http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/dfb65c3ec7fbb4f86ebaa83a6d7e66d8.PDF fde07000bdd09a7d21e0bb3b11ff8643 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS AWARDED WatST PRIZE • GENERAL EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE • 19S> • LOG INTERNATIONAL LABOR PRE5Z OP AMERICA OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL-CIO • BILL ASKS TO TRAMP SHIPPING -Story On Page 3 •' ii\ •:^l vf. - r^mM Seafarer Joe Kite is -shown meering t ne t esr. running .& test on equipment in electrical engineering lab at University of Florida. Kite, winner of SIU $i6,000 scholarship last year, is compiling excel­ lent record in his studies. (Feature on SIU scholarship students appears on page 8.) SIU Tops Field In Gulf Vote NEW ORLEANS—^The vicious antilabor conspiracy in the unorganized Gulf tideland offshore .maritime opera­ tions was shockingly revealed in the course of the first major union repre­ sentation election in this field last week. Despite the anti-union atmosphere, maritime workers of Tidelands Marine Services, Inc., clearly favored union rep­ resentation, the results being as follows: .53 SIU Neither 50 Challenged 10 Supported by a welter of evidence pointing to election irregularities and violations of the National Labor Rela­ tions Act, the SIU is formally question­ ing the entire voting process, as well as the uncalled-for N intervention of the Humble Oil Company, a Standard Oil Subsidiary, in behalf of Tidelands Marine. SIU charges will also he filed with the United States Senate Labor Com­ mittee calling for an investigation of labor-management relations in the Gulf tidelands oil industry. (For full story see page 2.) ••I"«l Union fipancial records are given their regular going-over by memvflCCICIII^ rtgUfQSu bership-elected quarterly financial committee at headquarters. Seated front (1 to r) are Harry FranMin and Orlando Lopez. Others (1 to r) are E. C. Shaffer, Juan Medina, Franklyn Webb, Robert Joy. Seafarers were elected at April 18 meeting. �Paw Tw# SEAFARERS state Dept Drops Support To Anti '50-50' Bill LOG April 27. 195< Baltimore SIU Hosts Merger Talk WASHINGTON—In. a complete turnabout from its earlier stand, the US State Department has admitted that "50-50" is not harming the disposal of US agricultural surplus. The Department's testimony be- + from the shipping picture. fore the Senate Committee on This argument was clearly de­ Interstate and Foreign Com­ molished by State Department tes­ merce was regarded as a severe timony which stated that most sur­ blow to the Case-Anderson bill, plus was going to Asian and Latin which would eliminate "50-50" American countries. Since these from the farm program. countries have little or no merchant However, further testimony by marine, the objections of foreign Thorsten V. Kalijarvi, Deputy As­ governments such as Britain, Nor­ sistant Secretary for Economic Af­ way and Denmark are seen as ef­ fairs made it clear that nhe De­ forts to capture a larger percent­ partment was still opposed to the age of US trade than they now "50-50" idea as applied to all US- carry. owned cargoes and would like to Testimony before the committee see it done away with. also brought out the fact that only one country, Denmark, had actual­ Latest Maneuver ly turned down a surplus deal in The Cajse-Anderson bill repre­ sented the latest of a series of ef­ the amount of some $7 million, a SIU Baltimore hall is host to special merger and legislative conference of the Baltimore Fed­ forts by farm bloc representatives small fraction of the total $1.5 eration of Labor, where delegates urged prompt merger of city and state AFL and CIO cen­ to kill "50-50" in the surplus pro­ billion being sold by the US. Admits Earlier Error tral bodies. Speakers including Richard Leonard, special assistant to AFL-CIO President gram. It is based on the argu­ George Meany (at microphone), pledged fight against so-called "right to work" laws. ment that foreign countries are not The State Department spokes­ taking American farm surplus be­ man conceded that in September cause they object to the fact that of last year it had stated that the 50 percent has to be carried on US elimination of "50-50" would pro­ ships instead of permitting their mote agricultural surplus sales as own vessels to carry it all. For­ "50-50" would seriously interfere eign shipping lobbyists have been with negotiations with foreign telling farm bloc representatives countries. Subsequent experience for months that their countries showed, the spokesman said, that would take huge amounts of sur­ this estimate was in error and plus if "50-50" was only eliminated that "50-50" would "hamper the NEW ORLEANS—In the first major union election among maritime workers in the surplus disposal program in only a Coast tidelands oil industry, the SIU, Atlantic & Gulf District, won the greatest number few countries." .The testimony was seen as con­ of votes despite wholesale threats, intimidation and firing of Union supporters by the •*— firming the view held by maritime company involved. The company is Tidelands 000 and reinstatement of dis­ the request of the workers months observers and the SIU that there Regular membership meeihad never been any serious danger Marine Services, Inc., which charged workers and, finally, a after the NMU entered the field, Ings in SIU headquarters and of a foreign boycott of farm sur­ operates eight converted LST's union contract with the company. indicates an overwhelming prefer­ at ail branches are held every plus on the "50-50" issue but that used as power for offshore drilling On the basis of the results in ence for the SIU. On this basis, second Wednesday night at foreign lobbyists had magnified crews of the Humble Oil Company, the first test of sentiment among tjje SIU regards it as our duty to 7 PM. The schedule for the tliis issue to stampede farm belt a Standard Oil Company sub­ maritime employees in the vast assist in every way to give mari­ next few meetings is as follows representatives into wholesale op­ sidiary. Gulf tidelands oil area, SIU Secre­ time workers in the entire tideMay 2 and May 16. position to "50-50." The four-day election which end­ tary-Treasurer Paul Hall stated, lands oil field operation the oppor­ ed April 20, showed 53 votes cast "The outcome of this election tunity to avail themselves of union for the SIU, 7 for the NMU and clearly demonstrates that a major­ representation." 50 for neither union. Also involved ity of maritime workers in the Operations of the Tidelands Ma­ are 16 challenged ballots, which tidelands oil field operation want rine Services and the Humble OH remain to be disposed of before a to be represented by a union. Company are concentrated at certification by the National Labor "The result of the campaign," he Grand Isle, La., near the mouth of Relations Board can be made. noted, "which the SIU entered at the Mississippi Riyer. For Senate Probe In addition to action before the WASHINGTON—The value of "50-50" to US-flag shipping NLRB, the SIU is taking immedi­ was emphasized by Under-Secretary of Commerce Louis ate steps to bring the company's Rothschild when he reported that the law has kept 100 ships vicious anti-labor tactics to the operating and has provided attention of a federal agency. The 4,000 jobs for US merchant eign-flag tramp and liner opera­ SIU will seek- a Senate Labor Com­ seaman. Rothschild sum -ord tions. "50-50" cargo, Rothschild mittee investigation of the labor up the results of "50-50" in te.sti- added, amounted to 10.7 percent of policies being employed in the mony before the Senate Inter.state all liner and tramp exports from tideland oil industry—a field now WASHINGTON—A special session of the AFL-CIO Execu­ and Foreign Commerce Committee the US and so supplied consider­ employing 5,000 workers and grow­ tive Council will meet May 1 to resolve disagreement be­ on the Case-Anderson bill. able business for foreign-flag op­ ing steadily larger. tween AFL-CIO President George Meany and the Interna­ Specifically, the SIU charges tional Brotherhood of Team--* Rothschild said that the US erations. — against Tidelands Marine Services tramp shipping fleet received pri­ stars over the latter's assistmeeting if a settlement cannot bt include: mary benefit irom the "50-50" act worked out. • Illegal campaigning against and he estimated that 1955 figu -^es - The meeting was cMled after a V.I. XVIII. No. 9 the union by company representa­ would show that "50-50" cargo ac­ April 27.195A three-hour conference between tives during progress of election. counted for about 80 percent of all PAUL HALL, Secretary-Treasurer Meany and IBT president Dave Firing of outspoken support­ business conducted by the tramps. HEHBERT BBAND, Editor; RAY DENISON, Beck failed to reach agreement on Surplus farm commodities alone, Managing Editor; BERNARD SEAMAN, Art. ers of the SIU. the severing of all relationships he said, kept more than 25 ships Editor; HERMAN ARTHUR, IRWIN SPIVACK, • Company amendments that it between the- Teamsters and the Writers, BILL MOODY, Gulf Areo would not bargain if the Union in business and if the Case-Ander- Staff Representative. ILA, which was ousted from the won. Bon bill were to pass these vcsrcls Burly Page 14 • Threats of company reprisals. AFL in 1953 as racketeer-dom­ "with crews and officers totaling inated. Final Dispatch Page 15 In addition, SIU charges have over 1,000 persons, would be ren­ Hospitalized Men Page 12 been levelled against the Humble dered inactive." Cancel Loan Inquiring Seafarer Page 5 Oil Company for its efforts to The Teamster president had pre­ Ten Percent Of Exports Letters Pages 12, 14 block the union and aid the Tideviously cancelled a $400,000 loan Page 11 lands Company. ' Regular cargo liners also bene­ Meet the Seafarers from the midwest Teamster con­ Recent Arrivals Page 15 fited, receiving over 2V^ mMlion The SUJ call for a federal Inference to the ILA after Meany Page 4 ve.stigation of the tidelands oil la­ tons of cargo in 1955 under the Shipping Figures criticized assistance to the ILA. Your Dollar's Worth Page 6 "50-50"' law. The tramps carried bor policies recalls a similar action However, Beck refused to dis­ over 6 million tons last year under earlier by the Union. The first re­ solve a "mutual aid" pact with the the same regulation, an - increase sulted in a full-scale Senate Labor George Meany ILA by which the Teamsters and of 40 perct ntmver the total for the Published biweekly at Itie heAdquerters sub-committee investigation of a previous two years. to the International I" "S,!.! t ."'i..'''?".."'' of the Soafarers International Union, At- major east coast oil company, in ance organization in certain areas. Sub­ Since US ships carry 50 percent Irntic A Gulf District, AFL-CIO, 475 Fourth 1950 which resulted in a complete Longshoremen's Association. Dis­ sequently Beck told newspaper re­ T®' HYacinth of all these cargoes, an equal f-ft600. • ' »9 th. Entered OM,.asr_ second cl?ss m^ilter H'iumph for the employees of the ciplinary action against the Team­ porters he thought the ILA should amount of tonnage moved on for-1 the Act of Aug. 24, i9i2. < on er company, back-pay awards of $180,- sters may be considered by the be permitted to reaffiliate. SIU Tops Field In First Cult T idelands Oil Vote P^eeting Night Every 2 Weeks '50-50' Saved Jobs Of 4,000 SEAFARERS LOG AFL-CIO Council Meets On Teamsfer-ILA 'Pacf �SEAF ARERS A^rll 21, 19S8 Beneficiary Cards Lacking... As ah aftermath of the loss of the Salem Maritime, trustees of the Seafarers Welfare Plan have called on all Seafarers to make sure that they have an up-to-date beneficiary c^td on file. In ex* amining the records, the trustees found that fully half of the men who lost, their lives on the ship did not have a card in the files of the Welfare Plan. In at least one instance, the card was not up to date, inasmuch as the Seafarer had since acquired a wife and family. i All Seafarers are urged to make sure they have a card on file designating their beneficiary, so as to protect their families in the event of an unforeseen accident. The Welfare Plan hajj already completed death benefits pay­ ments to most of the Salem Maritime victims' next of kin. LOG Pare Three Byrne BUI Seeks Voyage Subsidies For Tramp Ships Lundeberg Nixes Contract Umpire Speaking for the seagoing affiliates of the SIU of North America, SIUNA president Harry Lundeberg has rejected proposals for an umpire in the maritime industry, as taking away from the unions their rights to negotiate freely with forth by Representative Herbert Bonner, chairman of the House employers. Lundeberg wrote Maritime Ad­ Merchant Marine Committee last ministrator Clarence Morse on the year. He offered a plan then for Government control of sea union negotiating but later modified it in the face of widespread protests, to call for an umpire to be selected by the industry and the unions without direct Government rule. The umpire presumably would arbitrate contract disputes, mean­ ing in the long-run he might set wages and hours. SIU Training Program The SIUNA head also turned down a bid to attend an FMB spon­ sored Advisory Committee on maritime training. He emphasized that both the SUP and SIU A&G District had training programs of their own which had functioned satisfactorily to meet all needs. The Harry Lundeberg SIU has traditionally been op­ Issue in response to an invitation posed to maritime training by the from Morse to attend a proposed Government. Efforts have also been made by conference of the- industry in Washington. He declared he could the Bonner Committee to estab­ see no good coming out of such a lish uniformity in contract ex­ conference pointing out that "too pirations of maritime unions. In his letter to Morse, President many conferences have been held in the past without any results. Lundeberg had been authorized to They only become a sounding speak in behalf of the component board for the ones who like to talk unions of the SIU which would be involved: The IBU, BME, MCS, the loudest." The umpire proposal is an out­ MFOW, A&G District, SUP and growth of an earlier program put Great Lakes District. Owners, CC Seek Inspection Cuts WASHINGTON—Two shipowner groups havtt joined the Coast Guard in another try to cut down the annual inspec­ tions of US vessels' hulls and boilers to once every two years. A similar bill got nowhere last year after clearing the disaster involving the SlU-manned Senate Commerce Committee converted LST Southern Districts with Coast Guard and major ship­ owner support. The SIU and other maritime un­ ions are strongly opposed to any measure calling for cuts in ship inspections, as US merchant ships are becoming middle-aged. Federal statutes calling for annual ship in­ spections have been on the books since 1871. AMMI For The Cut Spokesmen' for the American Merchant Marine Institute and the Pacific American Steamship Asso­ ciation assert that while they favor rigid inspections of ships' hulls and boilers by the Coast Guard, a system of biennial inspections would maintain the ships just as well. Challenging this view, SIU offi­ cials point to the December, 1954, which disappeared in the Atlantic without a trace with 23 crewmen aboard. Slipshod Practices Testimony at Coast Guard hear­ ings on the disaster later produced evidehce of slipshod inspections of the ship by CG officers as well as a deal between the vessel's own­ ers, the CG and the American Bu­ reau of Shipping to permit make­ shift repairs of plating and boilers so that the vessel could continue sailing. She disappeared soon after, upon completion of a CG inspec­ tion at a New Orleans shipyard. A report, issued later by the CG board of inquiry found all parties involved blameless in the disaster. No trace of the ship has ever been found. Representative James A. Byrne, Philadelphia (at far right) who this week introduced a bill to subsidize tramp ships, is shown during visit to SIU headquarters with group of political leaders. In photo are (I. to r.) KeitS Terpe, SIU patrolman; Councilman Byrne, Philadelphia; Congressmen William T. Granahan, William Green and William Barrett, all of Pennsylvania. WASHINGTON—-The Prst major modification of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 was offered this week by Representative James Byrne (Dem.