http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/6164097d650095bbf81c3926f8ad1ade.PDF 67f8713c9a24900eaffac37d820940dd PDF Text Text \ I SEAFARERMLOG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT • AFL-CIO �Page Two President Signs Civil Rights Bill; Cited As 'Viitory'For Ameriians 11 •i I WASHINGTON—^The nation has moved a step closer to the goal of racial justice with the passage by Congress of a civil rights bill—^promptly signed into law by tbe President—^which includes a strong ban on discrimination in housing. In signing the bill, President Johnson termed it "a victory for every American. million cut in funds for the two hensive open housing bill narrowly The House voted 229-195 to programs—^money the Senate had passed the House—and then only take up the Senate-passed bill, added to a special appropriations after weakening amendments. It thus avoiding the risk that the bill. The Senate repudiated its never came to a vote in the Senate legislation might be gutted in con­ conferees by a more than 2-1 ma­ because of a southern filibuster ference or face a renewed Senate jority—54-24. It voted to request and the strong opposition of Re­ filibuster. It then passed the hill a new conference and instructed publican Leader Everett McKinby a big, bipartisan 250-171 mar­ the Senate's negotiators to insist ley Dirksen. gin, This year, the House passed that the $100 million be restored. AFL-CIO President George only a much-amended civil rights Passage of the open housing bill Meany termed the House action was not directly tied to the wave protection bill. At the urging of "deeply gratifying." He said "it of national concern over Amer­ the Civil Rights Leadership Con­ sustains the position that we in ica's racial rift in the aftermath ference, a bipartisan group of the AFL-CIO have long held and of Dr. Martin Luther King's senators agreed to make the ef­ fort to attach a fair housing removes one more barrier to murder. amendment to the House bill. But equality of opportunity—a cause The showdown vote had been to which we are completely dedi­ scheduled before the assassination in the face of a Senate filibuster, cated." the effort appeared futile. and weeks of lobbying by the Mim Needed Dirksen Shifts Administration and a coalition of civil rights, labor, religious and But, Meany stressed, "much Then, as he had on the historic more must be done in this country business groups had laid the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the GOP before any of us who believe in groundwork for passage. leader moved to the front of the equality can rest satisfied." troops and worked with the bi­ In legislative terms, it was al­ The new law, he said, will have most a miracle that an open hous­ partisan civil rights coalition and "real meaning" for American ing bill stronger than the one the Administration in shaping the living in ghetto slums only when which failed to pass the more final form of the legislation. there is enough housing to meet liberal 89th Congress became law The filibuster was broken and the nation's needs—"available at in the 90th Congress. the Senate passed the bill by a price levels all Americans can Two years ago, a less compre­ 71-20 margin. afford." Meany added: "Congress has solved one problem. Now we urge it to move with speed to other unsolved problems—those of job­ less Americans and those of Amer­ icans who live in slums." In a dramatic first step towards meeting those other needs, the Senate refused to accept sharp cuts in funds for summer jobs in the Seafarer Mike McKay, who climbed the upgrading ladder at the slums and in the Head Start pre­ Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, recently achieved the school program. honor of becoming the youngest SIU man ever to receive an engi­ A House-Senate conference neer's license through study at committee had agreed to a $100 the Engineer's Upgrading School became an enginew at 19 years of age. In addition, there are two sponsored jointly by the SIU and younger brothers who may follow MEBA, District 2. in the footsteps of Ray and Mike. Mike, who is 20, is a new third "I have a younger brother. assistant and has Bob, who is 17 and sails as oiler," joined the Mount Mike said. Bob will probably go Washington (Vic­ tory Carriers) in to the engineering school when he reaches age 19. "Bob could that capacity. "It started out probably go now," he added, "but WASHINGTON—A decline of as a summer the Coast Guard has an age limit." 28 ships in the U.S. flag merchant cruise," he said A Seafarer must be at least 19 fleet—for a total of,2,135—has in recalling that years old to go to engineering been reported by the Maritime Ad­ first trip. "I al­ school under present regulations. ministration in its latest Merchant McKay ways liked the Marine Data Sheet, as of March 1, Mike believes the age limit is 1968. This figure includes vessels sea and I decided on a sailing both good and bad. "It means under custody of, or on loan to, career. Now, I'd like to work my Bob has to wait around two years, other agencies, but not non-mer­ way up to chief engineer." After yet at the same time, he will be putting in his six-months as wiper, chant type ships. just that much more experienced The total fleet, includes 971 pri­ he advanced to FWT and then when he enters the school—and vately-owned ships, 180 govern­ oiler before entering the engineer­ experience is important," he said. ment-owned ships and 984 in ing school. The two brothers have not Mike's first ship was the Over­ MARAD's inactive fleet. The re­ sailed together yet, but hope to in port claimed nine more active seas Rose (Maritime Overseas) the near future. In addition, an­ ships since its last report of Janu­ and it was a long, long voyage, other brother, Tom, made a he said. "We went through the ary 1, 1968 while 12 became in­ Coast-wise trip but is as yet un­ Great Lakes to Northern Europe, active in the privately-owned fleet decided on a sailing career. back to the States and New Or­ for a total of 971—a loss of three. leans, and then out to the West After passing his Coast Guard The total number of government vessels declined by one, but the Coast and on to Japan." Later, exam, Mike spent some time at new figure allows for 24 ships after he had returned to the Harry his home in Old Tappan, New previously excluded as being un­ Lundeberg School in New York Jersey, prior to shipping out. He der custody of, or on loan to, and upgraded to FWT, he shipped had previously sailed on the on the Steel Voyager. A short time Mount Washington, before enter­ other agencies. In the inactive fleet the new afterward he successfully up­ ing the school. The vessel is cur­ figure of 984 excludes 112 non- graded to oiler. It was four rently on the Persian Gulf run. merchant type ships—tabulated in months ago that he again re­ Brother McKay, who was bom the previous list—which showed turned to New York to enter the in New York City, said he con­ 1,096. It also shows a loss of 24 engineering school. sidered Japan his favorite among ships, based on the fact that 22 The achievement of earning an the countries he has visited. In were sold for scrap, and three engineer's license before reaching the past, he has usually spent a were sold for nontransportation his 21st birthday followed a family month or two ashore between use, while one vessel was received pattern set by his father's accom­ trips, but feels he may shorten in exchange from private owner­ plishment. Ray McKay, who is^ these periods in his new career as ship. president of District 2, MEBA,* a licensed engineer. IMcKay Youngest SlU Man To Win Engineer's License f.j MARAD Shows US Flag Fleet Lower By 28 I )S' 1 ^•^1 I: • ; •!:' t'' *• • it'. I ilSS; •jip J.:';;': :i-v '• V •.' • April 26, 1968 SEAFARERS LOG Report of International President by Paul Hall Whenever a labor union seeks to gain necessary periodic increases in pay for its members, or demands justified boosts in welfare and fringe benefits for the workers it represents, management protests loudly that unions are attempting to ruin their business. The nation's press widely accuses labor of courting inflation and intensifying the upward spiral of wages and prices which is complicating the balance of the country's economy. However, it is interesting to observe no such furor about alleged threats to the nation's economic health is prominently played up on front pages when big business arbitrarily hikes prices to levels which are well above those required to earn a reasonable profit and far in excess of any increased wages and benefits reluctantly passed on to their employees. A typical case in point is the four-cent-a-pound increase recently put on the price of copper by the Phelps Dodge Corporation follow­ ing settlement of the long and bitter copper strike. The increase—to 42 cents a pound—^was defended by the company as necessary because of its higher labor costs and was later adopted by other copper firms struck during the industry's lengthy refusal to bargain collectively with its employees. It was not in the general news pages of the nation's press that the true story behind Phelps Dodge's action was to be found, however. This despite the fact that the government has charged that the price rise—rather than being dictated by "higher labor costs"—is actually more than twice the total cost of the company's settlement with the copper workers. Instead, the industry's true financial position was to be found mainly in the financial section rather than on the front pages which had pre­ viously contained their protestations of impending fiscal doom. An excellent example of the traditional greed of industrial giants, who forever wail about how the efforts of trade unions to better the lot of workers is cutting them to the financial bone, appeared re­ cently in the Wall Street Journal's account of Phelps Dodge's annual stockholders meeting. Statements by the company's board chairman, Robert G. Page, on this occasion had none of the ominous overtones circulated for public consumption during the copper strike. To the-contrary, stockholders were told that even during the first quarter of this year—while the bulk of its domestic operations were closed down by the strike—the company managed to make a profit of $1.2 million: While this was not at the level the company is used to, Phelps Dodge officials promised that the money should be pouring in "satisfactorily" again for the balance of the year due to the fact that domestic copper inventories are presently at their "lowest level in years." The increase in the price of copper by four cents a pound. Page told a questioning stockholder during the meeting, would cover higher payroll costs "very nicely." Avoiding mention of the fact that the new price more than doubled the amount needed by the company to meet the obligations of its new union contracts. Page went on to assure the stockholders that Phelps Dodge could make a profit today even if copper sold for only 30 cents a pound, but added that this would n<rt be the "same profit as at 42 cents a pound." The gloating attitude which is obvious in this single example of management's false protest is proof that the labor movement must press all the harder for its fair share of America's growing prosperity. It is there, and it belongs to to all. The problem, as always, is getting big business to share it equally. Checkup in Chicago Great Lakes Seafarer Norbert Matheis gets blood test and checkup • at recent visit to new SIU Chicago clinic. Facilities are impressive. ' says Matheis, who last sailed on the vessel Henry M. Piatt, Jr. ' �April 26, 1968 22 Liberty Ships SeU for Strap; North Caroiina 'Bonsyard' to Close WASHINGi ON—Twenty-two Liberty ships have been sold for scrap by the Maritime Administration as part of a stepped-up program to close out "reserve fleet boneyards." The World War II vessels are The 22 freighters at Wilmington all anchored at Wilmington, were the last remaining there of an North Carolina, and when they original 427. MARAD stipulated are removed by the successful bid­ that the Union Minerals company der, the Union Minerals and Al­ must scrap them as part of the loys Corporation of New York, it sales contract. They were among will mean the complete closing of the some 2,000 Liberty vessels the reserve base on the Cape Fear turned out during the nation's River. crash program of shipbuilding The move by the Maritime Ad­ during World War II. Other Liber­ ministration re-emphasizes the fact ties are scattered all over the that the United States continues world, since some were sold in a to lead the world's shipping na­ disposal program to help replenish tions in vessel scrapping, while at devastated merchant fleets of other the same time, lagging far behind nations following the war. The in the replacement of these ves­ U.S.