldest weather recorded is 90 below zero, a reading, taken in 1892, Family of Seafarer Robert Banister (left) celebrated holiday in New Orleans. in a Siberian village, but it is believed that Antarctica's interior can On the heels of the successful Thanksgiving dinners served to Seafarers on the beach outdo that performance, in all ports, the Union again played host to the shoreside membership on both Christmas and New Year's Day, Turkey was king on both occasions as Seafarers toasted the holiday season in proper style. —— The Christmas dinner also tained on New Year's day. The sahdwiches on New Orleans French served to inaugurate the new­ new Baltimore hall cafeteria was bread, plus cases of ice cold beer. .t IV' ly-refurbished recreation room in the SlU's New Orleans hall. Only finishing touches and installation of equipment remain to be done in the new room which will serve as the recreation center for Seafar­ ers on the beach in that port. At headquarters, 286 Seafarers, wives, children and other guests enjoyed the Christmas dinner of turkey and smoked ham, while a smaller number, 238, were enter- host to another large group of Sea­ farers, with other halls setting up for meals in the hiring hall or in nearby eating places. Monday Treat :New Orleans Seafarers got some extra kicks out of the holiday fes­ tivities when they showed up for the Monday morning job call, two days after Christmas. They found a supply of leftovers on hand in the form of turkey and ham 4> All hands enjoyed an Impromptu snack right after the 11 AM job call with the patrolmen doing the honors. The holiday dinners have been traditional with the SIU for the past few years, and always attract a good number of Seafarers who have gotten off their ships to be PARIS TO PERFUME SUBWAYS—The llibway system in Paris will home for the holidays, or who are be perfumed with woodsy scents in an effort to make underground on the beach waiting to ship out. travel more attractive. Thus far there has been no word from New during the holiday week. York, Philadelphia or other US subway towns on plans to follow suit Cartoon History Of The SIU Due to the fighting in Korea, in July, 1950, the drafting of men into the armed forces was speeded up. Deferments were given men in some essential 4ndustries, but seamen weren't included in this cate­ gory. The SIU warned of the dangers if any real shortage of skilled seagoing manpower developed. 4i STOPS ON DIME AT 632 MPH—An Air Force officer came to a dead stop from a speed of 632 miles per hour in IVi seconds in special Air Force tests. The only ill effects suffered were two black eyes re­ sulting from his eyes being thrown forward against his eyelids. The test was conducted on a rocket sled mounted on rails. Air Force scientists estimated that the officer was subjected to pressures equal­ ling 35 times his own weight. * ^ ^ ^ PERU LOTTERY HUNTS FOR 325G WINNER—Officials of Peru's national Christmas lottery are still looking for the holder of the win­ ning ticket, worth $325,000 in American money. No one has turned up to claim the cash. Bran Call The problem grew serious as more ships came out of the mothball fleets. The Union got deferments for some rated men, but the practice's of local boards varied. Some men were deferred, while others sailed into the ^ar zone with troops and sup­ plies and then were drafted off the ships. No. 80 Since there was ho firm national draft deferment policy, tffe SIU took its case to the draft directors in each state. Still the confusion continued. Final­ ly, in December, the Maritime Administration called • a m'eeting of all sea unions on the issue. The draft­ ing of ^skilled seamen continued unchecked, however. �January 7, 1955 SEAFARERS LOG page Seven SIU NEWSLETTER Tips For Seanieii On Filing 1954's Revisrd Income Tax It now appears that most of the maritime legislative proposals to be considered by the 84th Congress which just convened in this city will ^ be those sponsored by the Government, rather than by industry. These measures are those included in the so-called Murray Report, put out some time ago by the Commerce Department. They will include recom­ mendations which will be of aid to both subsidized and non-subsidized American steamship lines. Many of the Commerce Department proposals will prove to be more or less noncontroversial. HoVrever, one in particular, and incidentally one of the most important, will be subject to criticism by the General Accounting Office and possibly the Bureau of the Budget. This is the ship construction revolving fund which both the Commerce Department and steamship lines want to restore to existing law. Such authority originally appeared in the 1936 Merchant Marine Act but subsequently Congress refused to appropriate moneys for the fund. Into this fund would go appropriations for vessel construction and certain receipts from Government mortgages and sales of vessels. 4^ 4. t With the going getting a little tougher for some lines, US-flag com­ panies can be expected to push for Congressional sapction, or for Mari­ time Administration permission, to continue to transfer vessels to foreign flag, and without restrictions which have been imposed in the past by the MA. The flrst'shot in such a campaign was fired recently when a group of companies took the position that restrictions imposed in recent years by the Government on transfers appear open to challenge. Thus, not only will they seek the right to transfer, but want the privilege of doing so without any strings tied to the deal. ' 4" 4- The White House* is thinking in terms of crippling the 50-50 shipping ,law passed last year under which at least 50 percent of aid cargoes would be carried by US-flag vessels. The strong possibility is that President Eisenhower will ask that this law be amended so as to exempt , from its application US surplus agricultural commodities sold abroad for foreign currencies. In addition, he may ask for exemption in the various off-shore routes, engaged in by (ramp lines—foreign-to-foreign . ports not involving US areas. The 50-50 law passed last year specifically included agricultural com­ modities and foreign-to-foreign trades. President Eisenhower, after signing this measure in the last Congress, asked the Justice Department for a special report on its vai-ious features. However, many quarters here feel that it is doubtful whether such a report will be made at all in that the President now would rather have no such opinion at all than a written adverse (to him) report from Justice. 4" 4" 41 Many steamship interests in this city, contacted by this reporter, appear ready to sit back this year and not suggest too much in the way of maritime legislation. However, they are very much interested in, and will watch closely, the action of Congressional Appropriations Committees to attempt to prevent riders and strings being tacked on to maritime appropriations. For example, there is a good chan^ again this year that the House or Senate Appropriation Committee, in connection with appropriations for the Foreign Operations Administration, will attempt a rider to the effect that no funds shall be used for ocean transportation in an amount higher than the world market rate—which means simply that American tramps would get little of the FOA aid cargoes, with foreign tramps carrying the vast majority. Such a move on the part of the Appropriations Committees, if suc­ cessful, would completely emasculate the 50-50 shipping law. t 4. 4" adopted during 1954 as well as many of the general tax pro­ visions that apply to seamen. Generally, with very few excep­ tions, seamen are treated no dif­ ferently under the tax laws than any other citizen or resident of the US. (The non-resident alien sea­ man must also file a return, but the rules are not the same for him.) WHO MUST FILE. Those un­ der 65 years of age earning over $600 and those over 65 earning over $1,200 must file a Federal tax return. WHEN TO FILE. Tax returns must now be filed by April 15, 1955. The new law extends the reporting deadline another 30 days. Previously, it was March 15. How­ ever, the April 15 deadline is waived in cases where a seaman is at sea. In such instances, the seaman must file his return at the first opportunity, along with an af­ fidavit stating the reason for filing late. Another tax rule specifically .af­ fecting seamen governs situations where a seaman signs on in one year, signs off the next and gets a statement of his wages and the tax withheld TW-2 form) from the shipping company when he signs off. Under such an arrangement, it is possible for a seaman to have no income in one year and the equivalent of two years' income in another. In order to alleviate this situa­ tion, the seaman can report the total of his allotments, slops, draws and other cash items as in­ come in the first year, and then deduct this amount from the total income reported on the W-2 form he gets in the second year. He cannot claim any tax with­ held in the first year either, but 4i The "piggy-backing" by water of trucks and rail cars carrying freight will be looked into by Congressional Committees in the next few weeks in an effort to see whether something cannot be done to encourage the use of this system more. Three well-known domestic companies are negotiating right now with the Interior Department for i-ail car/truck ferry,-ights on the US West Coast between Puget Sound and points in Alaska. These com­ panies are Luckenbach Steamship Company which would like to enter into the picture jointly with the Coastwise Line and Alaska Steam­ ship Line. However, Interior feels that there is room for such a service only for one company so that eventually Alaska Steamship or Coastwise-Luckenbach may have to drop out of the picture. The ships to be used in this Puget Sound-Alaska service would carry up to 100 rail cars each. National Bulk Carriers also wanted to institute Such a service but ' its proposal submitted to Interior was deemed to be not responsive. In the meantime, on the US Atlantic Coast, Sea Trailers, Inc. has applied for the right to institute a truck-ship service between NoiTolk and New York. Sea Trailers wants the Government to advance a loan of over $8,000,000 to finance construction of two vessels, each of which would carry 160 trailers of 30 feet in length at a rate of $67.50 per trailer. 4" Now that 1954 has departed and 1955 has arrived to take its place, most, of us are beginning to realize that the income tax collector c an't be far behind. Accordingly, since several Seafarers have requested information on the application of the new tax laws to seamen, the ' LOG has compiled a digest of er's wife, and can aiso be claimed , gross income for drugs and medj icine can be deducted. the most important changes by both of them. 4» A question that is continually raised by Atlantic Coast steamship lines Is the extent to which East Coast ports may suffer from Great Lakes competition when the St. Lawrence Seaway project is opened up for business. The seaway will open up for big ships in about four years^ with completion of work expected in the fall of 1958. When constructed, the canals and channels connecting the seaway project will be a minimum 27 feet deep. Those in charge of . its construction insist that the St. ^ Lawrence geaway will not hurt the competitive standing of old established East Coast ports. They say that both the US and Canada, as a' result of the completion of the seaway, will experience a vast expansion of wealth; and that the areas to be served by the seaway are to become more in­ dustrialized as the consequence of cheaper bulk transpoi'tation. .i-.-f'.lli'i.-. OOiiMr'. JO go Wiiican claim all of it for the second year when he files his return along with the W-2 form. HOW TO FILE. The wageearner who has average expenses (amounting to ten percent or less of income) and an income of under $5,000 is advised to use the short form. Those with income of un­ der $5,000 but with higher than average expenses can use either the long or short form and those with income of $5,000 or more must use the long form. A husband and wife should file a joint return on either the long or short form to take advantage of the split income provisions, even if the wife has no income. Single persons should use the long or short form depending on their deductions and/or income. EXEMPTIONS. Each taxpayer is entitled to a personal exemption of $600 for himself, $600 for his wife, an additional $600 if he is over 65 and another $600 if he is blind. The exemptions for age and blindness apply also to a taxpay-JiU '.-Ill In cases where .a man's wife lives in a foreign country, he can still claim the $600 exemption for her as his wife. However, if she has income in the foreign coun­ try, it cannot be taxed by the US. In addition, a taxpayer can claim $600 for each child, parent, grand­ parent, brother, brother-in-law. sister, sister-in-law, and each uncle, aunt, nephew or niece dependent on him. The dependent must have received less than $600 gross in­ come, and be a resident of the US, Canada, Mexico, Panama or the Canal Zone. A change ih the law permits a child under 19 or a student over 19 to earn over $600 and still be eligible as a dependent if the tax­ payer provides more than one-half of his support. Another change in the law en­ ables a seaman who is contributing (with other relatives) more than ten percent of the support of a dependent to claim an exemption for that individual, provided the other contributors file a declara­ tion that they will not claim the dependent for that year. Previ­ ously, a taxpayer had to provide more than half the support in oi'der to claim the exemption. Deductions DIVIDEND INCOME. If a sea­ man has income from stock divi­ dends, he can exclude the first $50 he receives as dividend income from his gross income, and then take a tax ci-edit of four percent of all dividends received after July 31, 1954 (less the $50 previously deducted), after he has determined what his tax would otherwise be. CONTRIBUTIONS. Previously, a taxpayer could only deduct for contributions of up to a flat 15 pei'cent of gross income. Now he can deduct up to 20 percent of gross income for contributions to charitable institutions, and an ad­ ditional ten percent of gross in­ come in contributions to churches, hospitals and educational institu­ tions. INTEREST. Interest paid to banks and individuals on loans, mortgages, etc., is deductible. TAXES. State and city retail sales taxes, property and school taxes, state stamp taxes on securi­ ties, state gasoline taxes, auto li­ cense and drivers' license fees and state income taxes are all deduc­ tible. MEDICAL AND DENTAL EX­ PENSES. All expenses over three percent of gross income for doctor and dental bills, hospital bills, medical and hospital insurance, nui-se care and similar costs can be deducted. All expenses over one percent of .".ii, , i'it; ••J'*!!.' '1, ; • ;.1 !•! : However, deductions of all ex­ penses for medical services, drugs and medicines are limited to a maximum of $2,500 for each ex­ emption claimed, up to a total of $10,000. The three percent rule on medi­ cal services does not apply in cases where a taxpayer is over 65, but the one percent rule on medicines and drugs does. This entire section was rewritten last year, since the law previously limited deductions for medical and dental expenses only to those over five percent of gross income. CHILD CARE. This is a brandnew provision allowing a deduc­ tion of up to $600 to a widower, divorced or legally separated tax­ payer toward the cost of providing care of a child under 12 or a person physically or mentally incapable of support, regardless of age. This expense is deductible only if its purpose is to allow the taxpayer to remain gainfully employed. It cannot be claimed if the pa.vment for child care went to a person who is already claimed as a de­ pendent on the same return. ALIMONY. Periodic payments of alimony to a wife in accord with a written agreement between them can be deducted. Previously, only alimony which was required by a court decree was deductible. CASUALTY LOSSES. The rea­ sonable value of all clothing and gear lost at sea due to storms, ves­ sel damage, etc., for which the tax­ payer is not otherwise compen­ sated, can be deducted as an ex­ pense. The same applies to fire loss or losses in auto accidents which are not compensated by in­ surance. LOSSES DUE TO THEFT. Per­ sonal items the loss of which can be proven are deductible. WORK CLOTHES, TOOLS. The cost and cleaning of uniforms and a m MI ::1 • .'Ji I '^1 -'i • 3 J J work clothes which ordinarily can­ not be used as dress wear can be deducted. This includes protec­ tive work shoes, gloves, caps, foul weather gear, clothing ruined by greasd or paint, plus tools bought for usq on the job, or books and periodicals used in direct connec­ tion with work. UNION DUES. Dues and initia­ tion fees paid to labor organiza­ tions or professional groups, and most union assessments can be deducted. TAX CREDIT FOR RETIRE­ MENT INCOME. A tax credit of up to $240 is allowed for individ­ uals against retirement income such as rents, dividends and earn­ ings at odd jobs. This is a new provision important to retired sea­ men or their widows. Federal payments of Social Security bene­ fits and SIU disability benefits ar« not included. J I I i il �Tast Eiffbt MEET THE SEAFARER ^y - • W-' '"i-i ., 'ft' • •t' . viS?"-' Kr January 7«' 1^55 SEAFAR Ems LOG After burning for three days in the outer roads of Singapore, the Danish freighter Lexa Maersk was beached by tugs in 23 feet of water. A fire of unknown origin broke out on the vessel, whose cargo included 1,800 tons of rubber. The 62 persons on the ship, including 12 passen­ MAURICE "DUKE" DUET, Bosun gers, were all taken off safely ... A new city-built pier replacing one on the same site which burned in 1947 has been turned over to Grace One of baseball's most loyal from them and from people in the Line for its Caribbean passenger liner service out of New York. The devotees is Seafarer Maurice game." $12 million Pier 57 is a double-decked affair resting on three buoyant Before Duet knew it he was neck Question: Do you think Ameri­ "Duke" Duet. Introduced to the deep in baseball as a combined cement boxes that jut out into the Hudson and are themselves usable can ships can be made safer for game at first hand by shipmates field manager, schedule-maker and as a huge underwater cargo-storage area. the crews? aboard the Mississippi cruise ship business-manager. "I went to the e 44» Victor Litardi, MM: One thing Del Norte, Duet rapidly graduted company," he recalls, and got them The highest monthly traffic volume In the history of the Snex Canal we ought to have on all ships is a to the managerial post of the Del to chip in 50 percent toward the cost of uniforms and equipment. map showing the used the waterway during the month of October, 1954. The number of position every Norte Stars. From there he went We raised the other 50 percent chips was 1,154 with a total of 9.1 million tons. Petroleum shipments day. Then if on to head the SIU Beachcombers ourselves and were in business as accounted for 5 million tons of the total . . . Due to be ready for her something hap­ and now he has plans to run a team a fully-equipped club." Pacific run in May, the Canadian Pacific Railway's train ferry. Princess Under Duet's tutelage the Stars pens^ and the men in Little League competition. of Vancouver, is being completed in Glasgow, Scotland, for an early are in a boat, launching. The 15.5-knot vessel is designed to make three round trips In between it all, the 28-year old won trophies in Argentina, playing they can have an Seafarer has sandwiched in his local clubs. Subsequently after rid­ daily between Vancouver on the mainland and Nanaimo on Vancouver idea which' direc­ regular work as a Seafarer and ing the ship a while, he got off and Island. She will be fitted to carry 800 passengers and 28 boxcars or tion to- go in. I right now he's deck maintenance one of the Star's pitchers, Leroy 115 automobiles or a combination of both. hear of plenty of on the Antinous, a Waterman coast­ Seals, got off the ship with him.. ,4. t cases of men wise run. "Seals was a good pitcher," Duet New York harbor extended its traditional welcome to 163 new ships heading in the wrong direction said, "so I got the idea of starting Started On Shrimpers totaling 1.4 million tons last year. Of the total, only 14 flew the US when land is only a few miles away. a shoreside team." That was the Baseball was the furthest thing beginning of the SIU Beachcomb­ flag. Norway led the list with 26 new ships, Germany followed with 24, 4" it 4i Fred Lewis, MM: All we need from Duet's mind when at the ers, a Union - sponsored group Japan with 20, Liberia with 16 and Great Britain with 14. Tankers accounted for the largest segment of new tonnage, comprising 62 new are some modem ships that can tender age of 12 he first started to which played semi-pro teams go to work on shrimpers and tug­ around New Orleans and attracted vessels of 808,968 tons . . . The stern part of the 80,000-ton. Liberian do the job which boats out'of New Orleans. For a quite a bit of attention to the tanker World Concord, which broke in two during a gale in the Irish these old work­ few years he worked summers and Union. Sea last month, has been towed into Belfast, Northern Ireland, from horse ships we other odd times on the boats until Duet made,a point of scheduling Scotland, to be put into drydock. The forepart of the tanker now is have now are do­ he was old enough to get his sea­ games for the Beachcombers in all anchored off Belfast waiting for experts t& decide whether to try to ing. The LSTs men's papers. That was in the parts of the city so that many New and other ships join the sections. midst of World War 11, and Duet Orleans natives who had never built for emer­ 44* 4* spent the next couple of years on gency purposes A new shipping line will enter the fiercely-competitive trans-Atlantic have no business various SIU ships out of the Gulf. heard of the SIU became acquaint­ service next April as the Europe-Canada Line. It will offer regular sail­ being on the open When the war ended Duet ed with the Union for the first time through the ball club. ings from Bremerhaven, Le Havre and Southampton to Montreal during sea. That LST settled down as a regular on the The Beachcombers had a lot of the summer months and to New York via Halifax during the winter. that was lost last month with over Delta Lines' South American run The firet crossing will be made by the 11,734-ton motorship Seven Seas 20 men aboard is a typical case. both on the passenger vessels and fun, he recalls, because his man­ ... The 4,037-ton English^ Channel ferryboat Cote d'Azur crashed into the freight ships. It was there that agerial methods were a little on 4' 4" 4) a jetty in Calais harbor, but the mishap apparently caused no severe he was first introduced to baseball. the unorthodox side. "I've-figured Abraham Mander, MM: Ships all along that the team would do injuries. Thirty-one passengers and 63 crewmen were badly shaken can be made a lot safer even As Duet recalls it, a fellow Sea­ its best if we had a good time and up, however. though US ships farer, Tex Melting, talked him into enjoyed ourselves. So we used to 4> 4* iiiis• probably have a trying out for the Del Norte Stars throw a party after almost every Shipping in the international waters of the Danube River finally better safety rec­ in 1950. "I had never played base­ game. It worked out fine for us." appears to be reviving after a lapse of many years. For the first time ord than in most ball before" Duet recalls, "but Just recently. Duet became th# since the war a Hungarian boat crossed into Germany as a German tug other countries. I Tex had an idea that I could pick proud owner of a new home in towing three barges arrived in Belgrade, Yugoslavia . . . The second wouldn't be able up the game and be of help to New Orleans. "I bought a place Norwegian ship transferred to Turkey in less than a week has been to say which item the team." right in back of a baseball dia­ turned over to her new owners at Halifax, NS, and renamed the Seyhan. is more important Duet didn't get much encourage­ mond," he said, "and I'm going to The former Norviken, a 3,097-ton fi-eighter, is one of several vessels than another, but ment from the Stars manager, so try to set up a kid's team. If things acquired by the Turkish Marine Bank as a result of a recent purchase there sure is subsequently he and some other work out, I'll convert my garage negotiated in the US. something wrong crewmembers organized a scrub into a dressing room for-the team. when a ship like that LST with 23 team to challenge the regulars. It will be pretty convenient that men can just disappear. When the manager got off the ship, way, Although ore and grain tonnage dipped sharply, throughout the 1954 4i 41 4* crewmembers elected Duet to take "I would never have been able to season, coal movements on the Great Lakes during November, 1954, Pat Mulholland, OS: There his place. do all this," he concluded, "if it were a half million tons greater than in the same month of the year ought to be more attention to fire weren't for the fact that the SIU before ... In Baltimore, however, the situation was reversed. Graip and boat drill, Bought Some Books made it possible for me to earn a shipments nearly doubled during October, while coal movements regardless of the "At the time I didn't know any­ good living going to sea. I've dropped 20 percent . . . Storms in the South Atlantic battered several weather, even thing about baseball" he confessed, certainly had a lot of fun over the vessels, including the Panamanian grain ship Vori. Leaking, but re­ though it's a "so I went out and^bought myself past few years and I think all the ported to be in no danger, the vessel received a Coast Guard escort nuisance some­ some instruction books and picked boys who were with me enjoyed it into port. She was 95 miles off Bermuda. up as much information as I could as much as I did." times. On one recent trip we could . hardly lower the boats and then it took six men to crank ACROSS 3. Country W of 19. Where Mobile 35. Kidd or Teach them up again. Kenya is 36. Titles The CIO International Union of the company's stock to keep an­ 1. Our union 37. Girl's name 4. 4» 4" i Cut 21. Strife and span 4. Electrical Workers won another other company. General Tire, from 38. Malicious 5. Through 22. It's served in Sellg Freilich, oiler: They cer­ 8. Curves burning Sloppy Mol's 6. That is: abbr. 39 Festive 12. Crewmember tainly can be made a lot safer. round from the independent gaining control of Motor Products 23. Shade tree 43. Nude 7. Island near 14. The cook . The Maritime United Electrical Workers Union through stock purchases. It is 24. Child 44. Paid notices Greece serves it 26. Part of the 45. Precious ' Admi; trati o n in an election at a Magnavox plant feared that the latter move would 8. Friend, in 15. Morocco port ship stone loss of contract benefits and Paris or the Coast in Greenville, Tenn. The CIO got mean 16. Emigrant 29. Tower in Fla. 48. Job for 9. Get back jobs. 18. Short sleep 30. S bill Moran 10. Freight Guard or who19. boy! 31. Harbor 47. Part of "to 11. Part of ship 4 4 4 soever is re­ 847 votes to 743 for "no union." 20. Agriculture: 32. Army issues be" 13. Girls' names abbr. 33. Nova 50. River in Italy The independent union is the one 17. Island H of sponsible ought Seven locals of the Internation­ 21. Large rolls of Ccbu (Puzzle Answer On Page 17) to see to it that which was expelled from the CIO al Brotherhood of Teamsters bills 23. When we they are built ac­ as a Communist-dominated organ­ (AFL) will receive wage increases choose officers cording to more ization. 25. Alabama: abbr. of 35 to 66 cents an hour in two 26. Florida: abbr. rigid standards year agreements effective January 4" 4* 4" 27. Unit of and get better, weight 28. Musical note A four-month period of grace 1. Approximately 20,000 members inspections. I just came back on are involved. The locals represent Peddler's a C-2 that split a couple of plates was given to the Norwalk Lock teamsters in Philadelphia, Norris- i craft 31. In this manner Company by the Government after on the way over. 33. Boy an appeal by Machinists Lodge town and Chester, Pa.; Wilming-i 34. Cape in Mass. ton, Del.; and Camden and At-j 4" 4 4" 35. Cushion Charles Shirley, 2nd electrician: 1294 on behalf of 500 workers at lantic City, NJ. 36. Joe or Whitey 39. Admiral's It's mostly in the design of the the plant. The company had filed boats 4 4 4" , a bankruptcy petition and was ships, in items 40. African native operating on a month-to-month 41. Period of time like having your Part of New York's product 42. Underwater basis when the Goverment de­ supply has been cut'off by a five-j motors and mo­ hazard cided to liquidate its operations. tor parts mote 43. Hard day old strike of 1,200 produc substances accessible ii: an handlers and truckmen, member 45. Seaport suburb 4 4 4 e m e r gency so of Istanbul of Teamsters* Local 202. " Chaii] 48. Girl's name A novel tactic to keep their jobs store supplies are not affected that you can 49. Ship^ owner has been undertaken by members the strike. The produce men ar work on them. 1 31. Seven Club, Glascow Everybody of Auto Workers Local 1217 em­ asking for the same kind of io 32; City in Alaska ployed at the Deepfreeze plant of crease as other Teamster loci knows that it's S3. Sheep always the Motor Products Corporation in unions received recently. Mediatoj DOWN Chicago. Approximately 1,100 are attempting, to resolve the wrong part that breaks down at ir The Baltic 3r Word ending just the wrong., time. " , vyorkers in the plant, are buying. pute. . 'O'i, - •• •;f«''!nC7fA fir!) "h; >!fa.. ffiiiTl^tl* 'rrlfii ihi'tTV'iiVii'lT'ii ' �•» January 1, 1955 SEAFARERS SE;AFAliERS^I.06 'Hey, Waif For Us!' Published biweekly by the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic & Gulf District, AFL, 675 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn 32, NY. Tel. HYacinth 9-6600, Cable Address: SEAFARERS NEW YORK. LETTER Paul HALL, Secretary-Treasurer of the Janaory 7. 