-Pa.) with his in­ troduction of a bill to grant operating subsidies to US tramp ship operators. The biU would considerably expand the present American ship subsidy program and ship­ building as well and is in accord with the SIU position of broadening the base of the US merchant marinO^tramp vessels should receive sub­ grading the tramp fleet as well ai giving it the resources to meet and assisting American- sidies on a voyage basis. foreign competition. Byrne's bill aims at the estab­ flag operators across-the- lishment of a permanent tramp Foreign tramp operators, flushed board. The Byrne bill, HB 10800, would amend the 1936 act to extend operating differential subsidies to tramp ships in the cargo' bulk trade where fleet as a regular feature of US with business provided through merchant marine operations. Sub­ the "50-50" program as weli as sidies under his bill, he empha­ commercial bulk cargo movements, sized, would only be paid to estab­ are now in the process of mod­ lished tramp companies who have ernizing their fleets with 14 to 15 ordered new tonnage or are in the knot ships. US tramps are still process of replacing their existing operating almost exclusively with the company involved is undertak­ freight or tank ships. The pro­ Libertys, except for a smattering ing to replace its existing vessels. gram would have the effect of up­ of Victory and C-2 cargo ships. The subsidy would apply for pe­ riods in which the US tramp is in direct competition with foreign flag-vessels. - / In Introducing his bill. Rep. Byrne noted that it is impossible for tramps to fly the US flag and compete with foreign ships, with foreign flags having numerous competitive advantages. As far as us wages are concerned, he re­ WASHINGTON—The Coast Guard issued new regulations marked that American seamen's yesterday to govern the screening of seamen, as an after­ wage levels were fully-justified in terms of the American standard of math of a US District Court decision outlawing the previous procedure. The court had-t living. Must Broaden Base ruled the screening system in order that such witnesses may Byrne pointed out that 20 years illegal because it denied sea­ be confronted and cross - ex­ after the passage of the 1936 act men and longshoremen the oppor­ amined." A subsequent paragraph there were just 31 trade routes tunity to confront their accusers makes it appear that the Coast subsidized and only 16 LIS ship­ in the event the Coast Guard re­ Guard will attempt to conceal ping companies participating in fused them clearance. some of its informants because it these essential routes. Under such According to the first announce- says the hearing board will "take circumstances, it is obvious that •ments in the "New York Times" the fact into consideration" if a the subsidy program should be the new procedures make few seaman was handicapped by the broadened to meet the country's changes and do not go all the way "nondisclosure to him of confiden­ present-day trade needs. in permitting an accused seaman tial sources ..." Coast Guard screening was au­ The tramp ships' problem, he to confront and cross-examine Consequently, the thorized by Presidential order added, was highlighted during the witnesses. recent debate over the "50-50" "Times" said that legal experts during the Korean War and got issue. Many of those who spoke expect the new rulings to be sub­ underway in earnest in 1951. The old screening procedure had pro­ against "50-50" advocated direct ject to further court action. vision for an appeal by a seaman assistance to the tramp fleet as a Slight Change more desirable form of aid. Byrne It quotes the new regulations on who was denied validated papers, said he agreed with this viewpoint witnesses as saying that "every ef­ but made no concessions on the and was therefore proposing that fort should be made to produce issue of being able to confront con­ the operators of approximately 10, material witnesses to testify . . . fidential witnesses. New Court Fight On CG Screening? . .;l �SEAfARERS Page Fmv 1^' Ain-ii tl. mt LOG Bonnie Bows In At Savannah Disability Benefit Four Years Old, 69 On List Started May 1, 1952, with a handful of Seafarers and a $15 weekly benefit, the SIU's pace-setting disability program passes its fourth birthday next week—^now paying benefits at the rate of $125,000 per-* = year. All told, 69 Seafarers oldsters need not work a full year are now receiving the $35 to hold a job but can ship when weekly benefit amounting to $1,820 and if they please through the ro­ per year per man, besides Social tary hiring hall. Security payments to which many A total of 85 Seafarers have re­ men over 65 are entitled. ceived assistance from the plan in Under the unique set-up of the past four years, although 15 tlie plan the disabled Seafarer does of these have since died and one not have to reach- Seafarer withdrew from the plan. a specific age to The latest addition to the list is qualify. Conse­ Seafarer Mariano Seano, 66, of quently, many Philadelphia, whose application men who are in was approved by the Welfare Plan their 40's and trustees at the April meeting. Five 50's, some even other men were added in March younger, are re­ and the trustees are constantly ceiving the bene­ considering applications as the fit because they need arises. can no longer Benefits Increased Twice Seano work. The first man to go on the list. The disability benefit was set up this way on the theory that the Seafarer James Hopkins, now 80, man who needed help the most was is still receiving the benefits. These the man who could not work for a have been increased twice since living.^ Many Seafarers, it was the plan started, from the original pointed out, are still hearty well $15 week to the present $35. Qualifications for the disability past the age of 65 and can easily meet their needs by taking a benefit call for 12 years' seatime CGuple of trips a year, giving on ships of SlU-contracted com­ themselves plenty of time for re­ panies within the last 25 years. laxation on the beach. On the other hand, those men who— though young—could not work were the ones who faced the most pressing financial problem. A chance decision made during the depths of the de­ pression proved to be a stroke Proud of their new offspring, Seafarer and Mrs. Benny Brinson, show her off to the boys at the Savannah SlU hall during a recent visit. The youngster is Bonnie Jane Brinson. born March 12, 1956. The family collected a^$200 SlU maternity benefit and a $25 bond for Bonnie from the Union on the occasion. In addition to maternity benefits the SlU welfare plan pays hospital-surgical benefits to Seafarers' families. Senate Vote Would Weaken ILO Flexible Job Situation The nature of the maritime in­ dustry lends itself to this kind of program because of the fact that No Changes At Isthmian Isthmian Lines, Inc. has notified the SlU that locations of main office at New York and all outport branch offices remain unchanged. Phone numbers also remain un­ changed. All correspondence, etc., will be addressed to Isth­ mian Lines, Inc., 71 Broad­ way, New York 6, N. Y. WASHINGTON—Despite the support by US unions to the International Labor Organiza­ tion in its efforts to raise world-wide labor standards, a campaign against ILO is making headway here. The anti-ILO forces won a victory in the Senate last week when it voted 43 0 40 to limit US fund contri--* tributions to ILO as long as US union representatives as aban­ standards of seamen through its Russia and other Communist doning the ILO to Communist international conventions. The ILO countries have representatives in the organization. The fund limit was introduced by Senator John Bricker of Ohio and supported by virtually all the Republicans in the Senate. Earlier this year, the US em­ ployer representative to ILO, Wil­ liam C. McGrath, walked out of the organization in protest against seating of employer delegations from Communist countries. McGrath's action was criticized by Losing Job Proved Boon To Seafarer countries. US labor has held that ILO contributions toward higher working and living standards on a world-wide level are too important to justify splitting the organization over the seating of Russian dele­ gates. Supported By SIU The SIU, the Maritime Trades Department and the International Transportworkers Federation have all supported ILO's work in the past because it has htelped raise standards are helO}v those on US ships but help maintain minimum manning scales, feeding levels, accommodations, provisions and safety standards on foreign-flag vessels. The ILO will continue to get US support in the amount of $1,750,000 but an increased contribution to $3 million will not be forthcom­ ing unless the Communist repre­ sentatives are ousted. This action is unlikely since ILO is a United Nations agency. of good fortune to Seafarer Morris M. Schapiro. Thanks to it he is now enjoying the SIU's $35 week­ ly, disability benefit plus Social Se­ curity payments, and is looking forward to living in retirement in Florida's sunshine. Schapiro, who is 68, had worked ashore for years as a salesman un­ til the bottom fell out in 1929. He lost his job and looking for something else to' work at, caught himself a ship in May, 1930, ior the Standard Fruit Company as deck steward. Schapiro From then on he worked ships steadily until he had to quit early this year. Through the years, Schapiro has worked for a long list of SIU com­ panies. He was on the old Del Mundo back in 1938 and joined the Union in New Orleans in De­ cember of that yearu soon after it was founded. He sailed other Mis­ sissippi jobs, with Eastern Steam­ ship, Robin Line and Sealrain among others in various steward department assignments. Reluctant Farewell Schapiro had to call it quits, he explained, not because he didn't want to continue sailing. "I just couldn't make it up the stairways and ladders anymore," he said. His last ship was the Almena which he paid off of on March 4. Short­ ly after his application for an SIU disability benefit was accepted, and he started collecting Social Se­ curity payments as well. Right now' Schapiro is living in New York but he thinks that he is going to head South to Florida, the haven of so many retired oldtimers and enjoy his future free of financial worries. He expressed his heartfelt thanks to the SIU for making the disabil­ ity program possible for oldtimers like himself. April 4 Through April 17 Registered stew. A 2 8 2 4 8 63 27 67 21 52 15 2 22 6 12 20 10 36 14 20 9 5 6 6 5 8 4 8 1 2 11 2 5 2 11 7 3 12 4 15 29 4 25 10 34 12 11 8 13 8 19 10 11 2 7 6 3 3 4 8 16 9 13 13 6 13 16 10 16 11 Dwk D|ck Ens. Eng. Stew. B A 257 112 193 105 220 Deck Deck Ens. ABA Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Savannah Tampa Mobile New Orleans Lake Charles Houston Wilmington San Francisco Seattle TOTALS , SIU shipping broke loose finally during the last pe­ riod, rising to the highest point since the first week in January. Total jobs dispatched were 1,119, compared to a low registration of 973. The rise was reflected in the figures for practically every port in the A&G District, as 12 out of the 14 ports shared in the boom to some degree. Every SIU port from Boston south to Mobile improved over the previous jwo weeks. All West Coast ports showed increased job activity, although Wilmington was still relatively slow. New York and Baltimore also con­ tinued rising. Only Houston showed an appreciable decline, from ex­ ceptional shipping in the last period to "slow" this time. New Orleans continued at the same good pace as pre- Eng. B Stew. Total Total ToUl B B A 18 7 "2I 1 62 244 14 182 10 59 2 49 36 112 76 12 34 3 20 14 7 25 18 2 34 3 7 27 46 12 5 34 108 6 20 88 13 37 65 28 37 51 2 14 17 29 5 12 42 4 61 19 34 14 80 46 Stew. Total Total Total B B 86 670 303 Deck Deck Deck A 3 65 17 49 10 3 7 15 45 14 12 4 16 20 Deck A 280 2 32 6 13 3 1 2 0 12 10 3 5 12 20 3 S3 11 23 4 7 4 12 19 10 8 0 16 14 0 5 0 12 1 1 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 2 Deck Deck B C 111 Eng. 25 Eng. 184 viously, dispatching only two jobs less, 158, than before. Lake Charles was up again. Outpaces Registration The overall rise enabled shipping in class A and class B to outrun registration in these seniority groups, while class C activity declined. Of the total shipping, class A filled 60 percent, class B 30 percent and class C, which has no seniority in the SIU, accounted for the remainder. Class A thus also re-covered its 2-1 ratio of jobs over class B, in shipping two class A men to every one shipped by class B, the next highest seniority group. Generally, increased shipping was attributed both to the weather and to the steady flow of new jobs into the Eng^ 2 _-l 16 10 6 4 18 14 4 1 2 1 2 1 0 2 22 6 16 1 0 2 3 2 7 0 16 2 Eng. 118 Shipped ! stew. Stew. Stew. Total Total B B A 9 5 1 57 16 10 173 54 7 7 19 14 42 9 52 23 21 95 2 7 2 9 21 0 2 3 6 12 4 0 1 15 5 19 46 7 5 0 37 10 4 101 44 2 10 0 34 35 6 1 0 26 6 3 4 1 8 11 9 12 0 44 28 4 13 13 47 49 Stew. Stew. Stw Total Total A B B 211 101 46 675 330 ? Total C 8 25 11 35 4 2 1 0 13 3 0 4 0 8 Total 114 m 254 72'^ 182 34 20 21 53 158 72 32 23 72 104 otal SIU. The Union's Organizing Department has success­ fully wrapped up contracts with several new companies in recent months involving all types of operations. The result has been ever-increasing job opportunities for SIU men. The following is the forecast port by port: BOSTON; Quiet . . . NEW YORK: Active; jobs hang on board" for several calls . . . PHILADELPHIA: Getting bet­ ter .. . BALTIMORE: Should stay good . . . NORFOLK: Expects improvement . . . SAVANNAH: fair; registration still low . . . TAMPA: Slow . . . MOBILE: Busier than usual . . . NEW ORLEANS: Good; ten payoffs due . . . LAKE CHARLES: Busy . . . HOUSTON: Slow . . . WIL­ MINGTON: Quiet . . . SAN FRANCISCO: Fair . . . SE­ ATTLE: Good. �April S7. 19ft - SEAFARERS LOG Seafarers Man 'Cable Run' Ship f*f fir* State Dep'f Tips Mitt On Dislike Of US Shipping WASHINGTON—The first general statement of the State Department position on a US merchant- fleet has emerged from the Case-Anderson bill hearings in Washington, and as expected, the Department expressed hostile views toward the merchant marine on many issues. The sum and substance of*" SlU-manned SS Arthur M. Huddell is shown after refitting at Baltimore shipyard for new job. Operated by Bull Line, she will take part in US defense project involving the building of two underwater telephone cable links between US West Coast, Alaska and Hawaii. She is a warbuilt Liberty with special^^towage features for handling the cable. PORTSMOUTH, NH—Manned by Seafarers, the SS Arthur M. Huddell (Bull Line) be­ gan loading telephone cable and other gear here this week before sailing to the Pacific area to take part in a vital defense communications project. A specially-equipped, war- 4' built Liberty, the Huddell AT&T under a two-year charter across the English Channel to sup­ ply fuel to the Allied forces which will serve as a "warehouse contract. ship" for the building of a sub­ marine telephone cable system be­ tween Seattle ancTKetchikan, Alas­ ka. She will ferry about 6,000 tons of cable to the Pacific from manu­ facturing plants, here. When this assignment Is com­ pleted, she will assist in a similar project for an underwater tele­ phone link between the US West Coast and Hawaii. Both projects are being under­ taken by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company for the Department of Defense. The Army cableship Albert J. Myer has been chartered for the actual laying of the cable. Bull Line is operating the Huddell for NafI Safety Group Cites SlU Crew SIU crewmembers of the Steel Advocate (Isthmian) who took part in a dramatic sea rescue of two fliers from sharkinfested Pacific waters last fall have added another commendation to their laurels. The ship was awarded a special blue pennant for "meritorious res­ cue operations" last week by the National Safety Council. It was the only privately-owned American merchant ship manned by union seamen to receive such an award for action during 1955. Attacked By Sharks The rescue took place about 1,100 miles west of Hawaii. The commercial cargo plane went down with five men, but only two sur­ vived after being in the water for 44 hours. They were being at­ tacked by sharks when they were sighted by Seafarer Doug Claussen, bosun. A smooth-running rescue operation followed and the men were quickly brought aboard. Announcement of the award was made by Louis B. Pate, vice presi­ dent of the SlU-contracted Seas Shipping Company. The ship was previously cited for the rescue by the Coast Guard, which singled out Claussen, -Iverson C. Hester, DM; Fred -Er-Hmholtz, AB; Charles E. Ray, chief electrician, and Albert L Clouse, 2nd electrician, among other crewmen, for special men­ tion. Crewed In Baltimore Refitted in a Baltimore shipyard after coming out of the reserve fleet in the James River, Virginia, the Huddell was crewed out of the Baltimore SIU hall and then pro­ ceeded here this week. She is a conventional Liberty, with special storage compartments for the cable below decks. During World War II, she loaded and discharged a flexible pipeline invaded the continent, and later went into lay-up. Cable for the Seattle-Alaska tel­ ephone link is to be laid in 200 mile lengths and must' be handled with great care 'by specialized equipment to avoid damage. When completed, the cable system will carry essential military and public communications between the" con­ tinental US and Alaska. The cable cargo is valued at $6 million. Question: How do you feel about the likelihood that nuclear reactors will be supplying power in your engine room in a few years? J, ^ 3; Fred Oestman, wiper: I'm afraid Fred L. Travis, electrician: I doubt if reactors will be used on that it might cut down on the jobs in the engine merchant ships room. When the for a great many ships have that years to come kind of plant because of the they won't be expense of in­ needing as many stalling and op­ men to service erating them. them as the kind The MSTS wiU of ships we have get the lion's now. Some rat­ share, as usual, ings might be and the private merchant fleet will be tfle last to done away with entirely. benefit. 