-flag fleet, on the other hand, sels with a modern merchant fleet. has steadily diminished. All the freighters purchased by A recent MARAD report stated Union Minerals for a total of that 187 of the Liberty ships in its $990,000, are anchored in sand various reserve fleet anchorages and are held in position by chains. remained and that all were to go in They will be removed, a few at the next three .years, probably through the scrap route. At recent a time, to the now defunct Fed­ maritime appropriation hearings of eral Shipyards Corporation plant the Senate subcommittee on mer­ in Kearny, New Jersey, for scrap­ chant marine and fisheries. Acting ping. MARAD gave no indication Maritime Administrator James W. when the next sale for .scrap con­ Gulick produced data to show that tract will be completed nor did it after 1971 the entire government announce which reserve fleet will dry cargo ship reserve would be affected next. amount to only 37 Victory ships. Beside Wilmington there are Bartlett Registers Concern two other bases on the East Coast. Senator E. L. Bartlett (D- These are at Jones Point, near Alaska), subcommittee chairman, Haverstraw, New York, in the who was presiding, said he was Hudson River, and on the James disturbed by Gulick's report on the River in Virginia. Captain Thom­ reserve fleet. as King, Atlantic Coast director "The Administration's proposal for the Maritime Administration, to spend only $119.7 million for said there are 69 ships at Janes ship construction during the com­ Point. ing fiscal year," Bartlett noted, Other reserve fleets are at "indicates some lack of apprecia­ Mobile, Alabama; Beaumont, tion within the Administration as Texas; Suisun Bay, Calif.; and to the desirability of having a Seattle, Washington. The yard at modern and efficient United Astoria, Oregon recently was States-flag fleet." phased out. House Merchant Marine Unit Starts Hearings on Program WASHINGTON—Hearings by the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee on a Congressionally-sponsored legis­ lative program to upgrade the U.S.-flag merchant fleet got under­ way this week with representa-^ Alfred Maskin, legislative dir­ tives of maritime labor, indus­ ector of the American Maritime try and government scheduled Association, was the first witness to testify to appear before the Committee. Chief aim of the bill (H.R. He stated that the Merchant Ma­ 13940) now before the House, is rine Act of 1936 has been a to construct 35 to 40 new ships failure—perhaps because of the a year over a five-year-period. It way it has been abused — but was introduced by the committee nevertheless, it has not done the chairman. Representative Edward job for which it was intended. A. Garmatz (D-Md.). A com­ Maskin also called for an end panion measure (S. 2650) is be­ to the "double subsidy" system, fore the Senate. It was sponsored whereby ships of subsidized com­ by Senator Warren G. Magnuson panies that carry military and aid (D.-Wash.), chairman of the Com­ cargoes at top American freight merce Committee. rates and at the same time collect In his introductory remarks at operating differential subsidy on the opening of the hearing. Chair­ these voyages from the Govern­ man Garmatz said the two cham­ ment. bers are going ahead because they "Payment of a double subsidy feel that the country can wait no has not been in the national inter­ longer if complete deterioration of est since it has required the Gov­ the merchant marine is to be pre­ ernment—the American taxpayer vented. —to pay twice into the same The bills—in addition to the pocket to purchase a total mer­ new ships—would extend operat­ chant marine far smaller and less ing-differential subsidy to dry bulk efficient than if the same amount carriers, incorporate a new system of money had been more equit­ for construction-differential sub­ ably expended," said Maskin. sidy determination, and establish Garmatz stressed the fact that tax differential construction re­ the hearings represent congres­ search funds to all merchant and sional initiative on a long-range fishing vessel operators. maritime program. SEAFARERS Page Three LOG House Ups Maritime by $122 Million; Senate's Hearings Indicate Approval WASHINGTON—As the House of Representatives passed a sharply-increased maritime au­ thorization bill calling for some $467 million during fiscal 1969, the Senate Merchant Marine sub­ committee concluded hearings this month on a companion bill which is expected to go along with House recommendations to raise ^ the President would react to what agency head disagreed. the administration's maritime could only be regarded as "a During his testimony, Gulick budget request by $122 million. pretty "clear reflection of Congres­ reviewed each item in the Admin­ House passage of the measure sional intent." istration's proposed maritime included adoption of an amend­ budget and conceded it did not Questions Delay ment, by Representative Thomas measure up to his agency's request Bartlett also questioned Hughes for $388,000,000 for some 30 Felly (R-Wash.), which insures about the "well-known secret" that ships. The Budget Director and that none of the money authorized the Administration had been just the Department of Commerce would go for ship construction hours from submitting a maritime drastically reduced this figure to work in foreign shipyards. At hearings by the House Mer­ program to Congress in February $119,800,000, he pointed out. chant Marine and Fisheries Com- that would have included $300 Gulick also submitted statistics mitee, chaired by Representative million a year for five years for concerning the reserve fleet which Edward A. Garmatz (D-Md.), Ad­ ship construction, an extension of later came under attack by Stan­ ministration spokesmen had de­ subsidy privileges, $25 million for ley Barer, subcommittee assistant, fended the Administration's drastic research and development, and a who noted that only 211 vessels in slashing of the maritime budget for new nuclear ship program. He the fleet are usable. Barer asked ship construction to a mere $119,- asked if Hughes knew what how the pending bill recognized 800,000. In the light of the dan­ caused the abrupt change in the this problem? gerous deterioration of the U.S. Administration policy. In reply, Gulick acknowledged merchant marine, the House dis­ Hughes replied he did not know that the funds requested by the agreed, and acted accordingly. what precluded the presentation, Administration would not cure The Senate subcommittee, but he claimed the Administration any deficiency in this area, but meanwhile, heard similar testi­ has been putting a good deal of merely provide a "holding action." mony by Administration officials thought into the maritime pro­ He added that the backbone of the on the government's continued in­ gram. fleet will be about 130 Victory sistence that maritime's needs are Acting Maritime Administrator ships, now operating under Gen­ secondary to other demands. James W. Gulick, the first witness eral Agency agreement. Bartlett Criticizes Budget The acting administrator had at the hearings on the proposed Senator E. L. Bartlett (D- Senate bill (S. 3016), said he fa­ no comment on a charge by Barer Alaska), Chairman of the Senate vored the legislation as presented that, using the figures presented, group, took issue during the hear­ by the Administration. However, there would only be 37 usable ings with; a government budget ex­ he admitted that while he does not ships remaining in the Reserve pert who claimed that the nation's believe the funds to be thus au­ Fleet by 1975. After Gulick's second appear­ present fiscal dilemma made it thorized would be sufficient to ance in two days, the hearings substantially improve the mer­ necessary to hold the line on Mar­ were adjourned, subject to call of chant marine, he must go along itime Administration budget funds. the chair. with the idea that many other Bartlett said it was obvious that maritime deserved a higher budg­ problems also exist. Hearing A First Gulick's testimony prompted etary priority. ' The maritime appropriation But Philip S. Hughes, deputy Bartlett to observe that it was a hearings, by both the Senate and Director of the Budget, claimed good argument for an independent House Merchant Marine subcom­ that "while greater expenditures maritime administration but the mittees, were the first of their for the rehabilitation of the mer­ kind. Under legislation enacted chant fleet may be necessary in the last year. Congress is empowered future, with respect to the fiscal to authorize expenditures for the year 1969, several factors dictated Maritime Administration, and the continuing the programs generally hearings were called to determine at prior year levels." what the fiscal 1969 authorization Bartlett commented that should be. Hughes' "may be" should be re­ Garmatz, on the floor of the placed by "will be," and added House, stressed this point as the that there is no "continuing pro­ full body voted authorization of SAN DIEGO, Calif.—The 132gram at prior year levels," but increased funds to upgrade the rather, "considerable slippage" foot long tunaboat Commander, U.S. merchant fleet. manned by members of the year after year. "The members of the Merchant "The members of the subcom­ SlUNA-affiliated Cannery Work­ Marine Committee realize the mittee realize the dangers affect­ ers and Fishermen's Union of stringency of the country's fiscal ing the budget, but we have an­ San Diego, sank last month in situation, but we feel the United other duty too," Bartlett said, not heavy seas off Mexico's Tres States Merchant Marine should only to build up the U.S. Mer­ Marias Islands, 900 miles sout'> not be allowed to decline any fur­ chant Marine so that commercial of here. ther," Garmatz said. Two members of the tunaboat's interests are bettered, but so that Under the House bill, a total there will be ships to aid the mili­ 12-man crew, Eugene Kendall, of $340,770,000 is authorized for tary. The reserve fleet is seriously 52, the navigator, and Elling merchant ship construction in depleted and it subtracts from the Ytteroy, 56, an assistant engi­ 1969. defense and the economic strength neer, lost their lives after the This figure, Garmatz pointed of the country ... for that reason steel-hulled boat capsized. Ken­ I believe a higher budget priority dall died from exposure, on a out, would be made up of $119,is in order." small make-shift raft, in the arms 800,000 recommended to Con­ Bartlett then tried to draw out of the Commander's captain, gress in the fiscal 1969 budget; an Hughes on the eventual fate of Joseph L. Lewis. Ytteroy is be­ additional $117,670,000 which an increased Merchant Marine au­ lieved to have been trapped within would be new appropriations; and $103,300,0(X) of unobligated thorization bill at the hands of the the vessel when she went down. carry-over funds already appro­ After the Commander sank. Administration. priated for fiscal year 1968. In "The House Merchant Marine Captain Lewis and four other addition $11,000,000 in research and Fisheries Committee has members of the crew, Oliver Pitand development funds are re­ passed a bill (H.R. 15189), sub­ tenger, 56, chief engineer; Isammi quested. stantially increasing Maritime Konishi, 43, oiler; Victor Rojas, "By this increase and use of funds," Bartlett said. "If this form 35; and Kendall, clung for life to should receive final passage, would a small platform which was ripped the unobligated funds, the Mari­ it be a futile exercise?" from the stern of the ship after the time Administration should be The deputy budget director said vessel rolled over onto her port able to contract for about 27 new, that if Congress were to sharply side at about 3 a.m. on the morn­ modern ships as contrasted to the 10 ships contemplated by the Ad­ increase the maritime authoriza­ ing of March 11. On the third day of their ordeal, ministration's budget request," tion ... as the House has already done . . . and followed up by vot­ the men were sighted by a Coast Garmatz said. "This will begin ing more for maritime than the Guard plane and later picked up the urgently-needed, long-range Administration is expected to ap­ by the SlUNA-contracted tuna­ program of replacements and additions to the fleet." propriate, he did not know how boat Katherine M. SlU Tunaboat Sinks off Mexico, Two Men Lost �Page Four Louisiana AFL-CIO Hears Humphrey Pledge to Continue Sodal Progress ' I, •r! i -J April 26, 1968 / SEAFARERS LOG The Atlantic Coast by Earl (Bull) Shepard, Vice-President, Atlantic Coast Area| BATON ROUGE, La.