1955 Vol. XVIf. No. 1 Editor, HIRBEJIT BRAND; Managing Editor, HAY DENIEON; Art Editor, BERNARD SEAMAN; Photo Editor, DANIEL NILVA; Staff Writer*, HERMAN ARTHUR, IRWIN SPIVACK At MASKIN; Cull Area Reporter, BILL MOODY. 110 Page Nin* LO.G WEEK J I New Angles American maritime unions, who have been voices in the wilderness in the fight against transfers, may be getting a helpinf hand"soon. Indications are that other American busi­ nesses are showing an interest in the advantages of corporate registration under the "runaway" fiags. If such developments do take place, the transfer problem is going to assume im­ portant dimensions in American industry as a whole. At any rate, efforts are being made to interest motion picture companies in the tax advantages of Liberian registry, and other outfits are no doubt studying the gimmick to find out if there's anything in it for them. Meanwhile, shipowners are sailing merrily on their way through the wide-open loophole provided by the Government. Th& Government is taking no action whatsoever to block the loophole, and some of the operators are demanding that tlTey be able to transfer without the annoyance of having to get any Government approval at all. It's to be expected thiat operators of standard cargo ships will be next in line once all the Libertys are gone. Anytime somebddy waves the stars and stripes, some ship­ owners are the first to pop up like so many jacks-in-the-box and sound off with sonorous phrases about the American Way of Life. But as soon as they see visions of a fast buck, the haste with which they will abandon the flag is positively indecent. This IS old stuff to Seafarers who have seen it happen time and again. It's about time that shoreside individuals and organizations started taking a long, hard look at the meaning of all these transfers and their implications. , : t i Unseaworthy The Coast Guard's action in pulling the certificates of sea­ going LST's is pretty convincing evidence that the seaworthi­ ness of these vessels is open to serious doubt. Unf(#rtunately, it took two sinkings and the loss of 40 lives before the Coast Guard took such affirmative steps. These were wartime ships built for one-shot landing operations, and in the light of ex­ perience the makeshift strappings and other devices used to strengthen them were of dubious value. If there are to be final conclusions on the LSTs they will have to come out of the hearings now being conducted by the Coast Guard in New Orleans. The results of these hearings are of considerable importance to the families of the missing men who will look to them as a basis for claim­ ing compensation from the company and its insurers. But it should be understood that the Coast Guard does not rate as a disinterested outsider in these proceedings. Since it has authority and responsibility over a ship's seaworthiness, it would be difficult for the Coast Guard, with the most earnest intentions, to remove all tinge of self-interest from its con­ clusions. Looking back at the sinking of the Southern Isles three years ago recalls some interesting facts. At those hearings James B. Robertson, a naval architect, testified that the Southfern Isles was overloaded on four" separate occasions. He got the figures on the overloads from the Coast Guard itself, in Puerto Rico. Apparently the Coast Guard at the time merely registered the fact of overloading but did nothing about it. In the Southern Districts case, testimony has been offered showing numerous instances of patchwork repairs, malfunc­ tioning of vital equipment and other practices hardly con­ ducive to vessel safety. Here, too, there is no evidence that the Coast Guard made use of its powers to enforce safer pro­ cedures. ' Of course. Coast Guard inaction does not excuse the com­ pany which must bear primary responsibility for the condi­ tion of the ship. But the Coast Guard, which has spoken so much rec-^tTy of its concern for shipboard saftey, seems all too ready slough off responsibility to marine underwriters and the operators themselves. ^ It all points to a cynical, but nevertheless factual conclu­ sion—when it's a choice between the dollar and the safety of the crew, the dollar wins out &V often. That's one of the reasons why so many operators pr( !er a "runaway" registry where they can ovefload, Underman and undfer-fflaintaih their ships to their hearts' content without interference. •4 m J-m SIU's'54 Gains Worthy Of Pride To the Editor: I am writing you this letter and I hope you wiii pubiish it in the first issue in January because I think that is tlie logical time for ail of us Seafarers to look back and see what we accomplished dur­ ing 1954, and also to look ahead and try to figure out what we want to accomplish during 1955. First, looking back at the old year, I think that we Seafarers have every right to be proud of the gains which our Union has made. The increases we have gained in wages, overtime and va­ cation pay are just a few of the things I can name offhand. What's more, our Union has con­ sistently been a leadeK in the fight, not only to keep our own Union strong, but also to keep the ent i r e American merchant marine strong and to help seamen everywhere. Our Union, for instance, carried Korolia Uie fight to Wash­ ington for passage of the "50-50" bill, and after seven long years of struggle we finally won out last year. And as a result of this we not only helped ourselve.s, but other American seamen as well, and also the US shipping industry as a whole. The fight against letting US companies transfer their ships to runaway flags is another fight which our Union carried right to Washington. Fight For IJSPHS Program ' I I X'\I I Vot< One of the penalties of doing a good job as a ship's delegate is that the delegate is likely to be stuck with the post seini-permanently. At least that's what seems to have happened to James Flana­ gan, who is aboard the Mankato Victory (Victory Carriers). Flanagan was delegate for one trip and then re­ signed so that somebady else could get a crack at the job. But his shipmates "double-crossed" Flanagan him by reelect­ ing him/ Flanagan, who sails in the deck department, usually as AB, has been a Union member for a little over eight years, joining in New York on October 24, 1946. He lives in Huntington Station, Long Is­ I might also mention the fight our Union has waged against cut­ land, when not sailing and is 44 ting down the USPHS hospital years old. 3) 3) program. We waged this fight suc­ cessfully once, but now it looks An anonymous member of tjje as if the Government is at it again crew of the Archer's Hope got a and we must take up arms once hanji from shipmates because of more. his continuing efforts and coopera­ Right now our Union Is en­ tion in making repairs and keeping gaged in two other fights, and I her shipshape. The ship's pump­ am confident our efforts here wiii man-machinist was the one who also meet with success. First, our got the applause. He indicated his Union is fighting the phony crimp eagerness for more of the same by rig which has been set up in New promising he would do his best, York and is selling books to any­ with the cooperation of the engi­ body who has a couple of bucks neers, to fix the crew washing in his pocket. And, second, our machine and see that it suds up Union is fighting the phony Coast crew gear in approved fashion Guard proposals which would give fi-om now on in. the CG iron-fisted control over 3) t American seamen. Seafarer Lewis Riviere is one I think one thing we Seafarers Union brother who has appeared should remember is that our Union was alert to these dangers and got in this corner before, being dited right on the bail in the fight by his shipmates for taSty pastries. against them. It can never be said Riviere, who sails exclusively as night cook and baker, got the that we were caught napping. accolade again, this time from, the Well, that's a brief review of crew of the Seatrain New York on 1954. Now, how about 1955? I the coastwise run. think -that for 1955 each one of Riviere has been around "for a us Seafarers should resolve to be while" as the saying goes, joining ever alert and vigilant to the dan­ the SIU way back when, on Novem­ gers which beset our Union and ber 30, 1938. A native of the Brit­ to continue to work together ish West Indies, he now makes shouldei; to shoulder, as we always New York City his home town. have in the past, to safeguard the He's 63 years of age. gains we have made and to keep 3) 3) 3) the SIU "the best union in mari­ time." Crewmeinbers of the Aieoa (Mer) Korolia Boamer are some of the m: Thanks d Seafarers who are fired up about the Coast Guard's ambitious plans to put all working seamen on a physical and mental exam griddle. Seafarer R. W. Miller, chairman of the last shipboard meeting, put in a few minutes discussing the Coast Guard scheme and reminded the membership present that the way to lick it was to get busy writing Senators and Representatives in Washington, giving them the lowdown. Miller comes from North Caro­ lina, but now makes his home in Norfolk, Va. He joined the SIU in New York on May 24, 1949, and sails in the engine department. He's 34 years old. ^ i!! if Men aboard the Mississippi cruise ship, Del Mar, also were urged to write to their represent­ atives on the Coast Guard prob­ lem. The chair­ man of the last shipboard meet­ ing, Jack Bates, known affection­ ately to his ship­ mates as "Gator Mouth" told the crew to get on the ball if they wanted to keep Bates the Coast Guard from putting the screws on the Union membership and imperiling the seaman's right to work ships and earn a living. 'M t i 5. The holiday season is always a busy tim^5 for cooks everywhere, and steward department men on SIU ships are no exception to the general rule. Thanksgiving, Christ­ mas and New Year's Day are ail occasions for something extra special in the way of shipboard feeding, with each galley gang tiying.to outdo the other in putting up the best possible holiday feed. Among crews that made a point of noting the quality of holiday meals were the men aboard the Steel Rover (Isthmian) and the Frances (Bull). The Steel Rover crewmen called the Christmas dinner "wonderful." The Frances gang said that the food was "ex­ cellent." The adjectives might be different, but. the end result was the same, 9 well-fed end COU" tented crev , •1 :| :|| �W' January 7, 1955 Pace Eleven SEAFARERS LOG January 7. 195S Mi Not too long ago ^ jm- .m Seamen's defense committee waterfront office provided legal aid for arrested strikers. Seamen picket NY pier in 1936t Minutes before, police rode down 30 pickets. ' ^ New York Police give rush act to group of pickets in 1936 strike to clear way to pier. s illislliii sjiiiiii: "'Hi iiii iii F . III sliaiSiS || r ^ L I' 'V " ' r '"i % 11^- M'i Bitterest and hardest-fought waterfront (Strike was the now-famed walkout of seamen and longshoremen of 1934 on the San Francisco docks. Here p< SMiiia ise A vivid reminder that sea­ men's unions were torn on the picketlines Within the last 20 years are these photos of water­ front beefs before World War II. Between 1921, when the Government and shipowners broke the back of the old ISU, and 1934, when West Coast sea­ men led the way to a union re­ vival, seamen's conditions sank to rock bottom. Wages started at $22.50 a month and work­ aways made payless trips for the privilege of getting a job the next time around. Crews were turned to on "field days" and blue linen was the rule all around. Old union men either were blacklisted out of the in­ dustry or were careful to hide the fact that they once packed a union book. In the depths of the depres­ sion grumbling grew and out of desperation crewmembers took to job actions. Here and there the remnants of once-strong maritime unions kept halls open. The spark that touched off the rebirth o'f strong unions was the 1934 general strike when seamen walked off the ships in support of longshoremen. There wgre no funds and the men were ill-equipped for an ex­ tended strike but thepicketlines went up and stayed there de­ spite guns, gas and blackjacks. Subsequently, in 1936, East Coast seamen followed the lead of their West Coast brothers in a general upheaval of the mari­ time industry. From then on maritime unions were here to stay, although many a battle was fought in the years that followed and will be fought in the future. No doubt many readers of the SEAFARERS LOG took part in these strikes and some may recognize themselves or old shipmates in these photos. It was the sacrifices of these men, some of whom paid with their lives, that made it possible for seamen.to turn the tables on the shipowner., after. year|.. , bucko rule on the ships. M This 1940 photo from San Francisco shows SUP Sailors fighting on American President Lines pier. off Bridges-inspired raid hy shoreside union n A Not all strike scenes were furious. Idle lumber car­ rier sits peacefully at dock in '36 tieup. 1 Soup kitchens were essential to strikers. This one was in San Francisco in '36. iiil t > I 1 9 \ I % ' i ^ mmmmm k .«<r' ' Bedlrd 'hafd iW' W»UI»*kitch-e'A thn'in 1936. They were operated hy Maritime Federation of Pacific representing seamen and longshoremen. Federation broke up when Communists took it over. > �\w: • -it Pace TwelT* January 1> 1955 SEAFARERS idG PORTttEPORTS New Orleans: New Recreation Roem Makes Christmas Debut and Del Oro (Mississippi), and Ocean Dinny (Maritime Overseas). The following ships called in transit: Alcoa Clipper, Alcoa Pen­ nant, Alcoa Corsair and Alcoa Pilgi-im (Alcoa); Steel Advocate, Stfeel Architect, Steel Age and Steel Worker (Isthmian); Del Mundo and Del Oro (Mississippi); Morning Light, Monarch of the Seas, Bienville and Claiborne (Waterman); Marie Hamil (Bloomfield); Evelyn (Bull); Ocean Dinny (Maritime Overseas), and Seatrains Georgia and Louisiana (Seatrain Lines). Lindsey J. Williams New Orleans Port Agent Lake Charles: Port Affairs Smooth During Tho HoiMays Things have been running along A big Christmas party and din­ quite nicely in this port during ner was given in the New Orleans the past two weeks. hail on Christmas Day and all hands Calling in here during this agreed it was one of the most suc­ period were the Bradford Island, cessful affairs of the kind ever Council Grove, Salem Maritime held here. Bents Fort, Government Camp The dinner, which included tur­ Chiwawa, Winter Hill and Cankey, ham and all the trimmings, tigny (Cities Service); Val Chem was served in our new recreation (Valentine Tankers), and Excello room on the ground floor. Work (Excello). on the recreation room is nearly ^All of the above ships took on completed and it will be ready for 4" it 3) a few men so shipping picked up use as soon as paiiiting of the walls, quite a bit during the holidays .and final trimming and equipping the Boston: we were able to ship 40 men, most­ room is completed. ly in the deck department. Ship­ The pleasant atmosphere of the ping has now slowed down again new room contributed a great deal however, and we have enough men to the success of the Christmas on hand to handle any expected party, which was attended by many . New Orleans Shipping was fair in Boston dur­ calls. Voting to elect officials of the Union for the next two years is ' members and ing the last report period and the For our Seafarer of the Week proceeding at a brisk pace in San Francisco, with more than 200 i II their families and outlook for the future is pretty we nominate Brother Jack M. men already voting. Here Roy Alston drops his vote in ballot box 1. members from good. Johnson who sails mostly as third while members of balloting committee look on. Committee members I elsewhere who During this period we paid off cook, although he sometimes ships are (1-r) J. Ramos, Hans Skaalegaard and Luke A. CiamboH. were here on the the, Alexandra (Carras) and Bents as OS. All the benefits SIU men •f beach or aboard Fort, Council Grove and Logans enjoy were only obtained by hard San Francisco:. C. N. McKee, W. O'Conner, C. ships in port. Fort (Cities Service). These four work, Broth'^r Johnson says, and Gates, A. Begg, F. Votto, H. Skaa­ There was ships signed on and in transit were we must always be alert to see legaard, J. Thomas, E. Martinez, plenty of turkey the Chickasaw, Antinous and De that no one takes these benefits William Bause and T. M. Moriariand ham for all. Soto (Waterman), Robin Kettering from us. Hartlii t.v. In the hospital are M. Byers, In fact, there was (Seas Shipping) and Steel Vendor C. Brown, O. Gustavsen,,0. Klein, Men On The Beach such a plentiful supply that on and Steel Seafarer (Isthmiah). Although shipping has been only C. Neumaier, G. Promutico, J. On the beach here now are A. G. f.*xir here during the past two weeks Monday after Christmas we were All the payoffs were clean and PeiTiera, P. Yuzon, W. Center and able to serve turkey and ham sand­ there were no beefs of any kind (Tex) Alexander, Jimmy Phillips, the outlook for the future is ex­ P. E. Hugglns. J. A. Coyne, Tom Bolton, Red wiches and cold beer to all those iljf on any of the Kehrly and a number of others, all ceptionally good. Tom Banning who were present for the 11 AM ' above ships. San Francisco Port Agent During these past two weeks we spending the holidays with their job call. Everybody agreed the Ou^ selection paid off and signed on The Cabins t 4 4 post-Christmas "lunch" was some­ of a typical SIU families. But after January 1 they (Cabins) and iii transit were the will be ready to go again. Houston: thing like eating turkey hash at man this week is have no men in the hospital Pennmar and Marymar (Calmar); home, only better. Anthony J. Me- at We Steel Navigator (Isthmian), and this time. Beefs have ail been of a minor lanson, who is Choctaw, Azalea City, Hastings and nature here of late and the crews At our last meeting the deck known to his John B. Water­ m&mmm r of the Del Alba, Del Mar and Del department took over, with Te.x friends and ship­ man (Waterman). Oro (Mississippi) were accorded a mates as "Shorty.' Alexander serving as chairman and Lately we have Shipping has been very good in vote of thanks by the patrolmen J. A. Phillips as recording secre­ Shorty sails as Melanson been getting com­ this pox-* dui'ing the past two here for bringing in exceptionally engine utility, tary. Both men did a fine job. plaints that men weeks as the dispatcher's records clean ships. pumpman or (uler and his last ship On the local labor front things have'been refus­ show. Steward Given Thanks was the Queenston Heights. Dur­ are very quiet now, and the local ing orders aboard However, we do not expect this The steward of the Del Oro was ing the holidays he has been work­ political front is also quiet. It the ships. This pace to hold because we have no given a vote of thanks by the crew ing ashore, driving an Army truck, looks as if all the candidates are is definitely con­ payoffs scheduled during the next for a job well done on this ship's but now that the holidays are over waiting until after the holidays to trary to the two weeks. most recent voyage to West Africa, he intends to ship out again. start blasting their opponents. agreement, as We had no sign-ons during the McKee Everybody who ever has sailed this Also on the beach now are D. From all the members around there is a clause last two weeks but we paid off the run knows it creates plenty of Hines, R. Johnston, W. Canty and headaches for the steward, so W. Foster. In the Brighton Marine here to all the other brothers, in the agreement about obedience Margaret Brown (Bloomfield) and afloat and ashore—a Happy New to the master. If you think that had 14 ships in transit, as follows: Alexander Martin, the steward in Hospital are J. Fawcett, F. AlasaRepublic (Trafalgar); Seatiger question, certainly deserves a pat vich, G. Weddell and A. Hanpock. Year and good sailing during 1955 the orders given to .you are wrong, to one and all. carry them out anyway and when (Colonial); Logans Fort and French on the back and our nomination as James Sheehan Leroy Clarke you arrive in the payoff port you Cx-eek (Cities Service); Seatrains "Seafarer of the Week." Boston Port Agent Lake Charles Port Agent will be compensated if they are Texas, SaVannah and New Jersey Shipping has been proceeding at wrong. (Seatx-ain); Del Oro (Mississippi); a steady rate since our last report. Alexandra (Cax-ras); Steel Architect Shipping for permitmen has been 204 Men Cast Votes' and Steel Age (Isthmian), and particularly good. Bookmen have The voting for Union officials Golden City and Bienville (Water­ preferred to wait until after the is coming. along fine in this port man). holidays to throw in for jobs. It and at this writing 204 men have There were a few minor beefs on appears that competition will be voted. Anyone who has not voted the Steel Age and Margaret Brown keen in the immediate future, yet and wants to do so should do but these were squared away. though, as everyone will be anxious so quickly, because voting will end A. (Frenchy) Mlchelet to get out and we have only six January 15. Houston Port Agent payoffs scheduled for the coming Men now on the beach Include 4 4 4 two weeks. From the USPHS hospital here Tampa: we have received news that Samuel Cope and Benjamin Foster have been discharged to outpatient treatment after long confinement to the hospital. W^e hope they will We had no payoffs or sign-ons qualify for "fit for duty" slips sopn. in this port during the past two Arne V. Oisen, Jack Peralta and Shipping Figures December 15 to December 28 weeks but five Waterman ships Nicholas Tala also have been dis­ charged from the hospital and are REG. REG. REG. TOTAL SHIP. SHIP. SHIP. TOTAL called in tx-ansit. These were the expecting to ship in the near fu­ PORT DECK ENGINE STEW. REG. DECK ENG. STEW. SHIPPED Golden City, De Soto, Chickasaw ture. Boston 99 11 2 29 9 8 19. and Iberville, which called here 2 twice. Among patients recently ad­ New York ..' 123 . 75 96 294 91 71 68 230 All the ih-translts were visited mitted to the hospital are Kristian Philadelphia 23 24 26 73 10 16 35 and found to be in good shape, 9 Gunderson, August Brosig, Darrell with 'no beefs pending on any of Baltimore 114 92 75 281 70 54 Riley, Fred Fagan, Earl Garberson, 167 43 them. George Nichols and Enoch Gaylor. Norfolk 16 17 16 49 15 17 15 47 Cux-rently we ar8 receiving esti­ 8 Ships Pay Off Savannah 28 12 17 .57 20 9 47 mates 18 from contractors on improv­ During the last two weeks, 8 12 Tampa 12 9 15 36 5 5 2 ing the hall here. ships paid off here, 6 signed on Mobile 33 ^3 49 115 38 32 48 118 In closing, we would like to take and 19 called in transit. The Alcoa Planter (Alcoa); Steel 62 199 this opportunity to wish all of the New Orleanu 62 64 48 164 76 61 Architect (Isthmian); Del Oro, Del 64 brothers, afloat and ashore, a Houston 42 23 , 24 89 27 21 16 Happy New Year. We sincerely ^Santos, Del Mar and Del Alba 35 109 Seattle 37 35 32 104 38 36 hope they all enjoy good sailing (Mississippi), and the DeSoto and 9 47 throughout 1955 apd the years tol San Francisco 27 . 12 13 52 25 13 Iberville (Waterman) paid off. 6 come. • 4 Wilmlngtoh 7 6 6 19 2 0 Ships signing on were the Alcoa Benrde Gbiiiales, Aetinr^^:' Planter (Alcoa); Steel Advocate •Totala: • ^ 'l' 540 ' (Isthmian): Del Mundo. Del Mar ••'Tni Good Shipping Soon For Next Two Wooks Future Oullool( Seen 'Exeeptieuaiiy Geed' Shipping 'Very Good' Dui Drop Is Expected Dids Deing Received On Hall improvemente ii!:;?;.- li - 7' �-'i;^.-^..-;--.' - January 1955 -•' ' SEAFARERS L r Pare Tbirteoi LOG .......PORT REPORTS Savannah: SoHlh Atlantic, Bull Slilps Pay Off, Sign On Shipping has been mighty good in tills port during the past two -weeks. The outlook for the future is fair and we expect nothing out of the ordinary. During the last report period wc paid off the Angelina (Bull) and Southport and Southstar (South Atlantic). These three ships signed on^and in transit were the Robin Sherwood (Seas Shipping), Steel Admiral (Isthmian) and Seatrains Georgia and Louisiana, which each called here twice. There were a few minor beefs on the Angelina when she paid off but these were all squared away. Men now in the hospital are James Lee, R. L. Field, J. T. Moore, A. W. Lima, R. Carrollton, E. Webb, J. Littleton, George Chance, J. T. Kern, A. G. McLaughlin, J. B. Christy, J. D. Cannady, Frank Nel­ son and Fred Buckner. Jeff Morrison Savannah Port Agent 4* 4" Baltimore: Shipping Slow; Port O'Cali Being Readied Shipping in the port of Balti­ more has been on the slow bell during the past two weeks and the near future does not look too bright. We registered 281 men dur­ ing this period and shipped 167, which leaves quite a large nuniber of men on the beach. During this period we had 15 payoffs, 10 sign-ons and 8 ships in transit. The payoffs were as fol­ lows: Frances, Mae, Suzanne and Edith (Bull); Steel Age (Isthmian); Salem Maritime (Cities Service); Bethcoaster and Oremar (Calmar); Yaka (Waterinan), and Feltore, Chilore, Cubore, Baitore and Venore (Ore). Signing on were the Trojan Trader (Trojan); Oremar (Calmar); (Bull); Frances Yaka (Waterman), Sjoberg M a r o r e, and Feltore, Chilore, Cubore, Baltore and Venore (Ore). In transit were the Robin Mow­ bray (Seas Shipping); Bethcoaster and Portmar (Calmar); Alcoa Part­ ner and Alcoa Ranger (Alcoa), ^and Iberville, Chickasaw and Yaka (Waterman). Our new hall is proving a-won­ derful place to be in. Otir cafeteria is doing very well and our Port O'Call bar should be ready to serve patrons within the next two weeks, Wc"are expecting to make this one of the show spots, of this city. Voting Is Brisk Voting to elect the officials-of the Union for the next two years has been going on at a brisk pace here and I know that all records for this port will be broken. Per­ sonally I am gratified to see the members taking such an active in­ terest in their affairs, Our Seafarer of the Week is Brother A1 Sjoberg, who h^s been an SIU member from the very beginning and who has always been active in all our beefs and in all things concerning the welfare of the Union. His advice to the newer members is to always conduct themselves as gentlemen. In that way, he says, they will always be respected as gentlemem We cer­ tainly wish AL good sailing at all times in the future. In conclusion, don't forget te drop a line to the boys in the USFHS Hospital, Wyman Park Drive, Baltimore 18, Md. They are: Harry Johnson, Allen Myrex, George Bexton, Thomas Mungo, Daniel . Hutto, Thomas Ankerson, John Rekstin, Philip Korol, Walter Denley, Carl Chandler, Jesse Clarke, Roy Bell, W. Moore, Louis Firlie, Edsel Malcom, Timothy Less, Joseph Kozlowski, Joe McKreth, Robert McKnew and Harry Byrd. Happy New Year to all. Earl Sheppard Baltimore Port Agent 4 t^ Norfolk: Foreign Transfers Hit Shipping Here During the past two weeks the Chiwawa (Cities Service) paid off and signed on in this port and in transit were the Southport (South Atlantic), Bienville (Waterman) and Alcoa Partner (Alcoa). All of these ships were found to be okay. At this writing two ships are pay­ ing off in Hampton Roads—the National Freedom (American Wa­ terways) and the Seacoral (Coral). These two ships will sign on for­ eign crews hnd our checking shows that these foreign crews came out of- the phony New York crimp rig that the SEAFARERS . LOG ex­ posed. Coal Loadings Up Coal loading in Hampton Roads has been higher than it has been in many years, but is being carI'ied in foreign-flag ships. With all this, the outlook for the future here is not good. In the hospital now are I. E. Taylor, Isaac B. Duncan, Thurston Lewis and Colon Boutwell. These men received the Christmas bonus as well as the regular weekly hos­ pital benefit. Ben Rees Norfolk Port Agent $ « Wilmington: t in-Transits Expected To Provide More Jobs Shipping was very slow in this port during the Christmas holidays but tomorrow we expect to have two Waterman and one Calmar ship in transit so we may get a few jobs. We had no payoffs or sign-ons during the last two weeks. In transit, were the Pennmar and Marymar (Calmar); Citrus Packer and Azalea City (Waterman); Steel Navigator (Isthmian), and Liberty Bell (Tramp Cargo). Ernest B. Tilley Wilmington Port Agent New York: Robin Sbip Comes Qui; Dredge Takes Mere Men We are happy to report that shipping and business in the Port of New York remains good, and after everyone enjoyed a big Christmas we are all looking for­ ward to a happy and prosperous New Year for all hands. Although we did not have as many ships coming in for payoff as we normally have, shipping held up good. Permitmen had good shipping because a lot of the boys wanted to stay ashore until after the holidays. Shipping was given- an added boost when the Robin Goodfellow (Seas Shipping) came out of layup and took a full crew, and we also flew an additional 20 men down to Venezuela to the Sandcaptain, a dredge belonging to Construction Aggregates. Those boys have a steady job for the next 16 months if they stick it out for the duration of the contract. Ships In Good Shape All of the ships coming in here during the past two weeks-were in good shape, with their crews do­ ing a bang-up job on them. Dur­ ing this period we paid off 14 ships, signed on 5 and serviced 17 in .transit. The payoffs were as fol­ lows: Beatrice, Emelia and Elizabeth (Bull); Steel Apprentice (Isthmian); Seatrains New Jersey, New York, Georgia and Texas (Seatrain); Mankalo Victory (Victory Carriers); Archers Hope, Bradford Island and Royal Oak (Cities Service); Queenston Heights (Seatrade), and Robin Kettering (Seas Shipping). Signing on wei'e the Robin Sher­ wood, Robin Mowbray and Robin Money Exchange Rates Listed The following is the latest available listing of official ex­ change rates for foreign cur­ rencies. Listings are as of Janu­ ary 4, 1955, and are subject to change without notice. England, New Zealand, South Af­ rica: $2.80 per pound sterling. Australia: $2.24 per pound sterling. Belgium: 50 francs to the dollar. Denmark: 14.45 cents per krone. France: 350 francs to the dollar. Germany: 4.2 marks to the dollar. Holland: 3.7-3.8 guilders to the dollar. Italy: Average closing rate of lire to the doUar in Milan and Rome. Norway: 14 cents per krone. Portugal: 28.75 escudos to the dollar. Sweden: 10.33 cents per krone. India: 21 cents per rupee. Pakistan: 30.22 cents per rupee. Argentina: 14.2 pesos to the dollar. Brazil: 5.4 cents per cruzeiro. Uruguay: 52.63 cents per peso. Venezuela: 29.85 cents per hoiivar. SW HALL Goodfellow (Seas Shipping); Steel Admiral (Isthmian), and Liberty Flag (Gulf Cargo). In transit were the Wild Ranger, Arizpa, Chickasaw, Warrior, Antinous and Fairland (Waterman); Kathryn, Suzanne and Beatrice (Bull); Seatrains Savannah and Louisiana (Seatrain); Cantigny, Winter Hill and Government Camp (Cities Service); Alcoa Partner (Alcoa); Calmar (Calmar), and Re­ public (Trafalgar). Claude Simmons Ass't Sec.