3^ 3; 3> t 3; 3^ Murray Savoy, oiler: If ships Albert Bagley, fireman: If I have should ever become atom-powered to learn something new to work it will cut out a on an atomlot of jobs in the powered ship it engine room. I will be all part think an atoni of the job. It plant will mean makes no differ­ simplified en ence to me just gines with more as long as I can automatic con­ get myself a ship trols which will when I'm look­ tend to take ing for a job. I away a lot of don't see it com­ work we do in the oil-fired plants ing for. a lonf time yet though. we have now. 3i 3> $ t ft t Max Felix, wiper: I think the L. D. Hogan, pumpman: I think it will turn out to be labor-saving whole thing is pretty far off. The Navy and the device which will Gov e r n m e n t do away with a ships will be get­ ,number of en­ ting them first gine room jobs. before the mer­ Instead of nine chant marine men in the en­ even thinks of gine room the building them. shipowner might When they do be able to get by come, the engine with three. From rooms will need that point of view it's no benefit to us although men with more training and ex­ perience. it helps the operators. the Department's position is cargo discrimination, he said, that it is still opposed to any would be injurious to the US na­ "50-50" preference for US flag tional interest. However, the De­ ships, it is unsympathetic toward partment offered no assurance that maintenance of a US tramp fleet elimination of "50-50" would be and it is hopeful that US ships in followed by elimination of com­ future years will reduce the size mercial discrimination by foreign of their crews so that shipowners countries. The Department spokesman can compete more easily without agreed that direct merchant marine Government aid. subsidies are needed and might Answer Questions even be considered for tramp ships The SlU has been attempting but he drew the line when asked unsuccessfully for many years to if it considered tramp ships essen­ learn expressly the State Depart­ tial to US commercial policy. In ment's hostility to the US merchant commercial trade, it said, "the flag fleet. The policy statement which of the vessel is immaterial" as long emerged last week came in the as there is a world pool of tramps form of answers to a series of available. Departmental policy questions posed by Senator Warren then, accepts the transfer of tramps Magnuson, chairman of the Senate to foreign flags. "The Department Interstate and Foreign Commerce . . . does not view United States Committee, which is conducting tramps as essential to its com­ the hearings. mercial trade policy." American In discussing its "50-50" position, ownership of runaway-flag bulk the Department spokesman con­ carriers is "assurance of a steady ceded that foreign nations should flow of essential imports" . . . not object to the US moving troops In discussing subsidies t h • and other personnel as well as spokesman declared that the opera­ cargo used by US agencies on US tion of US cargo vessels "with ships. "With outright gift cargoes" fewer men in the crew" would be he added, "it is also difficult for a welcomed as a means of "offsetting foreign nation to object to prefer­ tlie higher costs of operation of ential control." United States vessels." Hedge On '50-50' US ships already carry a smaller However, he immediately quali­ manning scale than comparable fied this half-way acceptance of foreign flag operations under the but "50-50" by claiming that ".50-50" legitimate maritime flags, encourages foreign nations to dis­ runaway flag vessels are notoriouscriminate on regular commercial i ly undermanned, far below the cai-goes. The spread of commei-cial US level. US To Use 113 'Blue Jay' Ships WASHINGTON—The annual summertime shipping rush to Far North US bases this year will employ 113 US ships, the Department of Defense has announced. No indication has been given yet as to how ~ many will be privately-op­ the lee of island chains. A 16-foot erated vessels on MSTS draft will be the maximum al­ lowed in these areas. charter. Most of the ships will be used to supply equipment for the DEW (Distant Early Warning) Line, a chain of radar stations 3.000 miles long stretching across northern Canada and Alaska. • The DEW Line will eventually be extended across the Aleutian Islands. The rest will go to supply bases on the West Coast of Alaska and Air Force stations on Greenland, Baf­ NOW IN SOTH fin Island and Newfoundland. West Coast First The first stage of "Operation Blue Jay" as it is popularly known, will be handled by MSTS ships out of the West Coast, which will load early in May to. supply the more southerly bases in Alaska. June and July will be the peak months for the cold-watcr run, with ships loading out of Seattle and Long Beach on the West Coast and Hampton Roads, New York and Philadelphia on the Eastern seaboard. More Small Ships The Defense Department an­ BROOtCUfit BALTIMORS nouncement said that more small I2I6B.BALT. ships would be used since in many areas the ice menace makes it ad­ visable to stay in shallow water to PORT C CALL �Pare Sis SEAFARERS April 27, 1956 LOG Union Making Headway In Drive For Improved Ship Mail Service YOUR DOllAR'S WORTH Seafarer's Guide To Better Buying By Sidney Margolius A perennial beef aboard ship, crew mail service in the States and overseas has been get ting increasing attention from SIU officials. Seeking a remedy for a kinky problem, SIU headquarters last year called on all con Best Buys During May tracted companies to, supply If you plan your buying in advance, you can save substantially by taking advantage of the sales and clearances occurring in the same accurate mailing addresses to months each year. One of the purposes of this monthly buying cal­ crewmembers at the sign-on Vacation Pay Marks Year As Civilian so that in turn, Seafarers could notify their families and friends where they could be reached at all times during a trip. Reports so far indicate that while this system has not cleaned up the problem altogether, it has succeeded in speeding mail to many crews. In addition, mail beefs have appeared less frequentI.v in reports of ship's meetings, and in many cases, have ceased entirely. At the same time, however, air mailings of each issue of the SEA­ FARERS LOG to ships overseas have encountered some difficulty in arriving at their destinations, although the ships' addresses for these mailings dre in many cases supplied directly by the companies. It is felt, therefore, that the problem may also be due to post office operations, and inquiries in this direction are now being made by the Union. Overall, faulty mail service can stem from several causes, and the difficulty may be due to any or all of them. Sudden changes in a ship's itinerary or sailing schedule, unconcern on the part of company agents overseas or faulty addresses in the first place all play a part in sometimes slowing mail delivery. Steamship company agents sometimes hang on to mail or fail Ashore between trips on the Dorothy, Seafarer Paul Magro to notify the ship of its arrival, marks first anniversary as a civilian by picking up nearly with the result that the mail is $150 in SIU vacation dough from headquarters cashier Bill held back and doesn't catch up Mitchell. Magro had been in the Army for four years until with the ship until much later on. In many cases also, it is not April, 1955. He plans to use his payoff and vacation cash known from week to week where for a vacation trip with his wife and to boost a growing ships in tramp operations will kitty for the purchase of their own home. wind up. Thus the company can­ not furnish any accurate list of .ad­ One year almost to the day after he got out of the Army dresses, and mail must first be and returned to the SIU, Seafarer Paul Magro celebrated sent to the home office for for­ warding. , [lis discharge by collecting a $146.44 SIU vacation check Seafarers who have any sugges­ covering 193 days' seatime.-t tions for easing mail problems aboard ship are urged to submit The money is going directly for a Florida vacation for the 27their ideas to SIU headquarters. into a kitty which will pay year-old Magro and his wife next month. The rest of the kitty is be­ ing accvmulated to buy a home, perhaps in Florida. It was on April 14, 1955, that Magro completed four years, two months and 26 days' service to Uncle Sam. He would have been in the Army even longer were it not for a disability which led to a medical discharge, and $75 a WASHINGTON—The failure of tests on a converted month disability pension. Liberty ship powered with an experimental Victory ship Recalled For Korea turbine still had Maritime Adminisration officials puzzled Magro had been in the Army this week. once, had been discharged, and Tests were conducted on ther changes in the ship's auxiliary then was recalled for Korean serv­ the Hudson River last week equipment would enable the boil­ ice. Now he's trying to sop up as on the Liberty ship Benjamin ers to generate enough steam. much sailing as he can to make up Chew in the first phase of the MA's They blamed the Liberty's boiler for the lost time. "I said that if I got out of the progra3li to upgrade the war-built feed water pumping system and blower, which were retained in the Army I'd stay on a ship until I Liberty ship fieet. Plans call for four new types of conversion. The problem arose be­ got that sea feeling back. Some power plants to be installed on cause the feed water system could day I'd like to make a trip back four modified Libertys from the not maintain the water level in the to Korea and walk peacefully over reserve fleet, in order to deter­ boiler, and the blower could not some of the land I had to hustle mine which will give the lumber­ supply enough air for proper com­ over when I was in service." Right now though, Magro is on the Doro­ ing "workhorse" ships of World bustion, they said. War II greater speed and maneu­ Other phases of the Liberty up­ thy (Bull Line) on the nearbyverability for use in a possible grading program involve installa­ foreign run as a messman. He may future emergency. tion of a prttotype gas turbine try to catch a Far-Easter his next Last week's tests involved use unit aboard the John Sergeant, due trip. of a 6,000 hp geared turbine unit to be completed August 12; reGoing South Soon from a Victory ship in place of the powering the Tnomas Nelson with When he pays off the Dorothy he conventional 2,500 hp reciprocat­ two 3,000 hp diesel engines, to be and his wife are going South on a ing engine normally used on a completed August 22, and refitting pleasure trip and will also visit a Liberty. the William Patterson with the Sejafarer-friend of his in Tampa. Not Enough Steam first free-piston gas turbine marine "Going to sea is a good living" Although reports indicated the engine in the US. This installation he said, "and it's all in what you ship handled well and did not is scheduled to wind up late in do with the money. Before I got vibrate, het converted boilers were October. married I had my share of good not able to produce enough steam Independent testing of each unit times but not it's different. With to bring her new engines up to will determine which is the best the kind of money I make sailing full speed. method for repowering the Lib- I can swing a home of my own and Observers maintained that fur- ertys for future use. all that goes with it." First Converted Liberty Flunks Initial Test Run endar is to inform you of such sales. For example, if you kndw you will need sheets and towels soon, you can save 10 percent on your needs at the annual May "white sales." If you shop the final spring apparel clearances with an eye to basic styles that will look as up-todate next season as this, you'll find savings of up to 40 percent. If you're looking for a television set, you'll find manufacturers and deal­ ers offering special concessions in late spring to clear this year's models. / Here is buying information that can be-useful to you in shopping some of the May sales and in making other early-summer purchases: WOMEN'S APPAREL: Apparel values are better this year even though prices have advanced slightly, because quality is improving as manufacturers work out satisfactory blends of the newer synthetic fibers with traditional fibers, to ach:'.;ve garments that wear longer and require less care. This spring you'll find fabrics made of synthetic fibers at more reasonable prices, as nylon, Dacron and Acrilan were recently reduced at wholesale levels. One of the most successful blends has been the fabric of 65 percent Dacron and 35 percent cotton, which has already become popular in men's shirts. Experts say it may also prove to be the new staple fabric for women's blouses, lingerie, and pajamas. It requires little ironing, but because of its cotton content, avoids the transparency, ex­ cessive warmth and other defects of all-synthetic fabrics. More Crease-Resistant Cottons Even cotton summer dresses this year are more satisfactory to wear and care for because of the increasing availability of crease-resistant cottons. These are more desirable than ordinary cottons because their crease-resistant finish provides a durable crispness and luster without the need for starch, and also helps the fabric resist creases and dirt. Now cotton is often blended with acetate or rayon, and given a creaseresistant finish for dressier summer garments that also resist soil, wear and creases. This blend is also available in reasonably priced coat-dress ensembles this year. You can buy such a dress with com­ plementing cotton or cotton-blend coat for as little as $16-$18. It will be wearable from now until fall in different ways: the dress by itself, the coat with other dresses and the two pieces together as a dress-up costume. MEN'S SUITS: In men's summer suits, the experimenting with dif­ ferent blends has resulted in the emergence of the Dacron-worsted blend as perhaps the most successful new lightweight suit, wearable for three seasons of the year. Such suits are available this year around the $40 mark. The blend should be close- to half Dacron and half wool worsted. Advantage of the blend is that the Dacron gives the fabric wrinkle resistance, while the wool worsted gives it body and resilience. But in less-costly warm-weather suits, a Dacron-rayon or nylon-rayon blend at $25-$30 offers more wear and crease resistance than the allrayon that used to be the standard low-cost summer suit. CARPET SQUARES: An interesting new development that may be useful to families faced with carpeting problems, is carpet squares which you lay yourself to form wall-to-wall carpeting. This depart­ ment is strictly in favor of room-size rugs rather > than wall-to-wall, as permanent carpeting is never as successfully cleaned as a rug that can be taken up for cleaning at the plant, nor is it possible to turn wall-to-wall around to distribute the wear. But for families who feel they need wall-to-wall installations, these 18-inch cotton squares come with their own rubber backing and pressure-sensitive adhesive so you need merely press them into place. ^ You can use squares of contrasting colors to form a design, or make a solid-color carpet. Installation is simple enough, and you need buy only what you need instead of the extra carpeting needed for wall-towall installations. Another advantage is that any square that becomes damaged, as from a cigarette burn, can be replaced. These squares can be laid over any type of floor surface, including plywood underlayment and asphalt tile, or even an attic sub-floor if smooth and secure enough. However, there are disadvantages too. The squares are cotton, and while they have a durable high pile, cotton carpeting does soil quicker than wool and is more difficult to clean, and thus is not as suitable for heavy traffic areas. Nor are the squares cheap. They'll cost you about $6.75 a square yard. Thus a 10x12 bed­ room will cost about $110 to carpet in this manner (figure nine square feet to a square yard). ^ E A FT A PORT O'CAU e75*-4-*w<AvEMaF *l2/e E.BALTiA10(® B'ALrT7A1Pi^e �SEAFARERS AbrU 27. UM Page Seven LOG SlU's Protest Gets Shore Leave Action In Iranian Oil Port SIU headquarters is hoping for an ease in restrictions af­ ter receiving assurances from the US State Department that there are no hard and fast shore leave bans in Khorramshahr, Iran. The Union •* protested the bans through the State Department after the crew of the Steel Voyager was restricted to ship in August, 1955. Responsibility for the shore leave restriction has never been clearly fixed, with the company agents, the local police and the American consulate all disclaiming knowledge of any such action. Crewmembers of the ship are equally insistent that they were refused permission to go ashore. Headquarters took the beef up with the Seaman Affairs Section of the State Department which in turn, checked with the American consui at the port and the agents and local authorities. All that is in the local regulations, according to the State Pepartment, was that the master had to submit a crew list to the local police chief for shore leave passes and that all crew members have to be back on board before midnight. Copies To Ships Copies of the State Department letter are being circulated to all Isthmian ship captains going into Khorramshahr in the event that crews have any further difficulties in the port. One Isthmian ship, the Steel Age, has been in the port in the end of March but no information has yet been received from her on the issue. Two more ships are due to touch there this week. If crewmembers still run into restrictions they are asked to no­ tify SIU headquarters as soon as possible. BROUGHT TO, YOU BY THS OEBP SEA UNIONS OF THS Job Upturn Cheered By Baltimore BALTIMORE—Good shipping is •still the best news available here, with jobs continuing to run well ahead of registration. "We're not breaking any rec­ ords, but we certainly hope the trend will hold," commented Earl Sheppard, SIU port agent. Job activity has been rising steadily here •during the last few weeks, bolstering hopes for a good springsummer season. A total of 182 jobs were dis­ patched during the past period, providing replacements and reliefs for crewmembers on a variety of 39 ships. Twelve of the arrivals were paid off, 10 signed on and 17 were serviced in transit. No Major Beefs No beefs of a major nature have disturbed this healthy picture, Sheppard said. "We again extend our congratulations to all the sliips' crews for their good work­ ing knowledge of- the Union's agreements and for adhering to tne SIU's policies," he added. * Organizing efforts at the Old Bay Line are continuing, mean­ while. MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT SIU A&G DISTRICT • SUP • MFOW • MCS • ROU - MM&P - BME • SlU-CANADIAN DiSTRitT \ TEVERY SUNDAY. 