—^Vice President Hubert Humphrey told cheering delegates to the 13th The hard-won victory of Memphis sanitation workers has annual Louisiana AFL-CIO convention here that he plans to take the "accomplishments" of the cheered working men everywhere, but, once again, the struggle Administration to the country in the coming months. demonstrated more strongly than ever before the importance of labor solidarity. The workers had sought city recognition of their "I will do everything I can secutive term. Bourg and the fed­ comer of this land and take our for the cause ctf peace in the eration's two general vice presi­ message to the country." union for more than two years, without success, before the strike. world," Humphrey declared. "I dents, A. P. Stoddard and Leroy Referring to the Administra­ Only after all segments of the la­ .s>will do everything I can to keep Landry also were re-elected. tion's efforts to achieve an honor­ bor movement joined in active with lots of overtime. Jerry was on the Western Hunter as engine social progress moving forward Humphrey was repeatedly in­ able settlement of the war in Viet­ support of their action was the utility and just returned from a in America." terrupted by applause and was nam. Humphrey said that Presi­ support of the garbage workers' long vacation. He spoke at the final session of given a standing, two-minute ova­ dent Johnson—"in an act of self­ victory achieved. John -Hodges just caught the the four-day meeting of the fed­ tion when he finished addressing less statesmanship"—seeks a peace Boston Bessemar Victory for Vietnam eration, which also heard addresses the overflow crowd. The Vice that will bring security to all of Armond Ramos had a deck after a three-month rest. John from prominent national and state President is under increasingly Southeast Asia. maintenance job on the Robin previously sailed on the Seatrain leaders and adopted resolutions on strong urging from labor and other Humphrey said he knew first­ Goodfellow. He's holding down Carolina. a wide range of legislative issues. supporters to announce his can­ hand about "the search for peace" the hall until a good dayman's Ready to ship is 25-year-man through his long efforts in the Sen­ SIU President Paul Hall, who didacy for President. job hits the board. James Egan. He was steward on ate on behalf of the Peace Corps, is also an AFL-CIO Vice Presi­ A ship mate on the Goodfellow, the American Victoiy and had "Say it Now" disarmament and arms control, dent, was present at the convention Tommy Killion, is waiting for a been on the beach a week. A At one point, when he asked and the nuclear test-ban treaty. and participated in a panel dis­ FWT or oiler's job. Tommy has Vietnam-bound ship would look He appealed for the people of cussion on "The Functions of the "for the help of all Americans" 18 years in the SIU. good to him, he says. in his endeavors, a voice in the the nation to abandon all hates AFL-CIO." William Blakeley is in drydock Philadelphia rear of the audience shouted, "Say and prejudices. When that is Others on the panel with Hall after a ran on the Brigham Vic­ it Hubert, say it now!" The crowd done, he declared, "we will be were Emile L. Bourg, Sr., secre­ James Winters is registered and tory as FWT. Bill, a 25-year man, ready to ship on the first vessel tary-treasurer of the Louisiana roared with applause and Hum­ what Lincoln said—the last best hopes to be FFD shortly. AFL-CIO; Jacob dayman, ad­ phrey had to pause in his address. hope on earth." that needs a good steward. His Baltimore The delegates approved resolu­ He spoke at length about the ministrative director of the AFLlast ship was the Potomac CIO Industrial Union Depart­ accomplishments of the Adminis­ tions supporting the Administra­ Filippo Caiiino was third cook A long-time SIU man, Leonard ment; C. J. Haggerty, president tration in pressing for peace in tion's Vietnam policy, stronger on the Fairisle and is now regis­ Karalunas will take any good of the Building and Construction Vietnam and in bringing the na­ programs to protect consumers, tered for the Vietnam run. AB's job. Trades Department, and Jerry tion new gains in medicine, hous­ expansion of the federal war on Mannd Madarang, last on the After a trip on the Maiymar, Wurf, International president of ing, jobs, education and social poverty, and legislation to provide York, is waiting on a good stew­ arbitration of federal employees' the American Federation of State, security. ard's job. He's a 20-year SIU County and Municipal Employees. man. "I intend to stand up for the disputes. On the state level, the conven­ Warren BuUard has registered State AFL-CIO President Victor promises we have kept," Hum­ tion urged urban renewal legisla­ for a black gang spot. His last Bussie was elected to his 13th con­ phrey said, "I am going to every tion, a law to assure bargaining ship was the Geneva. rights to public employees, an an­ Puerto Rico nual cost-of-living pay boost for The Seatrain Delaware got an teachers, and increases in work­ extended stay in San Juan recently men's compensation benefits. Carlino Brown due to the waterfront beef in New Oil Industry Hit Gustave Hogerson is waiting for York. On board are such familiar One resolution lashed at the oil a Calmar run. A 20-year SIU names as Rafael Hernandez^ Jose and gas industry for "undue prof­ veteran, he sails in the engine de­ Cuhano and Domingo Ortiz, all Five Seafarers have received a third mate's license aftM" attend­ of the steward department. Caiiiteering" and called for repeal of ing the deck oflficer's school operated by the SIU and the American the federal tax provision granting partment. Richard Brown was aboard the xto Gozalez has held down the Maritime Officer's Union. A total of 33 Seafarers have now ob­ it a 27 percent depletion allowance Seatrain Texas during it's last trip bosun's job. tained a license. Jaspar Anderstm is holding as well as a special tax exemption to Vietnam. A member of the Arnold Ackerman has sailed down the steward's job on the given by the State of Louisiana. deck department, he's looking for as AB. He joined the SIU in Another resolution called upon a deck maintenance job on a Arizpa after several intercoastal York in 1960. Ackerman is 40 each central labor body in the Coastwise, Puerto Rican, or Inter- runs. The ship has switched trips years old and is a native of New with the Wacosta. state to set up an organizing com­ coastal run. York City. He is a resident of Jose Maldonado who fired mittee to carry out organizing Norfolk that city. many a boiler in his day, has drives and assist individual unions Jerry Ange is looking for a joined the pension ranks and will Harvey Browning sailed as AB, in their organizing. ship that will take him to Vietnam spend most of his time in Fajardo. joining the Union in 1963 in New Convention speakers included McQueeney Lanier York. Born in Labor Sec. W. Willard Wirtz; Spreading the Word Tennessee, he Betty Fumess, the President's as­ lives in Decherd, farer was bom in Atlanta and lives sistant for consumer affairs; Sen. Tenn. Brother in that city. Russell B. 'Long (D-La), Federal The training program, operated Highway Administrator Lowell K. Browning is 42 under a reciprocal agreement be­ years old. Bridwell, and Gov. John J. McEugene Lang- tween the SIU and the American Keithen (D). strand joined the Marine Officers Union, is the first AFL-CIO representatives in a Union in New of its type in the industry. panel discussion on "Political Ac­ Applicants can begin training tion and What It Means" included Browning York in 1964. He was born in at any time. The period of in­ COPE Director A1 Barkan and Brooklyn and lives in Malden-on- struction is determined by each Legislative Director Andrew J. Hudson, N. Y. The 35-year-old member's individual ability and Biemiller. Seafarer previously sailed as an knowledge, and the instructor's Others Urge Humphrey satisfaction of his readiness to AB. Francis McQueeney sailed as take the examinations. Two other AFL-CIO conven­ AB, and bosun before earning a The training program was in­ tions recently urged Humphrey to third mate's license. A native of stituted in line with the SIU's ran for president—the Operating Boston, he makes his hc»ne in objective of encouraging and as­ Engineers and the Pennsylvania Lyndhurst, Ne^ Jersey. Brother sisting unlicensed personnel to up­ State AFL-CIO. The day after Humphrey addressed the Pennsyl­ grade themselves. Seafarers can participate in the vania unionists in Pittsburgh, his course of instruction at no cost office reported receiving 42 tele­ to. themselves. They will be pro­ grams from top trade union offi­ vided with meals, hotel lodgings cials urging him to enter the and subsistence payments of $110 presidential race. per week while in training. The executive council of the This in-training assistance is Ladies' Garment Workers has also the same as that available to en­ unanimously adopted a resolution Langsfrand Ackerman gine department Seafarers who are calling for Humphrey's candidacy. McQueeney is 48 years old and enrolled in the union training pro­ The council paid tribute to his ^ined the union in the port of gram to prepare engine depart­ "dedication to the principles of Houston in 1958. ment men for their licensed engi­ liberalism over severail decades . .. Claude Lanier, Jr., received a neer's examination. in economic advance, civil rights, Keith Terpe, (upper right, with glasses), president of SIU of Puerto third mate's license after sailing SIU deck department men in­ education, housing, health, con­ Rico, attended the recent "Labor-U.S.A." exposition in Montevideo, as AB. He joined the SIU in Nor- terested in the program should sumer protection and civil lib­ Uruguay, answering questions about U.S. labor an meeting with of­ foflc in 1953. The AA-yeax old Sea- apply immediately, erties." ficials. Over 100,000 came to the exhibit, sponsored by U.S. Gov't. SIU Deck Officer's Training Upgrades 5 More Seafarers �April 26, 1968 SEAFARERS LOG Page Five Four More Seafarers Licensed Garbage Workers Win Key Demands As Engineers; Total Hits 234 Second or third assistant engineer's licenses have been earned by four additional Seafarers after completion of their course of study at the engineers upgrading school sponsored by the SIU and District 2 of MEBA. Two of ^ the men are new second assist­ ants while two received a third assistant's license. A total of 234 Seafarers have now received a license through the school. John Mahalik received a second Gonzales Moiphy McKay assistant engineer's license. An oiler, he joined the Union in 1966 in New York. The native of Olyphant, Pa., makes his home in Peckville, Pa. He is 42 years old. Before earning a third assist­ ant's license, Peter Murphy sailed as FOWT. He joined the Union in New York in 1961. Murphy was born in New York and makes Mahalik his home in the Bronx. He is 30 years old. Michael McKay is a new third assistant engineer. The 20-yearold Seafarer was bom in New York and lives in Old Tappan, New Jersey. He sailed as FOWT and joined the SIU in 1963 in New York. Luis Gonzales received his sec­ ond assistant engineer's license after sailing as FOWT. He was bom in Dolores, Texas and makes his home in San Francisco. The 47-year-old Seafarer joined the Union in 1953 in the Port of New York. Shipbuilders Coundi Wouid Block Use el Foreign Steel by US Yard WASHINGTON—^An unprecedented plan to build small vessels and barges with duty-free foreign steel in a New Orleans shipyard has drawn strong objections from the Shipbuilders Council of America and major U.S. steel ^ The Shipbuilders Council, in a corporations. letter sent by its president, Edwin . The Board of Commissioners M. Hood, to the Foreign Trade of the Port of New Orleans has Zones Board, contended that once petitioned the Commerce Depart­ a barge or vessel is built with such ment for creation of a foreign foreign materials in a U.S. foreign trade zone, which would enable trade zone, "documentation under Equitable-Higgins Shipyards, Inc., U.S. flag would follow with the to import steel from outside the barge or vessel having the full U.S.—without paying duty—and rights and privileges of a truly install it in vessels for "export or U.S.-built shipyard product." other authorized purposes." The council said the plan would This would make it possible for circumvent the intent of Con­ the shipyard to produce the vessels gress which "we do not believe ... at a much lower cost than if U.S.- ever contemplated that a foreignproduced steel was used. trade zone would be utilized for the specific purpose now intended.' The Equitable-Higgins Corpo­ SEAFARERS^j^LOG ration made no mention of build­ ing for operation under U.S. flag. April 26. 1968 • Vol. XXX, No. It did indicate its first order for Official PublicaUon of the barges would be used on a ship Seafarers International Union not operated under a U.S. flag. of North America, AtUnUc, Gulf. Lakes Board Permission Necessary and Inland Waters District, AFL-CIO The Foreign Trade Zones Board SxtetUive Board of the Commerce Department PAUL HALL, President must grant permission before 3.47 CAL TANNR EARL SRETARD acres of the New Orleans shipyard Sxte. Viee-Pret. Vice-President can be set up as foreign trade subAL KCRR LINDSEY WILLIAMS See.