-Treasurer 4 4 4 Seattle: Tagalam Is Sehedttled To Come Qui Of Lay-Up Shipping has been very good in this Nortljwest port during the past two weeks and the outlook for the future is bright as we have the Tagalam (Seatrade) cOming put of lay-up and the Alcoa Pegasus is due in for payoff in Portland, Ore. Paying off here in Seattle during, the past two weeks wereM:he Seacomet H (Ocean Carriers) and the Cecil N. Bean (Drytrans). SigniM on were the Seacomet II and thF Coeur d'Alene Victory (Victory Carriers), and in transit were the Pennmar, Massmar and Marymar (Calmar) and the Azalea City, Citrus Packer and John B. Water­ man (Waterman). The Calmar ships, incidentally, are giving us one of our biggest headaches here, because nearly every week we have to request ad­ ditional stores for them to make the return trip to the East Coast. We generally have to request such things as coffee, night lunches and large quantities of meat, and the crews and delegates are very hot about this. This is a situation which we believe should be rectified and at our last meeting a motion was made and carried unanimously that headquarters look into the storing of these ships on the intercoastal runs. Guess that's all except to say that the severe cold and snow we had last year seem to be bypassing us this winter. We have had some rain, but who can complain about that when shipping is so good? Jeff Gillette Seattle Port Agent Mobile: Ariiiia Will Crew Up, 11 Ships To ?ay Off Shipping in the port of Mobile was good during the past two weeks and we shipped 118 men to various ships. We also sent 139 men to relief jobs in and around the harbor. During this period we had 8 pay­ offs, 6 sign-ons and 4 ships in transit. The payoffs, which \ver« all in good shape, were as follows: Monarch of the Seas, Claiborne and Arizpa (Waterman) and Alcoa Corsair, Alcoa Pilgrim, Alcoa Puri­ tan, Alcoa Run­ ner and Alcoa * Cavalier (Alcoa). Signing on were the Golden City (Waterman) and Alcoa Cor­ sair, Alcoa Pil­ grim, Alcoa Puri­ tan, Alcoa Runner and Alcoa Cava­ Nail lier (Alcoa). In transit were the Del Aires (Mississippi), Steel Advocate (Isth­ mian) and De Soto and Ibeiville (Waterman). » Coming iiy here for payoff dur­ ing the next two weeks are the Monarch of the Seas, Chickasaw, Claiborae and Antinous (Water­ man) and Alcoa Patriot, Alcoa Clipper, Alcoa Polaris, Alcoa Pointer, Alcoa Roamer and Alcoa Corsair (Alcoa). In addition, we expect to crew up the Arizpa (Waterman) which paid off here December 28 and laid up for about 10 days. This ship should take a full crew around January 8. Sails As Chief Steward In the spotlight, as Seafarer of the Week, is Brother Clarence Nail, who has been a member of ^ the Union since its beginning. Brother Nail, who sails as chief steward, is married, and has two grandchildren. He thinks that our Vacation and Welfare Plan ben­ efits are the best in the industry. Members currently on the beach include G. Troche, Marion Green, Walter Whitten, ChaHes Spencer, D. L. Parker, J. Wread and a num­ ber of others. In closing, we wish,to extend our sympathy to the family of Brother Robert Shell, who died since our last meeting. He is survived by a wife and other relatives. We also extend our sympathies to the fami­ lies of the crew of the Southern Districts and hope that some news about the men on this ship will be forthcoming. Cat Tanner Mobile Port Agent Philadelphia: Shipping Rise Noted; Standby Jobs Obtained Shipping picked up quite a bit in this port during the last report WILMINGTON, Calif 505 Marine Ave. FOHX WILLIAM.... 11814 Sj-ndicate Ave. period and it looks as if it will Ontario Phone: 3-3221 SiU, A&G District Ernest Tilley, Agent Terminal 4-2874 103 Durham St. continue for some weeks to come. ...673 4th Ave.. Bklyn. PORT COLBORNE BALTIMORS^. ...1216 E. Bkltimore St. HEADQUARTERS. Ontario Phone: 5591 SECRETARY-TREASURER Earl Sheppafd, Agent EAstem 7-4900 TORONTO. Ontario 272 King St. E. Moreover, we have been fortunate Paul HaU EMpire 4-5719 BOSTON 276 State St. ASST. SECRETARY-TREASURERS . 617V4 Cormorant St. in picking up the standby work for James Sheehan, Agent Rlctunond 2-0140 Robert Alatthews Joe Aigina " VICTORIA, BC Empire 4531 one of our contracted companies. Joe Volpian HOUSTON 4202 Canal St. Claude Simmons VANCOUVER, BO 298 Main St. WiUiam HaU A. (Frenchy) Mlchelet. Agent. .Preston 6558 During the past two weeks we Pacific 7824 LAKE CHARLES. La 1419 Ryan St. SYDNEY. NS 304 Charlotte St. paid off the Carolyn (Bull). SeaPhone 6346 Leroy Clarke. Agent HEmlock 6-5744 SUP BAGOTVILLE, Quebec 20 Elgin St. tiger (Colonial), Alamar (Calmar), MOBILE : 1 South Lawrence St. HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. Phone: 54.5 Cal Tanner, Agent HEmlock 2-1754 Phone 5-8777 THOROLD, Ontario 52 St. Davids St. Michael (Carras) and Republic NEW ORLEANS 523 BienvUle St. PORTLAND CAnal 7-3202 (Ti-afalgar). 532 N. W. Everett St. Lindaey WUllanu, Agent 113 Cote De La Montague Beacon 43.36 QUEBEC The Seatiger, Alamar, Michael MagnoUa 6112-6113 Quebec Phone: 2'707a 257 5th St. SAINT JOHN 177 Prince WiUiam St. and Republic signed on and in NEW VORK......67S 4tb Ave.. Brooklyn RICHMOND. CALIT...... Phone 2599 NB Phone: 2-5232 HYacintb 9-6600 transit were the Chickasaw, Fair450 Harrison St. NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St. SAN FRANCISCO Douglas 2-8363 Ben Rees, gent MAdison 2-9834 land and Gateway City (Waterman) Great Lakes District 2595 1st Ave. PHILADELPHIA ....837 Market St. SEATTLE and the Frances and Edith (Bull). Main 0.290 .4LPENA S. CarduUo, Agent Market 7-1635 133 W. Fletcher All the payoffs and sign-ons WILMINGTON 505 Marine Ave. Phone: 1238W SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St. Terminal 4-3131 BUFFALO, NY :. .180 Main SL were clean and all the ships gen­ Tom Banning, agent Douglas 2-5475 Phone: Cleveland 7391 678 4tb Ave.. Brooklyn Marty Brelthoff. west Coast Representative NEW YORK 734 Lakeside Ave., NE erally were in good shape, with HYaclnth 9-6600 CLEVELAND PUERTA de TIERRA, PR. .Pelayo 51—La 5 Phone- Main 1-0147 only a few minor beefs which Sal CoUs. Agent Phone 2-5996 DETROIT. 1058 3rd St. SAVANNAH 8 Abarcorn St. Canadian District Headquarter* Phone; Woodward 1-6857 were all squared away. JeS Morrison. Agent Phone 3-1788 531 W. Michigan St. .Ot St. Jam* St. West DULUCT SEATTLE ....2S«aast Ave. MONTREAL S. CarduUo Phoner Melraae 2-4110FLateau 8161 Jeft-eSlette. Agent Elliott 4334 3M1 B. Mnd ^ TAMPA imm-mi N. rramuin a*. HALiEAX. NJ.....,.....12I^^0^I^ SOUTH CmCAaO PhOBKi . Philadelphia Port Agent Bnc* 8-auS tUf , Whit*. A^l 0 none a-uaa •i •[ -• i-rrV '• • .1. ' �January 7, 1955 r Irl On Logans Fort, The Crewmen Sport Real Sill Smiles ii'' P l-i, v'l •' • j'r • w.", •Cf' •, |v • Sporting real SIU smiles as they pose for the cameraman are some of the crewmembers (left) of the Cities Service tahker Logans Fort. In the usual order are AB Pinnel, ship's delegate Lewis, wiper Brenanides, wiper Fielding, OS Alexander, wiper Copado and engine delegate McGee. At the right is a typical messroom scene. Photos were taken by Wm. Rapp, oiler, and S. Manuel, pantryman. Santo Domingo s Tops For A Flingo Even If Yc)u Gan't Speak Tfie Lingo (Ed. note: The following article was written by one of the LOG's roving correspondents. Seafarer Angus C. (Red) Cdmpbell, We think it speaks for itself.) During my recent literary absence from these pages I have been filling in as fashion editor on the "Hobo News." Nevertheless, I'd like to take this opportunity to offer some advice to readers of the LOG regarding mid-winter vacations. Personally, I can think of no finer place than Trujillo^ City, better known as Santo world that features neon-lit poetry the many beaches will offer you a pleasant day. You may even be Domingo. You can get there in the men's room. • :U • 1-- either by ship or plane. Air travel is quite safe, but you still have a cab ride from the airport. The speed limit here is 35 miles an hour—25 on the ^sidewalks. The selection of a hotel natural­ ly depends on your financial "buckground." If you're in the higher income brackets, like bookies and T V repairmen, you'll take up residence at "The Jaragua" where super - cleanliness is the rule. Here they don't change the linen — they throw out the whole bed. And nowhere else are, Campbell the chambermaids so well bred — or badly buttered. Just think how nice it would be to sit nightly on your own private balcony with a tropical moon shin­ ing down on your varicose veins. If you're looking for a cold one, the bar features "50 Mixed Drinks and How to Swallow Them." The bartenders are strictly tropical— they've always got their palms out. And this is the only bar in the Try "Mike's Place" Of com-se, this is not the only hotel in town. There's another nearby with 200 rooms and no baths. It's closed on Saturdays. As a last resort, if you're the kind of person who can stand anything, like a Pirate fan, you Ct.n stay at "Mike's Place." When you register don't be surprised if you have to make your own bed—but he'll give you a hammer and saw. For two dollars you get a room with an adjoining towel. Every building in the city faces the ocean — Mike's faces the incinerator. Room No. 7 doesn't have any ceil­ ing but that's okay—the guy up­ stairs doesn't walk around much. As for the bathroom, make sure you're a loud singer—there's no lock on the door. But some rooms have radio and television—boy, it would be great if they had elec­ tricity! As for air conditioning^ the porter comes around every half hour and blqws through the key­ hole. If he ever brings you a tele­ gram you'll never get him to stick it under the door. It's always on a plate. But no matter where you stay, in time to see "Miss Surfmaid elected. The only contestant I ever backed wound up as "Miss Sand­ bar." When the judges saw her they all wanted to know how long the body had been in the water. OFF WATCH This feature is designed to offer hints and information on hobbies, new products, developments, publication, and the like which S^mfurers may find helpful in spending their leisure-time hours, both ashore and aboard ship. Queries addressed to "Off Watch," SEAFARERS LOG, 675 Fourth Avenue. Brooklyn 32, NY. will be answered in the column or by mail, wherever possible. Fans of the off-beat in record­ enced photographer can make per­ ings will probably enjoy one of the fect exposures without figuring out latest offerings of a company called the compensating F-stop adjust­ Cook-Sounds of Our Time which, ment for every change in shutter in the absence of burlesque in speed. Introduced last year with many places, has taken the trouble a conventional Synchro-Compur to bring, it _righ.t .in.to_.the J.iyin.g. shutter, the Super Regent is now room—for your listening pleasure, available with the new Compulf anyway. The company set up its LVS (Light Value Scale) shutter. A change in the siiutter speed equipment in the pit of a New automatically changes the dia­ Jersey burlesque house and recorded the sounds of the pit- phragm to a correctly compen­ band playing music for the strip­ sated F-stop. Another feature of pers, the comedians' gags and skits the new model is a delayed action and the audience howling, stomp­ mechanism for self-timed pictures. ing and whistling. "Burlesque Un- It is synchronized at all speeds for censored" ($5.95) is a rare find both flash and electronic flash and that will be enjoyed by many. It lists at $89.50. t> t> ti may not make too much of a hit with the ladies, however, A different type of sea story in its own right is "The Blue Conti­ iSr t> . Ansco announces a new version nent," a chronicle of actual under­ of its Super Regent 35 mm coupled sea adventures by an Italian scientific-sport expedition of skindivers in the Red Sea. Wellstudded with photographs, the book provides a good accounting for the growing popularity of skindiving as a sport—both by itself and combined with underwater photography or offshore fishing. Seafarers who are enthusiasts for this sort of thing will doubtless find the reading entertaining and val­ uable for their own purposes. Writ­ ten in an exciting style by an actual member of the expedition, Ansco Super Regent Folco Quilici, the book is priced rangefinder camera with a boast at $5 and is published by Rinehart that now even the most inexperi­ & Co. LOG-A.RHYTHM: My Seafaring Son By Lillian Logan know a lad who went to sea. So this young lad who was so smart He went because the food was free. Got his papers and did depart. To work all week, then have to pay For his own keep was not his way. He sailed the seas, saw sights galore. One day he said, "Can'tcha see, Then one day met a gal ashore. mum, Now this same lad can't sail afar From a life like this no fortune'll Or spend his pay in the nearest come. bar. I gotta go where, come pay day. The dough's all mine and. I can Nor can he take time off at will. play He has to work to pay some bill. And he hasn't saved that "pile" yet Cards if I like, or spend it all 'Cause all his plans became upset. On one night's spree in some port The butcher man, the baker, too. o' call. Or, if I want, I'll work a while. Want their money when it's due. Then take off and live in style. And now there is a little boy "You may have to make your bed . . ." Who always wants .another toy. . If it's hot music and ton-id danc­ And when I'm tired I'll start to save. So Daddy still sails on the sea. ing yoij,'re looking for, this is the Then come home and never slave. But not because the food is free. place. If the dances were ever interpreted, the whole Kinsey report «.would have to be revised. (1) Members of what religion use a mosque as a place of worship? The music is so hot that the TV sets are equipped with asbestos (2) What was the motto of The Three Musketeers? screens. (3) What is the Earth's nearest neighbor in space: (a) Mars, (b) Take it from me, you'll love Saturn, (c) Moon, (d) Jupiter? Santo Domingd. Just leave the (4) After a card-game, a man winds up with $10.25 in nickels,,^ wife at home. dimes and quarters. If the number of quarters is one more than the number of nickels, and the number of dimes he has is twice the number of quarters less two, how many of each does he have? (5) Before the US went off the gold standard, what was the value of a double eagle? For obvious reasons the LOG (6) What is the name of the Indian chief who completely routed cannot print any letter or and destroyed the forces of General Custer? other communications sent in (7) Two men who later became Presidents of the US signed the by Seafarers unless the author Declaration of Independence in 1776. One of them was John Adams. signs his name. Unsigned, Who was the other? Was it: (a) Franklin, (b) Hamilton, (c) Jackson, anonymous letters will only (d) Jefferson? Things .jwere a lot different for a seaman in the days before the wind up in the waste-basket. (8) What famous building is located at Agra, India? SIU, says veteran Seafarer Thor Thorsen, who submitted the alcove If circumstances justify, the (9) Three cigars and one pipe will exactly balance 12 boxes of photo. This is the Christel Vlnnen, built in 1890, on which Thorsen •LOG will withhold a signature matches on a scale. One cigar and eight boxes of matches will exactly made a 13-month trip in 1913 before quitting the ship in Australia. on request, but if you want it balance one pipe. How many boxes of matches will balance one pipe? The first mate issued him a draw a handful of shillings before printed in the LOG, put your (10) How many men were op a dead man's chest? he left—and that was all the pay he ever got from that voyage, name on it; . (Quiz Answers On Page 17). Thorsen reports. ' IllllilPo Pay? 'A Handful Of Shillings' Sign Name oh LOG Letters •1 ' .i w,. d 'yeni �» Mixup Gives Crew Draw/ But In lOU's When a shipping company has its headquarters on the East Coast, and one of its ships comes out of lay-up on the West Coast, there's apt to be some coniusion. This Is what happened when the Oceanstar (Triton) came out of lay-up recentlj'. And, in fact, there was so much confusion that the crewmen found themselves getting part of a draw in lOUs, according to ship's delegate Wil­ liam J. Anderson. "This ship was taken out of the boneyard in Portland, Ore.," An­ derson reports. "But the company is a New York outfit and so there was a lot of confusion. In fact, when the ship got to Coos Bay, and we asked iof a draw, the captain didn't have enough money to cover it. We must say, to the captain's credit, that he used his own money to cover as much of the draw as he could, but the re­ mainder had to be given out in lOUs. "While it certainly was decent of the captain to do this, it must be noted that giving out a draw in lOUs is uncommon, to say the least," Anderson says. * M f a V • I. • ^ 8SAFARSRS 104 Jaasar? 1, 1985 ttlght Now Hofo A Cowboy By Spike Martin Seafarer Al Page, DM, proudly shows off his five-year-old son Steve as a "future deck maintenance man," during a recent visit to SIU headquarters. Steve, who is obviously a rootin'-tootin' cow­ boy right now, hasn't committed himself for the future yet. Broom-Swinging Bosun Goes Into Gear Ancd There Are DeacJ Ducks On The Mae During the fall and early winter months, when the hunting season is on in various parts of the country, the SEAFARERS LOG gets a lot of letters from brothers who think they're pretty handy V(^th a gun, and who like to report on what they've toted home from the hills.. broom. After landing, the ducks Apparently, however, ^one ing to Ralph's shipmate, third cook were hemmed in by the bulwarks Sid Berger, Ralph recently dem­ brother stands in a class by onstrated his ability with a broom and were unable to take off again. himself. In fact, he doesn't even need a gun to bag himself a bevy ^of birds. Just as old broom is good enough. This seagoing Deadeye Dick Is Balph Ruff, a Union oldtimer who generally ships out of Baltimore, and who's lately been sailing as bosun on the Mae (Bull). Accord­ by bringing down a pair of goodsized wild ducks while the Mae wa.s''crossing the Gulf of Mexico. Cementing Hawse Pipe , Ralph was cementing the hawse pipe when the ducks came in for a landing on the forecastle head, Sid reports to the LOG, and so he promptly knocked them off with a '\ - Just because Otto 6raham is the neighbor of a certain MD who was recently convicted of disposing of his wife was no^reason, in the eyes of patriotic Detroiters, for him to behave with such homicidal intent towards the world champion Lions. If Graham is wise he will stay out of Detroit hereafter. Local pride was cut to the quick by the Cleveland Brown's 56-10 drubbing of the Lions and revenge would be the order of the day. Actually Graham had a motive of sorts. His club had never beaten Detroit and he had never thrown a touchdown pass against them. Since professional football is, at best, little short .of legalized mayhetn, Graham could be excused for emulating his neighbor. Nimble-Footed Graham is justly famous for his passing skill but he showed real art as a runner fti the title game. As a matter of fact, he was the shiftiest runner on the field. The lumbering giants- of the Detroit defensive line had him trapped several times in the first half when there was still time to turn the tide. But Graham skipped away from them as nimbly as an ante­ lope outfooting a herd of ele­ phants. It must have been terribly frustrating to the outsize defensemen who were out to crush him if they could, or at least tear a liga­ ment in his throwing arm. Half of the battle in a pro foot­ ball game is to keep key men from getting hurt. The T-formation quarterback's motto is "he who passes and runs away lives to pass another play." Graham has'always been pretty good at self-preserva­ tion although he usually' has con­ siderable help from some of his burlier teammates. Ojiher quarterbacks in the league haven't been quite that fortunate, with corresponding effects on their team's fortunes. In the past season alone. Tittle of San Francisco, Conerly of New York, Finks of Pittsburgh, Krekorian of Balti­ more, Blanda of the Chicago Bears and Layne of Detroit have all been on the shelf for one game or more becar«? .of injuries. But Graham seems to lead a charmed life. It's reminiscent of the time Sid Luckman played with the Chicago Bears. He went through many a game without getting the seat of his pants dirty; Graham vs. Baugh Some sportswrlters have taken to comparing Graham with Sammy Baugh, generally rated the best ever. It's hard to make compari­ sons because Baugh played double duty, offense and defense. Offhand though, Baugh could do everything Graham can, and more. Aside from his passing and running skill, Baugh was one of the best punters pro football has ever seen, and he was a fine safety man as well. But since the Browns have Horace Gillom to boot the ball, they are per-, fectly happy with Graham the way he. is, Bagging A Buck A recent hunting trip in Nova Scotia proved very successful for Seafarers John MacPherson (left) and Eddie Derhak, as this photo shows. The buck whose antlers they are holding weighed 225 pounds after it was dressed. The LOG opens this column as an exchange for stewards, cooks, bakers and others who'd like to share favored recipes, little-known cooking and baking hints, dishes with a national flavor and the like • suitable for shipboard and/or home use. Here's Seafarer Louis Gome's recipe for-"Veal Scalopine a la Cream." It cannot be denied that veal is not popular on American ships, according to Seafarer Louis "Frenchy" Corne, al­ though the US has by far the best quality of veal in the world. In his experience, the rea-+ —— — son for this is the lack.of care pounds of veal, cut it up like cut­ and attention given to it dur­ lets, and then cut these pieces in- After knocking off this pair of wild ducks with a broom, bo­ sun. Ralph Ruff of the Mae proudly poses with prize. n order to collect transportation Inoney, when paying off In a port other than the port of sign-on, make sure you get a rSturn transportation receipt and a travel subsistence voucher ••• AMD present it to the company's home office within 30 days, they were really sitting and ducks—but that's beside the point. 15id' doesn't say what happened to the ducks }ater but we have lit­ tle doubt that the crewmembers of the Mae had a lip-smacking time in the messhall, thanks to Ralph's broom-swinging prowess. ^t3^4cl[Se4CY' At ing preparation. This is in sharp contrast with conditions In Europe, where veal Is, to use Corne's own expression, the "plat de luxe"—"the real stuff." "Scalopine a la cream," which is a good standby dish, is quickly prepared. A good chef can turn it out in 25 minutes, and Corne has found it to be a top succ 6 s s whenever he's served ~ it aboard ship. Corne Corne, inciden­ tally, is a seagoing veteran whose first trip dates back to 1913 and who has been sailing SIU ships since 1942. The only break in this stretch was from 1926-41 when he operated a well-known place in New Jersey on his own. In, order to make the Vecalopine," here's what you do: take 20 two. Flatten the meat with the palm of the hand instead of ham­ mering it to death with a "per­ suader." Salt and pepper on both sides—heavy on the black pepper —and dip lightly in olive oil. Next, saute the veal in butter and keep it hot. Then, whip or stir the melted butter — including whatever sticks to the pan (which is the best part)—and work in 4 or 5 cans (pints) of milk, 1 table­ spoon each of A-1 sauce and Kitchen Bouquet sauce or Bovril and tablespoon of Worchestershire. Stir this mixture until the sauce is thick like a good beef gravy, strain and keep it in a bain marie (double boiler). At mealtime, serve 4 or 5 "scalopines" per per­ son' covered with sauce. "Frenchy" adds that if there's a good skipper aboard, try to get a pint of sherry or port wine to use instead of one pint of milk. It's even better that way. �rare Slxteoi Army Could Use Ship Know'tiow SSAPARERS Januan 1, ISSS LOG L E T T E R S Son Gotten Home In Emergency To the Editor: To the iSditor: of the Ij^iion, and so I would appre­ all. conversations pertaining to I hope you will publish this let­ As one of the many Seafarers ciate it very much if you could ter in the SEAFARERS LOG as I who has shipped to Europe via ships and their operations. send the LOG to me over here. Then one day I happened to pick would like to thank the SIU repre­ his local draft board during the sentatives in Philadelphia for the Harlan K. Hall past year, I would like to take up a copy of the SEAFARERS To the Editor: this occasion to wish one and all LOG. I started to read it, became (Ed. note: Your name has been wonderful help given to us when We, the crew of the Arlyn, were we were trying to locate the ship added to our mailing, list.) happy and safe voyages during very interested in it, and found the answer to my problem, I can so overwhelmed with grief and my son was sailing on. 1955. 4 4 4' now talk about the sea and I owe it shock upon reading the October 7 Because of this help my son was I would also like to say "hello" all to the LOG. I look forward able to get home in time when to the many friends, too numerous eagerly to receiving each copy and minutes of the Alcoa Roamer, his father was being operated on, to mention, with whom I had the can't put it down until I have read about the death of the dishwater ,and he was also there when his pleasure of sailing. canary, that we decided to do it through from cover to cover. father failed to survive the operas To the Editor: Dui;ing the past year I have something immediately. Liked Log-A-Rhythm read many letters in the LOG from I'm out of the hospital now, tion. I would like to comment espe­ We just can't have gooney birds It is a comfort to me to know Seafarers in the waiting to ship from New York, cially on the Log-A-Rhythm in the dying and do nothing about it— how effort the SIU made to Arnvy- Vv ha • - -ar e "11. SeptenTBef~ IT" Issue^'Tearifihg iraf "as, tlie- gatiant—crevr- of• t-hl; but I can tell you it would have locatemuch my son, and '.vs can never looking forward bemi one rough Chris"tmas up at by M. Dwyer. I thought the poem sleek craft of Liberty-ship design. to sailing again the Brighton (Mass.) marine hos­ thank the SIU enough. was just beautiful. (Mrs.) Margaret Graf when they are pital without that greeting card We formerly lived in St. Peters­ discharged. For from the Union, plus the $25 , ALCOA NOAMER <A|CM), Ac»«b*r 7—1 4 4 4 burg but now we are back in good I Chairmam. C. A. Case; Secretary* L* B.! myself, I'm hop­ bonus benefit voted to hospitalized 1 Moore. Ship's delegate was elected. A J old Mobile again. I am sending you Fdiiihwater canary flew in the bosun's ^ ing there will Seafarers. our new address 'and I sincerely 1 foe'sle around curi'ee time: the bosun de>i / I elded-to let him slay as mascot, but tho; still be some A lot of other guys ih the hos­ hope you will continue to send us I bird died in (he afictiioon. American- flag pital weren't so lucky, and didn't To the Editor: the LOG as I enjoy reading ii so ships left sailing get any messages much. I am writing this because I have Krier when I get out in Was this bird murdered? Or did from anybody. Mrs. John R. Roberts not been getting my SEAFARERS April, 1956. (Ed. note: You will continue to he, perhaps, get a whiff of that The extra $25, of LOG lately anM I certainly hope Right now I'm in an Army boat receive the LOG regularly.) evil-smelling Island DDT? And course, really you have not.taken my name off company and I will say that, in did the crew wire the Coast Guard came in handy, 4> 4i 4> your mailing list. my opinion, there's a crying need for instructions as to a fit burial along with the I have been laid up for the past for men who know something for the little creature? regular weekly six years, but the call to go back about operating the boats. If there After ail, this canary must have $15 benefit -I've to sea is still very strong and I ace such things as navigation laws, been getting for been a rare bird to hog the entire have been praying for the day proper lights and simple safety To the Editor: the past seven I would like to use these col­ space of the ship's minutes. when I could start shipping again. rules, they don't seem to know weeks. I had And now, for the most important Stabile I certainly miss the' feel of a deck about them over here. I have been umns of the SEAFARERS LOG to details concerning this bird, Was been in the thank each and every person who under my feet and the good times amazed at some of the happenings Brighton hospital for a liver ail­ so generously contributed to the the flag flown at half mast? Did ment. I used to have with my old ship­ I have seen. success of the Christmas dinner the captain read the Bible for the mates. Wants LOG Sent Now that's all cleared up and I last rites? And was the crew in in the New Orleans hall. I hope you will publish this came down to New York to pick If possible, I would like very Since I know your space is lim­ full dress for the last rites? letter in the LOG so my old ship­ up a ship and visit old friends, much to receive the LOG over ited, I will not try to name all the Want Mote Info generally sail carpenter and was mates can see it and mayhe write here. Copies are now sent to my people who de­ We, the crew of the Arlyn, are last on the Steel Traveler (Isth­ to me. The address is Louis Kellar, home address, but my mother is serve thanks in­ very concerned about these things, mian). 