1915 GMrf"^„Y Meanwhile, MTD Round-The-World l| \| Wireless Broadcasts Continue .. gi B ' ^J J WMMJ^TSMZKC. * WCO-16908.8 KCS | Northwest Pacific • west Coost Sooth America WCO-22407 KCs • ^ WAAM 81-11037.5 | | Seafarer Stricken, Sill Aids Wife There's a new washing machine humming smooth­ ly on the Yaka (Waterman) and ever ybody's clothes are com­ ing out clean, thanks to the ef­ "mmm ' forts of Seafarer J. O. Bruso. Nothin'g like new equipment to get Bruso the grime out of work gear, Yaka men are finding. 3^ ,4) If things aren't as safe as they should be on the Antinous, it won't be due to any lack of effort on the When Seafarer Samuel J. Brooks was stricken aboard the Barbara Frietchie and taken part of Seafarer Lloyd Blanchard, off in Japan, March 29, the Effects were felt immediately back home in Whistler, Alabama, bosun. At one. of the crew ship­ board meetings Blanchard asked As is standard practice, the company discontinued allotments to Brook's wife. However the gang to report any safety vio­ lations to him or to the delegates. within three weeks, the wife" Welfare Services had contacted the doesn't get around which means That way they could be taken up was again receiving payments company immediately upon learn­ nothing happens until somebody with topside before anybody got from the company as the re- ing of Brooks' illness in Japan notifies headquarters. In one recent hurt. jult of prompt intervention by SIU and arranged for advances tO be instance a Seafarer suffered a 4^ 4- 4) drawn against unearned wages in serious hip injury and was hospi­ Welfare Services. The crew of the Ocean Eva his wife's name. This is standard talized in Calcutta on March 12. The swift action in behalf of procedure followed by the Welfare No notice was sent to headquarters showed their appreciation for Brother Brooks was but one of Service office whenever a Sea­ until the Steel Sui-veyor got into ship's delegate T. N. Scott when several dozen such problems farer's allotments are involved. that port April 4 and promptly he received the news that his mother had passed away. Crew­ handled every week by SIU Wel­ The allotments themselves can­ cabled the Union. members, joined by the ship's offi­ fare Services in behalf of Seafarers not be continued because they are Once the cable was received the and their families. drawn against earned wages and heat was put on the company's cers, chipped in to send an appro­ the company home office has no Calcutta agents to give the injured priate piece to the funeral in their Unearned Wages Paid name. Thus the first of Brooks allot­ way of knowing how many draws man proper service including ciga­ $1 4) 4 or slops a man ran up until he was rettes and regular visits, and ment checks for $110 went out on taken off the ship. Seafarer Frank Napoll aboard arrange for repatriation by plane April 17 and a second one on the the George Lawson turned to in when he is ready to be moved. Prompt Notification 2i)th' based on unearned wages due Although everything has been order to help his fellow Seafarers The key to this rapid service, of the ailing Seafarer. The checks will continue as long as unearned course, is prompt notification of sti'aightened out in the end. Wel­ fight the threat to the "50-50" law. wages are forthcoming. Naturally Welfare Services by the ship's fare Services pointed out that the Napoli drafted a letter for the the resumption of these payments crews whenever a Seafarer is Seafarer could have been spared a crewmembers to send to their was of great relief to the hospi­ forced to leave the ship for hospi­ good deal unnecessary anxiety and Senators asking that "50-50" be re­ discomfort if the Union had been stored to the farm surplus disposal talization overseas. ^ talized Brooks, and to his wife. program, after Tex Metting and he notified as soon as he was hurt. Sometimes though, the. Thews What had happened was that sponsored a shipboard resolution on that score. 4< 4/ 3i' Th-» Alcoa Planter crew is duly grateful to Seafarer George Fargo. The mother of a crewmember died and the gang wanted to send a wreath for which the usual collec­ tion would be taken up. Fargo advanced funds out of his own pocket so that the wreath could be ordered immediately without talk­ ing time out for the tarpaulin muster. 4^ 4^ 4!' There's a crew radio aboard the Steel Surveyor now as Seafarer Earl A. Fancher, ship's delegate, laid out 80 of his own simoleons for the pur­ chase. Crewmembers are now chipping in to re­ imburse him for Fancher the cost, while they are enjoying the latest in music and news. 4. 4 4 The Alcoa Roamer, one of the ships mentioned as acting on the "50-50" problem, deserves a special note for the wholehearted way it went about the job. No less than 60 letters were sent out by the crew, pretty much blanketing every Senator from every state where crewmembers lived. A men­ tion should be given too to Sea­ farer Blackie Bankston on the Steel Advocate who appealed to his shipmates to get their letters off before the Senate acted on the bill. �Fare Elfht SEAFARERS April 27. 1956 LOG 'i-'ir ffiiiiliillp If ' . ! , ;, ,<L - 1 - " .f «SS!psp:iililiW O NE of the most generous scholarships in existence, the Seafarers Scholarship Plan each year awards $6,000 each to four Seafarers or children of Seafarers .to cover their university education. On this page is a report on four of the nine scholarship students and how they ore making but. Next issue we'll have a report on the other SlU students. Seafarer Joe Kite University of Florida Engineering Student Blocked by misfortune twice before in ef­ forts to get a college degree, Seafarer Joe Kite is on his way this time with smooth sailing guaranteed by the scholarship plan. The 42-year-old Sea­ farer sailed as electrician and has chosen to study electrical engi­ neering. He is doing so well that he has been tapped for high honors (he has an "A minus" average) and has been cited for the dean's list. He intends to take summer courses to graduate a year earlier. In addition to his engineering studies he is taking business law and math. He finds his $1,500 yearly aid ample to cover tuition, books, professional gear, room, board and lavmdry. He spends what spare time he has with his son and family in Jacksonville. "Thanks to all the brothers," he writes, "for visualizing ... a welfare plan that en­ ables a working stiff to attend school. It is only through your aid and assistance that I am here." . One Of 13 No-Cost Benefits Of The Seafarers Welfare Plan' • • Constance Cole University of Connecticut* Language Student Specializing in Spanish, Constance Cole, 19, daughter of Seafarer John Cole, ex­ pects to finish her imdergraduate courses in 1959 and then go on to graduate school for two more years. Then she hopes to teach Spanish in the high schools of her native Yonkers, New York. As far as she knows, her SlU scholarship is the highest of any award among imdergraduates at the university. It is more than enough for tuition, books, room and board, extra-curricular fees and expenses and travel to and from home during schqol holi­ days. She is taking a Liberal Arts course and is maintaining a "B minus" average. She is active in a number of school groups includ­ ing the freshman class council and the dramatic club as well as a service sorority which provides volunteer services to the univer­ sity. Next to the excitement of winning the Seafarer's scholarship, she says, "college has been the most exciting period of my life." ItIE Seafarer Seymour Wallace Columbia University Medical Student A degree as doctor of medicine is the tar­ get of Seafarer Seymour Wallace, 26, and 1959 is his expected date of graduation. Attending one of the toughest medical schools in the country, Wal­ lace is maintaining a "B" to "B plus" average. After graduation he in tends to in torn and then practice medicine outside of New York. He sailed AB and other d§ck ratings with the SIU and plans to sail summers to help support his family and supplement the scholarship. Medical school tuition fees are steep, he reports, run­ ning over $1,000 a year for costs and books, so his SIU scholarship is much envied on the campus. "My scholarship is equalled only by one other as far as I know," he writes. "It is far superior to most. My classmates praise and commend not only the amount of the award but also the freedom of choice of school and profession." Wallace is active in church affairs in his spare time and finds his studies occupy his days fully otherwise. Susan Eatherton University of Tulsa Secretarial Administration Going to school and maintaining a home for herself and her husband keeps Susan Eatherton, 19, on the go. Daughter of Sea­ farer Myron E. Folts, she is majoring in secretarial administration and is taking or will take courses in history, English, science and religion. She expects to graduate in May, 1959, and either continue schooling or travel with her husband, a petroleum engineer. Thus far she has maintained a "B plus" average in her studies and par­ ticipates in the business women's club at the university as .well as the wives and mother's club. Tuition and fees come to $500, she reports, with other expenses well within the $1,500 yearly allot­ ment The SIU scholarship is one of the largest listed in the uni­ versity's catalog. "Whenever and wherever my scholarship has , been mentioned, she notes, "people have remarked how wonderful it is fhat an organization would take such a personal interest in their members' children." \ .V M �SEAFARERS April 27. 195< Seattle's Job Boom Arrives Full Force Lauds SIU Aid SEATTLE—Weeks of waiting finally produced dividends, as a long-overdue job boom came to life here during the past two weeks. Five expected payoffs ar­ period were th« Mankato Victory, rived as predicted, boosting Coeur d'Alene Victory (Victory Carriers); Wacosta, Choctaw and job totals to more than Wild Ranger (Waterman). The double the previous figure. same group all signed on again. The situation was so good, port agent Jeff Gillette reported, that at one point he ran out of messmen and had to call on San Fran­ cisco for help. A total of 104 men were shipped during the period. Prospects for the next few weeks look slow, however, on the "basis of scheduled payoffs. "But if we run true to form, we will have at least a couple of payoffs that are unexpected," Gillette added. Lone payoff officially in sight in the Lcngview Victory (Victory Car­ riers) on May ICf. Nip Travel Beef Meanwhile, Union action nipped a familiar beef before it got too far out of hand, when a crewmember off the John B. Kulukundis (Martis) was denied the option of getting the cash equivalent of the first-class rail transportation he had coming. SIU officials cited chapter and verse of the agree­ ment to the company, and the cash was produced forthwith. Under the transportation and paying off procedure ill SIU agree­ ments, crewmembers must be fur­ nished first-class rail transporta­ tion back to their port of engage­ ment when they pay off. However, the seaman has the option of get­ ting the fare in cash. Ships that paid off during the Finn Seamen For Arms Ban Tampa Reports Slight Job Rise The fifth anniversary of the Marine Cooks and Stewards passed April 15 with the Union well es­ tablished in West Coast Maritime. It was in 1951 that the MCS got a charter from the SIU of North America to organize West Coast stewards and cooks, then under the thumb of a Communist-dominated union. MCS now has contracts with all West Coast operators and is building a new headquarters in San Francisco. A boycott of ships carrying arms to Arab nations has been proposed by the Finnish Seamen's Union. The Union urged ITF action to halt arms shipments to the tense Middle East. Shipments of arms to Arab na­ $1 • $1 tions have been increasing, much Richfield, General Petroleuni of it from Communist Czechoslo­ vakia, although a US shipipent of and Tidewater Associated have tanks to Saudi Arabia aroused agreed to follow the six percent wage.and overtime increase pattern much furore recently. Contractors employed at the General Post Office in New York agreed to employ union painters and electricians following several days' picketing of the giant postoffice by union members. The In­ ternational Brotherhood of Elec­ trical Workers and the Painters District Council threw up the picket lines. 4 4" t District 15, International Asso­ ciation of Machinists has decided to pick up the tab for surgical and hospital benefit payments of strik­ ing Republic Aviation workers. The company cancelled the bene­ fits payments last week in efforts to bring pressure on the strikers who have been picketing for ten weeks. 4 4, 4" Circus clowns withdrew from performances of Ringling Brothers at Madison Square Garden, New York, when the American Guild of Variety Artists and the Brother­ hood of Teamsters set up picket lines. Several leading clowns are AGVA members. The two unions are attempting to organize circus entertainers and maintenance workers. Fire hoses and revolvers were used by company forces to rout Textile Workers Union organizers at the Lowenstein Mills in Gaffney, South Carolina. Attempts to dis­ tribute leafiets by union represen­ tatives were met by a stream of water from the hose and the men were threatened with revolvers. The local sheriff has refused to act to protect the organizers. 4 4 4 A two-week strike at R. H. Macy's and four of its branches in New York City won a $6 wage increase and an improved pension plan for 6,000 store workers. The strikers, members of the Wholesale and De­ partment Store Workers Union, won retroactivity to February 1 on $3 of the raise. The new contract will run for three years. 4 4 4 Support for poultry inspection bills in Congress has been ex­ pressed by the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen's Union. Jointly-introduced SenateHouse bills would prohibit use of poultry in interstate commerce unless it had been inspected and approved. The union pointed out that 26 diseases can be transmitted from poultry to humans. Stay On For Full Trip, Union Warns Seafarers On Long-haul Shuttles NEW WORK—The Union has issued a warning cautioning men not to sign on for long tanker shuttle runs, particularly in the Persian Gulf-Japan area, unless they will stick with the ship for the duration of ticket on a passenger ship going articles. out and stay as long as you Failure to stay on for the like,"there he stated. In transit were the Hurricane, City of Alma (Waterman); Robin Hood (Seas Shipping); Seamar (Calmar) and the Kulukundis. All of the ships were in good shape regarding disputed overtime, re­ pairs and general beefs. TAMPA—Shipping has turned just a shade better here during the last two weeks, although job ac­ tivity is still relatively quiet. A few replacements were dis­ patched off the beach via the payoft and sign-on of the Hastings (Waterman), and £he arrival of eight assorted in-transits. These included the Antinous, Madaket (Waterman); Iberville (twice), Chickasaw, DeSoto (Pan Atlantic); Alcoa Pointer (Alcoa) and Del Viento (Mississippi). Beefs were at a minimufn on all of them. Pare Nine LOG Thankful for the benefits provided by the'SIU Wel­ fare Plan during his wife's illness, Seafarer Earl Congleton is shown with wife, Alice, now recuperating at a Norfolk nursing home. Congleton sails in the en­ gine department and has been an SIU man for 17 years. established in negotiations be­ tween the Sailors Union of the Pacific and other major companies. They will also discuss a pension plan. 4 4 4. Things are humming on the Lakes and rivers of Canada as the spring shipping season begins. The SIU Canadian District has started crewing up 47 ships in Montreal alone as well as many others on the Lakes ports. Meanwhile, a gov­ ernment Board of Conciliation has opened hearings on ^contract de­ mands presented tb shipowners by the Canadian District. 