-Trtat, Vico-President zone into which the foreign steel ROSERT MATTHEWS could be imported without duty. Vice-President If such permission is granted it Director of Publications MIKE POLLACK would mark the first time in which a trade zone would be used in Managina Editor building ships. Most zones are HARRY WITTSCHBN limited to light manufacturing. The Port of New Orleans com­ Staff Writers TOM FINNEOAN missioners said they were backing PETER WEISS STEVE STEINBERG the project in the hope it would Staff Pkotographer generate more work and jobs. It ANTHONY ANSALDI. is contemplated that EquitableHiggins would use domestic prod­ PiklbhM blEtikly at 810 Rkwli liliif AWRH N.E., WuklRitM, D. C. 20018 ky Iki Sufwucts, too, and employ local labor. tn iRtMRillrail URI*R, Allutit, Silt, UkH Rii iRliaf Wattn Dlitrirt, AFL-CIO, 675 Hood's letter said the operation Fcwtk Amn, BNcklyR, N.Y. 11232. Til. would not result in the employ­ NVlilRtk 9-6600. S«MR« llMi OMtitc oaM it WukliitM, D. C. ment of additional American la­ POOTHASTEI'S ATTENTION: torn 3579 bor, or consumption of additional Midi IONM k* MRt t» SMfinn litiniitlMil NRIM, Atlullt, Giir, Lakn uO liluO Watm American products, since it would Dbtriit, AFL-CIO, 675 Fiirlk Avani*, BrmklyR, N.T. 11232. involve work which would other­ wise be performed in U.S. ship­ yards or manufacturing facilities. Following 6S-Day Memphis Strike MEMPHIS—Striking Memphis garbage workers scored a dramatic victory as they ratified a contract agreement with the city to achieve their demands for basic trade union rights and end their agonizing 65-day dispute. The strike by 1,300 members ^ of State, County & Municipal boost May 1 and another five- extended to include a consumer boycott of downtown merchants, Employees Local 1733 had won cent boost on Sept. 1. including a chain of laundries and The local won a four-step griev­ the solid support of the labor restaurants owned by the mayor's ance procedure ending in arbitra­ movement, civil rights leaders, clergymen of all faiths and people tion along with an agreement that brother William, and the city's two throughout the nation. all strikers will be returned to their newspapers, which encouraged It was the cause that brought jobs without reprisals for strike Loeb's stand against the union Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to activity or future union activity. from the beginning of the dispute. Memphis where he was struck The contract, which expires The struggle here gained nation­ down by an assassin's bullet as he June 30, 1969, also contains a al attention through the press and prepared to lead a march in sup­ non-discrimination clause calling television, but the union contended, port of the strikers, nearly all of for promotion on the basis of that most of these accounts either them Negroes. seniority and competence alone. ignored or misrepresented the is­ Settled April 16 Until now, only whites have been sues. The public never learned, a Settlement of the dispute was supervisors in the Public Works union statement said, "that Local reached on April 16 following Department. 1733 was chartered 30 months lengthy bargaining sessions con­ ago, and ever since then its mem­ "Let us never forget that Martin ducted with the aid of Under bers have been trying to receive Luther King, on a mission for us, Secretary of Labor James J. some sort of recognition from the Reynolds and Frank Miles, a local was killed in this city," Wurf told city." mediator. Reynolds was assigned the hushed meeting. "He helped by President Johnson to mediate bring us this victory." King Answered Call the dispute following Dr. King's After the agreement was ratified Dr. King came to Memphis in assassination. by a unanimous standing vote, the response to an appeal from local SCME President Jerry Wurf and Local President T. O. Jones local's members cheered, stamped Negro leaders and led a march in explained the terms of the agree­ their feet and hugged one another support of the union that ended in ment embodying most of the lo­ in a prolonged victory demonstra­ violence when 30 young militants cal's main demands to a packed tion. Strikers and their leaders broke away and clashed with meeting of the members in the wept openly. police. Clayborn A.M.E. Temple. The contract was signed for the On the evening of April 4, Dr. AFL-CIO President George city by Mayor Henry Loeb and King was shot from ambush and Meany sent the following telegram approved by the Memphis city killed after returning to the city to to Wurf: council by a 12 to 1 vote. carry out a promise to lead a new, "Warmest congratulations to Loeb was regarded as the chief non-violent march on behalf of Memphis strikers on their solid victory. Their unity and stead­ obstacle to an earlier settlement the workers. fastness in face of tremendous of the strike. He had insisted that The nation immediately plunged odds were in the highest trade the workers accept an eight-centinto a period of mourning on the an-hour increase and refused to union traditions. You and fellow officers have every reason to be grant union recognition or the dues one hand and looting and violence proud of these workers and the checkoff, even though the city de­ in city ghettos on the other. Fed­ support they received from the ducts the dues of union transit eral and national guard troops trade union movement and its employees. His answer to a call for were needed to restore order in friends." a grievance procedure was that a number of cities. The 14-month pact provides for employees could voice complaints But, the march that Dr. King union recognition and a voluntary at his weekly "open house" at City had planned in Memphis did go checkoff of union dues through Hall. on, with his widow in the lead, the Public Works Department's followed by upwards of 40,000 The union expressed gratitude credit union. The workers, whose basic pay to Reynolds and Miles for their people, black and white, including now averages $1.73 an hour, will efforts in helping to resolve the hundreds of trade unionists—in­ be given a 10-cent an hour wage dispute and persuading Loeb to cluding a contingent from the SIU —from all parts of the U.S. end his resistance. Public attention was focused on The AFL-CIO c.eated a fund to the strike from its earliest stages aid the striking sanitation men, through daily marches by the sani- with an initial contribution of $20tationmen to City Hall, backed 000. SCME leaders say the fund is by local civil rights leaders and growing and the union continues to welcome contributions to re­ Negro clergymen. The workers' protest also was imburse the strikers for losses. Draw Of Piasters To Minimum Seafarers are again advised to exercise caution when ex- i I changing U.S. dollars for j Piasters while they are in j Vietnam because no practi­ cal means exist at present for I reconverting unused Vietna­ mese money. Crewmembers I should draw only the amount I of Piasters they actually will I spend. Bars, cabarets and dance! halls remain closed, with their i re-opening unlikely in the im- j mediate future. Restaurants,! snack bars, barber shops, movie theateres and curio i shops are open. The present curfew in i Saigon is from 2000 to 0600. No launch service is available i after 1600 due to police re-i strictions on river traffic. SIU WELFARE, VACATION PLANS March 1-March 31, 1968 Numbar off Bonofits Hospital Benefits Death Benefits Disability Benefits Maternity Benefits Dependents Benefits (Average: $202.63) Optical Benefits Out-Potient Benefits 4,426 37 1,098 28 504 Amount Paid $ 48,867.32 78,434.22 243,765.00 5,600.00 102,196.52 609 _?,2W 9,205.49 38,902.00 12,001 1,529 52S.970.55 034,354.39 Total Welffare, Vacation Benefits Paid This Period .... 13,530 $1,161,324.94 SUMMARY (Welffare) Vacation Benefits (Average: $414.88) �Page Six SEAFARERS LOG m— Congressman Urges Govt Imrease US Fleets Share of Aid Tonnage WASHINGTON—U.S.-flag ships should carry the maximum of government-generated cargoes before any consideration is given to foreign-flag vessels if the merchant marine is to be revitalized, Representative William D. Hathaway (D-Maine) said here recently. Hathaway, speaking at a meet- ^ time's story to the general public. Subsidies for AU ing of the 6.5-million-member "There must be a joint effort to "We must make sure that con­ AFL-CIO Maritime Trades De­ promote this industry," Rosenthal struction differential subsidy and partment, also criticized govern­ told the gathering of maritime operating differential subsidies are ment administrators who have mis­ labor and management representa­ available to all segments of our interpreted the intention of Con­ tives and members of Congress. gress on the cargo preference pro­ fleet and to all operators who want Education Program Urged gram. This originally called for such assistance. "We must make sure that the "at least" 50 percent of govern­ "If you would put together a ment cargoes to move on board first call on preference cargo— program to educate the public to U.S.-flag vessels but, the Maine both foreign aid shipments and the real conditions which you face, congressman noted, some admin­ military cargoes — be given to and to the wisdom of the solutions istrators are using this figure as those ship operators who feel you propose, you would begin to they can get along without con­ develop the kind of public attitude "a ceiling, rather than a floor." "Government cargoes should be struction and operation subsidies. that we, in Congress, can translate reserved first for the unsubsidized Also, Hathaway concluded, "we into implementation of a fair and ships until they have obtained the must make sure the rates which equitable program." maximum they can carry. Second are paid to U.S.-flag operators Rosenthal declared that the call then should be given the sub­ for the carriage of government- maritime industry is justified in sidized segment of the fleet, with­ generated cargoes are truly fair out payment of government differ­ and reasonable — that they are looking to Congress for solutions ential, and only after capacities of rates which protect both the inter­ to its problems. "Maritime is more than just pri­ both segments of the U.S. fleet ests of the government and the has been reached, should any re­ ship operators." vate enterprise," he said, "it is an maining government cargo move At another MTD meeting. Rep­ arm of the government, not o^y on foreign-flag vessels," Hathaway resentative Benjamin S. Rosenthal in defense, but in diplomacy. declared. "It is a tool of our government "We must keep the door closed (D-N.Y.) praised maritime labor in international economics and in­ to the entry of foreign-flag ships for promoting the maritime indus­ ternational relationships. It com­ into the American-flag fleet and try and telling the nation of the need for a revitalized merchant petes with low-wage foreign ship­ we must provide 'seed money' for ping. The maritime industry needs the non-subsidized ship operator, marine. so that he can stay in business and He said that management must financial assistance from our gov­ also do its share in telling mari- ernment for these reasons alone. grow," said the congressman. Series of Six Gulf Area Collisions Cause Death of 13; Injuries to 51 NEW ORLEANS, La.—The crew of the SIU-IBU-contracted tug, Pensacola, escaped injury April 15 when the tanker Socony Vacuum collided with four barges. The Pensacola (Dixie Car­ riers) was towing the barges in center of the Mississippi River near Chalmette. The collision was the sixth in a series of Marine ^ barrels of para-exylene, highly ex­ the African Star. The crew of accidents in the Gulf area since plosive chemical, began to leak, SIU-IBU contracted tug. Port Christmas Day which have and an explosion was feared. Later Hudson, owned by the Crescent caused 13 known deaths and injur­ the fluid dissipated and the danger Towing and Salvage Company, ies to 51 men. None of the casual­ passed. helped extinguish the blaze. ties were Seafarers. In an earlier collision on the Other recent collisions in the A 20-foot hole was ripped in Mississippi last month near Pointe Gulf area included two near the the port bow of the Socony Vessel a la Hache, 50 miles below New port of Houston. The first oc­ tanker but it was able to sail under Orleans, at least 13 men were curred January 16 when the Libits own power to the general an­ killed and 43 injured when the erian freighter, Oiristiane, struck chorage at Algiers, La. and no one cargo-vessel African Star collided a string of barges being pushed by was hurt. The barges were pushed up onto the river bank following with one of two crude oil barges the tug, Barbara Waxier. On the collision and later removed under tow-by the SIU-IBU-con­ February 1, the tanker Angelo tracted National Marine Service's Petri collided with two barges be­ without loss of their grain cargo. tug. Midwest Cities. ing pu^ed by the tug Reta-W in Two days later the Intracostal the Houston Ship Canal. Seven more men are listed as Waterway, six miles west of Mor­ missing from the Star. There were The Christmas Day incident in­ gan City, La., was temporarily volved a Gulf Oil tanker and a closed following the collision of no injuries aboard the tug. The crash, during intermittent string of oil barges, being towed the tugs, Robert B. and Guy P. Cenac, and the strings of barges fog, caused an explosion and set by the tug. Cape Malloy. Eight they both were towing. The water­ fire to the barges. Then burning oil men were hurt in the ensuing fire way was shut down