86953, Box 69, London, Ohio. a regular LOG reader and I don't dividually. But and if the crew of the Alcoa Roam­ Louis Kellar want to deprive her of this pleas­ I do want to say Thanks again to the SIU for er will fill us in on the details in (Ed. note: You will continue to ure. to all the people their next minutes, they will re­ thinking of guys like me in the receive the LOG regularly.) hospitals and for making our holi­ I'll close with best wishes to all. who devoted lieve our great anxiety over this 4 4 4 Pvt. Barney L. Krieg day a lot cheerier. their time and terrible tragedy. US 54144222 effort to prepar­ Matthew Stabile Meanwhile, we have this bit of 81st Trans. Co. (BO.^) ing and serving counsel to offer the Roamer crew­ 4 4 4 APO 217, NY, NY. this dinner that men: In case another dishwater To the Editor: this event would Miorana <Ed. note: Your service address bird enters your fbc'sle, make sure I have just, finished reading the has been added to our mailing not have been it is fi'ee of all foul odors, put him possible without you. list.) article in the November 26 issue on a special diet, give him books The port agent and Union offi­ out of the SIU library to read, To the Editor: of the LOG about the Coast Guard 4« 4" 4« cials here also pitched in to make teach him a few manners, and you This Is to let you know that the plotting a seamen's blacklist. What this dinner a real old-fashioned will have a happy bird— not a Seastar (Triton) is finally out of the LOG says about this move be­ family affair, and they also de­ dead one. la fact, he may even lay-up and is making her first ing a power grab is true, but I serve thanks. help you chip paint—and without voyage in 14 months. After 14 would like to remind the mcmbcra To the Editor: It was really a pleasurb to see OT. months in the boneyard, as you that this plot is not a recent I am writing this on behalf of our Seafarer brothers and their can imagine, it's quite a job for thing. Under the Government's And so, we who were so sorely i my fellow crewmembers on the families all gathered together in "security program," for instance, Cities Service tanker Logans Fort, real SIU style, swapping reminis­ struck by this tragedy, send our all hands to get things going 'right. any seaman can be brought up on However, we have a very, very and wc hope that it will be pub­ cences and enjoying themselves. sincere condolences—to the bird, good crew on board and we hope charges by the Coast Guard, classi­ lished in the LOG. It made me realize again how for­ that is. to have this ship fied as a "security risk" and sus­ Fraternally, We, the crew of the Logans tunate I am to be an SIU member. in real SIU order pended indefinitely without a ' Crew of the Arlyn Fort, wish to thank Thurston Victor Mtorana in a short time. chance to defend himself. Lewis for his untiring efforts in 4 4i l* ^ It seems to me that certain peo­ There are nu­ our behalf and the fine job he has merous things ple in Washington are trying to done as our ship's delegate. the company will use the Coast Guard to wreck US We wish him a speedy recovei-y have to take care maritime unions and all the gains from his recent injury and a happy To the Editor: To the Editor: of and we are they have made. In fact, it seems New Year. sure these things to me that the present Republican T am writing this to let you Joseph P. Saide, Jr. I have been a member of the will be done as administration is bent on wrecking know I am now working as an SIU since 1949, shipping mostly soon as we hit the entire labor movement, and is operations agent for National Air­ out of Seattle. But right now I am Reid Baltimo,re. Mean­ going along with "big business" all lines at International Airport in working on a shoreside job here in Miami, and am joining the branch Adana, Turkey. I am working for a while, as I say, every man in the the way. Giiy W. Newman of the Airline Pilots' Association. construction firm from Boise, crew is doing his full share to get To the Editor: I am a former SIU bookman Idaho, and I am an excavation this vessel shipshape. When my husband and I were and I certainly would appreciate superintendent on this dam and Before closing, we would like married I knew nothing about ships it if you would print this in the power house project for the Turkish to extend a vote of thanks to our or the sea. And since my husband SEAFARERS LOG so all the government. steward department for serving —who is now on the Alcoa Corsair brothers may know where I am I have always enjoye^ reading really topnotch food. —has been going to sea for 17 and what I'm now doing. the SEAFARERS LOG and would Vance A. Reld years, I felt completely left out of William T. Scott like to keep up with the activities ShipTg delegate But Who Killed Cock Canary? Thanks SIU For Cheerier Xmas In Lay-UPi HeUl Weleome Letters Says ^Thank You^ For Xmas Dinner Sdys Power Grab By CG Isn^t New Seastar Sailing After 14 Months Ship^s Delegate Thanked By Crew He Goes From Ships To Planes On Turkish Job, Wants LOG Sent LOG Makes Wife Hep To Sea Talk acB& Burlv - C> m-! • For AU Uanda By Bernard Seaman �SR 4P ARERS SsBussyl, 1058 Pase Seventeen LOC ... DIGEST of SHIPS' MEETINGS ... day of'arrival to make certain that fresh stores are put on each trip. Chief engi Pantry will be cleaned. Quarters and to vary menus more often in the future. neer will be notiffed of water cooler be­ ing out of order. Members were asked to return coffee galley should be sougeed and painted. Ail hands were asked to keep the laun­ cups to the sink. FAIRLAND (Waterman); Dscemtier 2— dry and the washing machine cleaner. MOTHER M. L. (Eagle), December 1— Chairman, G. Conrad; Secretary, H. Chairmen, J. Nance; Secretary, Nell Fierce. .Ship's deiegate reported that the COViRNMENT CAMP (Clfle* Service), November 35—Chairman, L. Parker; Sec­ Metthsy. Most of the repairs have been crew had to get the port agent in Wil­ retary, J. Block. Steward department taken care of. Ship's delegate was asked mington down to the ship in order to was complimented for a very nice to have a draw list ready one week be­ have a catwalk erected over the deck fore arrival. Crew agreed that Thanks­ -cargo and lashings. Repair list will be Thanksgiving dinner. giving dinner just couldn't be beat. made up before payoff port. OCEAN LOTTE (Maritime Overseas), Fresh frozen strawberries will be served November 28—Chairman, R. Palmer; Sec­ Christmas and New Year's. There are a CALMAR (Calmar), December 5—Chair­ retary, p. Wasmer. A special meeting fine bunch of fellows aboard and every­ man, H. Pcdersen; Secretary, P. St. was cailed to eiect ship's deiegate. Gen­ one agrees that there will be a clean Marie. Repair lists requested from de­ eral discussion took place reirtive to payoff. partment delegates will be mailed from improvement of steward department MASSMAR (Calmar), Novamber 30— the Canal Zone. No beefs reported. quarters, installation of fans, renewing coils on bunks and painting. There was Chairman, A. Kavel; Secratary, W. Dun­ DEL NORTE (Mississippi), November 28 a great deal of discussion pertaining to ham. After a discussion was held on the arlicies signed in San Francisco and the coffee situation a motion was made —Chairman, Brother Munna; Secretary, , J.—..CaUa.—r-. carrfesl that •tJre-Taiiare**i5i 'tiie "capiain wj* t«ks"Cin?e" letter to the company and have the that the captain had decided after a of repairs. brand changed. Chairman talked on the conference with the delegates to revoke BALTORE (Ore), no date—Chairman— subject of the ship's fund and made a his prohibition of no beer for the crew C. Reier; Secretary, Charles Henschke. motion that the fund be used oniy for at the beginning of the new voyage. He relief of our needy brothers. Crewmem- warned the delegates that he would in­ bers were urged to vote in the SIU stitute the prohibition again if any mem­ bers of the crew showed any signs of election. performing. Treasurer reported a cash WARRIOR (Waterman), October 14— balance on hand amounting to $12S.G0. Brothers were requested to be more Chairman, C. Garner; Secretary, M. El­ liott. Some of the repairs from last careful with the new washing machine. trip were not completed. Future meet­ DEL SLID (Mississippi), November 28— ings will be called after 6:30 PM or at 1 PM on Saturdays or Sundays. Suggestion Chairman, T. James; Secretary, C. Pamade that telegram be sent to New Or­ torno. Motion made and carried that the leans about windchutes and fans that crew go on record of supporting our union officials one hundred per cent with have not come aboard as yet. November 28—Chairman, J. Crews; |r.; a vote of thanks. The men were re­ Secretary, M. Elliott. Something should quested not to use face bowl for laundry. be done about the vegetables and pota­ A vote of thanks was extended to the toes, and steward agreed to do some­ steward department for a job well done thing about same. Everything abcMird in handling the Thanksgiving dinner. running smoothly. FLORIDA (P * O), December 4—Chair­ BENT'S FORT (Cities Service), Novem­ man, G. Taylor; Secretary, D. Birming­ (Continued from page 2) ber 14—Chairman, E. Hamaty; Secretary, ham. A letter from secretary-treasurer J. Beres. Machinist made a motion that to the crew was read to the member­ 20. On some of these trips aliases soap be changed to national brand. Port­ ship. Due to the shortage of time avaUwere used. Cobb stated he had hole dogs and gaskets to be put on re­ pair list. Ail men to put needed repairs used an airline credit card be­ on a list. Prolonged discussion on the longing to Bradley. current SIU election. November 28—Chairman, R. Hammond; Bradley admitted to reporters Secretary, J. Beres. Ship's radio is still he had a card but that he "lost it" in the repair shop. The ship's delegate held a discussion on the use of elected and has since gotten another one. delegates for all requests to department Cobb said, according to Calissi, heads. VINORI (Ore), Nev«mbir «—Chair­ Motion made and carried to get a new man. •. Halla; Secratary. H. J. Lakyn. washing machine. Steward was requested Grand Jury Probes Hall Murder Plot that Ray White made arrangements SEATIGER (Colonial), November for him to use Bradley's card. Chairman, T. Bestty; Secretary, A. Har­ rington. A talk was held on getting Galda further reported that in American money. The chair­ Higgs told him Bradley gave him draws man asked members to donate, money for a check for $6,000, which Higgs extra washing machine motor. Ship needs exterminating as there are roaches cashed in a Tampa bank. Accord­ in foc'sles and lockers. ing to Cobb's story he got $2,000 KATHRYN (Bull), November 28—Chair­ two days after the date Higgs was man, none; Secretary, Mike Zelonka. supposed to have received the Ship's delegate reported everything ship­ shape. The repair list should be made check from Bradley. out earlier than in the past. Galda added that Bradley had ELIZABETH (Bull), November 28 — given at least $40,000 to Ray White Chairman, R. Barrett; Secretary, Rueland concluded that there was "big llnga. All crew's quarters locks will be and/or renewed if necessary money floating all over the place overhauled by shore locksmith. News carried top­ down there." side and this must be stopped. Steward to attend in crew messhall during meal While White's e.\tradition is hour. pending, Priore has waived extra­ BALTORE, (Ore), October 31—chair­ dition and , gone to New Jersey, man, R. Stahl; Secretary, A. Nelson. Mo­ where he is being held in $50,000 tion made by one brother that ali dele­ gates check with steward on or before bail. He has admitted knowing Cobb and TalTe, Calissi reported, but has refused to talk further. Bradley was due to be questioned by the grand jury on January 4, Andrew Kinney but his appearance was postponed. Your brother Michael asks you Steely White has not yet been to write him at USNS Upshur, c/o found. FPO, New York, NY. Quiz Ansivers (1) Mohammedanism. (2) "One for all and all for one." (3) (c) Moon. (4) 20 nickels, 40 dimes and 21 quarters. (5) Twenty dollars. (6) Sitting Bull. (7) (d) Jefferson. (8) Taj Mahal. (9) Nine boxes of matches. By simplifying the information we have, we find that one cigar will balance one box of matches. Since one cigar and, eight boxes of matches balance one pipe, it follows that nine boxes of matches can also balance one pipe. (10) 15. Puzzle Answer gQDQ SQUa Bisas giaanGasss IHIIQO ESIQS QDQ Has [SiQas SBsaDnaGs HHH HHH [HDQfzaaaBQ @a[s SESiE anas QSa HBH @00 !Z:!ga0HS @09000 SG!oa@ [s:0i00Da0 s[i0s seas able to the crew, many of whom were on a new library aboard. Watertight doors duty, a moUon was made and carried into passageways leak. There is a bal­ that all reports be dispensed with and ance of $5.10 in the ship's fund. the meeting be conRned to new business. ROBIN SHERWOOD (Seas Shipping), IBERVILLE (Waterman), November 26 November 25—Chairman, E. Luzier; Sec­ —Chairman, C. Copper; Secretary, R. retary, W. Tregembo. Beefs about prep­ Guthrie. Ship's delegate reported that aration of food. A vote of thanks went there was too much horseplay on ship, to the crew messman. A suggestion was and reported that steward was neglect­ made that if a man doesn't do his job ing his job, and the galley and stove are properly he should be replaced. filthy. A motion was made that two dele­ gates and the steward inspect the galley BEATRICE (Bull), December 5—Chair­ every week to see that everything is SIU man, J. Bernard; Secretary, R. Hull. shipshape. A new ship's delegate was Ship^s fund amounts to $12. All hands elected and the old one was given a were asked to cooperate and keep the vote of thanks for a good job done. laundry clean, and to turn in ali extra linen. Gangway watch will keep keys to WESTERN TRADER (Western Naviga­ pantry so as to keep longshoremen out. tion), December 3—Chairman, C. Murray; Secretary, H. Krohn. While in Raymond, PONCE (Ponce Cement), December 7— Washington, one of the brothers in the Chairman, E. Mooney; Secretary, P. Mer_d^k department was injured while on M.'Jt'sn..raa.45t.ai?Jt carried .to .have "waicK' and was'taken to the' TfibspitiaT."" AS' a meeting at least once a month while soon as the longshoremen heard about ship is en this run, and to stagger meet­ same they offered their help. Their co­ ing arid time to give men on watches a operation was appreciated by ail. Ail. chance to attend. The ship's delegate hands were told to bring oups to pantry. was given a vote of thanks for a job well Chairs in recreation need repairing. done. £ DEL MUNDO (Mississippi), December 5 —Chairman, T. Beatrous; Secretary, J. PIcou. Ship's deiegate explained about the logs to everyone's satisfaction. Broth­ er uncker asked all brothers to keep off his freshly painted deck for about one hour. ARCHERS HOPE (Cities Service), De­ cember 2—Chairman, J. Mitchell; Secre­ tary, H. Richardson. All departments were asked to turn in repair lists as soon as possible. The icebox is out of order and will be repaired upon arrival in the next port. PAOLI (Cities Service), December S— Chairman, W. Walker; Secretary, J. Fisher. Ali hands were asked to be sure to shut off washing machine. A vote of thanks was given to the steward depart­ ment and each and every man for mak­ ing the trip across a pleasant one. DEL AIRES (Mississippi), November 20 —Chairman, B. Wright; Secretary, D. Hall. Quite a few beefs aboard regard­ ing chow, penalty cargo, disputed over­ time, etc. Motion made and carried that ship's delegate see the patrolman about having the ship fumigated for rats as they have been seen everywhere. The drinking water is rusty and it was rec­ ommended that the fresh water tanks be recemented. A letter was sent to the New Orleans port agent regarding food beef and other beefs mentioned. BRADFORD ISLAND (Cities Service), November 14—Chairman, R. Lyie; Secre­ tary, V. Ratcllff. Discussion on crewmember who missed ship. A telegram will be sent to the patrolman to ask for Southern Districts Probe Opens; CG Canceis Saiiings Of All LSTs (Continued from page 3) and the chief engineer patched a hole in the hull below the waterline, by passing a bolt over the side on a line and using it to secure a big washer used to plug the leak. John Flanagan, oiler, who signed on last August 12th and got off in the shipyard here "because the engines were in too bad condition to make the trip" said lines in the engine room were patched with friction tape and wooden plugs. Pump Burned Out On one trip from Houston to San Juan, Puerto Rico, he testified, it was nece.ssary to keep the bilge pump running 24 hours a day be­ cause of a leak in the No. E3 cen­ ter tank. As a I'esult, the bilge pump was burned out and never was put back in working order, he said. Other pumps aboard would not suffice to take care of the in­ flow of water in event of a serious mishap, he said. Flanagan also told of the steei'ing gear going out of commission twice while he was aboard. Once, he said, both engines were stopped while repairs were made at sea to the steering engine. The voyage was continued with the steering apparatus jury rigged, he added. On the other occasion, the steering gear jammed and the ship cruised in a circle until it could he tem­ porarily repaired. When Flanagan joined the ship August 12, he said, the steering engine was powered by curreni conducted by ah ordinary exten­ sion cord leading from an AC out­ let in the messrooin. He said this jury rig was installed after gen­ erators supplying current to the steering engine burned out. There were no spare parts aboard to re­ pair the generators and when he left the ship in New Orleans, November 28, this arrangement for supplying electrical power to the steering apparatus was still in use. Plugging Leaks Charles P. Johnsen, DM, related two leaks in the bottom shell plat­ ing of the No. 3 center tank were patched with wooden plugs in San Juan and the ship continued on to Jamaica where a cargo of bauxite was taken aboard for Corpus Christi. Rust on deck was "a good halfinch thick" and "we weren't al­ lowed to do any chipping, just painted over it," Johnsen testified. Johnsen said when he saw the ship in drydock in New Orleans just before he got off along with Flanagan and Collins the bottom of the ship "looked like a shower" i 4" from water spraying from leaks Charles .W. Brinton amidships and forward. This man is seeking witnesses He recalled he left the Southern to his accident November 30, Isles, a sister ship of the Southern 1953, while on a standby job in Districts, shortly before the Oakland, Calif. Contact Ivan PechSouthern Isles went down off ner, 225 South 15th St., Philadel­ Hatteras, and the "Districts was in phia, Pa. far worse shape than the Isles." i t 4" "At least, they made an attempt James Ahern to keep up the Southern Isles," You are asked to contact J. Suhe said. fryd, 3 Tudor Gardens, W. Auton, "The Southern Districts was London W3, England. always leaking and they were 4. 4. always taking soundings, eight or Henry Waller ten times a day," he said. Duke Duet asks you to get in Once, after a sounding, he tes­ touch with him c/o the Antinous, tified, the mate dropped the sound­ Waterman SS Co., Mobile, Ala. ing rod and "it went right through 4" 4" 4" the rusty deck near the No. 1 John Kucharski hatch." The hole was patched with ex-SS George A. Lawson a sheet of steel welded over the Contact. Pan-Oceanic Navigation hole, he said. Corp., 270 Park Ave., NYC, re­ Both Collins and Johnsen said garding your retroactive wages, the Southern Districts habitually J. Coleman 4 4> 4' George Glennon Your gear off Council Grove is sailed "down by the head." They also testified that in rough Your mother asks you to write at headquarters. Get in touch with weather it was necessary to dog her in Hillsboro, ND. Welfare Services. down the only doors leading from 4" 4» 4" 4" 4" 4" Stanley D. Turner Will the following men contact the crew's quarters so tightly that Get in touch with Pfc. W. R. heaUquarters record clerk. Your it could take four minutes in Col­ Weidmann, 4006 ASU Enl. Det., pictures in hook ledger are fading lins' estimation and "from five to Fort Sam Houston, Tex. and have to he replaced: Jesus ten minutes" according to Johnsen, Araya, John Anton, Lewis Almeida, to free them to permit escape in an 4" 4" 4" John F. Dixon Marty Amad, Daniel W. Alexander, emergency. The Coast Guard action in lifting Your wife asks you to contact Alex Anegnoston, Robert W. AIher at 124 W.. Bryan St., Savan- hertson, Robert M. Beliveau, John the certificates was without parallel •<^^ll>4^l»enV4n{tpHime-^i8tbi'i^ • After .V-V-A' Biaw' ^«iewe«d-.-£Ma'4>.-<Bftdoih-'^' the Southern Isles sinking in 1951 the Coast Guard ordered LST's to be strengthened with additional belly-bands. It did the same when two T-2 tankers broke in half one winter. In the Southern Isles case, the ship broke in two and sank so, rapidly that crewmembers never had a chance to launch lifeboats. All indications are that the same fate befell the Southern Districts which was doubly unfortunate in that, there were no other ships in the vicinity at the time to offer any help. The Southern Districts had left Port Sulphur, on December 2, with a cargo of 3,900 tons of sulphur ores. She was due in Bucksport on December 12, but was supposed to report in 72 hours before arrival time, or December 9. When nothing was heard from on the 9th or for 48 hours after­ wards, the company notified the Coast Guard on the lllh. A search was begun which proved unsuc­ cessful. Consequently, it is fairly certain that the ship sank some time be­ tween December 6, when she was sighted off the Florida Keys, and December 9 when she was due to radio the home office but failed to do so. Seafarers lost aboard the ship ii>/<. addition to Gelardos were: James H. Brandon, 38, Tampa; Louis B. Cook, 53, Lake Charles; Thomas Nichols, 29, West Lake, La.; Frank Famiglio, 18, New Orleans; Samuel B. Thomas, 35, Thomson, (ia.; John Daniels. 36, Conway, SC.; Wladslaw Hine, 46, Philadelphia; Purdom Morris, 30, Fordyce, Ark.; William T. Cooper, 27, Savannah; James B. Sellers, 29, Savannah; Victoriano R. Martinez, Norfolk. Two SUP men lost were Herman Klotz, Jackson Heights, NY. and Billie Nolan, Miami. Officers aboard the ship were Captain E. M. Rowe, Norfolk; T. B. Roane, 1st mate, Norfolk; J. B. Downing, 2nd mate, Virginia Beach; D. C. Hud­ son, 3rd mate, Portsmouth, Va.; G. C. Falle, radio operator, Balti­ more; W. H. Jennette, chief engi­ neer, Scranton, NC; E. Opffer, Ist^ assistant, Palatino, Cuba; M. 1J»' Carder, 2nd assistant, Newport, Ky.; L. L. Parrish, Jr., 3rd assistiant,-Rlehmond.- Va. -^1 i\ �• f 1 •• ••• • • T Page Eighteen SEAFARERS January 7, 1955 LOG Here's How You Collect M&C SEAFARERS Keeping down maintenance and cure payments to Seafarers is obviously in the interest of the shipowner and the claim agent. One asset to the shipowner in this respect is the absence of any accident or sickness report from the ship. If the company office has no ' report, that puts the burden tained by the crewmember. The to the Seafarer if he is called on of proof on the Seafarer. It next best thing is have have a to show proof that he left the ship means days, and sometimes weeks of digging up the necessary in­ formation so that the Seafarer can collect his dough. When a man is on the beach and not fit for duty, delays like that aren't welcome. File Report The best way to assure that pay- ments . will be- me-t-promptly is to see to it that the skipper or the purser takes down a report that the crewmember is leaving the ship for medical reasons. Ideally rhie report should be filled out in duplicate, signed and a copy re­ shipmate witness, the fact that a report has been made. After the report has been made, the crewmember should get a med­ ical certificate from the master. This is further proof that he left the ship for medical reasons, whereas an ordinary discharge simply shows he paid off the ship .without indicating the .r£.a.?.on for leaving. The master's medical is used to gain admittance to the Public Health Service hospital. It be­ comes part of the official hospital record which is readily available -m All of the following SIU families will collect the $200 maternity benefit plus a $25 bond from the Union in the baby's name: James Hilton Babson, Jr., born November 30, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Babson, Enfield, North Carolina. 7"ll for treatment. Welfare Services has two in­ stances on record of men leaving ship by ambulance, yet having dif­ ficulty collecting maintenance be­ cause the claims agent had no re­ port from the skipper. In any case, it's wise for the Seafarer to contact SIU Welfare Ser-vis£.s. on any •n&aintea.a-nee-aihd cure item. It will save the Sea­ farer a good deal of time and will make it easier for him to collect in the event the .company wants to stall him or deny him.his bene­ fits. ZL 15, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs Kurt Walls, New Orleans, La. MMZ,,""',; - 4" 4* 4' Elizabeth Ann Zechenelly, born Robert Rodrlquez, born Novem­ November 10, 1954. Parents, Mr. ber 22, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. and Mrs. George Zechenelly, Pearl John Rodrlquez, Brooklyn, New York. River, La. 4^ $> 4« 4" it David Charles Griffith, born Steven Kong Wong, born Decem­ 4 t Darlenc Walls, born November November 16, 1954. Parents, Mr. ber 7, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Kong Wong, Brooklyn, New York. t 4^ 4» t Teresa Jo Sheffield, born De­ cember 6, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Sheffield, Mobil?, Ala­ bama. 4« 4^ 41 Michael Battle, bom November 28, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Winston Battle, Mobile, Alabama. ing all necessary arrangements. It 4> 4> 4i has found that the cost of a most David Calvin Byrd, born Decem­ elaborate ceremony is very rarely over the $600 mark, yet there have ber 2, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. been reports in the paper's of Willoughby Byrd, McLain, Missis­ undertakers charging far more sippi. it 4i' t than that to working men's fam­ Judy Lynn Jones, born Novem­ ilies. ber 15, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Burials of a family member is a Raymond Jones, San Antonio, grievous task, and in the general Texas. upset following a death, it is easy 4i it 4i for the unscrupulous members of Olga Marina Resales, born De­ the undertaking profession to play cember 11, 1954. Parents, Mr. and on the family's desire to give the Mrs. Orlando Resales, San Fran­ deceased a fitting tribute. cisco, California. Should any doubt arise as to the 4> ^ 4i legitimacy of funeral charges, SIU Antonio Cruz Lopez, born Octo­ Welfare Services should be con­ ber 31, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. tacted on this score. Antonio Cruz, Caguas, Puerto Rico. Pop's Handing Out The Cigars No Sea,faT8rs-R-i^£et?k^-g5g6-fks^-:-ht£ Average Benefits Paid Each Seafarer Total Benefits Paid this Period 4> t 4> 4< 4* 4< 4i> 4> 4« T.... 9^-. M. ££l i WELFARE, VACATION BENEFITS PAID THIS PERIOD /Or/fS- aoll fosl. oo 11 3 oan \ ^t ! LL SO I tS- 933 Ho*pical Benefits Desth Benefits Disability Benefits Maternity Benefits Vacation Benefits Total ss-f /V WELFARE, VACATION BENEFITS PAID PREVIOUSLYHospital Benefits Paid Since Tulvl. 19S0 * Death Benefits Paid Since lulv I. 1950 * Disability Benefits Paid Since May 1. 1952* Maternity Benefits Paid Since April 1. 1952 * Vacation Benefits Paid Since Feb. 11. 19i2 » Total ' Date Benefif Began /, //ft 9f, 7/, 77c <00. li. 4.0gV,-?Tf JL WELFARE, VACATION PLAN ASSETS Cash on Hand Vacation Vacation 4^ New reports of unscrupulous undertakers preying on fam­ ilies of deceased union members have come to light recently following an investigation undertaken by the Attorney-gen­ eral of New York State. The investigation, centering has assisted many families of Sea­ Rh New York City, concerns farers in handling burials and mak­ those undertakers who hike up the price of funerals when they dis­ cover that a union welfare fund is paying a sizable death benefit. So far, SIU Welfare Services re­ ports that no such cases involving Seafarers have been called to the attention of the Union office in recent months. However, this prac­ tice is widespread, judging from previous complaints made on this score in various parts of the coun­ try. The CIO United Auto Workers Union has turned up such cases in the past, and the United Mine Workers Welfare fund also re­ ported many instances of similar abuses. In the past. Welfare Services REPORT ON BENEFITS PAID lo From t Sarah Fay Foster, born October 13, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Foster, Mobile, Alabama. 3 SEAFARERS WELFARE, VACATiaN PLANS and Mrs. Thomas Griffith, Indian Head, Maryland. 4" i 4" NY Scans 'Gyp' Undertakers Who Rake In Union Benefits 5 US Government Bonds (Welfare) Real Estate (Welfare) Other Assets - Training Ship (Welfare) TOTAL ASSETS 33 SSt! 3<H /9 lU >143 HfT Vff t,13o^L* i.iLi 7// .$7 yp 1 ORimnnEn] COMMENTt During the aonth of November the Plan paid out six DEATH BENEFITS making a total for the year, as of the end of November, of one-hundred and fifty eight. The Plan also paid out eight-hundred and fifty three HOSPITAL BENEFITS making a year to date total, as of October, of ten thousand and nineteen. The amount of MATERNITY BENEFITS paid out for the month of November were sixty, which gives the Plan a year to date total of five-hundred and thirty six. There were thirty-nine DISABILITY BENEFITS paid during the month which give a year to date total of one thousand fourhundred and nine. Aie Submllted ...?:T^."5.?. AI Kerr, AsslslMf Administrator Assurance Of A Happy New Year James Alan Zuzov, born August 31, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Zuzov, Los Angeles, Cali­ fornia. Jeanne Colleen Edwards, born August 14, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Edwards, Gulfport, Mississippi. 