4 4 4 A bulk ore agreement has been completed between Pacific Far East Line and the Marine Firemen's Union covering engine room men on ships carrying iron ore from Stockton, California, to Japan. The agreement calls for a wage scale of $335 to $550 a month, overtime rates of $2 and $2.65 hourly and vacation pension and welfare fund contributions. It is similar to the bulk ore agreement worked out previously by the SUP. full length of the voyage would be a violation of the shipping rules and contract provisions and could place offenders in line for discip­ linary action, Asstetant-SecretaryTreasurer Claude Simmons pointed out. Although the Union is aware that the long shuttle runs create problems of monotony, Simmons said that when a man signs on he must accept responsibility of doing his jqb, which includes staying with his ship untii the voyage is completed. . Crewmen who miss their ships on a run can jeopardize their Un­ ion contract, Simmons said. He added that the Union will not per­ mit this to happen because its job is to protect the welfare of the ei^tire membership. A meeting has been held with US Petroleum Carriers, which has nine tankers shuttling between the Persian Gulf and Japan, during which this problem was discussed. At the root of this is the ab­ sence of recreational facilities at tlie Persian Gulf end of the shut­ tle to compare with the diversions available in Far East ports and the fast turnaround practices of the tankers generally. "However," Assistant SecretaryTreasurer Claude Simmons noted, "this doesn't give any man the right to turn his back on the ship, pile extra work on his shipmates and generally foul up relations be­ tween the Union and companies while he gets a little breathing spell ashore. If everybody got the same idea, the ships would never sail." Simmons cautioned men throw­ ing in for jobs on these tanker runs not to ship on these vessels unless they planned to stay and finish out the articles. "If you want to go on the beach in Japan or go native, *grab yourself a "Missing a ship out there with­ out a proper reason will only foul you up later." On another note, the SIU port official reported shipping in the port picking up^ with many jobs left hanging on the board for sev­ eral calls. Two new ships, the Maxton (Pan Atlantic) and the Jose Marti (New England Indus­ tries, Inc.), took full crews during the period. The Maxton is one of three tank­ ers to be used in Pan Atlantic's "piggy-hack" operations, which will carry loaded truck trailers on special deck gear, in addition to regular oil cargoes, on coastwise voyages. A total of 19 ships were paid off, 8 signed on and 15 serviced as intransits during the past two-week period. PortlandForms MID Port Unit PORTLAND, Ore. — A local council of the Maritime Trades Department has been organized this week by sea-going and shoreside maritime unions here. SIU of NA affiliates participating in the council include the Sailors Union of the Pacific, Marine Cooks and Stewards, the Marine Firemen's Union and the Inland Boatmen's Union. These unions have been meeting regularly as part of the waterfront section of the Portland Central Labor Council. Establishment of an MTD council will assure closer coordination with shoreside mari­ time unions. Similar councils function in many ports on all three coasts. Punchline Grips Carolyn Speak Out At SIU Meetings Under the Union constitu­ tion every member attending a Union meeting is entitled to nominate himiielf for the elected posts to be filled at the meeting—chairman, read­ ing clerk and recording secre­ tary. Your '"nion 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 minds. Seafarer Steve Zubovich, AB (standing, center), leads up to what looks like a good punchline in story to Savannah SIU patrolman Nevin Ellis (right) as shipmates "Bugsy" Siegel, MM, and Jimmie McDonald, oiler (seated) look on. The by­ play occurred when .the Carolyn called at Savannah recently. �t- tf?- ' Pare Tea II SEAFARERS The Voice of the MfO' LOG April 27, MM DRAMATIC firsNof-a-lcinel in mari­ time union history, AFL-CIO Mari­ time Trades Department weekly news broadcasts to the ships at sea are filling a long-standing need for MTD unions ashore and union seamen on shipi all over the world. Representing some 20 seagoing and marine unions in the MTD, the Sunday newscasts are beamed to the ships via both shortwave voice transmissions and wireless. The weekly newscasts provide up-to-theminute information to all ships' crews on developments within their unions and the shipping industry as soon as they happen. They are timed to reach ships in all areas on Sundays, when leisure time enables ships' crews to tune in their shortwave radios and hear the voice of the MTD an­ nouncer in New York. ' The direct-voice broadcasts go to all ships in Atlantic, South American and Euro­ pean waters, and wireless transmissions fill in the gaps, reaching as far away as Aus­ tralia. Both services utilize the world-wide facilities of Press Wireless, Inc., of New York, where the East Coast headquarters of the MTD ore located. A Engineer at Hicksville, LI, transmission station shows radius of voice broadcast on world map (far left). As broadcast begins, he plugs in board (center), and controls voice volume. Control panel (right) shows all gear working properly. Facilities here can handle 60 different transmis­ sions at same time. try 1 I he Broadcast is monitored frequently (left), to check beaming on different short wave frequencies. Teletype machine (foreground) will register wireless transmission later on. In center, master controls at Hicksville station check miniature forest of towers and antennas (right) outside. Stale Department, news agencies also use same facilities. �April 27. 1958 SF Marks '06 Quake 50th Year SEAFARERS LOC 'Why Such A Big Boat??!!!' JESUS GRANADO, 2nd Cook After 11 years in the ring dur­ ing which he campaigned exten­ sively in the United States and Cuba, Jesus Granado embarked on a new career in 1944 when he headed for sea. He grabbed a Lib­ erty ship j9ut of New York for the first one anff has been sailing steadily year in and year out since then. In his fighting days Granado campaigned mostly as a light­ weight. He was a stablemate of Baby Miller, another Seafarer who was well-known for his ring achievements. Granado knew many Seafarers who came out of Tampa, bis home town, and it was natural for him to start sailing with the SIU when he decided to go to sea. Through the years he's proud to have , partici­ pated in most of the Union's ma­ Granado jor beefs, includ­ ing the 1946 General Strike, the Wall Street Strike, the garment center beef, and many others. Son Seeks SIU Scholarship Granado has three children liv­ ing down in Tarpon Springs, Flor­ ida. His oldest boy intends to take e crack at the SIU college scholar­ ship next year and his father is optimistic that he can make the grade. If he does, it will be an­ other dividend Granado's received from sailing with the SIU. For himself, Granado figures to keep on sailing for a great many years to come. "I have no idea of ever leaving the sea. It's a good life and I'm going to keep at it as long as I can." See Boston Revival As Major Port BOSTON—^A ten-year campaign to re-establish. Boston as a major East Coast port is showing results, according to figures for foreign trade movements through the port during 1955. The Port of Boston achieved its highest foreign trade movement in the ten years since World War II last yeai*, as it handled commercial foreign trade amounting to over 5 million tons. War Hit Trade A great deal of the import-ex­ port trade lost by the port when war broke out in 1941 has never been recovered. This has natural­ ly had a depressing effect on sea­ men's jobs as well during the post­ war period. Shipping during the last two weeks was fair, however, and reg­ istered improvement over the pre­ vious period. But the outlook for future shipping remains uncertain, port agent James Sheehan pointed out. Three Cities Service tankers, the Royal Oak, Government Camp and Council Grove, paid off and signed on during the period. Five other ships stopped off in transit, includ­ ing the Steel Vendor (Isthmian), Robin Gray (Seas Shipping), Val Chem (Valentine), Bents Fort (Cities Service) and A. N. Huddell (Bull). SAN FRANCISCO — Re­ built from the ground up in many areas following the dis­ astrous fire and earthquake of April 18-19, 1906, this port city marked the 50th anniversary of its rebirth last week. Memorial services commemo­ rated almost 500 dead and total damage estimated betwen $300 and $400 million. Thousands more were injured an^ burned during the two days of havoc that swept the area. Rapid rebuilding eventually brought the city to the point where today it is one of the ten largest in the US, its leading Pacific Coast p6rt and the headquarters of sev­ eral major maritime unions af­ filiated with the SIU. Good Shipping Good shipping for Seafarers here marked the occasion last week, as actual job activity up­ held earlier forecasts. Two payoff ships, the Seatiger (Colonial) and Jean Lafitte (Waterman), one of which, the Jean Lafitte, signed on again in company with the Wacosta (Waterman), provided the major activity. In addition, the Steel Traveler (Isthmian); Seamar (Calmar); City of Alma and Yaka (Waterman), all in transit, boosted job totals. The outlook for the immediate future is not as good, however, al­ though port agent Leon Johnson expects that the usual in-transit shipping will take up some of the slack. Pare Elerea asime. Seek More • The US merchant marine has its headaches but it is for­ US Aid For tunate that the powers in the State Department are. not in charge of US shipping policy. If they were, the merchant fleet would be in sad shape indeed, judging from opinions Mobile Port expressed by the Department before the Senate Interstate and Foreign Commerce Committee. M. GOTTSCIIALK, Ch. Stwd. To sum up the Department is against "50-50," it thinks "When I went aboard on my first job," Seafarer Michael Gottschalk the US tramp fleet should vanish and it believes a "solution" relates, "they showed me a bunk for the competition problem is a reduction in the size of US consisting of four slats of wood. I crews—a hopelessly unrealistic view. asked where the mattress was and Just why the Department is against "50-50" it can't really was told to buy myself a mattress cover. When I came back they say. It admits that it tried to scuttle "50-50" in the farm bill took me up to the poop deck and but now concedes that its original view was in error and showed me where the hay was and "50-50" really didn't hurt the sales of farm surplus. If Con­ said 'now stuff it.' That was my gress had followed the' Department's original advice, the introduction to sailing." merchant marine would have gotten small consolation out of The ship was the Pannonia, an the Department's belated confession. old Cunarder, and the time was beThe Department admits too, that there is nothing wrong f o r e the first World War. Gott­ with the "50-50" idea when applied to Government cargoes. schalk got the job Would Force US Seamen Out of Work through a crimp hall as steerage As far as the competitive position of US shipping is con­ waiter at $12 a cerned, "the Department considers that modern develop­ month. Each ments might permit the operation of American cargo vessels waiter served with fewer men in the crew." Evidently the Department is 6 0 immigrants. under the illusion that the US can build ships technically Clubs and fire superior to foreigners, ships that will be able to compete hoses were kept handy to break up the food riots directly with other flags. If anything, the shoe is on the that were always erupting. Eighteen other foot with foreign yards and foreign shipping more hours was the normal workday and modern than ours. Putting seamen out of work is no answer. "even the officers were full ot The State Department dismisses tramp shipping airily by lice." saying it is not "essential" although tramps carry a heavy Subsequently he switched to US ships which even then " were far share of defense supplies and overseas commercial and aid superior to foreign runs. The pay commitments. If any Government spokesman were to imply was $25 a month and we got "one that commercial plants should close down because they are egg a week on Sunday mornings." "not important" or that a few thousand farmers should stop Gottschalk quickly became a un­ working, the thunderclaps would be heard across the land. ion member and subsequently car­ Yet that is just what State is saying about tramp ships. ried a book in the old International The Department's position on shipping adds up to this: Seaman's Union. He sailed a num­ "Get rid of. all ships except a mere handful, turn over ber of US passenger ships includ­ ing the Washington and Manhattan cargoes to other nations and do away with the jobs of thou­ sands of US seamen"—all because a strong merchant marine before coming into the SIU. Occasionally Gottschalk has supposedly irritates relations with other countries. worked ashore in clubs and res­ What it really means is that the State Department finds taurants but never for very long. the merchant marine a convenient scapegoat for international As to conditions with the SIU to­ troubles. When dozens of foreign countries charge the US day, he says, "the dish washer on a US ship does as well as the skipper is "dumping" farm products the Department remains dis­ on a foreign flag job. We've got creetly silent. But let there be one complaint against the the best conditions in the world merchant marine and it not only airs it fully but accepts it and should try tolive up to them." at face value. MOBILE — Local port leaders have been bombard­ ing Washington in recent weeks seeking an outlay of addi­ tional Federal funds for two vital harbor improvement projects. In one case, work is already un­ derway to dredge the Mobile Ship Channel to 36 feet, but officials claim the funds appropriated by Congress are nearly $1 million short. They fear the work will have to be halted short of their immediate goal. The present channel is 32 feet deep; future plans call for eventual­ ly increasing its depth to 40 feet. Due to the shaliow channel depth, many large ships arriving in Mo­ bile come in only partially loaded these days. A second major project for the area involves construction of ad­ ditional locks and dams on the Tombigbee-Warrior Rivers to make barge traffic over this waterway possible all year round. It's pointed out that in times of ex­ tremely dry weather, traffic has to be halted due to shallow water. New construction would assure enough water in the system for year-round navigation. Slight Job Rise Meanwhile, port agent Cal Tan­ ner reported a slight rise in ship­ ping here during recent weeks, and more opportunities opening up for Seafarers on the beach waiting to ship. In addition to the usual run of relief jobs in and around the har­ bor, new prospects are developing in at least one local ship repair yard for SIU men with shipbuild­ ing or similar work experience. According to Tanner, one local ship repair yard under contract with the SlU-affiliated Marine Al­ lied Workers expects enough steel shortly to enable it to proceed with plans for building barges. �SEAFARERS Pac* Twelr* Bienville Boys Vixing Odds, Designer MM To Race Backwards • ^ The medics have yet to come up with a cure to that mys­ terious ailment known as "channel fever," but the crew on the Steel Designer is mapfully bearing up under the strain. A few days out of Manila,"^ soaking up sunshine during day­ for example, two crewmem- light hours and enjoying movies bers stirred up some excite­ after dark. Before leaving Cali­ Basking in the sunlight be­ fore sailing to the Far East recently, Henry Lopez (right) and an unidentified crewman relax on Bienville. ment with a bet on a footrace to run off on arrival. The wager, ac­ cording to ship's reporter Herman Rogge, will be decided in a race to^ee whether Harold Eddy, the reefer, can run 100 yards faster than Sam the messman can cover 75 yards going backwards. "Both men are-keeping In good shape but Sam is confidently tak­ ing all bets, although it's a two to one bet against him," Rogge noted. Meanwhile, crewmembers are fornia for their 'round-the-world trip, the captain, officers and crewmembers chipped in to rent a movie projector and almost a Quest Impulsive, erralic, the lover. The lissome, illumining sea. Still searches the world to recover The sailor of her memory. Movie night on Steel De­ signer finds Joe Falasca, 4-8 oiler, manning the pro­ jector. Their love was a picture to snap then. No sadness could burden their glee; That's why the sea still sets her cap, men. For the sailor that used to be. dozen films for twice-w e e k 1 y screenings on number 4 hatch. "This has added much to the trip, and promoted a lot-of good­ will and understanding among the passengers and personnel," said Rogge. SEAFARERS IN THE HOSPITALS USPHS HOSPITAL BALTIMORE. MD. Mack J. Acosta Joseph GiU Francisco Bueno Gorman T. Glaze Jessie A. Clarke William Golf Victor B. Cooper Burl Haire John D. Cummins Albert Hawkins Frank G Delgado John Hill John C. Drake Edward Huizenga Thomas Dr/.ewicki Joseph Naurocki Donald Forrest Fred Pittman Hugh Fouehe Win. E. Roberts George Gass H. Shartzer Stanley Gelak NATL. INST. OF HEALTH BETHESDA, MD. Linus E. Twite USPHS HOSPITAL BOSTON, MASS. Alfred A. Hancock USPHS HOSPITAL GALVESTON. TEXAS Santos Garcia Earl B. McCoIIam Daniel Hutto John E. Markopolo Robert Kehrly Marko M. Hocknic 6TH DIST. TB HOSPITAL MOBILE, ALA. David M. Baria USPHS HOSPITAL NEW ORLEANS. LA. Joseph L. Acy John F. Dixon Agapito Asonci Chas. F. Dorrough Merton Baxter Jaime Fcrnandea Louis Bentley L. Fiorentineo Carl W. Berg Jos. T. Gehringer Claude F. Blanks John C. George Sebastian Carregal Clarence Graham Arthur M. Caruso Louis J. Guarino Cloise Coats Kristian Gundersen William Cogswell George Hall Albert T. Cooper Charles Jelfers Martin Kelly Randolph RatcIlS E. G. Knapp Edwin Ritchie Norman L. Krumm Mitchell Rodriguez Louis D. Lae Wade H. Sexton Leo H. Lang West A. Spencer Karl V. Larsen Frank S. Stevene Theodore Lawson Joseph Stocker Michcle Liuzza Lonnie R. Tickle Minzioni Marioni Luciano Toribip James M. Mason Roy Truly Robert R. Merritt James E. Ward Alfonso Olaguibcl L. E. Wessels Michael Papusha David A. Wright Jerry Pontiff USPHS HOSPITAL STATEN ISLAND, NY. John Abraham Manuel Paperman Terrell Adams Eugene Plahn Dollah Ben Bart J. Power George Carlson Joseph A. Puglisi John J. Cook Jose Quimera Juan Denopra Conrad Reyes Lorenzo Diana Leon Reynolds Alvaro Dos Santos G. H. Robinson James H. Fisher Jose Rodriguez Rufus Freeman Evert Rosenquist James B. Gardner Stanley C. Scott Estell Godfrey Charles L. Simmons Alfred Kaju Walter Snell John Klepadio Andrew Snider Frank Lillie Lacy H. Stuart Endel Loosaar S. Swienckoski Fidel Lukban Fred Thayer Loyd McGce Thomas B. Tomlin John McWilliains Dominick Trevisano Jose L. Marrcro Samuel L. Vandal G. Mihalopoulos Marion Wells Alonzo W. Morris Joseph Wohletz USPHS HOSPITAL MANHATTAN BEACH BROOKLYN, NY. Edmund Abualy Manuel Antonana Editor, SEAFARERS LOG, 675 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn 32, NY I would like to receive the SEAFARERS LOG—please put my name on your mailing list. (Print Information) NAME STREET ADDRESS I CITY !