because 1,000 flowed over the deck and holds of on the tanker. fe': Still smoldering after collision with oil barge under tow by the SIU-IBU-contracted tug Midwest Cities, African Star jies in mud as tug Port Hudson helps Coast Guard extinguish remains of fire. April 26, 1968 i" f •* The Great Lakes by Fred FanMn,S«ere(ary-TrMMirar,QrMt Lafcaa Shipping in Detroit has been good with many jobs available on the open board. Rated men are in big demand and most of the veterans can hand-pick their jobs. All our contracted vessels are sailing or going through final phases of fit-out. The SIU-IBU-contracted Westcott Company has opened the 1968 season and the first ship ^ serviced on the Detroit River was ers are crewed-up and will follow shortly. its barge Malda. Red Boulaoger is back on the Local 5000 of the United Steelworkers, which last month voted Otto Reiss after a long illness. An with all other Steelworker locals oiler. Red is an old timer on the at a special convention in Atlantic Lakes. City, N.J., to a dues increase of Toledo $5 to $10 a month, will make a The sailing of the J. C. Miller, bid for recognition as bargaining bound for Buffalo with grain, agent for Picands Mather em­ opened this port for business. The ployees through a representation election to be held aboard the company's Interlake vessels some­ time in May. The SlU-afiiliated Automobile Salesman's Association has won five additional NLRB elections during the past month. Negotia­ tions should start shortly with these dealerships. Picket lines are still being maintained at several Eider Louis dealerships that continue refusal to negotiate a union shop. hectic activity here has slowed up, The Bob-Lo boats are now call­ with all the ships fitted-out and ing up crews to begin their fit-out. sailing. Dave Gazi, bosun on the St. Many of our members have Claire, died of a coronary in taken advantage of the clinic by the Detroit hall while playing pi­ taking their physicals during the nochle. Dave was well known in fit-out. Some old friends like John members will be saddened to learn Louis, Clarence Elder and J. F. of his passing. Schoellkopf, Jr. have been around to ship. Duluth Shipping in this port is very Chicago good for rated men, but quite slow We have been very busy here for unrated personnel. fitting-out ships and the following The first ship in port this season vessels have been serviced: Detroit was the William Reiss, carrying a Edison, Harris S. Snyder, David load of coal. She left with a load P. Thompson and McKee Sonsof taconite for Buffalo. The CC all in the Boland Fleet—and the West left her birth in the SUP- Chicago Trader and Nicolet of DUL shipyard for a trip to Cleve­ Gartland. land. The Boland ship Diamond Al­ The recent recruiting drive got kali has been running steadily for us an unlimited supply of unrated the past few weeks. We will soon men and more are still coming in. be fitting-out the Medusa Chal­ Raymond Kern, Duluth Port lenger, E. M. Ford and the Rocn Agent of MEBA, District 2, will Fleet. be in charge of the renovation and All the guys are happy to be remodeling plans. The school in Duluth will be a branch of the back on the job and are looking main training program located in forward to an excellent year. Dave Toledo, Ohio. SIU Port Agent "Dago" Romanelli had a bad back Jackie Hall will assist in the but is almost recovered and ready to ship. Harold Murphy had a Duluth plans. An MTD organizational lunch­ bout with pneumonia but returned eon was held at the Holiday Inn, to his old job on the tanker De­ with an excellent turnout repre­ troit. New recruits have been shipped senting over 40 unions. Peter M. McGavin, executive secretary- to jobs not yet filled. These men treasurer of the MTD, was enthu­ were signed during oiu- recruiting siastically received as guest speak­ drive and we are impressed by the eagerness on the part of the new er at the gathering. men to work hard and wait for Buffalo the time they can upgrade. Shipping is good in all depart­ Alpena ments, with 13 ships arriving in Shipping has been fairly brisk this port for fit-out. The J. Clare Miller was the first vessel to arrive with all Huron Cement ships, ex­ with cargo. The ship was led cept the J. F. Ford, either run­ through the ice field by the Coast ning or fitting-out. We lode for­ ward to another fine year. Guard ice breaker Eastwind, The Miller and two other ves­ Frankfort sels left Buffalo two days later and Wayne Clannont, off the Ann got stuck in the ice for two days. Arbor carferrys, has upgraded to The Eastwind later arrived to set FOW. Other Ann Art^r men to them free. Two other ice breakers upgrade are Fred Oakley, Gregory also came along to assist in open­ May and Robert Suiter, all new ing up the shipping lanes. This is able seamen. Congratulations to the first time, to our knowledge, you all. that three ice breakers were re­ We have no book members reg­ quired to open shipping here. istered at this time since we are Clevebwd able to ship all men who come in. The J. T. Hutchinson was the There is a shortage of oilers for first ship to get away from the the carferries and the Lake freight­ winter fleet in this area. The oth- ers. 4 , t 4 «r 4 • r '4 * 4 »•' I w : V w V �I April 26, 1968 SEAFARERS f. t J. P. Stevens Rapped Again ii h •'i ••i 'V 4 4 '4 4 9 4 ¥ 4 "4 '« / '• 1 4 '4 % 4 /1 . V R V h* i' Page Seven LOG Jusfice! On Denial of Legal Rights WASHINGTON—A trial examiner for the National Labor Rela­ tions Board has ruled that J. P. Stevens & Co., the nation's second biggest textile manufacturer, violated the legal rights of its employees by firing four workers who joined a union. The ruling, by examiner Louis Libbin after four days of hearings, was the fifth consecutive finding against the giant textile chain, a major government contractor, in its attempt to smash an organizing drive by the Textile Workers Union of America and the AFL-CIO Industrial Union Dept. The NLRB sustained the examiners' findings in the four previous cases, U. S. Appeals courts affirmed the board in two cases and two are pending. The Supreme Court refused to review the facts in one of the ap­ pellate cases. Stevens was forced to comply with the ruling and offer jobs to 71 union members it fired "flagrantly, cynically and unlaw­ fully," as the NLRB described the company's misconduct. The latest examiner's finding was that Stevens learned of a TWUA organizing meeting last August and September in Dublin, Ga., and shortly afterward invented excuses to fire four of the workers who attended the meeting and signed union cards. Libbin recommended that Stevens be ordered to offer the four employees inunediate and full reinstatement to their former or sub­ stantially equivalent positions without prejudice to their seniority or other rights and privileges, to make them whole for loss of salary, and to pay six percent interest from the date of their firing in 1967 to the date of reinstatement. Stevens Still Defiant TWUA President William Pollock said the recorrunended order demonstrates that the Stevens firm "is still traveling the low road in defiance of the National Labor Relations Act." The decision "justifies the need for unusual remedies to halt this company's flagrant violations," said Pollock, who added: "In any event, nothing this company can do will alter the fact that its workers want organization, nor will it alter our determination to help them achieve it." In the four cases on which the NLRB has ruled, Stevens was charged with spying on employees, threatening them with reprisal if they joined the union, intimidating workers, changing working conditions to thwart union activity, and using the weapon of discharge in de­ fiance of law. The^ recent AFL-CIO convention urged President Johnson to issue an executive order barring "willful and repeated violators" of the Taft-Hartley Act from receiving federal contracts for goods and serv­ ices. Stevens was called the "most flagrant" example of such vio­ lators. In 1966 the company was granted $76 million in federal orders, and it still is a major supplier for the government. President Anthony J. DeAndrade, Secretary-Treasurer A. J. Rohan and the thirteen other top officers of the Printing Pressmen have been reelected to office for new four-year terms beginning June 3. TTie balloting was con­ ducted by the union's 756 locals and results were tabulated at the union's headquarters in Washing­ ton and announced by the board of electors. • • • The number of workers in­ volved in work stoppages that be­ gan in February was the highest for any February on record, but lost time remained at a relatively low level—33 hundredths of 1 per cent, the Labor Department reported. The latest report of the departments Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that February time lost reached 3.8 million mandays, the highest for the month since 1950. • • • The Distillery Workers ended a two-months' walkout at the Gen­ eral Aniline & Film Company complex in Linden, N.J., by voting three-to-one to accept a contract package said to total 48.5 cents an hour. The new two-year agree­ ment provides across-the-board wage adjustments of eight cents an hour plus 15 cents for craft workers; an additional company contribution of 10 cents an hour for improved retirement benefits; and higher shift differentials. Local 146 also achieved improved hospitalization and welfare bene­ fits, strengthened job security lan­ guage and a streamlined grievance procedure. The local, which rep­ resents nearly 1,300 General Ani­ line employees, walked out Febru­ ary 1 when the old agreement expired and management refused to improve an unsatisfactory offer. Clothing Workers' plan to build middle-income cooperative hous­ ing in the Chicago area were re­ ported to a two-day meeting of 200 leaders of housing coopera­ tives and government housing officials. Among sponsors of the Illinois Housing Cooperative In­ stitute was the United Dwelling Foundation, established by ACWA to build cooperative housing here patterned after successful union programs in New York. Murray H. Finley, manager of ACWA's Chicago board and head of the foundation, said it now has "com­ pleted paper work" on its first Chicago project in Kenwood Park. * * • Labor Secretary W. Willard Wirtz announced the appointment of President Paul Jennings of the Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers as one of five labor rep­ resentatives on the Federal Com­ mittee on Apprenticeship, which advises the secretary on appren­ tice training matters. "We won, but we lost a good man along the way." This was the observation last week of a garbage collector in Memphis, Tenn. Victory came to the sanitation workers of Memphis last week following a 10-week strike which tragically commanded the shocked and indignant attention of the entire world. Memphis is a rather small city, all things considered, but the goal of simple justice which motivated the strike of the city's sanitation workers, coupled with the mindless shooting of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King—who had travelled twice to Memphis in support of the striking workers—cata­ pulted the Tennessee city into headlines all over the world. The goal of these workers, who walked off their jobs last February 12, following the city's refusal to acknowledge the demands, was the most fundamental aim of any group of trade unionists anywhere in the country— union recognition, promotion on the basis of seniority, a payroll-adminstered dues checkoff, and a wage increase. When the agreement was reached with the city, and submitted for a membership vote by President Jerry Wurf of the AFL-CIO American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, it was ratified by the predominately Negro sanitation workers. The key issue—aside from contract gains —was "recognition of the men themselves... as men to make decisions for themselves," an international representative of the striking union said, and the one-year agreement with the city of Memphis provided for that recog­ nition. slayers—of Although the slayerMartin Luther King still elude arrest, the deliberate and cold-blooded murder of this outstanding American should prompt all of us in this great nation we share to examine again the principles under which we live as individuals. King's long-standing policy of non-violence in the pursuit of civil rights and organized labor's pursuit of equal recognition for all citizens of the United States are basically one major goal. In the case of the Memphis garbage work­ ers, there existed a situation in which Mayor Henry Loeb initially insisted that the strike was illegal and even refused to recognize the bargaining rights of the sanitationmen's un­ ion. At the height of negotiations, he offered a minimal wage increase but steadfastly re­ fused recognition of the union or its right to a dues checkoff. Even after the assassination of Dr. King, it still took 12 days for the city of Memphis to come to terms with the sanitation workers. For all of Mayor Loeb's protestations that there were "no winners" in the