4» 4* it Elizabeth Marie Alexander, born October 3, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Alexander, Dor­ chester, Mass. 411 4' 4" Richard Steven Lacoste, born December 15, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. James A. Lacoste, Mobile, Alabama, Vivian Ellen Jansson, born De­ cember 11, 1954. Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sven Jansson, Brooklyn, New York. |T«'*aMP tWKW. tCESfWYOURS '^'$2x-Seafarer Russell Hinkel, now an Army corporal, is all smiles and cigar as he poses with wife and new daughter Sandra Lee. Hinkel's last trip before going into service was on the Yaka in March, 1953. Wilmington Port Agent Ernest Tilley (left) congratulates Seafarer Henry A. Ferree after latter receives his first disability benefit check from SIU. ...... .. '..a,' .. . .i.» i- • �SEAFARERS January 7* 1055 SEEDP THE SEAFARERS We're still toting up the figure on the amount of money that was paid out to the brothers as a hospital bonus this Christmas, but the total has already gone past the $5,000 mark, besides the cigarettes that were distributed to keep the brothers in smokes for a while. Your Union is proud that it was the first to start the practice of paying a holiday bonus, as well as being the first to pay benefits for an unlimited period. Now some of the other unions in the industry "are swfn1gfrig~woufia to thlf 'SiU way doing tilings; • whkh proves It has been the best way all along. 4^ 4" Among the brothers who spent the Christmas holiday at the hos­ pital was Seafarer Olav Seim. Brother Seim was oiler on the Steel Admiral on his first trip, but he had to take off for Staten Island on December 12, when he suffered a malaria attack. Andrew Mnller, who was AB on the Wacosta, faces a pretty long stay in the boneyard. He was badly hurt by a fall aboard the Wacosta (Waterma i) while the ship was in Guartanamo Bay, Cuba. He was taken to the Jacksonville Navaf hospital at first, but was transferred to Staten Island when he was in shape to be moved. Talk about tough luck, William Home has had a share. He was all set to go with the Sandcaptain on that 18-month sign-on, when he fell and broke his leg in a shoreside accident. He was taken first Home to Methodist hospital in Brooklyn until the Union had him moved across the bay. We were happy to see that Donald McShane is rapidly on the mend. He was pretty badly smashed up in a fall from a boom over in Ice­ land, but it appears now that after a long spell of treatment he will be as good as ever. Brother Fred Harvey, bosun on the Steel Archi­ tect, came into the hospital during the holiday week. He's suffering with an abdominal strain and had to leave the ship in New Orleans. He went into the hospital there, but then came up to New York as he lives here. Other brothers who have been admitted recently include Morris Siegel, messman on the Greece Vic­ tory, Antonio Colon, steward utility off the Seatrain Savannah; Leon Ryzop, who was on the Evelyn Ryzon last trip out, and Joe Malone, who is back in for further treatment of his troublesome stomach ailment. Seafarers In Hospitals USPHS HOSPITAL NEW ORLEANS. LA. Julian Barrett Vincent Michel Thomas Blaekledge George C. Murphy George Books C. R. Nicholson Charles Brady Alfonso Oln/Tuibel John I. Calamia Arne V. Olsen John Carolan Jack Peralta Sebastian Carregal Randolph RatcliS Herman Carson Joseph Richard Clarence Cob DarreU RUey Enoch Collins M. Rodriguez Samuel Cope Tage Roslund Warren Currier Lemblt Saar George Curry. Edward Samrock Robert Dewey S. Schieitler Fred Fagan, Jr. Benjamin Seal E. H. Fairbanks Luther Seidle Leo Fontenot Wade H. Sexton B. D. Foster Durand D. Shaw J. T. Gehringer Henry Sosa Harvey L. Graham A. Stevenson Richard Gralicki Albert Stout Francis Green Nicholas Tala Wiliiam Grimes Lonnie R. Tickle Kristian Gunderson Eusebio Velazquez E. T. Hard>-?man James E. Ward E. G. Knapp V. L. Williamson Leo Lang A. C. Witherington August Michel USPHS HOSPITAL GALVESTON, TEXAS II. M. Bumpass Murray A. Plyler Troy Cousins William G. Trice Thomas J. Dawson John T. Watt Benjamin Grice Robert R. White A. W. Keane Charles B. Young USPHS HOSPITAL SEATTLE, WASH. Frank O. Airey Bjorn A. Granberg Clarence Edwards Sv«rre Johanessen L. A. Forgeron .Mike Michelik F. D. Oilman V. K. Ming USPHS HOSPITAL SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. Charlie C. Brown Oliver F. Klein Alax Byers C. J. Neumaier Wayne T. Center Joseph Perreira Henry J. Childs G. Promutico Olav Gustavsen Joseph R. Wing F. J. Haigney P. S. Yuzon Paul E. lluggina USPHS HOSPFFAL BRIGHTON, MASS. Frank Alasavich Alfred A. Hancock George B. Dunn Jose E. Leston Joseph C. Fawcett M. A. Stabile Robert H. Fields George A. WeddeU USPHS HOSPITAL MANHATTAN BEACH, NY Fortunato Bacomo Francis F. Lynch Frank Bemrick Joseph D. McGraw Claude F. Blanks A. McGuigan Robert L. Booker Vic MUazzo Joseph G. Carr Melyin O. Moore Ho Yee Choe Eugene T. Nelson John J. DriscoU Pedro Peralto Bart E. Guaranick D. F. Ruggiano John B. Hass G. E. Shumaker Taib Hassen Robert Sizemore Thomas Isaksen E. R. Smallwood John W. Keenan Henry E. Smith L. Kristiansen Harry S. Tuttle Frederick Landry Renato A. ViUata James J. Lawlor Virgil E. Wilmotb Kaarel Leetmaa Hurlbert M. Frso James R. Lewis USPHS HOSPITAL STATEN ISLAND, NV Hussen Ahmed N. H. Lundquist Harvey Alexander Donald McSbane C. C. Borealino Perfecto Mangual C. F. Boyle A. 1. MuUer Jar Chong William E. Neef George T. Coleman Joseph Neubauer C. W. Cothran James Parker R. Cowperthwaite G. H. Robinson John J. Doherty Jose Rodriguez Adolf Eliasson M. Ruusukallio George W. Flood Jose Salgado David S. Furman William SaXtarez WUliam A. Gardner Olav Seim Estell Godfrey Victor Sbavroff Henry Grzegorski Morris Siegel Fred Hauser F. B. Strelitz Edward R. Hillman Sidney D. Turner Vincent Jones Samuel L. Vandal David B. Kaira Francis WaU K. W. Kelly Albert Willis A1 Leiner Clifford Woqiack BKLYN EYE & EAR HOSP. BROOKLYN, NY Alberto Espino USPHS HOSPITAL SAVANNAH. GA. Paul B. Bland Albert W. Lima Fred Buckner Jimmie Littleton J. D. Cannady A. G. McLaughlin R. Carrollton Angelo J. Martins George S. Chance J. T. Moore Rufus L. Fields Frank F. Nelson James F. Lee Ernest H. Webb SEASIDE MEM. HOSP. LONG BEACH, CALIF. Harry M. Hankee TerriU D. York USPHS HOSPITAL NORFOLK, VA. Isaac B. Duncan USPHS HOSPITAL BALTIMORE. MD. Francis J. Albore Philip Korol T. L. Ankerson J. A. Kozlowskl Marcelo Arong Marvin F. Kramer Roy W. Bell T. E. Lanphear Harry N. Byrd Timothy Less John Castro James McFarUn Carl E. Chandler Earl McKendree Jessie A. Clarke Robert G. McKncw Oswald M. Ergle J. G. McKreth Louis Firlie Tony Mastantino Gorman T. Glaze W. W. Moore Arthur J. Hiers Thomas Mungo Daniel A. Hutto Allen M. Myrex Michael C. Hynes John Rekstin Michael Jablonskl August A. Smith Frank Hon A. Stracciolini USPHS HOSPITAL DETROIT, MICH. Tim Burke USPHS HOSPITAL MEMPHIS. TENN. Charles Burton USPHS HOSMTAL FORT WORTH, TEXAS B. F. Deibler J. Santiago Virgil L. Harding Edward J. Toolan W. A. Meyers VA HOSPITAL OTEEN, NC Leonard J. Frank SAILORS SNUG HARBOR STATEN ISLAND. NY Joseph Koslusky .jy., Page Nineteen LOG Ship In Hurry So Crewman Suffers The hazards of falling ill at sea were Strongly pointed up by the experience of Seafarer Charles Cothran, Although he was on a coastwise ship within range of numerous US coastal cities, Cothran suffered through three days and nights aboard ship with what later proved to he a ruptured ap--^ pendix. Only emergency sur­ be transferred ashore either by one on board who was qualified to gery and 26 days of hospital cutter or helicopter. The nearest treat him. treatment pulled him through. He still has three weeks to go at the minimum, before he will be fit for duty again. All this could have been avoided, Cothran believes, if the skipper had taken the time out to have him transferred and put ashore when he first started showing sighs of illness. Cothran was aboard the Seatrain Texas as 3rd cook when she left Texas City, Texas, about noon, November 30. The ship was leav­ ing earlier than usual and was making time so it could get into Edgwater, New Jersey, on Sunday, December 5, unload, and go into the shipyard the next day. Slight Bellyache Tuesday night, Cothran reported, he was awakened with a slight bellyache but thought nothing of it. The same happened the follow­ ing evening, but again it didn't seem anything to get alarmed about. Thursday morning, though, Coth­ ran really started to feel sick. After breakfast he headed for his bunk and took a little nap. When a ship­ mate came in to wake him at 11 for the noon meal, he found he was unable to get out of bed Cothran because of crip­ pling pain in his abdomen. He asked for the skipper, who came down and looked him over. Feed­ ing sicker by the minute, Cothran asked the skipper to contact the Coast Guard and see if he could Solid Comfort city at the time was Key West. No Hospital "The skipper said there was no point in doing it because there was no hospital in Key West," Cothran said. "But even so, I could have gotten to a doctor. And in any case, there were opportunities later on to transfer me where I could go ashore in Miami or some other city. "I have an idea he didn't want to lose any time on the way up because the ship was on a tight schedule. But after all, ships are delayed all the time if a person's life is at stake. Two of three hours would not make that much differ­ ence." Instead, the captain got in touch with the PHS hospitals by radio for information on how to treat Cothran. That night the mate gave him two shots of penicillin. By the following evening, Friday, he was in such distress that the mate had to give him morphine, but the effects wore off in just a few hours. Cothran agreed that he was given all possible attention while aboard ship but obviously there was no It was 10 AM Sunday morning before Cothran finally got ashore. He was taken over to the Staten Island hospital where the doctors operated almost immediately. They found his appendix had ruptured at least 48 hours beforehand if not more and gangrene had set in. It wasn't until December CI that Cothran v.as able ta leave the hospital, subject to further exam­ ination and treatment. Gels Wages Plus M&C Since Cothran won't be fit fo? duty for a while yet, Welfare Services is making all necessary arrangements for him to collect wages due as well as maintenance money. "The doctors told me," Cothran concluded, "that I was really lucky to pull through this one alive. Lucky or not, there's no reason in my mind why I or anybody else in the same spot can't be put a.shore as rapidly as possible under such circumstances. On a coast­ wise ship there's no good reason for any delay in medical treat­ ment. At least the seaman should be given the benefit of the doubt." The deaths of the following Sea­ farers have been reported to the Seafarers Welfare Plan and the $2,500 death benefits are being paid to their beneficiaries: hospital in Staten Island, New York. He was buried in Sil­ ver Mount Cemetery in Staten Island. Joining the Union in 1939, in Savannah, Brother Mar­ tins had been sailing as watertend; Thomas A. Bryan, 67: Brother er in the engine department. His Bryan of 67 Macombs Place, New beneficiary is a friend,® Antonio York, died of natural causes at Vleera Cardozo of New York City. the Kings County hospital in 4> 4 4 Brooklyn on December 2, 1954. He was buried at Wryodlawn Ceme­ Harold James Pitts, 52: Brother tery in New York. Brother Bryan Pitts died of heart trouble on joined the Union in New York in July 6, 1953, in the Rhode Island 1944 and had been sailing in the Hospital. Place of burial, North steward department. He is sur­ Burial Ground, Providence, Rhode vived by his niece, Vera Smith Island. He joined the Union in Green of Brooklyn, New York. Boston in March, 1952, and had been sailing in the deck depart­ 4" i 4" Manuel Martins, 59: On Decem­ ment. Brother Pitts is survived ber 15, 1954, Brother Martins died by his wife, Margaret Pitts of of natural causes at the USPHS Providence, Rhode Island. Life seems placid for Reinaldo Antonio Cruz Lopez, son of Seafarer Antonio Cruz. New addition arrived on October 81, 1954. Speak Your Mind At SiU ^Meetings Under the Union constitu­ tion every member attending a Union meeting is entitled to nominate himself for the elected posts to be filled at the meeting—chairman, read­ ing clerk and recording secre­ tary. Your Union urges you to take an active part in meet­ ings by taking these posts of service. And, of course, all members have the right to take the floor and express their opinions on any officer's report or issue . under discussion. Seafarers are urged to hit the deck at these meetings and let their shipmates know what's on their mind. Sin WELFARE SERVICES YOUR PROBLEM IS OUR BUSINESS �" tL SEAFARERS LOG • OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL • $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$ f $ $ Ifoiir Dollar's Mh $ s $ fo sai® mney $ $ I Isit:-- $ $ ISf.'. i&.., IK- $ I??..: h- m $ r $ N EVERY issue of the SEAFARERS LOG "Your Dollar's Worth"—a column written exclusively for Seafarers—^gives aid in helping you get the best quality merchandise at the lowest cost, plus tips on how to avoid swindles, gimmicks and shady practices often used to bilk the working guy and his family. These columns are written by Sidney Margolius, the nation's out­ standing expert on consumer buying. At right are 45 ways you and your family can get the most for your money. These columns originally appeared in the LOG and upon request are available to you for your guidance. 1. Financing a Home 2. Perils for Home Buyers 3. Are Co-Op Houses Good? 4. Your Buying a House. 5. CuHing Housing Cosfs 6. Save on Properly Ins. 7. Buying Gooa Work Clothes 8. Men's and Women's Coats 9. Money Values in Shoes 10. How to Buy a Raincoat • 11. How to Buy a Suit • 12. Save on Car Expenses • 13. Save on Car Needs • 14. What' Car Owning Costs • 15. Beware Finance Co. Ins. • 16. Savings in Cleansers • 17. Buy Quality Furniture • 18. Tips on Wash Machines • 19. Those Food-Freezer Plans • 20. High Cost of Loan Co.'s • 21. Up to Date on Gl Ins. • 22. Loons for Seamen • 23. The Most for Savings • 24. Life Insurance I • 25. Life Insurance II • 26. Budget for a Family • 27. Phony Health Plans • 28. Small Insurance Costly • 29. Guarding Soc. Sec. Rights • 30. Beware Costly Vitamins • 31. Eat Better for Less • 32. Household Drugs Gouge • 33. Private Brands Save • 34. The Truth on Cold Cures • 35. Beating the Milk Gouge • 36. Facts on Toiletries • 37. Toothpaste and Teeth • 38. Women Worst Fed • 39. Buying at Discounts • 40. The Lowdown on Watches • 41. Are Synthetics Useful? • 42. Save on Eyeglasses • 43. Tips on Buying Jewelry • 44. Costly Hearing Aids • 45. Best Buys in Luggage • • • • • • • • • n In the future the SEAFARERS LOG will continue to assist Seafarers and their families by reporting the best in buys and the pitfalls to avoid. Any Seafarers having questions or sug­ gestions for topics they wish covered are asked'to drop a line to the LOG editor. $ $$$$$$$$$$• $ $ $ M Editor ^ SEAFARERS LOG ^ 674 Fourth Avenue ^ Brooklyn 32, N.Y. Send me columns No Name ^ Street ^ ^ W R J • t ^ ' City Zone State.... ^ If you wish to receive copies of one or several of the columns listed above, fill out the coupon at left, giving the column num­ bers, and they will be mailed to you without cost» �;• •'': '-i -1. ^1 SEAFARERS*LOG Vol. XVII, No. 1 Jan. 7, 19S5 I Const. Supp. 120 The strength of any organization lies,in its foundation and the foundation of the SIU is its constitution. In the 27 months since the membership voted in secret referendum to rewrite its constitution, it has amply ful­ filled the function of better protecting the rights of every member. In the course of drafting and adopting the new document, copies of the constitution were printed in the SEAFAREBS LOG and distributed to all Seafarers, ashore and on ship. Subsequently the 1953 Agents Conference report, which was adopted in all branches, moved that the LOG print the constitution every six months, so all Seafarers would have the opportunity to acquaint themselves thoroughly with their guaranteed rights and privileges. Accordingly the constitution was reprinted in the issues of July 10, 1953, Jan­ uary 8, 1954, July 9, 1954, and now, six months later, is reprinted once again. L. CONSTITUTION Seafarers International Union • A&G District • AFL '• .1 "V. S ^ -• « •: The two-year-old SIU constitution has evoked considerable comment in ond outside maritime and labor circles. Here ore a few of the many reactions to the document from members of Congress. Representative Craig Hosmer, Calif.; "I wish to congratulate you on your furnishing mem­ bers of Congress with your newly adopted constitution. I believe that the more eseplieitly rules, regulations, customs and privileges can be drafted and set down in documentary form, the better off we are. ... It just hap­ pens I am a deepwater man myself, and sailed with the merchant marine during the war." Senator Herbert H. Lehman, NY; "It is greatly encouraging to know that responsible unions such as yours are not ceasing their at­ tempts to further rights of their members, both within the unions and as part of the total national economy. I find particularly praiseworthy the Statement of Principles and the Declaration Rights contained in the be­ ginning of your constitution." Senator Henry M. Jackson, Wash,: "... I have looked over the constitution and off­ hand it would appear to be eminently fair and just' I was particularly interested in the fact that it was adopted in such a democratic manner by the full membership of your or­ ganization." Senator James E. Murray, Montana: "I am particularly impressed by the provisions of the constitution providing for a trial com­ P<aj» noma smm ^ mittee to hear charges against members, and guaranteeing the traditional American rights to representation, cross-examination, and con­ frontation by the accuser ... I am happy to note that your new constitution is drawn in the spirit of democratic trade unionism." Senator Hubert Humphrey, Minn.: "The con­ stitution seems to me to be an extremely democratic one and 1 am impressed with the emphasis which is placed upon ratification by members. I also approve the provisions with respect to providing for a trial committee ..." Representative James A. Byrne, Pa.: "I feel sure that your organization, operating under its revised Constitution which embodies the • fundamental concepts of our democratic sys­ tem, is contributing to the welfare of all Seafarers and of the nation." Senator Harley Kilgore, West Va.: "The re­ quirements . . . that the membership shall participate in the making of every decision and policy seems to me to be a healthy and effective method of maintaining democ­ racy ..." Representative John J. Rooney, NY: "I firmly believe that you have achieved a masterful job in rewriting your Constitution and the fact that it was adopted by a membership vote of over 90 percent demonstrates that they are apparently well satisfied with the provisions contained therein." Representative Robert H. MoHohan, West Va.: "1 dm particularly impressed by the pro­ visions dealing with trial and appeal; they are certainly in the best American tradition. Placing the burden of proof on the accuser and guaranteeing the accused representation, cross-examination and an opportunity to be confronted by his accuser should guard against irresponsible, unjust punishment." Senator Wayne Morse, Oregon: "This formu­ lation of union's practices and usage is tre­ mendously impressive. I was particularly struck by the Declaration of Rights . .. Also of great interest to me are the meticulous provisions for trials and appeals. I would hope that this kind of action will be generally followed throughout the trade union move­ ment Senator Paul H. Douglas, 111.: "I appreciate your sharing the constitution with me and I commend the sense of public interest which moves you to feel that these are of concern to persons outside the ranks of your own mem­ bership." ,iw,. yT'tv ^•-vTb - �EVERY SEAFARER IS GUARANTEED pu jl r V,' ' r • • The right to be confronted by his accuser and to be given a fair trial by an impartial committee of his brother Union members if he should be charged with conduct detrimental to the welfare of Seafarers banded together in this Union. • Protection of the rights and privileges guaranteed ' him under the Constitution of the Union. - 't • g; Kr ^• .4' ® The right to vote. • The right to nominate himself for, and to hold, any office in the Union. • The right to express himself freely on the floor of any Union meeting or in committee. • That every official of the Union shall be bound to uphold and protect the rights of every member and that in no case shall any member be deprived of his rights and privileges as a member without due process of the law of the Union. • The assurance that his brother Seafarers will stand with him in defense of the democratic prin­ ciples set forth in the Constitution of the Union. f i' . •Vr 'I::'' PREAMBLE We, the Seamen and Fishermen of America, realizing the value and necessity of a thorough organization of sea­ faring men, have determined to form one union, the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA, to embrace all seamen and fishermen of North America, Canada, Alaska, and the Temlodes, based upon the following principles: Whatever right belongs to one member belongs to all members alike, as long as they remain in good standing In the Union. First of these rights is the right of the American sea­ men to receive their employment through their own Union Halls, without interference of crimps, shipowners, fink halls or any shipping bureaus maintained by the Government. That it is the right of each member to receive fair and Just remuneration for his labor, and to gain sufficient leisure for mental cultivation and physical recreation. Further, we consider it our right to receive healthful and sufficient food, and proper forecastles in which to rest. Next, is the right to be treated in a decent and respect­ ful manner by those in command. We hold that the above rights belong to all seamen alike, irrespective of nationality or creed. Recognizing the foregoing as our inalienable rights, we are conscious of corresponding duties to those in com­ mand, our employers, our craft and our country. We will, therefore, try by all just means to promote harmonious relations with those in command by exercis­ ing due care and diligence in the performance of the duties of our profession, and by giving all possible assist­ ance to our employers in caring for their gear and property. Based upon these principles, it is among our objects: To use our influence individually and collectively for the purpose of maintaining and developing skill in seaman­ ship and effecting a change in the Maritime law of the United States, so as to render it more equitable and to make it an aid instead of a hindrance to the development of a Merchant Marine and a body of American seamen. To support a journal which shall voice the sentiments of the seafaring class, and through its columns seek to maintain the knovvledge of and interest in maritime bffairs. To assist seamen of other countries in the work of organization and federation, to the end of establishing the Brotherhood of the Sea. To assist other bona fide labor organizations whenever possible in the attainment of their just demands. To regulate our conduct as a Union and as individuals 60 as to make seamanship what it rightly is—an honorable and useful calling. And bearing in mind that we are migratory, that our work takes us away in different direc­ tions from any place, where the majority might otherwise aseet to act, that meetings can be attended by only a fraction of the membership, that the absent members, who cannot be present, must have their interests guarded from what might be the results of excitement and pas­ sions aroused by persons or conditions, and that those who are present may act for and in the interest of all, we have adopted this constitution. .STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES AND DECLARATION OF RIGHTS In order to form a more perfect union, we members of the Brotherhood of the seamen, fishermen and allied workers ashore—realizing the value and necessity of unit­ ing in pursuit of our improved economic and social wel­ fare, have determined to bind ourselves together in the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic and Gulf District, and hereby dedicate ourselves to the following principles: In promoting our economic and social welfare, we shall ever be mindful, not only of our rights, but also of our duties and obligations as members of the community, our duties as citizens, and our duty to combat the menace of communism and any other enemies of freedom and the democratic principles to which we seafaring men dedicate ourselves in this Union. We shall affiliate and work with other free labor or­ ganizations; we shall support a journal to give additional voice to our views; we shall assist our brothers of the sea and other workers of all countries in these obligations to the fullest extent consistent with our duties and ob­ ligations. We shall seek to exert our individual and col­ lective influence in the fight for the enactment of labor and other legislation and policies which look tc the at­ tainment of a free and happy society, without distinction based on race, creed or color. To govern our conduct as a Union and bearing in mind that most of our members are migratory, that their duties carry them all over the world, that their rights must and shall be protected, we hereby declare these rights as members of the Union to be inalienable: I No member shall be deprived of any of the rights or privileges guaranteed hini under the Constitution of the Union. II Every member of this Union shall have the right to vote. No one shall deprive him of that right. III Every member shall have the right to nominate himself for, and to hold, office in this Union. IV No member shall be deprived of his membership with­ out due process of the law of this Union. No member shall be compelled to be a witness against himself in the trial of any proceeding iiT which he may be charged with failure to observe the law of this Union. Every official and job holder shall be bound to uphold and protect the rights of every member in accordance with the principles set forth in the Constitution of the Union. Every member shall have the right to be confronted by his accuser whenever he is charged with violating the law of this Union. In all such cases, the. accused shall be guaranteed a fair and speedy trial by an' impartial com­ mittee of his brother Union members. VI No member shall be denied the right to express himself freely on the floor of any Union meeting or in committee. VII A militant membership being necessary to the security of a free union, the members shall at all times stand ready to defend this Union and the principles set forth in the Constitution of the Union, VIII The powers not delegated to the officials and job holders by the Constitution of the Union shall be reserved to the members. CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I NAME AND GENERAL POWERS This Union shall be known as the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union of North America, Atlantic and Gulf Dis­ trict. Its powers shall be legislative, judicial, and execu­ tive, and shall include the formation of, and/or issuance of charters to, subordinate bodies, corporate or otherwise, the formation of funds and participation in funds, the establishment of enterprises for the benefit of the Union, and similar ventures. A majority vote of the membership shall be authorization for any Union action, unless other­ wise specified in this Constitution. This Union shall, at all times, protect and maintain its jurisdiction over all work which belongs to the seaman and all such work as seamen now perform. ARTICLE II AFFILIATION This Union shall be affiliated with the Seafarers Inter­ national Union of North America and the American Fcd= eration of Labor. All other affiliations by the Union or by the Ports shall be made or withdrawn as determined by a majority vote of the membership. ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Candidates for membership shall be ad­ mitted to membership in accordance with such rules as are adopted, from time to time, by a majority vote of the membership. Section 2. Candidates for membership shall be American citizens, or eligible for such citizenship. No candidate shall be granted membership who is a mem­ ber of any dual organization or any other organization hostile to the aims, principles, and policies of this Union. No candidate shall be granted membership until he has taken the following oath of obligation: OBLIGATION •T pledge my honor as a man, that I will be faithful to •V ..KJ QJti* »-vii.r .AtAs? ifLulj: fsn.p.f.v- A-"/ti- p'S*'' waawtgjgCi!. , iiiiC .Ta&ir.rtlHSt m yiur.'iJg �January 1, 19SS SEAFARERS LOG Page S—^Three Ithli Union, and that 1 wUl woik for its Interest and will Section 5. Tbe period of retirement shall be computed (g) He be responsible, within the limits of hit look upon every member as my brother; that I v?ill not from the day as of which the retirement card is issued. powers, for the enforcement of this Constitution, the work for less than Union wages and that I will obey all ARTICLE Vn policies of the Union, and all rules and rulings duly orders of the Union. I promise that I will never reveal SYSTEM OF ORGANIZATION adopted by a majority vote of -he membership. Within, the proceedings of the Union to its injury or to persons Section 1. This Union, and all Ports, Officers, Port these limits, he shall strive to enhance the strength, posi­ not entitled to know it And if I break this promise, 1 Agents, Patrolmen, and members shall be governed^ in tion. and prestige of the Union. ask every member to treat-me as unworthy of friendship this order, by: (h) The foregoing duties shall be in addition to those and acquaintance. SO HELP ME GOD!" (a) The Constitution other duties elsewhere described in this Constitution, as (b> Majority vote of the membership Section 3. Members more than one quarter in ar­ well as those other duties lawfully imposed upon him. Section 2. The functions of this Union shall be ad­ rears In dues, or more than three months In arrears In as­ (i) The responsibility of the Secretary-Treasurer may sessments or unpaid fines, shall be automatically sus­ ministered by Headquarters and Ports. not be delegated, but the Secretary-Treasurer may delegate Section 3. Headquarters shall consist of the Secretarypended. and shall forfeit all benefits and all other rights to a person or persons the execution of such of his duties and privileges in the Union. They shall be automatically Treasurer, and one or more Assistant Secretary-Treas­ as he may in his discretion decide, subject to the limita­ urers, the exact number of which shall be determined by dismissed if. they are more than two quarters In arrears set forth in this Constitution. In dues or more than six months in arrears in assessments majority vote of the membership to be held during the tions (j) Immediately after assuming office, the Secretarymonth of August in any election year, as set forth more or unpaid fines. Treasurer shall designate one of the Assistant Secretaryparticularly in Article X, Section 1-D. This time shall not run: Treasurers to assume his duties in case of his temporary In­ Section 4. Each Port shall consist of a Port Agent and (a) While a member is actually participating In a strike capacity. This designation may be changed from time to Patrolmen, as provided for herein, and the Port shall or lockout. (b) While a member Is an In-patient in a USPHS bear the name of the city in which the Union's Port time. These designations shall be entered in the minutes of the Port where Headquarters is located. The provisions Offices are located. Hospital. of Section 2-A of this Article shall apply in the case of a Section 5. Every member of the Union shall be regis­ (c) While a member is under an incapacity due to ac­ tered in one of three departments; namely, deck, engine, vacancy in the office of SecretaEy-Treasurer, as set forth tivity in behalf of the Union. (d) While a member is in the Armed Services of the or stewards department. The definition of these depart­ in that section. (k) Any vacancy in any office or the job of Port Agent United States, provided the member was in good standing ments shall be in accordance (with custom and usage. or Patrolman shall be filled by the Secretary-Treasurer by This definition may be modified by a majority vote of at the time of entry into the Armed Forces, and further provided he applies for -reinstatement within 90- days the membership. No member may transfer from one de­ temporary appointment except in those cases where the partment to another except by express approval as evi­ filling of such vacancy is otherwise provided for by this after dischai ge from the Armed Forces. Constitution. Such appointment shall be submitted to a (e) While a member has no opportunity to pay dues denced by a majority vote of the membership. regular meeting for approval, modification, substitution of ARTICLE VIII because of employment aboard an American flag mera replacement, or postponement of a vote to a later date, ATLA'NTIC AND GULF DISTRICT OFFICERS, PORT chant vessel. by a majority vote of the membership. In the event of the AGENTS, AND PATROLMEN Section 4. A majority vote of the membership shall be Section 1. The officers of the Union shall be elected, postponement of the vote, the temporary appointment shall , sufficient to designate additional circumstances during which the time specified in Section 3 shall .not run. It except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. These remain in effect until a vote is taken. (1) The Secretary-Treasurer is directed to take any and shall be the right of any member- to present, in writing, officers shall be the Secretary-Treasurer and pne or more all measures, and employ such means, which he deems Assistant Secretary-Treasurers. to any Port at any regular meeting, any question with re­ Section 2. Port Agents and Patrolmen shall be elected, necessary or advisable, to protect the interests, and further gard to the application of Section 3, in accordance with the welfare, of the Union and its members, in all matters procedures established by a majority vote of the member­ except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. involving national, state or local legislation, issues, and ARTICLE IX ship. A majority vote of the membership shall be neces­ public affairs. OTHER ELECTIVE JOBS sary to decide such questions. Section 2. Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Section 1. The following jobs in the Union shall be Section 5. The membership shall be empowered to es­ (a) In the event the Secretary-Treasurer shall be unable voted upon in the manner prescribed by this Constitu­ tablish, from time to time, by majority vote, rules under to carry out his duties by reason of incapacity, the Assist­ tion: which dues and assessments may be remitted where a ant Secretary-Treasurer designated in accordance with (A) Meeting Chairman member has been unable to pay dues and assessments for Section 1-J of this Article shall assume the office of Sec­ (B) Delegaten the reasons provided in Sections 3 and 4. retary-Treasurer during the period of such incapacity. (C) Committee Members of: Section 6. To preserve unity, and to promote the com­ Upon the death, resignation, or removal from office of (a) Auditing Committee mon welfare of the membership, all members of the Union the Secretary-Treasurer, succession to the office shall be (b) Trial Committee shall uphold and defend this Constitution and shall be determined as follows: (c) Quarterly Financial Committee governed by the provisions of this Constitution and all That Port Agent of the Ports of New Orleans, Mobile, fd) Appeals Committee policies, rulings, orders and decisions duly made. or Baltimore who received the highest number of votes (e) Negotiating and Strike Committee. Section 7. Any member who advocates or gives aid to Section 2. Additional committees may be formed as in the last regular election shall be the first in line of the principles and policies of any hostile or dual organiza­ tion shall be denied further membership in this Union. provided by a majority vote of the membership. Commit­ succession. The next in the line of succession shall be that A majority vote of the membership shall decide which tees may also be appointed as permitted by this Consti- ' Port Agent of the said Ports who received the next highest number of votes in that election. The next in the line of tution. organizations are dual or hostile. succession shall be that Port Agent of the said Ports who ARTICLE X Section 8. Evidence of membership or other affiliation received the next highest number of votes. DUTIES OF OFFICERS. PORT AGENTS. AND OTHER with the Union shall at all times remain the property of The Port Agents of the said Ports shall also be deemed ELECTED JOB HOLDERS the Union. Members may be required to show their evito be Assistant Secretary-Treasurers, whether or not so Section 1. The Secretary-Treasurer denee of membership in order to be admitted to Union (a) The Secretary-Treasurer shall be the Executive Of­ referred to on the ballots or elsewhere. meetings. (b) The Assistant Secretary-Treasurers shall assist the Section 9. Only members in good standing shall be al­ ficer of the Union and shall represent, and act for and in behalf of, the Union in all matters except as otherwise Secretary-Treasurer in the execution of tlie laller's duties lowed to vote. as the latter may direct. specifically provided for in the Constitution. ARTICLE rV (c) The Assistant Secretary-Treasurers shall be mem­ (b) He shall be a member ex-officio of all committees, REINSTATEMENT bers of the Agents' Conference and each may cast a vote port or otherwise. Members dismissed from the Union may be reinstated (c) He shall be responsible for the organization and in that body. in aeeordance with sueh rules as are adopted, from time maintenance of the correspondence, files, and records of Section 3. Fort Agents to time, by a majority vote of the membership. (a) The Port Agent shall be in direct charge of the the Union; setting up, and maintenance of, sound account­ ARTICLE V ing and bookkeeping systems; the setting up, and main­ administratipn of Union affairs in the Port of his juris­ DUES AND INITIATION FEE tenance of, proper office and other administrative Union diction. (b) He shall, within the jurisdiction of his Port, be Section 1. All members shall pay dues quarterly, on a procedures; the proper collection, safeguarding, and ex­ calendar year basis, on the first business day of eaeh quar­ penditure of all Union funds. Port ..r otherwise. He shall responsible for the enforcement and execution of the Con­ ter, except, as herein otherwise provided. The dues shall be in charge of, and responsible for, all Union property, stitution, the policies of the Union, and the rules adopted be those payable as of the date of adoption of this Con­ and shall be in charge of Headquarters and Port Offices. by a majority vote of the membership. Wherever there are stitution and may be changed only by Constitutional He shall issue a weekly comprehensive report covering the time restrictions or other considerations affecting Port amendment. financial operations of the Union for the previous week. action, the Port Agent shall take appropriate action to Section 2. No candidate for membership shall be ad­ Wherever there are time restrictions or other considera­ insure observance thereof. (c) He shall be prepared to account, financially or other­ mitted into membership without having paid an initiation tions affecting Union action, the Secretary-Treasurer shall wise, for the activities of his Port, whenever demanded fee of one hundred ($100.00) dollars. take appropriate action to insure observance thereof. (d) Subject to approval by a majority vote of the mem­ by the Secretary-Treasurer. Section 3. Payment of dues and initiation fees may be (d) In any event, he shall prepare and forward by reg­ waived for organizational purposes only, in aeeordance bership, the Secretary-Treasurer shall designate the num­ istered mail, addressed to the Secretary-Treasurer, a ber and location of Ports, the jurisdiction, status, and with sueh rules as are adopted by a majority vote of the activities thereof, and may close or open such ports, and , weekly financial report showing, in detail, weekly income membership. may re-assign Port Agents and Patrolmen of closed ports and expenses, and complying with all other accounting ARTICLE VI to other duties, without change in wages. The Ports of directions issued by the Secretary-Treasurer, RETIREMENT FROM MEMBERSHIP (e) The Port Agent, or someone acting under his in­ Section 1. Members may retire from membership by New York, New Orleans, Mobile, and Baltimore may not structions, shall open each Port meeting and shail deter­ be closed except by Constitutional amendment. paying all unpaid dues, dues for the quarter in which they Where ports are opened between elections, the Sec­ mine whether a quorum e.xists. Nothing contained herein retire, assessments, fines, and other monies due and ow­ retary-Treasurer shall designate the Port Agents thereof, shall permit the Port Agent to otherwise act as chairman ing the Union. A retirement card shall be issued upon re­ of any meeting, unless so properly designated by a quest, and dated as of the day that sueh member accom­ subject to approval by a majority vote of the membership. majority vote of the-members present at the said Port The Secretary-Treasurer shall supervise the activities plishes these payments and request. Meeting. Section 2. All the rights, privileges, duties, and obli­ of all Ports. (f) Each elected Port Agent may cast one vote at any Subject to approval by a majority vote of the member­ gations of membership shall be suspended during the pe­ Agents' Conference. riod of retirement, except that a retired member sliall ship, the Secretary-Treasurer stiall designate, in the event (g) The Port Agent may assign each Port Patrolman to not be disloyal to the Union nor join or remain in any of the incapacity of a Port Agent or Patrolman, a replace­ such Union jobs as fall within the jurisdiction of the Port, dual or hostile organization, upon penalty of forfeiture of ment to act as such during the period of incapacity. At tbe first regular meeting in August of every election regardless of the departmental designation under which bis right to reinstatement. Section 3. Any person in retirement for a period of six year, the Secretary-Treasurer shall submit to the member­ the Patrolman was elected. ih) The Port Agent shall designate which members at months or more shall be restored to membership, ex­ ship a pre-balloting report. This report shall recommend cept as herein indicated, by paying dues for the current the number and location of Ports, the number of Assistant that Port may serve as representatives to other organiza­ quarter, as well as all assessments accruing,and newly Secretary-Treasurers and Agents, and the number of tions, affiliation with which has been properly permitted. (i) The. foregoing is in addition to those other duties levied during the period of retirement If the period of Port Patrolmen which are to be elected for each Port. prescribed elsewhere in this Constitution. This recommendation may also specify, whether any retirement is less than six (6) months, the required pay­ Patrolmen and/or Assistant Secretary-Treasurers, shall be Section 4. Port Patrolmen ments shall consist of all dues accruing during the said Port^ Patrolmen shall perform whatever duties are period of retirement, iijciuding those for the current designated as departmental or otherwise. The report shall quarter, and all assessments accrued and newly levied be subject to approval or modification by a majority vote assigned to them by the Port Agent. Section 5. Meeting Chairmen during that period. Upon such payment, the person in of the membership. (a) The chairman of each meeting at any Port, including (e) The Headquarters of the Union shall be located In retirement shall be restored to membership, and his mem­ bership book, appropriately stamped, shall be given to him. New York. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also be the Port the Port in which Headquarters is located, shall be the presiding officer of the meeting, shall keep order under Section 4. A member In retirement may be restored to Agent of that Port (f) The Secretary-Treasurer shall be chairman of tbe rules of order provided for, from time to time, by a membership after a fwo-year period of retirement only majority vote of the membership and. If nose, then byf Agente* Conference and may cast one votCi. by majority vote of tbe roembersbip. ;l| ••'••Mj I •m •'iji -ij •?(l •v .'4 �. i;p-; !?.- IS; iM- .- i: Sr-' ^u "^v': ».., • t' pv Ife' P"fgifs;,.. Page S—Four such rules as are adopted, from time to time, by a majority vote of the membership in each Port. (b) The meeting chairman may cast a vote only in the event, of a tie. (c» The meeting chairman shall not permit the discus­ sion of any religious subject. Section 6. Delegates (a) The term "delegates" shall mean those members of the Union who are elected, under the provisions of this Constitution, to attend the convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America. (b) Each delegate shall attend the Convention and fully participate therei.i. (c) Each delegate shall, by his vote and otherwise, support those policies agreed upon by the majority of the delegates to the convention. Section 7. Committees (a) Auditing Committee The Auditing Committee in each Port shall audit the regular weekly financial report of the Port Agent and, in writing, certify or refuse to certify said report. The Auditing Committee for the Port where Headquarters is located shall also audit the Secretary-Treasurer's financial report, to which the same rules as to certification and refusal to certify shall apply. The said report in its en­ tirety shall then be presented to the membership with action thereon to be taken as per a majority vote of the membership. (b) trial Committee The.Trial Committee shall co::duct trials of persons charged, and shall submit findings and recommendations as prescribed in this Constitution. It shall be the special obligation of the Trial Committee to observe all the re­ quirements of this Constitution with regard to charges and trials, and their findings and recommendations must specifically state whether or not, in the opinion of the Trial Committee, the rights of any accused, under this Constitution, were properly safeguarded. (c* Quarterly Financial Committee 1. The Quarterly Financial Committee shall make a quarterly thirteen week) audit of the finances of Head­ quarters and each Port, shall note discrepancies where they exist, shall report on their findings, and make rec-. ommendations. Members of this Committee may make dissenting reports, separate recommendations, and sepa­ rate findings. . 2. The report and recommendations of this Committee shall be completed within a reasonable time after the election of the members thereof, and shall be submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer who shall cause the same to be read in all Ports, at the first or second regular meet­ ing subsequent to the submission of the said report and recommendations. ' 3. All Port Agents are responsible for complying with all demands made for records, bills, vouchers, receipts, etc.. by the said Quarterly Financial Committee. 4 No report shall be considered as complete without an accompanying report and audit statement by a com­ petent accountant, and the Secretary-Treasurer is charged with the selection of such an accountant, who must be certified under state law. 5 Any action on the said report shall be as determined by a majority vote of the membership. (d) Appeals Committee 1. The Appeals Committee shall hear all appeals from trial judgments, in accordance with such procedures as are set forth in this Constitution and such rules as may be adop'^d by a majority vote of the membership, not inconsistent therewith 2. The Appeals Committee shall, within not later than one week after the close of the said hearing, make and submit findings and recommendations in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution and such rules as may be adopted by a majority vote of the membership, not inconsistent therewith. (e) Negotiating and Strike Committee 1 The Negotiating and Strike Committee shall repre­ sent the Union in all negotiations for contracts and changes in contracts, with persons, firms, corporations, or agencies, etc., wherein wages, hours, benefits, or other terms and conditions of employment of the members of this Union are involved. 2. Upon completion of negotiations, the Committee shall submit a report and recommendations to the mem­ bership of the Union at a regular or special meeting. The Committee may also make interim reports and rec­ ommendations and submit them to the membership at a regular or a special meeting. 3 A Port may establish a similar Committee for itself provided permission by a majority vote of the membership has been obtained. In such event, the Port Negotiating and Strike Committee shall forwai? its report and rec­ ommendations. together with comments by the Port Agent, to the Secretary-Treasurer, who shall then cause the said report and recommendations to be submitted to the membership of the Union at the earliest subsequent regular or special meeting, whichever he chooses, to­ gether with any report and recommendations which the Secretary-Treasurer deems desirable to make. The Port Negotiating and Strike Committee shall submit the report and recommendations upon completion of the negotiations, and may submit interim reports and recommendations, in the same mariner above set forth. 4 In no event shall a Negotiations and Strike Commit­ tee obligate this Union or any Port thereof, in any man­ ner. without the approval of the membership of the Union a.s evidenced by a majority vote of the member­ ship 5 A Negotiating and Strike Committee may decide the time of entry into, a strike, provided prior authority., evidenced by ii. ,tma vote,of the membership, is' SEAFARERS LOG January 7, 1955 granted therefor. In all other cases, a majority vote of the go into session. It shall determine whether the person has submitted his application correctly and possesses the membership shall decide when a strike shall begin. 6. This Committee shall be charged with the prepara­ necessary qualifications. The Committee shall prepai^e a tion and execution of a strike plnn which shall be bind­ report listing each applicant and his book number under ing on all members and other persons affiiated with the office or job he is seeking. Each applicant shall be this Union. However, a majority vote of the membership marked "qualified" or "disqualified" according to the find­ may repeal, or otherwise treat or dispose of any part or ings of the Committee. Where an applicant has been marked "disqualified," the reason therefor must be stated ail of a strike plan. in the report. Where a tie vote has been resolved by a ARTICLE XI special meeting of the membership, that fact shall also be WAGES AND TERMS OF OFFICE OF OFFICERS AND noted, with sufficient detail. The report shall be signed OTHER ELECTIVE JOB HOLDERS. UNION by all of the Committee members, and be completed and EMPLOYEES. AND OTHERS Section 1. The following elected offices ana jobs shall submitted to the Ports in time for the next regular meet­ ing after their election. At this meeting, it shall be read be held for a term of two years: and incorporated in the minutes, and then posted on the Secretary-Treasurer Bulletin Board in each port. Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Port Agent (c) When an applicant has been disqualified by the Patrolman Committee, he shall be notified immediately by telegram Section 2. The term of any ^^lective jobs othc-r than at his iicted addresses. He shall also be sent a letter those indicated in Section 1 of this Article shall continue containing the reasons for such disqualifications by air for so long as is necessary to complete the functions there­ mail, special delivery, registered. A disqualified appli­ of, unless sooner terminated by a majority vote of the cant shall have the right to take an appeal to the mem­ membership or segment of the fTnion, whichever applies, bership from the decision of the Committee. He shall whose vote was originally necessary to elect the one or forward copies of such appeal to each Port, where the ones serving. appeal shall be presented and voted upon at a regular Section 3. The compensation to be paid the holder of meeting no later than the second meeting after the Com­ any office or other elective job shal' be determined from mittee's election. It is the responsibility of the applicant time to time by a majority vote of the membership. to insure timely delivery of his appeal. In any event, Section 4. Subject to approval by a majority vote of the without prejudice to his written appeal, the applicant may membership, all other classifications of employees ox the appear in person before the Committee within two days Union shall be hired or discharged, as well as compensated, . after the day on which the telegram is sent, to correct as recommended by the Secretary-Treasurer. his application or argue for his qualification. Section 5. Subject to approval by a majority vote of The Committee's report shall be prepared early enough the membership, the Secretary-Treasurer may contract to allow the applicant to appear before it and still reach for, or retain, the services of any person, firm, or corpora­ the Ports in time for the first regular meeting after its tion, not employees of the Union, when he deems it neces­ election. sary in the best interests of the Union. (d) A majority vote of the membership shall, in the Section 6. The foregoing provisions of this Article do case of such appeals, be suffidient to overrule any dis­ not apply to any corporation, business, or other venture qualification classification by the Credentials Committee, in which this Union participates, or which it organizes or in which event, the one so previously classified shall then creates. In such situations, instructions conveyed by a be deemed qualified. majority vote of the membership shall be followed. le) The Credentials Committee, in passing upon the ARTICLE XII qualifications of candidates, shall have the right to con­ QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICERS. PORT AGENTS. clusively presume that anyone nominated and qualified in PATROLMEN, AND OTHER ELECTIVE'jOBS previous elections for candidacy for any office, or the job Section 1. Any member of the Union is eligible to be a of Port Agent or Port Patrolman, has met all the require­ candidate for, and hold any office or the job of Port Agent ments of Section 1-A of Article XII. or Patrolman, provided: Section 3. Balloting Procedure. (a) He has at least three (3) years of sea time aboard an (a) The Secretary-Treasurer shall insure the proper American flag merchant vessel or vessels; if he is seeking the job of Patrolman or Assistant Secretary-Treasurer in and timely preparation of ballots, without partiality as a specified department, this sea time must be in that de­ to candidates or Ports. The ballots may contain general information and instructive comments not Inconsistent partment, and (b) He has at least four (4) months of sea time aboard with the provisions of this Constitution. All qualified an American flag merchant vessel or vessels, or four (4) candidates shall be listed thereon alphabetically within months of employment with, or in any office or job of, the each category. The listing of the Ports shall follow a Union, its subsidiaries, or affiliates, or at the Union's geographical pattern, commencing with the most northly direction, or a combination of these, between January 1st Port on the Atlantic coast, following the Atlantic coast down to the most southerly Port on that coast, then west­ and the time of nomination, and (c) He has been in continuous good standing in the erly along the Gulf of Mexico and so on, until the list of Union for at least two (2) years immediately prior to his Ports is exhausted. There shall be allotted write-in space, on each ballot, sufficient to permit each member voting to iioinination, and write in as many names as there are offices and jobs to be (d) He is a citizen of the United States of America. Section 2. All candidates for, and holders of, other voted upon. Each ballot shall be so-prepared as to have the elective jobs not specified in the preceding sections shall number thereon placed at the top thereof and shall be so perforated as to enable that portion containing the said be members of the Union. Section 3. All candidates for and holders of elective number to be easily removed. On this removable portion offices and jobs, whether elected oi appointed in accord­ shall also be placed a short statement indicating the nature ance with this Constitution, shall maintain membership in of the ballot and the voting dates thereof. (b) The ballots so prepared at the direction of the Sec­ good standing. Failure to do so shall result in ineligibility to hf ld such office or job and shall constitute an incapacity retary-Treasurer shall be the only official ballots. No others may be used. Each ballot shall be numbered as with regard to such office or jo'j. indicated in the preceding paragraph and shall be num­ ARTICLE XIII bered consecutively, commencing with number 1. A suf­ ELECTIONS FOR OFFICERS. PORT AGENTS ficient amount shall be printed and distributed to each AND PATROLMEN Port. A record of the ballots, both by serial numbers and Section 1. Nominations amount, sent thereto shall be maintained by the Secre­ Any member may submit his name for nomination for tary-Treasurer, who shall also send each Port Agent a any office, or the job of Port Agent or Port Patrolman, by verification list indicating the amount and serial numbers delivering or sending a letter addressed to the Credentials of the ballots sent. Each Port Agent shall maintain sepa­ Committee, in care of the Secretary-Treasurer, at the ad­ rate records of the ballots sent him and shall inspect and dress of Headquarters. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged count the ballots, when received, to insure that the amount with the safekeeping of these letters and shall turn them sent, as well as the numbers thereon, conform to the over to the Credentials Committee upon the letter's re­ amount and numbers li.sted by the Secretary-Treasurer quest. This letter shall be dated and shall contain the fol­ as having been sent to that Port. The Port Agent shall lowing: immediately ejiecute and return, to the Secretary-Treas­ (a) The name of the candidate urer, a receipt acknowledging the correctness of the (b> His home address and mailing address amount and numbers of the ballots sent, or shall notify (c) His book number the Secretary-Treasurer of any discrepancy. Discrep­ (d) The title of the office or other job for which he is a ancies shall be corrected as soon as possible prior to the candidate, including the name of the Port in the event the voting period. In any event, receipts shall be forwarded position sought is that of Agent or Patrolman for ballots actually received. The Secretary-Treasurer le) Proof of citizenship shall prepare a file in which shall be kept memoranda and (f) Proof of seatime and/or employment as required for correspondence dealing with the election. This file shall candidates. at all times be available to any member asking for in­ The letter must reach Headquarters no earlier than Au­ spection of the same at Headquarters. gust 12th and no later than September 12th of the election (c) Balloting shall take place in person, at Port Offices, year and shall be secret. No signature of any voter, or other Section 2. Credentials Committee. distinguishing mark, shall appear on the ballot, except (a I A Credentials Committee shall be elected at the first that any member may write in the name or names of any regular meeting after September ilth of the election year, member or members, as appropriate, for any office, or the at the Port where Headquarters is located. It shall consist job of Port Agent or Patrolman. of six members in attendance at the meeting, with two -(d) No member may vote, without displaying his Union members from each of the Deck, Engine and Stewards De­ Book, in which there shall be placed an appropriate nota­ partments. In the event any Committee member is un­ tion of the date and of the fact of voting, both prior to able to serve, the Committee shall suspend until the Sec­ being handed a ballot. A ballot shall then be handed to retary-Treasurer calls a special meeting at the Port in the member who shall thereupon sign his name on' a order to elect a replacement. The Committee's results separate roster, together with his book number, and ballot shall be by majority vote, with any tie vote being resolved by number. The portion of the ballot on which the ballot a majority vote of the membership at a special meeting number is printed shall then be removed, placed near the caUo^i, for. that purpose at ftead.quartBra .Rortf/ vFostet and the member shall proceed to the voting site n.».4a. -r (b'» After lU ejBietiQO.,tbAshall'*«bnt»haii te'^ponri^ �January 7, 1955 ' lishment of a booth or other voting site where each mem* ber may vote in privacy. (f) Upon compietion of voting the member shaii fokt the baiiot so that no part of the printed or written portion is visible. He shall then drop the ballot into a narrow-siotted ballot box. which shall be provided for that purpose by the Port Agent, and kept locked and sealed except as hereinafter set forth. (g) Voting shall commence on November 15th and shall continue until January 15th inclusive, Sundays and holi­ days excluded. If November 15th or January 15th falls on a holiday or a Sunday, balloting shall commence or end, as the case may be. on the next succeeding business day. Section 4. Polls Committees (a) Each Port shall elect, prior to the beginning of the voting on each voting day. a Polls Committee, consisting of three members. For the purpose of holding a meeting for election of a Polls Committee only, five (5) members shall-~sonsti4yte • s-qtissivn - for - e.acbuSc'rt. .Jf:.shgJJL.ha.ihA.. responsibility of the Port Agent to call the meeting for the purpose of electing the said Polls Committee. In no case shall voting take place unless a duly elected Polls Committee is functioning. (b) The duly elected Polls Committee shall collect all unused ballots, the voting rosters, the numbered stubs of those ballots already used, the ballot box or boxes, and the ballot records and files kept by the Port Agent. It shall then proceed to compare the serial numbers and amounts of stubs with the number of names and corre­ sponding serial numbers on the roster, and then compare the serial number and the amounts of ballots used with the verification list, as corrected, and ascertain whether the unused ballots, both by serial numbers and amount, represent the difference between what appears on the verification list, as corrected, and the ballots used. A report shall t'.en be drawn, indicating the results of the foregoing comparisons and noting any discrepancies. A copy of this report shall be given the Port Agent, to be presented to the next subsequent regular meeting. A copy shall also be simultaneously sent to the SecretaryTreasurer, who shall cause an investigation to be made forthwith, in the event of discrepancies. The results of such investigation shall be reported to the membership as soon as completed, with recommendations by the Secre­ tary-Treasurer. A majority vote of the membership shall determine what action, if any, shall be taken thereon, with the same effect as indicated in Article 1. (ci The Polls Committee shall also insure tnai ihe ballot box is locked and sealed, which lock and seal shall not be opened except in the manner hereinafter set forth. The same procedure as is set forth in the preceding para­ graph with regard to discrepancies shall be utilized in the event the Polls Committee has reason to believe the lock and seal have been illegally tampered with. fd) The Polls Committee shall permit qualified members only to vote. Prior thereto, it shall ascertain whether they are in good standing, stamp their book with the word "voted," and the date, issue ballots to voters, insure that proper registration on the roster takes place, collect the stubs, and keep them in numerical order. It shall preserve good order and decorum at the voting site and vicinity thereof. All members and others affiliated with the Union are charged with the duty of assisting the Polls Committee, when called upon, in the preservation of order and decorum. (e> In order to maintain the secrecy and accuracy of the ballot and to eliminate the possibility of errors or irregularities in any one day's balloting affecting all the Balloting in any one Port, the following procedure shall be observed: At the end of each day's voting the Polls Committee, in the presence of any member desiring to attend, provided he observes proper decorum, shall open the ballot box or boxes, and place all of that day's ballots therein in an envelope together with a copy of the roster of that day's voting. The envelope shall then be sealed. Each member of the Polls Committee shall sign his name across the flap of the said envelope with h>s book number next to his signature. The Committee shall also place t^ie date on said envelope, as well as a certificate that the said box or boxes were opened publicly, that all ballots for that day o-^ly were removed, and that all of those ballots are enclosed in the envelope dated for that day. This envelope shall then be replaced in the ballot box. The ballot box shall then again be locked and sealed and the key shall be placed in an envelope. This envelope shall then be sealed, and the members of the Committee shall sign their names across the flap of this envelope and place their book numbers thereon, together with the date. It shall be the responsibility of the Port Agent to see that this envelope with the key is properly safeguarded until turned over to the Polls Committee tb-- following morning. In addition, the Polls Committe ,iall deliver to the Port Agent duplicate copies of me roster, the unused ballots and reports as set forth in this section, any files that may have been given, the ballot box or boxes, and all the stubs collected both for the day and those turned over to it. The Port Agent shall keep the rosters, unused ballots, ballot box or boxes, and stubs, under lock and key until duly called for as herein set forth. The Port Agent shall insure that no person illegally tampers with the ballots, stubs, rosters, or ballot boxes while they are under his custody. A third copy of the rosters for that day shall be mailed by the Polls Committee, or the Port Agent, to Headquarters. (f) Members of the Polls Committee shall serve without compensation, except that the Port Agent shall compensate each Polls Committee member with a reasonable sum for meals while serving. SeoUon 5, Ballot Golleotio»i Tallyinf Procedure; PrvleslB.. and Special'Vetet: SEAFARERS LOG Page S—^Fiv® (a) A Port Tallying Committee shall be elected at the peals may be taken, by the said member, by addressing first regular meeting after the close of voting at each a letter or telegram to each Port, c/o the Port Agent, in Port. It shall consist of six (6) members, two from each which shall be set forth the facts regarding the appeal of the three departments of the Union. In the presence from the dismissal of his protest, the member's name, and of any member desiring to attend, provided he observes his botJk number, with a copy to Headquarters. It shall decorum, it shall open the ballot box or boxes, count be the duty of the Port Agent to submit this appeal to the the number of ballots therein contained, and count the Election Report meeting at his Port. The protesting mem­ ber is charged with making this appeal prior to the holding number of votes for each candidate. The Committee shall place all ballots therein in a seaied envelope, together of this meeting. Special votes ordered in accordance with with a certification signed by all members of the Com-, this paragraph shall take place at the Port where the mittee that the said box or Isoxes were opened publicly, claimed discrepancy or denial of the right to vote octhat all the ballots therein were counted and tallied, and cuiTed. In such case, the Port Agent shall have the func­ that all of those ballots are enclosed in the envelope, and tions of the Tallying Committee as set forth in Section shall forward this to Headquarters. The Committee shall 5-'J of this Article, insofar as the said Section 5-C deals also forward to Headquarters, in the same package but with the terms of such special vote. Port Agents shali officially notify Headquarters, imme­ bound separately, all the rosters, together with a certif­ ication signed by all members of the Committee that all diately, after the Election Report meeting, of the decision the rosters utilized are enclosed therein. In the same pack- of the membership at the Ports with regard to all of the .age,, but. bound separately, the Committee shall forward foregoing. Headquarters is charged v/ith adequately and fo Headquarters all unused ballots, together "with a"cer-~' 'TirnelyiriformTng "afl'ecied'~iihembeTJ'" or" cilV" utcisrcfiio tification, signed by all members of the Committee that all reached. A majority of the membership, at the Election Report the unused ballots sent to the Port are enclosed therewith. The certification shall identify, by serial number and meeting, may order a recheck and a recount where a dis­ amount, the unused ballots so forwarded. In the same senting report has been issued by one or more members * package, but bound separately, the Committee shall for­ of the Headquarters Tallying Committee. (g) A special vote must be taken within ten (10) days ward to Headquarters all stubs collected during the period of voting, together with a certification, signed by all mem­ after the Election Report meeting. The Secretary-Treas­ bers of the Committee, that all the stubs collected by the urer shall make a sulTicient amount of the usual balloting Committee are enclosed. It shall be understood that the material available to Port Agents for the purpose of sucn above certifications are made according to the best knowl­ special votes. Immediately after the close of such special edge, information, and belief of the Committee members. voting, the Port Agent shall summarize the results and Wherever forwarding is not don^ in person, forwarding communicate those results to the Secretary-Treasurer. The shall be accomplished, expeditiously, by registered air ballots, stubs, rosters, and unused ballots pertaining fo mail, special delivery. All forwarding shall be to the. the special vote shall be mailed to Headquarters, all in Headquarters Tallying Committee, at the address of Head­ the same package, but bound separately. An account­ quarters. In the event a Port Tallying Committee cannot ing and certification by the Port Agent similar to those indicated in Section 5-A of this Article shall be enclosed. be elected or cannot act, the Port Agent shall transfer all of the aforesaid material to the Headquarters Tallying The Secretary-Treasurer shall then prepare a report con­ Committee which will then carry out the aforesaid func­ taining a combined summary of the results, together with a schedule indicating in detail how they affect the Head­ tions. quarters Tallying Committee's results. The form of the (b) The Port Tallying Committee which is elected at the Port where Headquarters is located shall also act as report of the Headquarters Tallying Committee shall be the Headquarters Tallying Committee. The Headquarters followed as closely as possible. Two copies shall be sent Committee is charged with the tally of all the ballots and to each Port, one copy of which shall be posted. The other the preparation of a report setting forth in complete de­ copy shall be presented at the next regular meeting after tail, the results of the election, including a complete ac­ the Election Report meeting. Section 6. Installation into Office and the Job of counting of all ballots and stubs, and reconciliation of the Port Agent or Patrolman. same with the rosters, verification iists, and receipts of (a) The person elected shall be that person having the the Port Agents, all with detailed reference to serial num­ bers and amount.^, and with each total broken down into largest number of votes cast for the particular office or Port totals. The report shall clearly detail all discrep­ job involved. Where more than one person is to be elected ancies discovered, and shali contain recommendations for for a particular office or job, the proper number of can­ the treatment of these discrepancies. All members of didates receiving the successively highest number of votes the Committee shall sign the report, without prejudice, shall be declared elected. It shall be the duty of the Sec­ however, to the right of any member thereof to submit retary-Treasurer to notify each individual elected. (b) All reports by Committees and the Secretary-Treas- — a dissenting report as to the accuracy df the count and urer under this Article, except those of the Polls Com­ the validity of the ballots, with pertinent details. (c) The Tallying Committee is also charged with the mittees, shall be entered in the minutes of the Port where receipt and evaluation of written protests by any member Headquarters is located. Polls Committee reports shall who claims an illegal denial of the right to vote. If it be entered in the minutes of the Port where it functions. (c> The duly elected Secretary-Treasurer. Assistant Sec­ finds the protest invalid, it shall dismiss the protest and 80 inform the protesting member, by wire, on the day of retary-Treasurers, Port Agents, and Port Patrolmen shall dismissal. If it finds the protest valid, the Committee take over their respective offices and jobs, and assume shall order a special vote, on such terms as are practical, the duties thereof, at midnight, March 31st. At that time, effective, and just, but which terms, in any event, shall the terms of their predecessors shall expire. This shall include the provisions of Section 3-C of this Article and not apply where the successful candidate cannot assume the designation as to the voting site of the Port most his office because he is at sea. In such event, a majority convenient to the protesting member. Where a special vote of the membership may grant additional time for the vole is ordered in accordance with this Paragraph C, assumption of the office or job. In the event of the failure these terms shail apply, notwithstanding any provisions of the newly-elected Secretary-Treasurer to assume of­ to the contrary contained in this Article. Protests may fice, the provisions of Article X, Section 2-A, as to suc­ be made only in writing and must be received by the cession shall apply until such office is assumed. If he Headquarters Tallying Committee during the period of its does not assume office within 90 days, the iine of succes­ proceedings. The reports of this Committee shall include sion shall apply until the expiration of the term. All other a brief summary of each protest received, ihe name and cases of failure to assume office shall be dealt with as book number of the protesting member, and a summary decided by a majority vote of the membership. (d) Before assuming office, every Officer, Port Agent, of the disposition of the said protest and Patrolman shall take the following oath: (d) The Headquarters Tallying Committee snail com­ "1 do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute mence proceedings on the first business day subsequent the duties of of the Seafarers to its election and shall complete its proceedings within International Union of North America. Atlantic and two weeks thereafter. Each member of the Committee Gulf District, and 1 will, to the best of my ability, shall be paid at the prevailing standby rate of pay. The protect and preserve the Constitution of this Union proceedings of this Committee, except for the actual prep­ and the welfare of the membership." aration of the report and dissents therefrom, if any. shall ARTICLE XIV oe open to any member, provided he observes decorum. OTHER ELECTIONS (e) The report of the Committee shall be made up in Section 1. Auditing Committee. sufficient copies to comply With the following require­ Each port shall elect an Auditing Committee on Friday ments: two copies shall be sent by the Committee to each Port Agent and the Secretary-Treasurer prior to the first of each week, at 3:00 P.M., for the purpose of auditing the reguiar m eting scheduled to take place subsequent to the financial report for that week. These reports shall be close of th ommittee's proceedings or, in the event such submitted to the next regular meeting of that port, for meeting is scheduled to take place four days or less from membership action. The Committee shall consist of three the close of this Committee's proceedings, then at least five members. No Officer, Port Agent, Patrolman, or employee days prior to the next regular meeting. Whichever meet­ shall be eligible to serve on this Committee. The election ing applies shall be desigiiated, by date, in the report, shall be by majority vote of the members in attendance and shall be referred to as the "Election Report" meeting. at the meeting, provided that any member eligible to As soon as these copies are received, each Port Agent shall serve may nominate himself. The same provisions shall apply with regard to the Port post one copy of the report on the bulletin board, in a conspicuous manner. This copy shall be kept posted for where Headquarters is located except that the Auditing a period of two months. At the Election Report meeting, Committee there shail audit the financial reports of the Headquarters Port Agent and the Secretary-Treasurer the other copy of the report shall be read verbatim. Section 2. Quarterly Financial Committee. (fi At the Election Report meeting, there shail be taken The Quarterly Financial Committee shall be elected at up the discrepancies, if any, referred to in Section 5-B of this Article, and the recommendations of the Tallying the Port where Headquarters is located, at the first or sec­ Committee submitted therewith. A majority vote of the ond regular meeting held after the close of the calendar membership shall decide what action shall be taken there­ quarter for which the Committee is to make tlie required on, if any, which action, however, shall not be beyond audit. It shall be the duty of the Secretary-Treasurer to ordering a special vote to the extent reasonably indicated decide at which of these meetings the election shall take by the reported discrepancies. The same procedure shall place. The Committee shall consist of six members, with apply-to all'members appealing from denials of their pro*' two members from each of the Deck, Engine and Stewards teilts bv the Headquarters Tall}ling^^ Cominlttbe, which a if* < D«pBEtiQeiffs. No officer. Port Agent, Patrolman or emr A -ii - II • �Page S—Six SEAFARERS LOG Jahuanr 7, 1955 Section 4. No trial shall be conducted Unless all the given a fair trial, or (c) that for any other reason, the ac­ ployee shall be eligible to serve on this Committee. The members shall be elected by a majority vote of the mem­ accusers are present. The Trial Committee shall conduct cused was not given a fair trial. (d) If there is no substantial evidence to support a bers present at the meeting provided that any member the trial except that the accused shall have the right to cross-examine the accuser, or accusers, and the witnesses, finding of guUt, the Appeals Committee shall recommend eligible to serve may nominate himself. as well as to conduct his own defense. The accused may that the charge on which tho finding was based be dis­ Section 3. Trial Committee. A Trial Committee shall be elected at a Special Meeting select any nflember to assist him in his defense at the missed. (e) The Appeals Committee may recommend lesser held at 10:00 A.M the next business day following the trial, provided, (a), the said member Is available at the regular meeting ot the Port where the Trial is to take time of the trial and (b) the said member agrees to render punishment. Section 14. The Appeals Committee shall deliver its place. It shall consist of five members, of which three such assistance. If the accused challenges the qualifica­ shall constitute a quorum. No Officer, Port Agent, Port tions of the members of the Trial Committee, or states decision and dissent, if any, to the Secretary-Treasurer. Patrolman, or employee may be elected to serve on a Trial that the charges do not adequately inform him of what The Secretary-Treasurer shall cause sufficient copies to be Committee. No member who intends to be a witness in wrong he allegedly committed, or the time and place of published and shall have them sent to each Port in time the pending trial may serve, nor may any member who such commission, such matters shall be ruled upon and to reach there before the next regular scheduled meeting. cannot, for any reason, render an honest decision. It shall disposed of. prior to proceeding on the merits of the de­ He shall also send a copy to each accused and accuser at be the duty of every member to decline nomination if he fense. The guilt of an accused shall be found only if proven their last known address, or notify them in person. Section 15. At the meeting indicated in Section 14 of knows, or has reason to believe, any of the foregoing dis­ by the weight of the evidence, and the burden of such proof shall be upon the accuser. Every finding shall be this Article, the membership, by a majority vote, shall qualifications apply to him. The members of this Commit­ tee shall be elected under such generally applicable rules based on the quality of the evidence and not solely on the accept the decision of the Appeals Committer, or the dis­ number of witnesses produced. sent therein, if any. If there is no dissent, the decision of as are adopted by a majority vot of the membership. Section 5. The Trial Committee shall make findings as the Appeals Conunittee shall stand. Section 4. Appeals Committee. If a new trial is ordered, that trial shall be held in the The Appeals Committee shall consist of seven members, to guilt or innocence, and recommendations as to pun­ five of whom shall constitute a quorum, elected at the ishment and/or other Union action deemed desirable in Port where Headquarters is located, in the manner pro­ JPort where Headquarters is located. The same disqual­ the light of the proceedings. These findings and recom- vided for in Section 2 of this Article. Any decision so ifications and duties of members shall apply with regard mendation.s shall be those of a majority of the Committee, providing for a new trial shall contain such directions as to this Committee as apply to the Trial Committee. In and shall be in writing, as shall be any dissent. The Com­ will insure a fair hearing to the accused. Section 16. The Secretary-Treasurer shall notify the addition, no member may serve on an Appeals Committee mittee shall forward its findings and recommendations, in the hearing of an appeal from a Trial Committee deci­ along with any dissent, to the Port Agent of the Port accused and each accuser, either in person or in writing sion, if the said member was a member of the Trial Com­ where the trial took place, while a copy thereof shall be addressed to their last known address, of the results of forwarded to the accused and the accusers, either in per­ the appeal. A further appeal shall be allowed as set forth mittee. son or by mail addressed to their last known addresses. in Section 17. .Section 5. Negotiating and Strike Committee. Section 17. Each member is charged with knowledge of The members of a Negotiating and Strike Committee, The findings shall include a statement that the rights of whether of a Port or otherwise, shall be composed of as the accused under this Constitution, were properly safe­ the provisions of the Constitution of the Seafarers Interna­ many members as shall be determined, by a majority vote guarded. The findings also must contain the charges tional Union of North America, and the rights of, and of the membership, upon recommendation of the Secre­ made, the date of the trial, the name and address of the procedure as to, further appeal as provided for therein. tary-Treasurer. Any member may attend any meeting of accused, the accuser, and each witness; shall describe each Decisions reached thereunder shall be binding on all mem­ this Committee provided he observes decorum. However, document used at the trial; shall contain a fair summary bers of the Union. Section 18. It shall be the duty of all members of the a limit may be set by the chairman of the Committee on of the proceedings, and shall state the findings as to guilt or innocence. If possible, all the documents used at Union to take all steps within their constitutional power the number of those who may attend. the trial shall be kept. All findings and recommendations to carry out the terms of any effective decisions. Section 6. Meeting Chairman. shall be made a part of the regular files. Section 19. Any accused may waive any or all rights The meeting Chairman shall be a member elected from Section 6. The Port Agent of the Port of Trial shall, and privileges granted to him by this Article. If an accused the floor by majority vote of the members at any meeting. upon receipt of the findings and recommendations of the has been properly notified of his trial and fails to attend Section 7. Delegates. As soon as the Secretary-Treasurer is advised as to the Trial Committee, cause the findings and recommendations without properly requesting a -"ostponement, the Trial date and duly authorized number of delegates to the con­ to be presented, and entered into the minutes, at the next Committee may hold its trial without his presence. vention of the Seafarers International Union of North regular meeting. ARTICLE XVI Section 7. The Port Agent shall send - the record of America, he shall communicate such facts to the Port OFFENSES AND PENALTIES Agent of each Port, together with recommendations as to the entire proceedings to Headquarters, which shall cause Section 1. Upon proof of the commission of the follow­ generally applicable rules for the election of delegates. sufficient copies thereof to be made and sent to each ing offenses, the member shall be expelled from mem­ These facts and recommendations shall be announced and Port in time for the next regularly scheduled meeting. bership: Section 8. At the latter meeting, the proceedings shall read at the first regular meeting thereafter. Unless (a) Proof of membership in any organization advocating changed by a majority vote of the memb rship during that be discussed. The meeting shall then vote. A majority the overthrow of the Government of the United States meetin.g, the election rules shall apply. These rules shall vote of the membership of the Union shall: by force; (a) Accept the findings and recommendations, or not prohibit any member from nominating himself. The (b> Acting as an informer against the Interest of the (b) Reject the findings and recommendations, or results of the election shall be communicated to each Port Union or the membership in any organizational campaign; (c) Accept the findings, but modify the recommenda­ Agent, posted on the bulletin board, and announced at the (c) Acting as an informer for, or agent, of the Company ^next regular meeting of the Port. Rules of election here­ tions, or against the interests of the membership or the Union; Id) Order a new trial after finding that substantial, jus­ under may include provisions for automatic election of all Id) The commission of any act as part of a conspiracy qualified nominees, in the event the number of such tice has not been done with regard to the charges. In this to destroy the Union. nominees does not exceed the number of delegates to be event, a new trial shall take place at the Port where Head­ Section 2. Upon proof of the commission of any of the quarters is located and. upon application, the accused, the following offenses, the member shall be penalized up to a elected. accusers, and their witnesses shall be furnished transpor­ penalty of expulsion from the Union. In the event the ARTICLE XV tation and subsistence. TRIALS AND APPEALS penalty of expulsion is not invoked or recommended, the Section 1. Any member may bring charges against any Section 9. After the vote set forth in Section 8, any penalty shall not exceed suspension from the rights and other member for the commission of an offense as set punishment so decided upon shall become effective. The privileges of membership for more than two (2) years, or forth in this Constitution. These charges shall be in writ­ Secretary-Treasurer shall cause notice of the results a fine of $50.00, or both: ing and signed by the accuser, who shall also include his thereof to be sent to each accuse«* and accuser. (a) Wilfully misappropriating or misusing Union prop­ book number. The accuser shall deliver these charges to Section 10. An accused who has been found guilty, or erty of the value in excess of $50.00; the Port Agent of the Port nearest the place of the of­ who is under effective punishme.nt may appeal in the fol­ (b) Unauthorized use of Uni'on property, records, stamps, fense, or the Port of pay off, if the offense took place lowing manner: seals, etc., for the purpose of personal gain; aboard ship. He»shall also request the Port Agent to He may send or deliver a notice of appeal to the (c) Wilful misuse of any office or job, elective or not, present these charges at the next regular meeting. The Secretary-Treasurer within 30 days after receipt of the within the Uniop for the purpose of personal gain, finan­ accuser may withdraw his charges before the meeting notice of the decison of the membership. cial or otherwise, or the wilful refusal or failure to takes place. Section 11. At the next regular meeting -of the Port execute the duties or functions of the said office or job. Section 2. After presentation of the charges and the where Headquarters is located, after receipt of the notice or gross neglect or abuse in executing such duties or request to the Port Agent, the Port Agent shall cause of appeal, the Secretary-Treasurer shall present the notice, functions; those charges to be read at the said meeting. which shall then become part of the minutes. An Appeals (d) Unauthorized voting, or unauthorized handling of if the charges are rejected by a majority vote of the Committee shall then be elected. The Secretary-Treasurer ballots, stubs, rosters, verification lists, ballot boxes, or Port, no further action m.ay be taken thereon, unless is charged with the duty of presenting the before-men­ election files, or eleclioii material of any sort; ruled otherwise by a majority vote of the membership of tioned proceedings and all available documents used as Preferring charges with knowledge that such charges the Union within 90 days tliereafter. If the charges are evidence at the trial to the Appeals Committee, as well as are(e)false; accepted, and the accased is present, he shall be auto­ any written statement or argument submitted by the ac­ (f) Making or transmitting, with intent to deceive, false matically on notice that he will be tried the following cused. The accused may argue his appeal in person, if he reports or communications, with knowledge of the falsity morning. At his request, the trial shall be postponed so desires. The appeal shall be heard at Union Headquar­ thereof, or unauthorizedly altering reports or communica­ u-ntil the morning following the next regular meeting, at ters on the night the Committee is elected. It shall be tions which fall within the scope of Union business; which time the Trial Committee will then be elected. He the responsibility of the accused to insure that his written (g) Deliberate failure or refusal to join one's ship, or shall also be handed a written copy of the charges made statement or argument arrives at Headquarters in time for misconduct or neglect of duty aboard ship, to the detri­ against him. such presentation. ment of the Union or its agreements; If the accused is not present, the Port Agent shall Im­ Section 12. The Appeals Committee shall decide the ap­ (h) Deliberate and unauthorized interference, or delib­ mediately cause to be sent to him. by registered mail ad­ dressed to his last known mailing address on file with peal as soon as possible, consistent with fair consideration erate and malicious villification, with regard to the execu­ the Union, a copy of the charges, the names and book of the evidence and arguments before it. It may grant ad- tion of the duties of any office or job; (i) Paying for, or receiving money for, employment numbers of the accusers, and a notification that he must journmefats and may request the accused or accusers to present arguments, whenever necessary for such fair con­ aboard a vessel; appear with his witnesses, ready for trial the morning sideration. (j) Wilful refusal to submit evidence of affiliation for after the next regular meeting, at which meeting the Trial Section 13. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall the purpose of avoiding or delaying money payments to Committee will be elected In the event a majority of the membership of the Union be by majority vote, and shall be in the form of findings the Union, or unauthorizedly transferring or receiving shall vote to accept charges after their rejection by a and recommendations. Dissents will be allowed. Decisions evidence of Union affiliation, with intent to deceive; (k) Wilful failure or refusal to carry out the orders of Port, the Trial shall take place in the Port where Head­ and dissents shall be in writing and signed by those partic­ quarters is located. Due notice thereof shall be given to ipating in such decision or dissent. In making its findings those duly authorized to make such orders during time the accused, who shall be informed of the name of his and recommendations, the Committee shall be governed of strike: Section 3. Upon proof of the commission of any of the accusers, and who shall receive a written statement of by the following: (a) No finding of guilt shall be reversed if there is sub­ following offenses, members shall be penalized up to the charges. At the request of the accused, transportation and subsistence shall be provided the accused and his stantial evidence to support such a finding and, in such suspension from the rights and privileges of membership case, the Appeals Committee shall not make its own find­ for two (2) years, or a fine of $50.00, or both: witnesses. (a) Wilfully misappropriating or misusing Union propSection 3. The Trial Committee shall hear all pertinent ings as to the weight of evidence. (b) In no event shall increased punishment be recom­ erty of the value under $50.00; evidence and shall not be bound by the rules of evidence (b) Assuming any office or job. whether elective or not required by courts ot law but may receive all relevant mended. (c) A new trial shall be recommended if the Appeals with knowledge of the lack of possession of the qualifica­ Rstimony. The Trial Committee may grant adjournments, at the request of the accused, to enable him to make a Committee finds—(a) that any member of the Trial Com­ tions required therefor; (c) Misconduct during any meeting or other official proper defense. In the event the Trial Committee falls mittee should have been disqualified, or (b) that the ac­ beneath a quorum^ It shall adjourn until quorum-doer- cused 5ya,s,..HQt,,a4?qu?tely..ip£pp!XveA ofi.tti.e .4eta.ils.>i>ft.jlw- Un}w. pr()e^eding„,qf,.bi:^t}giqg.jy,9, vpioo. inte, ^wptfte,, 0Xist. irou'T't!-? if'ftl charged |fip,»«lpeiii(hetf.,ju, this, AEtipJe^j,,.,, �January 7, 1955 (d) Refusal or negligent failure to carry out orders of those duly authorized to make such orders at any time. Section 4. Upon pvoof of-the commission of any of the following offenses, members shall be penalized up to a flne of $50.00: (a) Refusal or wilful failure to be present at sign-ons or pay-offs: (b) Wilful failure to submit book to Uniqn representa­ tives at pay-off; (c) Disorderly conduct at pay-off or sign on; (d) Refusal to cooperate with Union representatives in discharging their duties; (e) Disorderly conduct in the Union Hall; (f) Gambling in the Union Hall; (g) Negligent failure to join ship. Section 5. Any member who has committed an offense penalized by no more than a fine of $50.00 may elect to waive his rights under this Constitution and to pay the ma.ximum fine of $50.00 to the duly authorized representa­ tive of the Union. Section 6. If offense against the Union and its principles and policies takes place in the meeting, the meeting may go into a Committee of the Whole and try the member at once, and in this case, the findings and recommendation of the Committee of the Whole shall be acted upon as If the report were made by a duly elected Trial Committee. Section 7. This Union, and its rnernbers, shall not be deemed to waive any ciaim, or personal or property rights to which it or its members are entitled, by bringing the member to trial or enforcing a penalty as provided in this Constitution. Section 8. Any member under suspension for an of­ fense under this Article shall continue to pay all dues and assessments and must observe his duties to the Union, members, officials and job holders. ARTICLE XVII PUBLICATIONS This Union may publish such pamphlets, journals, news­ papers, magazines, periodicals, and general literature, in such manner as may he determined, from time to time, by a majority vote of the membership. ARTICLE XVIII BONDS Officers and job holders, whether elected or appointed, as well as all other employees of the Union, may be re­ quired to be bonded under such terms and conditions as may be determined, from time to time, by a majority vote of the membership. ARTICLE XIX EXPENDITURES Section 1. Policies or specific instructions with regard to expenditures to be made or expen.ses to be incurred shall he determined by a majority vote of the membership. In the event no contrary policies or instructions are in existence, the Secretary-Treasurer may authorize, make, and incur such expenditures and expenses as lie within the authoHty conferred upon him by Articie X and Ar­ ticle XI of this Constitution. Section 2. The provisions of Section 1 shall similarly apply to the routine accounting and administrative pro­ cedures of the Union except those primarily concerned With trials, appeals, negotiations, strikes, and elections. Section' 3. The provisions of this Article shall super­ sede, to the extent applicable, the provisions of Articles X and XI. ARTICLE XX INCOME Section 1. The income of this Union shall include re­ ceipts from dues, initiation fees, fines, assessments, con­ tributions, loans, interest, dividends, as well as income derived from any other legitimate business operation or other legitimate source. Section 2. No member shall be required to pay or de­ liver any sum of money to any Union representative with­ out obtaining an official Union receipt, signed and dated. It shall be the duty of the member to demand such re­ ceipt. Section 3. No assessments shall be levied except after a ballot conducted under such general rules as may be decided upon by a majority vote of the membership, pro­ vided that: (a) The ballot must be secret. lb) The assessment must be approved by a 2/3 ma­ jority of the valid ballots cast. Section 4. All payments by members or other affiliates of this Union shall be applied succe.ssively to the mone­ tary obiigations owed the Union commencing with the oldest in point of time, as measured from the date of accrual of siich obligation. The period of arrears shall be calculated accordingly. ARTICLE XXI PERMITS AND OTHER TYPES OF UNION AFFILIATION This Union, by majority vote of the membership, may provide for affiliation with it by individuals in a lesser capacity than ihembership, or in a capacity other than membership. By majority vote of the membership, the Union may provide for the rights and obligations incident to such capacities or affiliations. These rights and obli­ gations may include, but ar§ not limited to: (a) the applica­ bility or non-applicability of all or any part of this Con­ stitution; (b) the terms of such affiliation; (c) the right of the Union to peremptory termination of such affiliation and, (d)-the fees required for such affiliation. In no event may anyone not a member receive evidence of affiliation equivalent to that of members, receive priority or rights over members, or be termed a member. ARTICLE XXII FORMULATION OF SHIPPING RULES Section I. The formulation of shipping rules shall not be deemed part of any routine administrative-task.-' Ship" ping rur^- governing thr details Of ' thb ra^^nUiieh^ 'of-'^^ SEAFARERS LOG jobs and governing conduct and procedure connected therewith may be issued and take effect only after ap­ proval by a majority vote of the membership. Shipping rules duly issued shall be deemed to be Union policy. Section 2. A majority vote of the membership may make special exceptions or rules for any company or vessel, for organizational purposes, whether covered by a contract or not. ARTICLE XXIII QUORUMS Section 1. Unless elsewhere herein otherwise specif­ ically provided, the quorum for a special meeting of a Port shail be six members. Section 2. The quorufh for a regular meeting of a Port shall be seven members. Section 3. The quorum for the Agents' Conference shall be a majority of those eligible to attend. Section 4. Unless otherwise specifically set forth here­ in, the quorum for any committee shall be the majority of those duly elected or appointed thereto. Section 5. Unless otherwise specifically set forth here­ in, the decisions, reports, recommendations," or other func­ tions of any segment of the Union requiring a quorum to act officially, shall be that of the majority of the quorum, and shall not be official or effective unless the quorum requirements are met. ARTICLE XXIV MEETINGS Section 1. All ports shall hold regular meetings, provided a quorum is present, on every other Wednesday, at 7:00 P.M. If such meeting night falls on a holiday, the meeting shall take place, providing a quorum is present, at 7:00 P.M. the follrwing night. In the event a quorum is not present at 7:00 P.M., the Port Agent of ihe pertinent port shall post­ pone the opening of the meeting until a quorum is pres­ ent, but in no event later than 7:30 P.M. A majority vote of the membership shall be sufficient to change the date of any future regular meeting. Section 2. A special meeting at a Port may be called only at the direction of the Port Agent. No special meet­ ing may be held, except between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Notice of such meeting shall be posted at least two hours in advauce, on the Port bulletin board. ARTICLE XXV AGENTS' CONFERENCE Section 1. The Secretary-Treasurer shall call an Agents' Conference once a year, and may call, with the approval of a majority vote of the membership, additional Agents' Conferences during the year. The time and plaee of eaeh such meeting shall he fixed by the Secretary-Treasurer. These conferences may be postponed or cancelled by a majority vote of the membership in case of emergency. A majority vote of the membership shall determine when such • emergency exists. Section 2. The Agents' Conference may discuss and prepare reports and recommendations on any part of the Union's activities, policies and plans. The adoption of any such recommendation by a majority vote of the memhership shall make the provisions thereof binding Union policy, until modified or otherwise altered by a majority vote of the membership provided s.uch recommendation Is not inconsistent with the provisiuns of this Couslilution. ARTICLE XXVI DEFINITIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS RELATING THERETO Section 1. Incapacity. Unless otherwise set forth or dealt with herein, the term "incapacity," shall mean any illness or condition preventing the affected person from carrying out his duties for more than 30 days; or absence from the United States; or suspension from office or membership as provided for in this Constitution; or the due replacement of one under an incapacity as indicated. However, nothing contained in this Article shall be deemed to prohibit the execution of the functions of more than one job and/or office, in which event no incapacity shall be deemed to exist with regard to the regular job or of­ fice of the one taking over the duties and functions of the one incapacitated. The period of incapacity shall be the time during which the circumstances exist. Section 2. Unless otherwise set forth or dealt with herein, the term "vacancy," and the term "vacancy not caused by an incapacity," shall be deemed to be the same, and shall include failure to perform the functions of any office or job by reason of death, or resignation, or expul­ sion from the Union with no further right to appeal in aecordance with the provisions of this Constitution. Section 3. When applicable to the Union as a whole, the term, "majority vote of the membership," shall mean the majority of all the valid votes cast by members at an official meeting of those Ports holding a meeting. This definition shall prevail notwithstanding that one or more Ports cannot hold meetings because of no quorum. For that purpose of this section, the term "regularly scheduled meeting night at which the pertinent vote may take place" shall refer to a meeting or meetings during the time period within which a vote must be taken in accordance with: (a) The Constitution lb) Union policy, and (c) Custc.'n and usage of the Union in the indicated priority. Section 4. When applicable solely to Port action and not concerned with, or related to. Union action as a whole, and not forming part of a Union-wide vote, the term, "majority vote of the membership." shall refer to the majority of the valid votes cast by the members at any meeting of the Port, regular or special. Section 5. The term, "membership action" shall mean the'Same as-the term'"majority vote-of the membership." Page S—Seven holder thereof. Is set forth in this Constitutiofi, all refer­ ences thereto and. the provisions concerned therewith shall be deemed to be equally applicable to whomever is duly acting in such office or job. Section 7. The term "Election Year" shall be deemed to mean that calendar year prior to the calendar year in which elected officials and other elected job-holders are required to assume office. The first election year shall be deemed to be 1954. Section 8. The terms, "this Constitution," and "this amended Constitution," shall be deemed to have the same meaning and shall refer to the Constitution which takes the place of the one adopted fay the Union in 1939. asamended up through August 1951. Section 9. The term, "member in good standing," shall * mean a member not in arrears or under suspension or sentence of expulsion. Unless otherwise expressly indi­ cated, the term, "member," shall mean a member in good standing. Section 10. The term, "membership book," shall mean any official certificate issued as evidence of Union mem­ bership. Section 11. Whenever the day on which a Union meeting or action is to take place falls on a holiday, the meeting i or action shall be put off until the next business day, at the same hour. ARTICLE XXVII AMENDMENTS This Constitution shall be amended In the following manner: Section 1. Any member may submit, at any regular meeting of any Port, proposed amendments to this Con­ stitution in resolution form. If a majority vote of the membership of the Port approves it, the proposed amend­ ment shall be forwarded to all Ports for further action. Section 2. When a proposed amendment is accepted by * a majority vote of the membership, it shall be referred to a Constitutional Committee in the Port where Head­ quarters is located. This Committee shall be composed of six members, two from each Department and shaU be elected in accordance with such rules as are established by a majority vote of that Port. The Committee will act on all proposed amendments referred to it. The Commit­ tee may receive whatever advice and assistance, legal or otherwise, it deems necessary. It shall prepare a report on the amendment together with any proposed changes or substitutions or recommendations, and the reasons for such recommendations. The latter shall then be submitted to the membership by the Secretary-Treasurer. If a majority vote of the membership approves the amendment as recommended, it shall then be voted upon, in a yes or no vote by the membership of the Union by secret ballot in accordance with the procedure outlined in Article XIII, Section 3-B through Section 5. The amend­ ment shall either be printed on the ballot, or if ton lengthy, shall be referred to on the ballot. Copies of the V amendment shall be posted on the bulletin boards of all Ports and made available at the voting site in all Ports. Section 3. If approved by a % majority of the valid ballots cast, the amendment shall become effective im­ mediately upon notification by the Headquarters Tallying Committee to the Secretary-Treasurer that the amendment has been so approved, unless otherwise specified in the amendment. The Secretary-Treasurer shall immediately notify all Ports of the results of the vote on the amend­ ment. ARTICLE XXVIII TRANSITION CLAUSE Section 1. It is the purpose and intent of this Article to provide for an orderly transition from Union operations and activities as governed by the Constitution in effect prior to the adoption of this amended Constitution, to operations and activities conducted in accordance with this amended Constitution. Accordingly, the following sections are to be given the interpretation required to effectuate the foregoing purpose and intent. Section 2. All routine administrative, accounting, and other similar procedures and processes of this Union, in effect immediately prior to the adoption of this amended Constitution, shall be deemed to be permitted hereunder and shall continue in effect, unless or until changed, in accordance with the provisions hereof. Section 3. All methods and means of collecting and disbursing Union funds, all segregations of Union funds, the sequence of regular meeting nights, rules of order generally followed, bonding procedures, shipping rules, permit systems, reinstatement procedures, and any other practices'or procedure, in effect immediately prior to the adoption of this amended Constitution, shall be deemed to be permitted hereunder, and shall continue in effect unless or until changed in accordance with the provisions hereof. Section 4. All Union policies, customs, and usage, in­ cluding those with regard to admission into membership, in effect immediately prior to the adoption of this amended Constitution, shall be deemed to be'permitted hereunder and shall continue in effect unless or until changed in accordance with the provisions hereof. Section 5. The Secretary-Treasurer, the Assistant Secre­ tary-Treasurer, all Port Agents' and Patrolmen, and all others elected as a result of the balloting held by this Union during November and December of 1952, shall be deemed to have been duly elected in conformity with the provisions of this Constitution. From the date of adoption of this Conslilulion, they shall execute the powers and functions, and assume the responsibilities, of the said offices and jobs, as set forth in this Constitution. They shall hold office, pursuant hereto, until the expiration^i date of the terms of office set forth herein. The terms of Article XIII. only insofar as they apply to election of Officials, Port Agents, and Patrolmen, shall take effect the first election year. �*!F SEAFARERS LOG • OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC AND GULF D I STR I CT • AFL • CONSIIIUIION SUMMARY of ARTICLE XIV-0»her Elections: ARTICLE I—Name and General Powers: nate^tie election ^of meeting chairmen, delegates and members of the following committees: Auditing, Quarterly Financial, Trial, Appeals, Negotiating and Strike—Defines qualifications for these positions. name of the union and defines its general powers. A BTi/"i c 11 A Provides for affiliation of the AtAKI ILLt i I—AttHiaflOn; lantic and Gulf District with the Seafarers Internatfonal Union of North America, the American Federation of Labor and other bodies as may be determined by a majority vote of the membership. ARTICLE XV-Trials and Appeals: momber to a fair trial by an impartial committee of his Union brothers. Lists in detail the procedure for bringing charges and for pre­ senting charges to the membership—Provides for election of fivemember trial committee and defines Committee's procedure and duties—Requires that accused must be confronted by the accuser= Gives accused right to representation by a brother member before the trial committee—Requires presentation of the Committee's find­ ings to the membership for acceptance, rejection or modification by a majority vote of the members—Provides procedure for appeals. ARTICLE ill-Membership: set by a majority vote of the membership—Defines certain eligibility requirements that must be met by candidates for new membership —Provides relief for members who may be unable to pay dues because of incapacity beyond their control—States the Union's oath of obligation—Outlines rules for suspension and dismissal for non­ payment of dues and assessments—Rights of membership to expel those who might support dual and hostile groups. ARTICLE XVI-Offenses and Penalties: "u ARTICLE IV-Reinsfatement: fenses for which a member may be brought to trial—Places limita­ tions on penalties that may be imposed upon members found guilty of such offenses—Gives a member the right to waive trial and accept an automatic penalty for infractions not involving suspension or dismissal from the Union—Provides for trial by" meeting acting as committee as a whole for offenses committed during course of meeting. statement' of dismissed members. Retains the existing dues schedule, initiation fee and method of payment—Provides dues may not be changed except by constitutional amendment—Permits the membership, by majority vote, to waive dues and initiation fees for organizational purposes only. ARTICLE V—Dues and Initiation Fee: Gives the membership the right to authorize the pub­ lication of a newspaper and other literature. ARTICLE XVII-Publications: ARTICLE VI—Retirement from Membership: Defines the procedure by which a Seafarer may retire his book and outlines the method of reinstatement. ADTI/"IC V\/lll Provides for bonding of officers AKIIV-LC AY III DOnaS: and employes oLthe Union under such conditions as may be determined by the membership. ARTICLE Vll-Sysfem of Organization: ARTICLE XIX-Expendifures: ments of the Union and provides for administrative authority. cies or specific instructions with regard to expenditures. APTin F VIM designates the following as elecAKIIt^LC YIII urncers: tlve officers: the Secretary-Treasurer. Assistant Secretary-Treasurers and Port Agents and Patrol­ men. A DTI^I C VV Defines the Union's sources of in- bers to require Union representatives to give them a receipt for any payment of money to the Union—Provides that no assessment may be levied unless approved by a two-thirds majority of the valid ballots cast by the members in a secret election—Gives member­ ship power to set up general rules for assessment balloting—Pro­ vides for the Union to derive income from dividends, interest and legitimate business operations. ARTICLE IX-Other Elective Jobs:.^7eha?rmt'S: gates and members of certain committees must be elected by the member.ship. ARTICLE X—Duties of Elective Officers: SuSS^ of ADTir'l F YYI Retains the existing requirement Al\l IVMLC AAI rGrmilS: that rules for issuance of permits must be determined by the members. the Secretary-Treasurer, Assistant Secretary-Treasurers, Port Agents, Patrolmen, Meeting Chairmen, Delegates and members of the Auditing, Trial, Quarterly Financial, Appeals and Negotiating and Strike Committees—Provides procedure for filling vacancies in office—Requires all Port Agents to file weekly financial reports— Establishes membership control over actions and reports of officials and committees. ARTICLE XXII—Formulation of Shipping Rules: Guarantees, as did the previous Constitution, that shipping rules may not be revised unless approved by membership. ARTICLE XXIII-Quorums: ARTICLE XI—Wages and Terms of Office: shall be six members and the quorum for a regular Port meeting shall be seven members. Provides that the Secretary-Treasurer, Assistant Secretary-Treas­ urers, Port Agents and Patrolmen shall serve for two-year terms and that their wages shall be set by a majority vote of the membership—Provides for hiring and dismissal of other employes and personnel, subject to a majority vote of the membership. ARTICLE XXIV-Meetings: regular meetings at 7 PM on every other Wednesday—Exceptions are noted for holidays and failure to obtain a quorum. ARTICLE XII—Qualifications for Elective Office: ARTICLE XXV-Agent's Conference: SnS'cJS^^^^^ Sets forth that any member has the right to nominate himself for any office—Lists eligibility requirements for the various offices. APTin F yill FUrHrtnc. describes procedure for nominaAKI n-LC AIII ciecrions: tion to office-Provides for elec­ tion of a six-member Credentials Committee to inspect the candi­ dates' eligibility according to rules of Constitution—Establishes safeguards for the right of a member to nominate himself to office —^Retains the Union'is existing balloting procedure—Describes bal­ loting procedures in detail—Provides for election of five-member 'Polls Committees and six-member Tallying Committees to conduct elections and tabulate results—Sets forth the manner for installation of officers. , . I,. AKI IV„LC AA—income: come—Sets forth the duty of mem­ ence of Port Agents to be called by the Secretary-Treasurer. ARTICLE XXVI-Definitions: of the Constitution. ARTICLE XXVII-Atnendments: stitution by the membership. ARTICLE XXVIIi-TranslHpn Clause:^^?^™ by proposed C<msUtution. ,. , > ; ^ : X-i'l htrs, *= � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1950-1959 Description An account of the resource Volumes XII-XXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 7, 1955 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. XVII, No. 1 Description An account of the resource Headlines: GRAND JURY BEGINS PROBE OF PLOT TO MURDER HALL SIU ELECTION TO END JAN. 15; VOTING HEAVY ILA RIGS PACT OKAY IN 2ND VOTE BME VOTES OFFICERS FOR FOUR-YEAR TERM 'DISTRICTS' PROBE OPENS; CANCEL ALL LST SAILINGS DAD LOST, FAMILY OF 5 FACES UNCERTAIN FUTURE BOSS STILL CHISELS PAY CREW BLASTS TRANSFER 'PIRACY' TRAVELERS CHECK DRAWS END EXCHANGE RATE LOSS MOVIE CO'S ALSO EYE $ UNDER FLAG OF LIBERIA CG PLAYING 'POSSUM AS SEAFARERS RAP TEST PLAN UNION HOST AT HOLIDAY FEASTS TIPS FOR SEAMEN ON FILING 1954'S REVISED INCOME TAX NEW ANGLES UNSEAWORTHY "NOT TOO LONG AGO..." SANTO DOMINGO'S TOPS FOR A FLINGO EVEN IF YOU CAN'T SPEAK THE LINGO MIXUP GIVES CREW DRAW, BUT IN IOUS BROOM-SWINGING BOSUM GOES INTO GEAR AND THERE ARE DEAD DUCKS ON THE MAE HERE'S HOW YOU COLLECT M & C NY SCANS GYP UNDERTAKERS WHO RAGE IN UNION BENEFITS SHIP IN HURRY SO CREWMAN SUFFERS SEAFARERS IN HOSPITALS SIU CONSTITUTION Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1/7/1955 1955 Periodicals Seafarers Log