|J'/ Signed I #:' - ZONE ..;... STATE ' TO AVOID DUPLICATION: If you are an old subscriber and hava a change of address, please give your former address below: ADDRESS CITY it- ZONE STATE To the Editor: Often during a period of rem­ iniscing, I try to think back just what we in the SIU would have done without the leadership of our past and present officials. It's more than one man's opinion that the prospects of our getting anywhere back in 1938-39 would have been pretty slim without the stick-to-itiveness, guts, brains and the phil­ osophy of looking both to the All. letters to the editor for publication in the SEAFAR­ ERS LOG must be signed by the writer. Names toill be withheld upon request. By James Kerrigan His eyes when he saw her grew brighter With reverence giants attain; His presence alone would delight her. Their parting was mutual pain. Oldtlmer's Faith Secure in Sill Letters To The Editor LOG-A-RHYTHM: His name is—ah, name almost any; His home, if he has one at all. Is either in Lisbon, Kilkenny, New York, or some lost port of call. April LOG Eladio Aris Harry F. MacDonald Fortunato Bacomo Michael Machusky William C. Baldwin Albert MartineUi Frank W. Bemrick Vic Milazzo Robert L. Booken Joseph B. Murphy Frank T. Campbell Eugene T. Nelson William J. Conners Joseph Neubauer E. T. Cunningham James O'Hare Walter L. Davis . Ralph J. Palmer Emilio Deigado George G. Phifer Robert M. DougUs James M. Quinn John J. DriscoU F. Regalado Robert E. Gilbert D. F. Ruggiano William Guenther G. E. Shumaker Bart E. Guranick G. Sivertsen Taib Hassen Henry E. Smith Thomas Isakseu Karl Treimann Ludwig Kristiansen Harry S. Tuttle Frank J. Kubek Fred West James J. Lawlor Norman West Leonard Leidig John T. Westfall Anthony D. Leva Virgil E. WUmoth Mike Lubas Pon P. Wing Archibald McGuigan Chee K. Zai David Mcllreath USPHS HOSPITAL NORFOLK. VA. Francis J. Boner H. J. McClenaghan W. G. Butterton John L. Williams Isaac Duncan USPHS HOSPITAL SAN FRANCISCO. CALIF. Robert H. Ahearn R. L. Lambert Toledo A. Bean Finn Ottcrgaard Marcelo B. Belen John L. Roberts Charles Dwyer John S. Sweeney Max Felix Henry Waller M. M. Hammond USPHS HOSPITAL SAVANNAH, GA. James Daytop Jimmie Littleton Herman Killstrom USPHS HOSPITAL SEATTLE, WASH. ' L. Bosley Fred A. Olson E. M. Goddard George L. Smith Leonard E. Hodges WiUiam Trickey . James H. Maxev USPHS HOSPITAL FORT WORTH, TEXAS F. E. Anderson Rosendo Serrano Dallas R. Clary WiUie A. Young B. F. Deibler Wm. L. Williams Jos. J. Fusella. Eugene T. O'Neill VA HOSPITAL KERRVILLE, TEXAS Billy R. Hill BEEKMAN DOWNTOWN HOSPITAL NEW YORK. NY. Joseph Shefuieski VA HOSPITAL PH PLAIN. MASS. Edward J. Toolan VA HOSPITAL RICHMOND. VA. John P. Wilson VA HOSPITAL ALBUQUERQUE. NM. Charles Burton USPHS HOSPITAL DETROIT. MICH. E. Zanieuski USPHS HOSPITAL LEXINGTON. KY. Schuyler P. Pierson ^ future and the present of these men. Respected Position They led the Union through its growing stages, to the point where today we are the most respected people in the mari­ time industry, and enjoy a re­ spect that up to a decade or so ago was never, accorded a sea­ man. To be sure, someone will say that some old goat is writing this so that he can see his name in print, and how true this is, brothers. We oldtimers are very conceited when it comes to tell­ ing people we belong to the SIU, as many of us remember the days of cheap blue linen, straw mattresses and rotten food seven days a week, espe­ cially on Sundays. Gonna Relax Now that we can take it easy, we plan on going to Snug Har­ bor, to the chicken ranch some of us have purchased or to light up our old pipes, put on our house slippers and just watch the traffic go by. We can rest much easier because we know that our place in the SIU will be taken by an above-average youngster who will carry on the SIU tradition as well as we did, if not better. We also know that the young fellow who has taken our place will see to it that our Union (and it will always be our Un­ ion) remains intact in every re­ spect. Can anyone hope for more for his organization? One Job Remains There just remains one job for us oldtimers, and that is to instruct the up and coming kids in the art of real trade union­ ism and organizing, and not just sit back on our haunches and say "let George do it." What we have seen is a mag­ nificent dream come true for all of us and our loved ones. Now, since no one has ever been able to find Ponce de Leon's fountain of youth, I must say adios and vaya con Dies to the oldtimers, and good luck to those youngsters who will carry on for us. David E. Jones 4" 4* Lauds Steward Oil Ocean Dinny To the Editor: We take great pride in writ­ ing this letter about the stew­ ard department on the Ocean Dinny, because we have a gang of well-pleased seamen on here who are enjoying a wholesome menu and excellent tasting food. Every ship could really report U5« the same if their steward. de­ partment was supervised as ef­ ficiently as Ray Ringo does the job on here. His broad knowl­ edge of food quality and variety of cooking know-how has pro­ moted this ship into one of the best feeders we haye been on In a long, long time. He is a good shipmate, and his pleasing personality en­ hances our trip and makes for an all-around happy ship. Hats off to an excellent steward de­ partment and Ray Ringo. Jack Nelson Deck delegate 4> 4> . Says 'Duice' lias Found New Home To the Editor News has come down through the grapevine that Tony Pisano, "the Duke of Bourbon Street," has moved to new stomping grounds. Brother Pisano has made the old ladies' home In New Orleans his new headquarters, in a move from the French Quarter to the 8th ward. He says he's having a good time visiting the place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He says they have a lively band, with girls from 40 to 70 doing jitterbug dances. . 'Spider' Koroiia 4> 4 4 Mourns-Passing Of A Seafarer To the Editor: I would like to take the op­ portunity at this time to ex­ press my deep sympathy on their loss to the family of the late Frank Roberts. His sudden death aboard the SS Charles Dunaif was a great shock to every one. ^ Those who knew Frank will agree that he was a wonderful person, cheerful, sincere, under­ standing, a good seaman and a good man to sail with. I'm sure the crew of the Charles Dunaif mourn his pass­ ing and wish he was making the Far East run with them. Know­ ing Frank, I'm sure also that he is wishing them a ^ood trip and a safe one. To many, Frank will not be considered dead, but simply as one who has "sailed away" and will be remembered in their prayers. M. Dwyer 4 4 4 Lauds Kindness Of Emery Crew To the Editor: I would like to publicly thank the crew of this vessel, the SS Lewis Emery, Jr., for the con­ dolences sent to my home after my wife met with a fatal acci­ dent. My daughter also wishes to express her thanks. She says the spray sent by the crew was really beautiful. Again thanks from all of us. It is sailing with crews like this one that makes going to sea-a pleasure. D. B. Martin Chief Engineer 4 4 4 Crew Mourns Engineer's Death To the Editor: Everything is going along, fine on the Trojan Trader, and with no beefs. The only bad note was the . death of our 3rd assistant en­ gineer from a heart attack. Everyone was around the num­ ber 4 hatch to pay his last re­ spects as he was taken ashore the morning after he died. Raymond Hodges Ship's delegate �(' - - SEAFARERS AVm ft, 1958 OCIAN ULLA (MarHIm* OvarMat). Aerll MO—Chairman, nana; Sacratary, nana. Head4uartera rapart carried unaDimoiuIy. Nothinc to report. WINTfR HILL (CIHat Service), April 7—Chairman, nana; Secretary, nana. Headquartera report acceptedT* Nothing to report. STEEL FLYER (isthmian), April *— Chairman, none,' Sacratary, nana. Headquartera reports accepted. ALCOA ROAMER (Alcoa), April 1— 'Chairman, none; Secretary, none. No beefs. One man left behind in San Juan Marine Hospital. Motion carried to accept communication from head­ quarters. Ship's fund $13. Also 80 let­ ters sent to Senators. Two hours dis­ puted overtime. Communications read side slopehest arrived In Sasebo but It U not SIU. Busty water and tanks will be taken care of in Japan. Stove parts expected in Singapore. No beefs. Wire to Senators requested on 50-50. Page Thirteen LOG Seamonitor Makes Friends In India '•'.iSl • ym •..m :l| NATIONAL LIBERTY (Nation Ship­ ping A Trading), February 25—Chair­ man, B. Lawson; Secretary, W. Mur­ phy. Ship's delegate reports that ail minor beefs were taken care of. No beefs. Some disputed overtime. Reso­ lution submitted and accepted 100 percent. .pCEAN NORA (Maritime Overseas), February 25—Chairman, Vanderburg; Secretary, H. Kennedy. Charges against one member for being drunk. Suggestion made to build up ship's fund. No beefs. Motion carried to concur in communications from head­ quarters. Crew was advised to return ship's iron to steward. OCEAN ROSE (Ocean Transporta­ tion), March 21—Chairman, C. Hall; Secretary, E. Gretsky. All rooms painted. Telegram sent to Senators regarding 50-50. No beefs. Motion carried to concur in communications from headquarters. Vote of thanks to steward department. RION (Admarthos Shipping), March 25—Chairman, J. Relnosa; Secretary, H. Levlne. Bosun was ill this trip. No beefs. Sanitary work not being done properly, matter was referred to and accepted. Headquarters report accepted. New ahip's delegate elected. ROBIN KETTERiNO (Seas Ship­ ping), April I—Chairman, M. Machel; Secretary R. T. Whitley. Insulation of section through electrician's room dene last voyage in San Francisco. Fan in galley taken care of. Each de­ partment to make up repair list soon as possible. Ship stiil not getting com­ munications or LOGS regularly. None received'except in States since ship went on charter. Fund, S27.19. Head­ quarters report accepted. New wash­ ing machine to be ordered this trip. Discussion on launch service. Vote of thanks for good chow. ROBIN MOWBRAY (Robin Line), March 25—Chairman, E. Roe; Secre­ tary, A. Goncalves. Ship's fund— $36. Some disputed overtime. New ship's delegate was elected—^D. P. Carroll. Paul Buckley elected ship's reporter and photographer. Motion accepted that donation of $1 or more be made to ship's fund at end of voy­ age. Bosun requested that radios be kept low at night. Also that garbage not be discarded on deck but placed in proper disposals provided for pur­ pose. DEL NORTE (Mississippi), April S— Chairman, H. E. Crane; Secretary, George E. Ann is. Questioned why steward department did not turn to for fire and boat drill in New Or­ leans. Delegate read clauses in Union agreement concerning punctuality aboard ship at sailing time. Minor beefs to be taken up by delegate^ beefs concerning entire crew to be taken before committee. Members re­ quested not to use washing machine more than 15 minutes. Check overtime with purser before arrival in N.O. Members should be fully dressed when entering messrooms; Safety suggestions to be given to ship's dele­ gate who will relate them at safety meeting held by captain and officers. Total cash on hand. $134.02. Coopera­ tion requested in disposal of trash and garbage. Suggestion that delegate inquire about existing system of hir­ ing relief jobs since men unable to get relief after signing on articles. Brother McFail elected new ship's delegate. STEEL APPRENTICE (Isthmian), March 25—Chairman, J. C'Hannaslsn; Secretary, F. Johnson. Communicaship's delegate. Repair list to be turned in. Vote of thanks given to steward department. New washing machine needed aboard. Rooms to be sougced. $ E A T R A I N TEXAS (Seatrain), March IS—Chairman, J. Allen; Sec­ retary, A. Whitmer. Two minor beefs. Ship's fund—$131.05. Motion carried to concur in communications from headquarters. Ship's delegate and secretary-reporter elected. Men re­ quested to keep place cleaner, tiens read and accepted unanimously. No beefs. Repair Ust to be checked. STEEL FLYER (Isthmian), February 11—Chairman, T. HIrsh; Secretary, B. Feely. One man missed ship in NY. No beefs. All repairs to be put on Ust. STEEL SURVEYOR (Isthmian), Feb­ ruary 11—Chairman, J. SwIderskI; Secretary, A. Telan. Washing ma­ chine wax repaired. Ship's secretaryreporter elected. No beefs. Motion carried to concur in all communica­ tions from headquarters. Steward to contact company for automatic timer. Each department to take turns in cleaning laundry. ALCOA PLANTER (Alcoa), April 15 —Chairman, G. Fargo; Secretary, W. D. Johns. Variety of cigarettes im­ proved. No beefs. Headquarters re­ port accepted. Discussion on cleanli­ ness of laundry room agreed to sat­ isfaction of all hands. EVELYN (Bull), April 15—Chair­ man, W. D. Thiemonge; Secretary, W. F. Barth. No beefs. Ship's fund— $13.00. Discussion on repair of TV. Crew asked to return coffee cups to pantry. LAWRENCE VICTORY (Mississippi), April 20—Chairman, none; Secretary, none. Headquarters report read and accepted. OCEAN JOYCE (Maritime Overseas), Nov. 5,. 1955 — Chairman, Ronald Stough; Secretary, R. Hernandei.- Re­ pair list to be ready before getting into port. $8 in ship's fund. Circular No. 114 read and discussed. Discus­ sion on SUP agreement. Flowers to be sent to famUy of deceased brother Frederick Piper. $TONY CREEK (American TVamp), .OCEAN JOYCE (Ocean Transporta­ March 25—Chairman, W. Wentllng; tion), April S—Chairman, W. Blanco; Secretary, K. P. Goldman. Delegate Secretary, R. Hernandei. No beefs. to make report concerning men who Some disputed overtime on delayed missed ship in Houston, and men re­ sailing. Courtney Rooks elected new turning later than scheduled sailing time. Vote of thanks to steward de­ ship's delegate. Old man complimentpartment for fine meals. Fan to be .ed crew. Ship should be properly repaired in messhail and passageway secured before aailing. Lifeboats are not properly secure for sea duty. lights to be replaced. Staples should be replaced instead of -wire holders. HURRICANE (Waterman), March 9 —Chairman, W. Harrcll; Secretary, P. Plasclk. Discussion held on writing to Senators regarding 50-50. IBERVILLE (Pan Atlantic), March 15—Chairman, W. Goff; Secretary, L. Strickland. No beefs. Ship's fund— $12.26. Discussion held on shortage of room keys. Vote of thanks to steward department. Telegram to be sent to Washington regarding 50-50. HURRICANE (Waterman), March 2$ —Chairman, W. Harrell; Secretary, P. Plasclk. Balance of ship's fund— $23.12. Some disputed overtime, no beefs. Motion carried to concur in communications from headquarters. Discussion held concerning repair on washing machine. Crew agrOed to co­ operate with cleaning ship. JEAN (Bull Lines), March 25—Chair­ man, J. BuzelewskI; Secretary, J. Mar­ ket. Discussion held on new washing machine. Some disputed overtime. Motion carried to concur in communi­ cations from headquarters. Some dis­ cussion held on feeding. Painting and sougeeing "messhail and crews quar­ ters needed. MONARCH OF THE SEAS, (Water­ man), March 31—Chairman, W. Mat­ thews; Secretary, Ian Wilson. New steward department rules to be dis­ cussed. Good results were reported on letter-writing campaign to Sena­ tors. No beefs. MONTEBELLO HILLS (Western Tankers), March 24—Chairman, A, Isaac; Secretary, E. Harrison. State­ RAPHAEL SEMMES (Waterman), April 15—Chairman, C. Chrlstansan; Secretary, H. Johnson. Ship's fund— $18.45. Treasurer elected. Foc'sies to be checked for fans and repairing or replacing of same. Engineer to see about icebox doors and sanitary pumps. Stony Creek Wows'Em; Easter Menu A Topper A good feeder all year 'round and a diner's delight on holidays, the Stony Creek came through in style once again on Easter Sunday, with a menu well suited to the season. Lacking only an Easter bun ny to fill out the program, Stony Creek will be missed. All Seafarer Paulos Vourderis, the boys have to look forward to steward, made sure his charges had just about everything else, how­ ever. Easter morning welcomed them with a, beribboned menu garnished with a lacy Easter greet­ ing card and a selection of 23 assorted items for breakfast, in­ cluding tradition­ al hot cross buns. Dinner fol­ Vourderis lowed the holiday motif, offering "assorted colored Easter eggs" as one among 14 appetizers and condiments to be washed down, appropriately enough, with eggnog. Special Easter Cake A special "Easter layer cake" was featured among the dessert possibilities, and in between the start and finish of the meal, roast turkey, ham, prime ribs and a selection of eight vegetables held the floor. The Stony Creek has been fa­ mous for years for offering elabo­ rate holiday menus and meals to match. Crewmembers report she's a good day-to-day feeder as well. All in all, Easter Sunday on the now is good eating every day and lots of holidays. Bringing good will as well as rice to India, the Seamonitor hosts an Indian family group which visited the ship in Madras. Sea­ farer Victor Doca, MM (holding lifering), provided the guided tour. Harry Kaufman, AB and deck delegate, who submitted the photo, said the fivemontn voyage, which also took in Japan, was a fine trip for all hands. Danny Giordano took the photo. Del Sud Wins Cup! Duplicating his 1952 triumph by no-hit pitching the Del Sud "Rebels" to a 6-1 victory over the Gimnasia y Esgrima in Buenos Aires, Johnny "Fireball" Mitchell again clinched the 1956 "Friendship Trophy Besides Mitchell, team captain for the SIU sqUad. The "Rebels" will be pre­ Noonan was also on the 1952 sented with a team trophy and medals for all players next trip at a luncheon in the Argentine capital on