strike, and his plea to the city's citizens to "join in an atmosphere of good will," all reports in the nation's press indicate that he, personally, wanted no part of the agreement so dearly won. Termed by union leaders as "a very hard man to deal with" throughout, Loeb is reported to have been "standing fast" against settlement of the sanitationmen's strike until Under-Secretary of Labor James Reynolds— dispatched to Memphis by President Johnson —prodded him into accepting the agreement which had been worked out by negotiators in the strike. Whatever Mayor Loeb may choose as a label for his views, there is little question that they are pointedly anti-labor. Labor won a victory in the Memphis garbage strike—fol­ lowing the needless death of a national figure and Nobel Peace Prize winner. We can only hope that a man like Loeb—never before known beyond his laundry interests in Mem­ phis—^will continue in deserved obscurity and be ousted by the citizens of Memphis when his term comes up. �Page Eight SEAFARERS Seven Additional Seafarer Veterans Join Growing SlU Pension Roster The names of seven more Seafarers have been added to the ever-growing roster of Seafarers collecting an SIU pension. The newcomers to the roll include William Gee, Marcel Jette, Joseph McKeon, Elmer Hodge, Peter Serano, Francisco Rodriguez and Joe Vaccaro. William Gee sailed in the the SIU in Miami in 1940. Born IBU and joined the Union at in Spain, he lives in New Orleans Port Arthur, Texas. A resident with his wife, Teresa. Brother of that port, he was born in New Rodriguez last shipped on the Vol­ Orleans. Brother Gee was em­ usia. ployed by the Sabine Towing Co. Joe Vaccaro sailed in the stew­ Marcel Jette sailed in the deck ard department as bartender on department and joined the SIU in the port of New Serano York. Born in Canada, Jette Scotland and h'ves in Grassflat, lives in Montreal His last ship was Pa. Peter Serano sailed as AB and the Steel Sur­ bosun. He joined the Union in veyor. Joseph McKe­ New York in 1948. During World Jette on was a mem­ War II, he served in the Navy. Rodriguez Vaccaro ber of the RMR, having joined Born in Puerto Rico, he lives in the Union in the port of New Channelview, Texas with his wife, passenger vessels. A native of York. Bom in South Amboy, Jennie. His last ship was the New Orleans he lived in that city. N. J., he still lives there with his Beauregard. Brother Vaccaro joined the Un­ wife, Helen. Brother McKeon Francisco Rodriguez sailed in ion in New Orleans and last held a deckhand's rating and the steward department and joined shipped on the Del Norte. worked for the B & O Railroad. Elmer Hodge sailed on the Great Lakes and joined the Union in Detroit. A fireman, he was em- Senate Votes Money /or 4 HILs After Defeat of dark Amendment Gee McKeon ployed by the American Steam­ ship Company. He was born in SIU Companies Seek Aquisition Of Ceneral Haan The Maritime Administration has announced that five unsubsidized SlU-contracted companies are seeking to acquire a reserve fleet troopship, the General W. G. Haan, one of the last of the de­ sirable World War II C-4's which have thus far been made available by the government to commercial ship operators. Sea-Land Services wants to trade in its C-2 Claiborne, con­ vert the General Haan into a containership, and put it on the Puerto Rico run. Sea Transport, Inc., proposes to trade in its C-3 Pecos and con­ vert the troopship into a bulk carrier for world-wide tramping. Hudson Waterways Corp. plans to trade in its ferry Duchess and convert the C-4 into a containership with a new 110-foot midbody. It would enter one of sev­ eral trades to Puerto Rico or pos­ sibly a berth service between the West Coast and Hawaii. American Bulk Carrier, Inc., would trade in a tanker, the York and jumboize the Haan into a 25,000-ton tanker or bulk-carrier. Central Gulf, who proposes to trade in the Green Cove, also plans to convert the Haan into a 25,000-ton bulk carrier. WASHINGTON—By a narrow vote of 31 to 28, the Senate has blocked a bid by Senator Joseph Clark (D-Pa.) to bar authoriza­ tion of $183.6 million during fis­ cal 1969 for the Fast Deployment Logistic Ship program—again be­ ing pushed by the Administration —and included funds for four of the ships in its military authoriza­ tion bill. The FDL proposal was defeated by Congress last year, however, and opposition to the plan by the maritime industry and many mem­ bers of Congress remains strong. The tremendous costs of build­ ing and operating the FDL's— floating military supply depots that would be permanently based at sea and serve no commercial or peacetime purpose—is felt by opponents of former Defense Sec­ retary Robert McNamara's pet project to be wasteful in view of the dismal condition of the U.S. merchant fleet. Funds requested for FDLs, if spent on construction April 26, 1968 LOG <$>- of modern merchant vessels, could go a long way toward up­ grading the fleet and would pro­ vide a practical answer to both the military and commercial ship­ ping needs of the nation. The Senate's rejection of Clark's amendment against the FDL pro­ gram came during debate prior to April 19 passage of the bill (S. 3293) which would author­ ize funds for military procure­ ment for fiscal year 1969. The vote on passage was 54 to 3. Clark had moved to cut the au­ thorization by $183.6-million— the amount provided specifically for construction of four FDL's in 1969. The FDL provision of S. 3293 faces stiff opposition in the House, whose members have be­ come increasingly alert to the ne­ cessity for a viable United States merchant fleet, and to the contin­ uing lack of maritime leadership on the part of the Administration. Delta Argentina Joins Fleet The Delta Argentina is the latest addition to the fleet of the Jelta Steamship Lines, Inc. The 522-foot vessel is the first of Ive identical Delta Class cargo carriers constructed for Delta oy Ingalls Shipbuilding division of Litton Industries. The ship will visit Gulf ports before sailing to Africa on maiden voyage. The Gulf Coast by Undsey 'Villiams, Vice-President, Guff Area The new Delta Argentina has joined the fleet of Delta Steamship Lines. The ultra-modern, cargoiiner was built at the Ingalls Ship­ yard Division of Litton Industries and delivered formally this month after undergoing a series of trial runs at sea. Principal characteristics of the new vessel are: over-all length, 522 feet; beam, 70 feet; dead­ weight capacity, 13,350 tons; bale rier. Dexter reports a good voy­ age with a fine crew and a Captain cubic, 646,860; refrigerated cargo who was tops. He did everything space, 47,280 cubic feet; liquid possible to make her a good ship. cargo, 1,658 long tons. Design While overseas, Worrell reports cruising speed is 18.6 knots with the Captain hired extra gangs to 11,660 shaft horsepower. The help the crew clean up the Midvessel can hit a speed in excess of lake, since she had bwn in the 20 knots when utilizing total power shipyard for nine months. at design draft. MobOe The new ship, one of five of its class being built for Delta, features Jack Trosclair has the honor of a bulbous bow for increased speed being bosun on the first voyage of and fuel economy, plus multiple the Delta Argentina. Jack has 25 hatch cargo holds with fast oper­ years in the SIU and has shipped ating hydraulic hatch covers and all deck ratings from the Gulf. the latest navigation equipment for While waiting for this ship, he was ship safety and operating effi­ standby on the Westerfidd. ciency. The vessel's cargo han­ Bernard Bums was the first dling equipment includes a set of FOWT aboard the Argentina. Stulcken heavy duty gear capable Delta Argentina Seafarers know of lifting single loads weighing up they will eat high on the hog with to 75 tons. Joseph Hannon as steward. He Attractive air-conditioned living is one of the oldest stewards ship­ quarters are provided on board for ping from the Gulf area. Joe all officers and crew. wanted to get a first hand look at The Delta Argentina will join all the new equipment on these the other ships in the Delta fleet, automated ships. engaged in'cargo service between Among the men in Brother the Gulf and the East Coast of Hannon's department is Hubert South America and the African Weeks, sailing as .utility man. West Coast. Several Delta ships Hubert lives in Foley, Alabama. are also operated in the Vietnam Also making the initial voyage sealift. are Frank Catchot, sailing «s sec­ In command of the ship is Capj- ond electrician and William Gard­ tain W. E. Wyman. The ship will ner, AB. Frank had been on the proceed from the shipyard in New Maiden Creek as electrician, sail­ Orleans to Pensacola, her first ing on a Puerto Rican shuttle. cargo loading port. She will load Bill's last ship was the Del Mar. additional cargo at Lake Charles, La., Houston, New Orleans, Mo­ bile and then sail on her maiden voyage to West Africa. The ship was crewed in Mobile and includes a number of veteran Seafarers. Captain Charles L. Spicer, Delta Lines Vice-President of Opera­ tions, is retiring after serving 47 years at sea and ashore. He first SAN FRANCISCO—Two C-4 joined Delta as Chief Officer troop ships are being converted to aboard the Saucon in June, 1921. container vessels at a cost of $8 The company was then known as the Mississippi Shipping Co. He million for use on the unsubsilater served as Master of several dized Guam service of the SIU cargo and cargo-passenger ships Pacific District-contracted Pacific and in 1940, took command of the Far East Line, Inc. line's new luxury passenger liner The conversion work will be Del Brasil. He was Captain of done at the Alameda, Calif., facil­ the original Del Norte, when it was the first ship to officially sail ity of Todd Shipyards Corp., and beneath thfe new Huey P. Long the first of the ships is slated to Bridge at New Orleans, the day of be delivered October 15 and the second on December 1. its opening dedication in 1931. Leo C. Ross, president of New Orleans PEEL, said the company will E. "Little Monk" Esteve left the meet the entire cost of the opera­ Alcoa Commander to take care of tion and that no construction dif­ some personal business. He's wait­ ferential will be involved. ing for ant>ther short run. A mem­ The C-4's are the General A. ber of the deck department, he W. Greely and the General R. L. said the Commander was a good Howze from the Maritime Ad­ ship with a fine crew. ministration's layup fleet at OlymIrby Keller had a FWT's job pia. Wash. They will be renamed on the Duval, now on the South the Guam Bear and the Hawaii American run. If the ship returns Bear when added to the PFEL to New Orleans, Irby will try to fleet. Each ship will carry 400 sail with her again. Fond of Lib­ 20-foot containers, including 50 erty's, he said he'd hate to see the refrigerated containers, and will day when that type of vessel dis­ have space for unitized and breakappears. bulk cargo and for vehicles. Dexter Worrell was bosun on PFEL expects to provide ex­ the Midlake, making its first trip press sailings every 16 days with since conversion. Portions of the new vessels. Three C-2 freight­ three vessels were used to convert ers and two Victory-type vessels the Midlake into a large ore car- now are used on the run. I PFa To Add Converted C-4s In Guam Trade I �April 26, 1968 1 SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine Beaver ^Betwy «s ^ Pays Off in Breofdyn The Beaver Victory recently returned to New York following a trip to Vietnam, among other ports. The Oriental Exporters vessel poid-off at the Todd Shipyards in Brooklyn. A LOG photog­ rapher went along with SlU representatives who were on hand to greet the crew. As the Seafarers were getting paid, the vessel was already in drydock, getting shipshape for its next voyage. " ^''Oncisco. Patrick White, steward (second from right), discusses trip with patroiman Mike Sacco, .