May 10. They won the first game of the three-game title series In February by 7-2 on a one-hitter' by Mitchell, and an earlier non-title contest, 5-1. Proud of their undefeated rec­ ord for th« season, the following Seafarers are slated to receive medals: Mitchell, pitcher; Anthony Novak, IB; Vic Romolo, 2B; Willie Kikuchl, SS; Jimmy Noonan, team captain, 3B; Eaton, RF; Joe Saurez, CF; Justin Wolfe, LF; Maurice "Duke" Duet, team manager, catcher; utilitymen Pete Valentine and Trasher; Sam Marinello, coach, and Richard Chaisson and Bill Sistrunk, who missed the final game. Galley In Harmony On Marie Hamil squad. The inter-hemispheric competi­ tion started a few years ago with Mitchell Romolo all three Delta Line passenger ships parUcipating. The Gimnasia is a world-famous sporting club in the Argentine which fields its own teams in several sports each year. In the latest game, an infield error again marred a shutout for Mitchell, the same as it did in the previous encounter. However, he provided his own game insurance by walloping a triple and a double, as every member of the "Rebels" drew at least one hit. Romolo, star ALCOA PATRIOT (Alcoa), April 15 —Chairman, J. Bathen; Secretary, J. McCasten. Good trip, no beefs. Wiper missed ship in Mayaguez and also Guanica. He returned to ship in Ponce after ship was cleared foreign. Was taken off articles by commis.sioner. Returned to ship too late to be replaced on articles. Ship's fund —$11.75. Treasurer replaced by H. Wilkerson. Headquarters report ac­ cepted and posted. SEA COMET 11 (Ocean Carriers) April 1—Chairman, G. Ruff; Secre­ tary, R. Masters. Ship's delegate elected. Ship's reporter elected. Ship's fund — $50. No ' teefs. Each crewmember to write to Senator regarding "50-50." Repair list posted. General discussion held about cleanli­ ness. STEEL ROVER (Isthmian), April 14 —Chairman, C. Bush; Secretary, W. Walker. No beefs. One man left in hospital. Ship's fund—$15.25. Motion carried to concur in communications from headquarters. Discussion held on having Union put. out working rules for engine department as they have for steward department. Noonan Four of the reasons why the Marie Hamil rates as a clean ship ^nd a top feeder^ according to H. B. Thomas, ship's delegate, are (I to r) A. Pedrosa, chief cook; F. Burley, galleyman; D. Faugh, 3rd cook, and W. Kalolynski,/baker. Wesley Young (not shown) is the steward. Valentino batsman of the previous contest, got-two doubles this trip. Pete Valentine, sidelined for sev­ eral years, came back with a line drive single to drive in run num­ ber five and then did some fancy sliding home with the final run of the game. Bill Smith called balls and strikes. Details of the victory were pro­ vided by Noonan and Charles W. M. Dowling, ship's reporter. �SEAFARERS Pasre Fonrteen Shipping Line LOG —B/ John J. Adamalfis Kids Brighten Sherwood Trip To the Editor: We are enroute to South Af­ rica by way of Charleston, Sa­ vannah and Jacksonville, and there is nothing much to report at this time except that the old man is as nervous as a "pansy" in the men's room. Those of us who aren't on watch sit around listening to rock 'n' roll music and reading scandal magazines. Due to in­ clement weather, there is not Letters To The Editor Dressed for the part, ^'Seaweed," a cartoon character by John J. Adamaltis, waits his turn to ship out. BOOKS ARE FINE AT SEA -NOW JAPAN IS CALLING Keeping their good humor while riding their slow boat to Japan, Seafarers on the Arapahoe are getting their fill of intellectual diversion before sampling some of the shoreside pleasures of Nippon. They've had ample oppor­ to satisfy thie most discriminating tunity for intellectual pur­ reader. suits, deck delegate James M. "I believe seamen everywhere Fuller points out, because the Arapahoe Is no prizewinner when it conies to speed—a common complaint, it seems, from men who ride Liberty ships. Writing enroute. Fuller com­ mented: "We ' left Wilmington, Calif., 26 days ago for Japan and we aren't there yet!" Must Have Made It It can safely be assumed that they arrived there, however, since the letter was postmarked Moji, Japan. But the getting there was another matter altogether. Nobody has heard from the ship since she arrived, so it can also be assumed that the letter-writing and quiet reflection have been put aside for other pursuits. The main opportunity for re­ laxation from the tedium, Fuller reports, was books, all kinds of 'em. "This creeping old Lib­ erty may not have much in the way of speed, but she does possess what is perhaps one I of the most wellread crews afloat. "This situation stems from the fact that before we left Wilmington, we received books not only from our own or­ ganization, the SIU, but also from the American Merchant Marine Library Association and the Cath­ olic Maritime Club in Wilmington. As a result, our ship's library con­ tains a sufficient variety of books Burly April 27, 195ff' will join me in expressing sincere thanks to our Union and the other organizations for providing us with such a lasting and satisfying di­ version to wile away the long, monotonous days spent at sea. "Of course, now is the time for the well-informed crewmen of the SS Arapahoe to close their books and concentrate on other diver­ sions. There's a time and place for everything, but you can carry this 'reading' business only so far!" A Good Turn All letters to the editor for publication in the SEAFAR­ ERS LOG must be signed by the writer. Names will be withheld upon request. much overtime parceled out at present aboard the Robin Sher­ wood. The old man even chewed our deck delegate because he came to the wheel with a toothpick in his mouth, but he is only fooling himself because we all know his bark is worse than his bite, if you know what I mean. On mjr watch (4 to 8) we have a mate who is a good joe, incidentally. He is the navigation officer. The president of Seas Ship­ ping and his family are aboard right now for the coastwise trip, including a couple, of nice polite youngsters. One, a little girl named Nancy, is cute as a kit­ ten. The other, a boy named Bill, professes a love for the sea. Nancy is all over the ship and keeps Captain Scholders busy explaining the different mech­ anisms on the bridge. Since most of us are family men, having the kids aboard breaks up the routine and brightens up the daily grind a bit. It's nice to have somebody around all the time to take an interest in our work. Clarence "Bud" Cousins Ship's reporter ^ I'll never get out, but when I do, I'll be around the ports ready to get to sea again. I never realized how good I had it in the SIU until I got here. B. E. Clontz (Ed. note: Your address has been changed as you requested.) Scores planningFor US Shipping To the Editor: What is it with those beanbrains in Washington? First they say we don't have enough officers, so they keep up Kings Point to make sailors out of landlubbers. Then they say we have too many sailors, so let's ruin them by taking away their hospitals and ships. Nuts! Anyone with half a head could see that if the jobs are available, we would get the licenses. Show me a single 4th mate's job with enough se­ curity attached to it to support my family, and I'll get a license myself. Somebody in Washington is obviously suffering from a frus­ trated childhood.' Maybe his mother wouldn't let him sail his toy boats in the bathtub. No Common Interest Just remember this, brothers. That elephant represents a business man. I'm not the only man in this outfit who was bom with a plow in his hands. As I remember it, the south end of that northbound animal pulling the plow did not belong to an elephant. A working man can't afford to feed an elephant, especially one that eats money. They're just spending our money to educate men to handle jobs that they are destroying in the first place. They say there are too many ships, so they give them. away. Then they discover they need more ships, so they boost up MSTS. Then they find there aren't enough men, so they set up Kings Point. More jobs would cure it all, but nobody in Washington seems able to see it that way. Daniel D. Backrak ^ Appreciates Aid For Aiiing Uncie To the Editor: We, the Estwick family, wish to express our gratitude to the ; SIU, its members and officials for the help given us during Henry B. Estwick's illness. We also wish to gjve our thanks for the lovely wreath sent by the Union and for the blood donated for him. The blood was not used, and is at the disposal of the SIU for members treated at Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn, in the future. Thank you all once again. May the good Lord reward you for your kindness. Dorothy Estwick Parker 4" 4 ' 4 Urges Prayers For Aiiing Baby To the Editor: I would like to ksk the men of the SIU and their families for one simple thing, and that is prayer. ^ Please, all of you, pray for my three-and-a-half-month-old son, John Clifford East. He is in the hospital now because he is unable to retain food and doesn't seem to have grown at all since birth. Prayer is the only thing that' will help him now. We want him weil and home again soon. Mrs. Harry K. East Lafayette, Calif. Wire Act On Sandcaptain 01 Misses Old Seagoing Days Busy on a job common to all tankers. Seafarer Scotty Ramsey, AB, twists valves on the deck of the Royal Oak. The photo is by J. W. Henry, oiler. To the Editor: I would like to receive the SEAFARERS LOG at my over­ seas address, since at the pres­ ent time it is going to my home in Greensboro, NC. I haven't asked to have it sent to me here before, because prior to this several SIU men in my company received it. How­ ever, I've been transferred, and can no longer use their copies. I have met quite a few Sea­ farers in the Army over here. Most of them have gone home by now, and I am impatient to join them. It seems sometimes Must Be A Reason Seafarers Andy Johnes (left) and George Johnston, both ABs, show off their work for a crew lensman after they finished putting a thimble in a piece of inch wire and were winding up the job. They're on the Sandcaptain in Venezuela. By Bernard Seaman �SEAFARERS April 27. 1956 REPUBI.IC (Parwen), April IS — Chairman, C. Hartman; Sacralary, J. Dadicatoria. One man mitsed ahlp. Report made to boarding patrolman. Possible payoff on arrival. Ship's fund — $4.02. Motion carried to concur in communications from head­ quarters. Ship's delegate wishes tj) be relieved of his duties because he is paying off. Vote of thanks to ship's delegate. IDEAL X (Pan Atlantic), April 15— Chairman, V. Szymantkl; Secretary, W. Bobalek. One man missed ship in Mexico. Ship's fund—$17.70. No beefs. Motion carried to concur in commu­ nications from headquarters. To buy games out of ship's fund. SEATRAIN LOUISIANA (Seatrain Lines), April 14—Chairman, D. Grlbble; Secretary, P. NIgror Watertight man to sign on in deck dOpartment. Few hours overtime disputed. De­ partment delegates to try to iron out beefs before payoff; if not will be left to patrolman's discretion at pay­ off. Pantry should' be painted. AD hands to stay out of messhall 6:(M AM to 6:00 PH so paint can dry. All garbage to be dumped aft of housing. Engine foc'sie to be painted. OCEAN EVA (Maritime Overseas), April 14—Chairman, W. Bllger; Sec­ retary, A. Capote. Ship paid off in Galveston, Texas. Good, clean payoff. This trip in Mediterranean. Every­ thing in good order. $26.00 in ship's fund. Nos. 123 and 124 acted on. Crew to send telegram to senator in Washington upholding "50-5G biU." Crew agrees that this is a very fine ship. Everything okay. JEAN (Bull), Jan. 22—Chalsman, John Merke; Secretary, Thomas Moller; No beefs. Few hours disputed overtime. Headquarters report read. Steward asked about shortage of cof­ fee in pantry which is missing on night watch. CANTIGNY (Cities Service), April 10—Chairman, Frank Rowell; Secre­ tary, Eddie MIshanskI; Clerk, E. Callahen. No beefs. Old repairs taken care "of. Necessary new repairs to be reported. Secretary to be elected. $28.97 In treasury. Request that ad­ ditional donations be given to treas­ urer or delegate. Communication No. 126 read. Headquarters report ac­ cepted. E. Callahan elected secretarytreasurer. Request that messhall and recreation room be kept cleaner. door was repaired. Lifejacket brackets were installed. Porthole screens have been ordered. Ship's fund—$91. Some disputed overtime. Motion carried to concur in communications from head­ quarters. Name brand soap powder wanted aboard. General discussions held under Good, and Welfare. ALCOA RANGER (Alcoa), April IS —Chairman, A. Carpenter; Secretary, V. Douglas. Ship to be. fumigated. Few hours disputed overtime. Motion carried to concur in communications from headquarters. Motion carried to paint laundry room. Discussion held on food. ALCOA PARTNER (Alcoa), March 4 —Chairman, none; Secretary, J. Tar­ rant. No beefs, repair list taken care of. One man was sent to hospital. Motion carried to concur in commu­ nications from headquarters. Motion carried to have patrolman check and see if it's possible to have watch rooms for engine department. To check and see why . we have to pick meat up in Trinidad. ELIZABETH (Bull Lines), April 8— Chairman, S. Barnes; Secretary, S. Bernstein. Motion carried to concur in communications from headquarters. Vote of thanks to steward depart­ ment. Ship's delegate elected. KATHRYN (Bull Lines), April 11— Chairman, W. Elklns; Secretary, L. Vila. Everything running okay. Ship's fund—SS. No beefs. Motion carried to concur in communications from headquarters. Discussion held regard­ ing longshoremen going into pantry. Keys to be made for the pantry. ORION PLANET (Colonial), April * —Chairman, J. Davis; Secretary, R. Burnsed. No beefs. One man sent to hospital in Panama. Discussion held regarding early supper while in port. ALCOA ROAMER (Alcoa), April 1* —Chairman, none; Secretary, none. Clark, none. Headquarters report ac­ cepted. ALCOA ROAMER (Alcoa), April 15 —Chairman, Paul Calebaugh; Secre­ tary, John Bowdon. Repair list will be made up by delegates so it may be turned in before reaching port. $14.00 in ship's fund. Request to have more rice put on menu. Discussion held on crew renting films for crew to see. Steward asked that linen be changed piece for piece. ALCOA PIONEER (Alcoa), March 24 —Chairman, J. R. Thompson; Secre­ tary, James Pursell. Messhall is be­ ing kept cleaner. Repair list to be made up. Discussion concerning re­ lief crews while in port of Mobile for bauxite ships.. Discussion on keeping fans clean. CHARLES C. OUNAIP (Colonial), March 25—Chairman, John A. Zlerels; Secretary,-Clifton Nelson. Reading of No. 125 On safety questionnaire and steward department report. Men to donate 25 cents to ship's fund for -mail and stamps. Messmen to take care of recreation room and deck and engine. Take care of laundry. Every.ene to cooperate in keeping place clean. ALCOA PIONEER (Alcoa), April i —Chairman, John G. Brady; Secre­ tary, James K. Pursell. No beefs. Headquarters report accepted. Dis­ cussion on having messroom sougeed. A guard to be placed on capstan back aft as safety measure. A good grade of pillows to be placed on beard. Repair list to be made up. Laundry chute door to be cushioned to eliminate noise for men sleeping. Crewmembers to study relief crews for bauxite ships. JOHN e (Atlantic), April 15—Chair­ man, R. Blako; Secretary, A. G. Es- penda. Discussion on ration water. In Goa; launch service very bad. Only two boats in service and schedule all mixed up. Talks on "50-50" law and urges all to write or wire to Senators froni Ceylon. One man hospitalised in Singapore. One man missed ship in Yokohama. Captain turned down CHILORE (Ore), April 8—Chairman, A. E. Diaz; Secretary, W. H. Shlckland. No shore leave in Guayacan. Crew to put down overtime for off hours. $17.20 in ship's fund. Dele­ gate to instruct steward about night lunch; sardines, peanut butter, jam, cocoa, etc. Also fresh fruit. To send letter from Panama to Baltimore about restriction to ship in Guayacan. /CNNISTON (Ace), March 25—Chair­ man, C, Barry; Secretary, W. Clegg. Everything in good order. No beefs. Post communications. Dave Barry elected ship's delegate. Delegate to see captain about painting passage­ ways, foc'sles and galley. SEATRAIN SAVANNAH (Seatrain), April 15—Chairman, E. Martin; Secre­ tary, E. Hansen. Minutes read and accepted. -Brother Wells taken off sick in New York. Ship's fund— $73.75. Communications concurred. Elected N. Vosklan ship's delegate. E. Hansen elected treasurer. Discus­ sion on "50-50" bill and other Union matters. Overhead aft should be fixed before hot weather. Sink should be installed in steward department. Tele­ vision set to be moved or get a loud speaker. STEE\ MAKER (Isthmian), April 8 —Chairman, John Santos; Secretary, H. BIss. No beefs, everything running smoothly. Eric Auers to forward pho­ tos of ship aground in Houston Ship Channel. $18.29 in ships fund. Chief Engineer to fix shower heads and drinking fountain. Mention not to slam doors late in the evening. TROJAN TRADER (Traders), April $—Chairman, R. McNeil; Secretary, B. Amsberry. Repair list has been turned in. No beefs. Ship's delegate elected. WINTER HILL (Cities Service), April 17—Chairman, A. Mander; Secretary, D. Sheehan. Repair list turned in to captain. Motion carried to concur in communications from headquarters. Motion carried to elect committee aboard ship to welfare plan—concern­ ing death benefits. Poor grade of fish aboard. Ship to be fumigated and painted. YORKMAR (Calmer), April 1—Chair­ man, C. Ramsey; Secretary, H. Reese. No beefs, everything running okay. No mail received. Motion carried' to concur in communications from head­ quarters. Everything okay. April 8—Chairman, C. Ramsey; Sec­ retary, H. Reese. Captain ordered agitator for washing machine but did not receive it. No beefs, no disputed overtime. Motion carried to concur in communication from headquarters. Shortage of stores. CHIWAWA (Cities Service), April 4 —Chairman, W. R. Thompson; Secre­ tary, H. SIhrs. Ship to be paid off in April at Lake Charles. No beefs. Mo­ tion carried to concur in communicaions from headquarters. Discussion leld regarding j-epairs. Ship's dele­ gate to see about this matter. DESOTO (Pan Atlantic), April 15— Chairman, T. Sosa; Secretary, R. Lau­ rence. Everything running okay. Ship's fund—$31.22. No beefs. Letter from headquarters read, it clarified beefs. Motion carried to concur in commu­ nications from headquarters. Laundry room to be cleaned after using. FELTORE (Ore), March 18—Chair­ man, B. Searlngen; Secretary, J. Ellis. Crew to take care of new washing machine. One man missed ship in Baltimore. No beefs. Motion carried to concur in communications from headquarters. Cups to be re­ turned to pantry. More night lunch to be put out. MAIDEN CREEK (Waterman), April 8—Chairman, H. Meacham; Secretary, G. Wright. No bbefs. Water is very rusty and salty. No beefs. Motion carried to concur in recent commu­ nication from headquarters. Motion carried to ask Union to have company furnish IVi gallon percolators for crew's use. Discussion held on mak­ ing coffee in urn for breakfast. LOG Money Exchange Rates Listed The following Is the latest available listing of official ex­ change rates for foreign cur­ rencies. Listings are as of April 26, 1956, and are sub­ ject to change without notice. Pace Flfteea RECENT ARRIVAIS All of the following SlU families will collect the $200 maternity benefit plus a $25 bond from the Union in the baby's name: Glenda Denlse Crabtree, bom ary 10, 1956, to Seafarer and Mrs. March 13, 1956, to Seafarer and Edgar L. Baker, New Orleans, La. Mrs. Claude Crabiree, Mobile, Ala. William Nixon Ballance, born Bonnie Jane Brinson, born. March 23, 1956, to Seafarer and England, New Zealand, South Af. rica: $2.80 per pound sterling. March 12, 1956, to Seafarer and Mrs. Winfred N. Ballance, Nor­ Australia: $2.24 per pound sterling. Mrs. Benny W. Brinson, Savannah, folk, Va. Belgium: 50 francs to the dollar. Ga. Paul Ackerman, bom March 20, Denmark: 14.45 cents per krone. France: 350 francs to the dollar. Elizabeth Vega, born Feb. 17, 1956, to Seafarer and Mrs. Arnold Germany: 4.2 marks to the dollar. 