(second from left), as E, B. McAuley (left) & AB Ted Shumaker (right), listen in. James Spell and Viktor Svend«en look things over while E. B. McAuley (second from right) explains a point. . The men ship in the engine departments It gets pretty busy atr pay-^ tinriei as this scenel shows. Left to right: Leon LuCas, Gil Ebon, James| Spell, Viktor Svehdsen, E. B. McAuley, M. SaccpJ �:t Page Ten April 26, 1968 SEAFARERS LOG I, I i! IDISPATCHIRS I 1 The Pacific Coast by Frank Drozak, West Coast Representative A bill, aimed at eliminating the professional strikebreaker and, solidly backed by labor unions, had it's first hearing before the Industrial Relations Committee of the California assembly. Senator George Moscone, a leading member of the upper house, became a co-author of the bill, joining State Assemblyman Edward Elliott. At the same time, L. E. ^ Townsend, John J. Miller and he's looking for another good John L. Burton added their sup­ electrician's job. We had the Beloit Victory pay­ port in the Assembly. off and three ships signed-on. This bill, known as AB 426, They were the Seatrain Georgia, was scheduled for further hearings by the Industrial Relations Com­ Seatrain Maine and Steel Design­ mittee later this month. Labor er. Nine ships are in transit and must keep up the hard work in shipping is excellent for rated men order to get this bill passed in the in all departments. We have Committee. We consider this one shipped 90 men during the last of the key bills to be heard by the period. The outlook for the next two weeks is fairly good with nine 1968 session. ships due in this port. San Francisco Seatde Shipping here remains brisk and we paid-off and signed-on the Shipping has been fair here following vessels: Fred Morris, since our last report and prospects San Juan, Panama, Azalea Oty, are good for the coming period. Belgium Victory, Seatrain Maine, The Columbia Banker is taking-on Seatrain Louisiana, Choctaw Vic­ a full crew. We expect to pay-off tory, Alice Brown, Steel Advocate, two victories. During the last two Hastings, Overseas Horace and the weeks, four ships paid-off, three Pecos. We have the Achilles and siened-on and six vessels are in Steel Recorder in transit. transit. Martin Badger left the Overseas Wilmington Tovce in Venezuela due to illness, James "Red" Gorman was but is now FED. He's after the bosun on the Mount Washington first good baker's job to hit the until illness forced him off in Subic ''oard. Bay. Brother Gorman is hoping T. G. Beatrous was third cook to get back in action soon and on the Choctaw Victory. He got take another bosun's job. A 44-day voyage on the Long on in San Francisco and the ship Beach tested the cooking skill of Inid-up in Portland. "Joe" then Joe Barron, recently. Joe is a real "ame to Seattle and took a third old-timer and a charter SlU mem­ ''ook's job on the Seattle. W. O'Connor made a run to ber. Andy Ellingsen was on the Ken- Vietnam as a bosun on the Colum­ yon Victory for 3Vi months as bia Eagle. Bill has spent over 25 chief electrician. A 20-year man. years in the SIU. Sea Otter Emerges Again As Wearer of Precious Pelt ANCHORAGE, Alarica—^The sea otter, once considered such an oddity that its precious fur was sought after by Oriental war­ lords and Yankee traders alike, has once again emerged as the owner of a much-desired pelt. An amiable cousin to the weasel, this playful animal produced a widespread quest for its valuable pelt a century and a half ago. From Russia, fur-fancying industrialists took to the chilly North Pacific, colonizing the Aleutians and claiming the Alaskan main­ land. Spanish vessels and British merchants joined the search, trading the otter skins for Chinese silk and tea. Extinction seemed inuninent for the otter around the start of the 20th Century, and a joint treaty protecting their number— then only a scant 500—was signed by the U. S., Russia, Canada and Japan. As a result, any private person killing a sea otter today faces a fine of $10,000 plus imprisonment. Breed Increasiiig In the past few years, the sea otter population has been on the upsurge, mainly due to greater conservation efforts. In fact, Alaska's Governor Walter J. Hickel has recently given the okay to the first large-scale, state-run harvest since 1909. Game biolo­ gists have joined Aleut sportsmen in reaping over 1,000 skins from the islands of Adak and Amchitka in the Aleutian chain. Late January saw a large auction at the Seattle Fur Exchange where the sea otter pelts proved popular. The newest selection of these furs are typically 60 inches long and about three feet in width. A single skin at the turn of the century could reap $2,700, Edward Shepherd, a long-time fur­ rier who is handling the project under Governor Hickel, expects fur buyers to offer $1,000 each for the current crop. Alaskan sea otters boast of soft, thick underfur almost an inch long, mingled with larger, course overhairs. With shiny silver at the roots, each hair darkens to deep black at the end. Remarked Shepherd: "Each pelt is a rare gem. No two are alike, but different in shading and marking—just like people's faces." May 21 to Juno 3, 1966 DECK DEPARTMENT TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk JacksonriUe Tampa HobUe New Orleans .... Houston Wilmington San Francisco ... Seattle Totals Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Tampa Mobile New Orleans .... Houston Wilmington San Francisco ... Seattle Totals Class A Class B 2 4 39 53 6 7 16 27 6 8 14 8 5 4 16 18 39 31 47 31 15 14 53 99 20 11 299 294 Class A Class B Class C 0 0 1 41 41 7 5 4 8 19 17 2 10 12 7 8 11 7 4 2 0 19 12 3 24 22 1 45 37 3 7 12 16 36 42 30 18 15 18 236 227 103 ENGINE DEPARTMENT TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups All Groups Gass A Class A CIEM B C1«B£ C 2 30 5 17 2 6 4 12 28 35 6 50 10 207 0 39 ? 28 6 9 2 20 42 40 7 55 15 270 1 31 2 12 3 5 6 11 13 39 3 33 13 172 0 42 2 25 12 8 2 12 33 34 7 32 14 223 2 16 7 9 10 9 0 . 1 4 9 12 19 16 114 STEWARD DEPARTMENT TOTAL SHIPPED TOTAL REGISTERED All Groui Port Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Jacksonville Tampa Mobile New Orleans .... Houston Wilmington San Francisco .. Seattle Totals Ciaas A Gaas B 3 1 51 13 4 4 22 15 4 5 7 10 2 2 10 13 32 29 26 34 6 5 76 49 11 12 254 192 Class A Class B GassC 3 10 26 10 11 14 8 13 15 6 12 9 19 3 8 5 2 0 0 14 11 2 20 15 1 34 30 7 8 5 0 46 35 9 9 7 10 191 150 78 REGISTERED on BEACH Class A Class B 7 17 117 189 9 9 36 81 34 31 6 18 20 16 67 40 170 152 161 74 31 1 51 52 34 13 879 537 REGISTERED on BEACH All Groups ClaasA ClassB 10 2 101 103 13 11 50 39 17 6 9 11 6 11 56 32 92 137 76 74 18 0 85 27 26 15 559 463 REGISTERED on BEACH All 1Groups 4 120 14 54 6 7 8 54 158 60 25 77 30 607 4 31 7 23 16 3 6 20 78 59 3 37 11 298 YOUR DOLLAR'S WORTH Seafarer's Guide to Better Buying By Sidney Margolins reaus of America report Consumers have gone on a credit buying binge This is about the worst possible year to buy on even as the interest rates on borrowing have credit. Debts have reached critical proportions jumped to the highest levels in almost 40 years. for many families and could lead to severe per­ Mortgage-seekers and installment buyers are sonal problems if income declines. Total house­ especially hard hit by the jumping rates. Mort­ hold debt in the nation, including mortgages, has gages now average 6V2 percent for the country. reached 72 percent of disposable income com­ Extra charges for points and closing fees bring pared with 55 just ten years ago, and less than the effective rate close to 6% percent. 25 right after World War II, the credit bureaus In some states that have legal ceilings of six reports. percent, reluctance of lenders to give mortgages Already an increasing number of families are has forced home-buyers to go to as many as 15 falling behind in mortgage payments or losing banks and savings associations to get a loan. their homes altogether. Mortgage delinquencies In such states lenders are demanding that the rose sharply this winter, according to the Mort­ ceilings be raised. In one state, Virginia, the maxi­ gage Bankers Association. mum already has been raised to eight percent, and the going rate already has climbed close to The 68-Cent Dollar seven percent Let alone interest rates, your family will have Even the government-sponsored FHA and VA to cope this summer with the highest living costs rates soon may cost more than their present yet. Prices have gone up for 25 months in a row, record-high 6V2 and 6 percent, respectively. There and now average 3.7 percent higher than a year is a bill currently before Congress to let these ago, and 6.6 more than two years ago. Your 1947agencies set higher rates. The FHA and VA rates 49 dollar now is worth just 68 cents in buying already have been increased three times in a little power. ^ over two years. This year's price rise alone is wiping out about Not only are mortgages rising, but interest rates one-third of the recent increase in Social Security paid by businessmen and federal and local gov­ benefits. Older people are feeling the pinch. One ernments are reaching for record levels. One fi­ elderly woman writes that "every time Social Se­ nancial reporter says such rates are the highest curity is raised, and even before, grocery stores since the Civil War. Main reason is heavy bor­ keep raising the prices penny after penny." rowings by the federal government because of the The other three tough cost problems—only Vietnam war. some of which you can do anything about by your­ You are affected by the high rates even if you self—are soaring medical, home-ownership and already have a home. You pay more in prices, transportation expenses. Medical-care costs have property taxes and rent because of the higher jumped over six percent this year, for a total rise rates paid on their borrowings by businessmen, in the past decade of 42 percent, more than twice school districts and other government agencies. as much as the rest of the cost of living. Consumers themselves are helping to push up interest rates by heavy installment buying this Moreover, a new round of Blue Cross hikes is year. Such borrowings are running about nine in sight after a temporary respite while Medicare percent over last year, the Associated Credit Bu­ took over care for the older folks. �April 26, 1968 Urges Quick Action On Cieah Poultry To the Editor: It's about time that Congress has buckled down to serious work on one of the most basic needs of all Americans: whole­ some food. We got action on fresh meat last year but the battle is only partly won. For years, most intrastate meat and poultry processors have been penny-pinching at the expense of the consumers' health. In preparing their prod­ ucts for the table, many have also been preparing Americans for disease and worse. Testimony that graphically revealed ugly meat-processing conditions in plants devoid of Federal inspection finally lead to a Clean Meat Act, and cur­ rent Congressional investigation is now taking a long, hard look at the poultry industry. Let's hope that Congress acts on this soon, too. Perhaps, in deciding on a Clean Poultry Law, Congress­ men who would delay action should remember that they have to eat, too. Wladislaw Gromulsid Expose Hate Groups For What They Are To the Editor: In your last issue, there was an article in which Benjamin Epstein, National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, charged that extremist groups are responsible for the majority of hate propaganda in America today. Though I am no expert on this subject, I certainly must agree with Mr. Epstein and have done quite a bit of reading on some of these groups, such as the fanatic John Birch So­ ciety, and found that they are usually so well-organized and tight-knit that their members can grind out hundreds of thou­ sands of hate letters to Con­ gressmen and industry leaders in only a few days' time. The Birch Society's "Bible," the Blue Book, even promotes tac­ tics of setting up "front orga­ nizations" to attract unsuspect­ ing people whose efforts, dues, and so on are secretly chan­ neled into Birch Society opera­ tions. The smear tactics employed by such radical organizations to defame a person they claim is "Communist" or "pink" or "unAmerican" or what-have-you, and drive him out of any posi­ tion of power he might have, are really a cause for concern in a free society. Members of these groups infiltrate school lecture audiences, local meet­ ings, and public satherings, and posing as indignant citizens hurl loaded questions at their victims from all sides—allowing little time for reply. These are designed, not to be answered, but to disrupt the meeting and leave a power vacuum into which the group can eventually place one of its own people or someone whose line is "accepta­ ble" to their cause. These unanswerable, ques­ tions parallel the line of "Why do you beat your wife?" How SEAFARERS does one answer that? These groups are the rumormongers; the whisperers of lies. They have driven innocent peo­ ple out of their own communi­ ties and left lives of innocent citizens in turmoil. In today's restless times these radical hate groups find all too many targets for their venom and the situation might become really ugly—unless those of us who understand what "justice' and "freedom" are supposed to be all about get to wwk and do something. What holds those groups to­ gether is fanatical dedication to their selfish cause. On the other side of the coin, most of us believe in the principles of our democracy but are not actively enough devoted to them to spend too much of our time at promoting them. This is only logical, after all America's been around for a long time and has proven herself by weathering many storms. But if the democracy we cherish is to continue to be healthy, it must be fought for actively. We must educate ourselves as thoroughly as possible in the areas of individ> -1 rights and liberties, in orcL lo fight back against the extremists' lies and dirty dealings. It is not enough to work only within the demo­ cratic structure. We must also work for it. We too must be dedicated. Sincerely, Carl Wamicky A Wife's Thanks For Consideration To The Editor: Thank you for the notice in the "Final Departure" column about my husband, Julius Styles. It was good of you to remem­ ber and I shall never forget. Sincerely, Mrs. Viola Styles Bronx, N. Y. Would Press Fight For Farm Workers To the Editon For too long, the nation's million-odd farm workers have been denied the protection of the National Labor Relations Act which covers nearly every other type of employment in this country. Now, the House Labor Committee, under the sponsorship of Representative James O'Hara, Democrat of Michigan, has at last voted to bring at least the 50 percent of the nation's farm workers em­ ployed on the larger farms the rights they deserve. This big step forward is cause for pride, but is not a reason to rest. The measure still must be passed by the House and Senate and cet the President's signature before it can be put into effect. It was largely throuch the strong testimony by AFL-CIO President George Meany before Congressional hearings and the hard work of the United Farm Workers Organizing Committee that this bill got anywhere. We must continue to back their efforts until the bill be­ comes law, or it could be side­ tracked along the legislative path. The nation's farm workers have for too long been forced to struggle along as secondclass citizens. Vincent Roberts LOG P«.