1956, to Seafarer and Mrs. Ramon Ackerman, Bronx, NY. Holland: 3.7-3.8 guilders to the C. Vega, Brooklyn, NY. Joe, Keith Mitchell, born April dollar. Italy: 624.8 lire to the dollar. 1, 1956, to Seafarer and Mrs. John Ronald Napolis, born March 20, Norway: 14 cents per krone. E. Mitchell, Lake Charles, La. 1956, to Seafarer and Mrs. Ray­ Portugah 28.75 escudos to the dollar. mond J. Napolis, San Erancisco, Sweden: 19.33 cents.per krona. Robert Earl Hommel II, born Calif. India: 21 cents per rupee. March 25, 1956, to Seafarer and Pakistan: 21 cents per rupee. John Frederick HIggins, born Mrs. Robert E. Hommel, Mobile, Argentina: 18 pesos to the dollar. March 20, 1956, to Seafarer and Ala. Brazil: 5.4 cents per crnzeiro. Mrs. John F. Higgins, Boston, Uruguay: 52.63 cents per peso. Norma Olvera, born March 8, Mass. Venezuela: 29.85 cents per bolivar. 1956, to Seafarer and Mrs. Manuel Lourdes Figueroa, bom March L. Olvera, Brownsville, Texas. 27, 1956, to Seafarer and Mrs. Lisa Marie Knaflich, born March Brigido Figueroa, New York, NY. 12,1956, to Seafarer and Mrs. HanDonald Joseph Galardi, born ly V. Knaflich, Seattle, Wash. March 7, 1956, to Seafarer and William Raymond Parks III,T)orn Mrs. Joseph Galardi, Hammonton, February 6. 1956, to Seafarer and Joseph Collins Mrs. William R. Parks, Jr., Spring­ Get in touch with Alvin J. Dunn, NJ. Edgar Leon Baker, born Febm- field, Mass. Obery Heights, Plymouth, Mass. 4> 4 4" William R. Dixon Emergency. Urgent you contact your wife at 1502 SW 30, Oklahoma City, Okla., or call Melrose 4-4511. 4 i James H. Hand, 45: An automo­ bile accident was the cause of Brother Hand's death on June 21, 1955. Cemetery is not known. He 4 4 4 had been a mem­ ber of the deck Truman Patriquin Martin W. Bailger department since Send LOG office the name of the joining the Union Paula establishment in Santos. in Mobile in 1951. He is survived by his mother, 4 4 4 ^ Annie Hand, of Hopewell, Virginia. Raymond Hassan 4 4 4 Contact me immediately and let Francis P. Roberts, 33; Brother me know where you are. James Copeland, 212 Greene Ave., Brook­ Roberts died in the Albany Hospi­ tal in Albany, New York, on March lyn, NY. 15, 1956, as a result of a ship­ 4 4 4 board accident. Brother Roberts William Joseph Wolfe had been a member of the Union Anyone knowing whereabouts of since 1951. He joined in the Port this man is asked to contact his of New York and had been sailing sister, Mrs. Anne Martin, 117 in the deck department. He is Jefferson St., Savannah, Ga., or survived by his brother, Leo Rob­ call Savannah 4-1716. erts, of East Braintree, Mass. John G. Gregory Contact your daughter, Mrs. W. E. Christian, HMR 161, Mag. 13, Air FMF Pac., Navy No. 990, c/o FPO, San Francisco, Calif. 4 4 4 4 4 4 James E. Small, 56: Brother Thomas Henry Please contact Roland Roxbury, Small died on January 17, 1956, 6437 - 79th Street, Middle Village, in the explosion of the Salem Ma­ ritime." One of the first members NY. to join the Union in 1939 in the Port of Boston, Brother Small had been sailing in the steward de­ partment. He is survived by his. wife, Eunice, of Cambridge, Mas­ sachusetts. 4 4 4 4 4 4 Harvey H. Guenther, 45: On March 25, 1956, Brother Guenther died of a heart ailment in Brook­ lyn, New York. He had been a member of the SIU since 1947, joining in the Port of New York, and had been sailing as a member of the black gang since that time. He is survived by his wife Gwen Guenther, of New Orleans, La. Stanley Lesko, 58: Brother Lesko died on February 8, 1956, in Gray's Harbor, Washington. Brother Les­ ko joined the Union in Baltimore in 1939 and had been sailing in the engine department. He leaves a son, Edward Lesko, of Allentown, Pa. DIRECTORY OF SIC BRANCHES SIU^ A&G District BALTIMORE.......1216 E. Baltimore St Earl Sheppard, Agent EAstem 7-4900 BOSTON James Sheeban, Agent 276 State St. Richmond 2-0140 HOUSTON 4202 Canal St 0. Tannehill. Acting Agent Capital 7-6558 LAKE CHARLES. La Leroy Clarke. Agent 1419 Ryan St. HEmlock 6-5744 WILMINGTON, CaUf 505 Marine Ave. -Reed Humphries, Agent.. Terminal 4-2874 HEADQUARTERS... 675 4th Ave.. Bklyn SECRETARY-TREASURER Paul HaU ASST. SECRETARY-TREASURERS J. Alglna, Deck C. Simmons, Joint J. Volpian, Eng. W. Hail, Joint E. Mooney, Std. R. Matthews, Joint SUP 16 Merchant St. MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. HONOLULU... Phone 5-8777 Cal Tanner, Agent HEmlock 2-1754 PORTLAND 211 SW Clay St. NEW ORLEANS 523 BlenvlUe St CApital 3-4336 LIndsey WiUlama. Agent Tulane 8626 RICHMOND, CALIF. 510 Macdonald Ave. BEacon 2-0925 NEW YORK..... 075 4th Ave., Brooklyn HYaclntb 9-6800 SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St Douglas 2-8363 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St. Ben Rees, Agent MAdison 2-9834 SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave Main 0290 PBttLADELPHlA .....337 Market St. 505 .Marine Ave. S. Cardullo, Agent Market 7-1635 WILMINGTON Terminal 4-3131 PUERTA de TIERRA PR Pelayo51—La5 675 4th Ave., Brooklyn Sal Colla, Agent Phone 2-5996 NEW YORK HYacinth 9-6165 SAN FRANtnSCO ... 450 Harrison St Leon Johnson, Agent Douglas 2-5475 Marty Breitboff, West Coast Representative Canadian District 128'A HolUs St SAVANNAH 2 Abercom St HALIFAX. NJB.. Phone 3-8911 B. B. McAuley, Acting Agent Adams 3-1728 634 St. James St. West SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave. MONTREAL PLateau 8161 Jeff GUlette, Agent EUiott 4334 130 Simpson St TAMPA 1809 1811 N. Franklin St. FORT Wn,UAM».~ OnUrlo Phone: 3-3221 Tom Banning, Agent Phone 2-1323 PORT COLBORNE Ontario TORONTO, Ontario 103 Durham St. Phone: 5591 272 King St. E. EMpire 4-5719 VICTORIA BC 61714 Cormorant St. Empire 4531 VANCOUVER BC 298 .Main St. Pacific 3468 SYDNEY, NS 304 Charlotte St. Phone 6346 BAGOTVILLE Quebec ... 20 ESgin St. Phone: 545 THOROLD, Ontario .'. 52 St. Davids St. CAnal 7-3202 QUEBEC 85 St. Pierre St. Quebec Phone: 3-1569 SAINT JOHN 85 Germain St. NB Phone: 2-5232 Great Lakes District. ALPENA BUFFALO. VY CLEVELAND 1215 N. Second Ave. Phone: 713-J 180 Main St Phone; Cleveland 7391 134 Lakeside Ave.. NE Phone; Main 1-0147 DETROIT . ,1038 3rd St. Headquarters Phone: Woodward 1-6857 DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Phone: Randolph 2-4110 SOUTH CUll AliU - 3261 B. 92nd St. Phone: Essex 5-3410 -^1 I - • ,j I �C'v'.'- • Vol. xvm No. 9 SEAFARERS AWARDED FIRST PRIZE GENERAL EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE • 195S LOG INTERNATIONAL LABOR PRESS OP AMERICA • OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL-CIO • What's all this talk about. o o The recent labor merger gave newspapers a new criticism: "labor big•a thinly-veiled pretext to continue, sniping at unions in general. ness Strangely missing are any stories critical of the big business associa­ tions in this country. These associations—3,000 in all areas of com­ merce—maintain a powerful influence over much of what you eat, drink, wear and use. You are their game, their victim, and unless you belong to a trade union you stand alone. r- The American workingman has nothing to fear from "labor bigness" —this merely means more people like himself are uniting for a better way of life. The big worry is whether unions can keep pace against the ever-growing giant associations. Here are the names and policies of a few of the big associations lined up against you: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MANUFAC­ tribution to schools, as well as issuing news TURERS • US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE releases "educational advertising," and The best known industry groups are them­ selves federations of industry and trade as­ sociations. The NAM was founded way back in 1895 and represents 350 industry associations and 15,000 major businesses. The Chamber contains 540 national and local associations as well as 2,300 local chambers. Both organizations, represent­ ing billions in wealth and vast economic power, have traditionally opposed the trade union movement and its national and local objectives. This has meant through the years that they opposed any and all social legislation —minimum wages, child labor laws, unem­ ployment insurance, old age pensions, union welfare plans. Government-aided housing, price controls in emergencies and a host of other proposals generally sup­ ported by unions. Of course, the NAM and the Chambers have been the leading pro­ ponents of state "right to work" laws which outlaw all forms of union security. They support a host of front, organizations to promote individual objectives. Industry associations do a great many things: They conduct technical research and report on same, maintain standards, give out credit information, advertise on behalf of the industry, publish literature to promote the industry's interests and lobby in Washington. AMERICAN IRON AND STEEL INSTITUTE is a typical large industry association. In a 1954 statement on its objectives the in­ stitute said that it was out to "promote the interests of the iron and steel industry," collect statistics and information, conduct research, promote the use of iron and steel and "provide a forum for the exchange of information and discussions of prob­ lems ..." The Institute has a special Committee on Public Relations which prepares "hundreds of thousands of copies" of booklets for dis- '.'SJ &.Lyy. ' "publication of booklets and background memoranda for the use of editorial writers, columnists, radio commentators and the like ..." How does this work in practice? For ex­ ample, if the major steel companies decide this year to oppose the steel union's con­ tract demands, all this machinery is avail­ able to provide an unceasing flow of proindustry arguments for newspapers, radio and television stations, schools, members of Congress and the like. The Iron and Steel Institute is only one of a great many potent and influential or­ ganizations operating in this manner, each going to bat for their particular industry and opposing labor objectives where it is in their interest to do so. Here are some typical samples: The AMERICAN MEAT PACKERS INSTITUTE and the NATIONAL DAIRY COUNCIL both were influential in putting an end to war­ time price controls on the food basket. The Dairy Council was successful for years in keeping colored margarine out of circula­ tion in many states because it sold far more cheaply than butter. The AMERICAN NEWSPAPER PJUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION has virtually made a career out of fighting unions in the newspaper field. One of its pet projects has been to deny minimum v/age and union covcrags for newsboys on the ground that they are "independent contractors." FAIR TRADE COUNCILS and committees in various industries promoted the fair trade laws which compelled all retailers to sell products at fixed high list prices and made price discounting a violation of the laws. And so it goes, from industry to indus­ try—banking, insurance, trade and manufactui-ing. Pr^ssional associations, are enormous­ ly influential through the influence of their members and the tight-knit controls they maintain over their membership. The AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ence which is envied by all other groups. is almost legendary in power. It has sin­ gle-handedly defeated any and every effort to provide some form of low-cost medical care for workers and other low income groups, even though these programs have been endorsed by both Democratic and Republican presidents. The AMA is un­ doubtedly a driving force in the campaign to close the Public Health Service hospitals. Through its state and county medical so­ cieties it has time and again restricted and blocked low-cost group medical practice and clinic services. In one section of New Jersey recently, the medical society decided it was against free Salk polio shots for children. Such is its power over doctors that only two physicians in the whole county were bold enough to defy the edict. The AMA mem­ The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REAL ES­ TATE BOARDS and various "Fair Rent" leagues and landlord groups conduct an in­ cessant campaign against Federal aid to housing and helped knock the props out from under rent control laws. The ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER COM­ PANIES and the EDISON ELECTRIC INSTITUTE have long fought public power projects such as TVA and opposed Government reg­ ber groups have power to deny doctors access to hospitals and facilities. ulation of utilities. The AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION is sim­ The AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE, the OIL INDUSTRY INFORMATION COMMinEE ilarly influential because it can virtually and other oil industry groups fought for the release of tidcland oil lands. Of course, the recent natural gas bill battle in Con­ gress was set off by the activities of gas and oil industry groups. decide whether or not a lawyer can prac­ tice. Since so many members of Congress, state legislatures, administrators, judges and government officials are ABA mem­ bers, the Bar Association enjoys an influ­ Recently a local bar association in Cali­ fornia was able to keep a lawyer from practicing his' profession because he had not paid his dues to the ABA. The above illustrations are only a sam­ pling of the money, influence,^ control and goals of the various associations in this country. Stacked up against the above groups the merger of the AFL and CIO presents a picture far from big. When faced with the tremendous influ­ ence placed on legislators, teachers, editors and educators by the associations it is all the more amazing that the trade unions in this country have managed to survive and grow. So, don't let the editorial writers bully you. "Labor bigness" is a smokescreen in a never-ending campaign to weaken unions —your only defense against a concerted attack on you and your way of life. SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION A&G DISTRICT AFL-CIO � 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 April 27, 1956 Description An account of the resource Headlines: BILL ASKS SUBSIDIES TO TRAMP SHIPPING STATE DEPT DROPS SUPPORT TO ANTI ’50-50’ BILL-BUT SIU TOPS FIELD IN FIRST GULF TIDELANDS OIL VOTE ’50-50’ SAVED JOBS OF 4,000 LUNDEBERG NIXES CONTRACT UMPIRE OWNERS, CG SEEK INSPECTION CUTS NEW COURT FIGHT ON CG SCREENING DISABILITY BENEFIT FOUR YEARS OLD, 69 ON LIST SENATE VOTE WOULD WEAKEN ILO SEAFARERS MAN ‘CABLE RUN’ SHIP STATE DEP’T TIPS MITT ON DISLIKE OF US SHIPPING NAT’L SAFETY GROUP CITES SIU CREW US TO USE 113 ‘BLUE JAY’ SHIPS UNION MAKING HEADWAY IN DRIVE FOR IMPROVED SHIP MAIL SERVICE FIRST CONVERTED LIBERTY FLUNKS INITIAL TEST RUN SIU’S PROTEST GETS SHORE LEAVE ACTION IN IRANIAN OIL PORT JOB UPTURN CHEERED BY BALTIMORE SEAFARER STRICKEN, SIU AIDS WIFE SEATTLES JOB BOOK ARRIVES FULL FORCE STAY ON FOR FULL TRIP, UNION WARNS SEAFARERS ON LONG-HAUL SHUTTLES SF MARKS ’06 QUAKE 50TH YEAR SEE BOSTON REVIVAL AS MAJOR PORT WHAT’S ALL THIS TALK ABOUT… “LABOR BIGNESS’? 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 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 4/27/1956 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. XVIII, No. 9 1956 Periodicals Seafarers Log