«e Eleven Seafarer Awarded Poike Citation For Assisting Offker in Arrest Not every citizen would have the courage to come to the aid of a policeman, escorting a prisoner to the stationhouse and menaced by an unruly crowd of 35 or 40 men. Seafarer Valentine Benner did come to an officer's aid in Just such circumstances, however, and for his "heroic and unselfish act," re­ ceived an award last week from the Honor Committee of the New York City Police Depart­ ment. Brother Benner was presented with a Civilian Conunendation Bar and a Certificate of Commenda­ tion at Police Headquarters by Deputy Police Commissioner John Walsh. The "outstanding example of public service" for which he received his citation occurred May 22, 1965. It was largely because of Benner's modesty about the in­ cident, that almost three years elapsed before he received official recognition for his act. Happened at 5 A.M. Brother Benner recalled that he was waiting for a cab by the New York Central Railroad station at 125th Street and Park Ave. in Deputy Police Commissioner John Walsh (left) presents Seafarer Manhattan, about five a.m. There Valentine Benner with Police Department certificate of commendation was an open hot dog stand nearby at ceremony in New York Police Headquarters. Looking on is Benner's and about six men were standing around, he said. The men sudden­ sister, Mrs. Mary Herlihy. Brother Benner came to the aid of a ly began to give the hotdog sales­ policeman threatened by a mob while bringing in a prisoner in 1965. man "a hard time," for a reason of the time. As we walked toward really wanted to." never fully learned. Some passersby, seeing that the Benner, who sensed the fellow the station house, I continued to policeman, his prisoner and Ben­ stay between the two men and the might be in some trouble, called ner "hemmed in," called other crowd — which now numbered patrolman William Boyce, who police from several units in the about 35 or 40 men. The police was on duty nearby. Boyce walked area who soon arrived on the station was on 126th Street. As over to the group and attempted we were walking, some men in scene, escorted the three to the to qiiiet them. "A member of the group hit the crowd shouted 'Let's get them!' station house and dispersed the the officer with his fist and 'Let that man go!' and other crowd. knocked him down," Benner threats. "I tried to leave," Brother Ben­ stated. The officer was "semi-con­ "The crowd looked pretty seri­ ner explained, "but a policeman scious" and the Seafarer helped ous and I had no doubt they would told me the crowd would kill me him to his feet. "He had bruises have beaten that officer," Benner if I tried to leave." For about one on his knee an'd elbow from hit­ said, adding that by this time, the hour, he stayed in the station ting the ground," Benner said. men were of "various ages" with house, until the crowd was gone. "The men were all in their "one or two ring-leaders egging Even then, he received a police 20's," Brother Benner estimated, them on." escort to his home. and as he helped Boyce to his feet, In an effort to scare off trouble. Prisoner Jumps Bail "they were becoming more unruly. Officer Boyce pulled his police I stood between the officer and the The prisoner was charged with men to try and stop any violence revolver while Benner "faked hav­ felonious assault on a police officer from breaking out." Officer Boyce ing a gun by putting my hand in and disorderly conduct, Brother my pocket and pointing a finger. tried to take his assailant in. Benner found out later. At first, The crowd thought I was a police­ the man was locked up, but was Crowd Grows man." Even if Benner did have a later released on bail pending trial. "He was a pretty big fellow and gun, he said that the crowd "could The man jumped bail, however, was scuffling with the officer most have jumped us anyway if they and never turned up. Officer Boyce had to take sick leave as beefs were reported by department dele­ a result of the attack but was not gates. Brother Frank Corven was elected to serve as new ship's delegate. seriously hurt and returned to ALCOA TRADER (Alcoa) March 10— active duty after a few days. Chairman, William H. Rhone; Secretary, T. H. Spears. Brother C. W. White was Brother Benner didn't think elected to serve as new ship's delegate. much more about his part in this Steward department beef to be taken up with patrolman. Discussion on pension incident until some two years later. qualification. He was talking to a friend of his ROBIN HOOD (Moore-McCormack), on the police force and casually April 6—Chairman, Malcolm Cross; Secretary, Aussie Shrimpton. Brother mentioned what had taken place. Richard Buie was elected to serve as ship's delegate. $16.36 in ship's fund. No Thinking the information was beefs were reported by department dele­ HALAULA VICTORY (Bloomfleld), worth reporting, the friend related gates. Vote of thanks was extended to March 18—Chairman, Francis H. Smith; the steward department for the fine chow. the story to his superiors and the Secretary, Harold D. Strauss. No beefs The steward stressed that he had an ex­ were reported by delegates. Everything cellent galley staff and that the credit department later voted to present is running smoothly. justly belonged to his cooks and particu­ larly the baker. Brother James Barclay. Benner with the award. LYNN VICTORY (Victory Carriers), March 17—Chairman, Richard Morgan; TRANSHURON (Hudson Waterways), A police department spokesman Secretary, None. No beefs were reported March 27—Chairman, R. Alsobrook; explained that the awards are not by department delegates. Secretary, F. E. Nelson. Ship's delegate reported that everything is running given on any set schedule but are OBERLIN VICTORY (Steamship smoothly with no beefs. Motion made Service), April 6—Chairman, D. Mer­ that the Union revise pension plan. presented about three times a year. rill : Secretary, Albert G. Espeneda. They are given to civilians for Ship's delegate reported that everything AMERIGO (Crest Overseas Shipping), is running smoothly. $10.00 in ship's April 4—Chairman, John Hoggie; Secre­ various actions of outstanding citi­ fund. All repairs will be taken care of tary, J. M. Ard. $29.00 in ship's f'lnd. before arrival in New York. Vote of Letter sent to headquarters concerning zenship or heroism. A special thanks was extended to the steward de­ the matter of mail not being delivered board in the Police Department to ship in Saigon, from company office. partment for a job well done. Motion made that the $56.00 sick sub­ decides who is to receive the SEATRAIN OHIO (Hudson Watersistence be increased. Motion that the wages be paid day by day like on coastal ways), March 16—Chairman, Calvin D. awards. and/or foreign. Discussion on eligibility Morris; Secretary, James Temple. No beefs were reported by department dele­ period to become a cook. Brother Benner was born in gates. Everything is running smoothly. Vote of thanks to the steward depart­ SEAMAR (Calmar), March SO—Chair­ New York and lives in the Bronx. ment for a job well done. man, Frank J. Smith; Secretary, Claude A cook, he recently returned from Gamett, Jr. No beefs and no disput-d OCEAN ULLA (Maritime Overseas), OT were reported by department dele­ a run to Vietnam. The 53-vear April 4—Chairman, H. J. Romero; gates. Discussion about pension plan. Secretary, A. W. Morales. Brother H. J. old Seafarer joined the SIU in TRANSHUDSON (Hud«on Waterways), Romero was elected to serve as ship's New York in 1948 and has spent delegate. Disputed OT in deck and en­ No. date—Chairman, J. O. Thomas: gine department. Secretary, Frank A. Leonard. Discs-ion some time in the deck and engine on pension plan. Some disputed OT in BIENVILLE (Sea-Land), March 36— the engine department. Discussion held departments in addition to his regarding a better quality of food put on Chairman, Victor Harding; Secretary, services as cook. Thomas Ulisse. No disputed OT and no board ship. .-I �Page Twelve SEAFARERS April 26, 1968 LOG / A Salute to the Chef fifiiiiTh Rkhard Buie, third cook, has been elected ship's delegate by his fellow Seafarers on the Robin Hood (Moore-McCormack). Brother Buie reports that steward Aussie Shrimpton and his department received a vote of thanks for the top-notch chow. Brother Shrimpton stated that he had "an excel­ lent galley staff and the credit Meeting Chairman Robert Davis justly belonged to the cooks and crew member from the deck de­ reports from the Transpacific partment was hospitalized in Oki­ baker." The latter job was per(Hudson Water­ nawa. The ship's fund has $10 in formed to per- it, all repairs have been taken ways) that "it is t faction by James a good ship and care of and the steward- depart­ Barclay, he said, so far, it looks ment did a fine job. Shrimpton, who like a good voy­ ^ also serves as age." Brother ship's treasurer, Davis reports that informed his the captain has shipmates that agreed to buy 500 the ship's fund pounds of ice Yubas has $15.36 in tow. Cross cubes in Hawaii. He proposed an This will enable the men "to have anchor pool be used to increase To facilitate the handling cold drinks anytime on this hot the amount. The money would of welfare claims Seafarers run to Vietnam." Meeting Secre­ be used to purchase a television lare reminded of the following tary Mike Yubas wrote that Louis set for the crew's messhall. Bosun rules regarding payment: Kuku had an absessed tooth and Malcolm Cross spoke about the requir'^d medication. No beefs or • Enrollment under Sup­ duties and obligations of new sea­ disputed overtime reported. LOGS plemental Medicare, with re­ men, while aboard the vessel. No and mail arriving regularly. imbursement of the cost by beefs or disputed overtime were the plan, is mandatory for reported by department delegates. eligible members, pensioners, Meeting Chairman Elmer spouses and dependents. Fail­ Clark, Jr., reports from the Fairure to enroll can result in the port (Waterman) loss of benefits. Charles Merrill, meeting chair­ that "feeding is • Employees of employers man on the Oberlin Victory very good in the signatory and contributory (Steamship Serv­ steward depart­ to the Plan are entitled to ice Corp.), re­ ment. A vote of USPHS Hospital treatment ports that "every­ thanks to all and Maintenance and Cure thing is running members in that where indicated. Upon re­ smoothly" as the department." ceipt of proof of refusal of vessel nears it's Steward Herbert either to comply, benefits will New York pay­ Skyles and chief Skyles be provided by the Plan in off. According to cook J. Love accordance with the depend­ Brother Merrill, have turned in fine work, along ents schedule. Sickness and there is some dis­ with the rest of the meii. New Merrill Accident benefits will be pro­ puted overtime in Seafarers on the vessel have been vided upon receipt of the as­ the engine department that should described as "very good work­ signment against the M & C -be settled without much trouble. ers," Clark reports. A draw list claim in the hands of an at­ No beefs reported by department will be posted in Subic Bay and torney. delegates. Albert Espeneda, meet­ the ship's treasury contains ing Secretary, writes that one $18.91, he added. • Stay Up To Date On Welfare Rules <I> Beaver Victory Crewmembers Run Aground, Fight Flash Fire Seafarers sailing the Vietnam run frequently have close calls in that country but the crew of the Beaver Victory (Oriental Export), between running aground and fighting a flash fire, had plenty of excitement on their last voyage ^ long before they reached the war noon," Brother Steward said, zone, Harry Steward of the stew­ "when we saw a fire in the elec­ trician's shop. I went to my post ard's department told the LOG at fire station six and broke out when the vessel paid off in Brook­ the hose. We yelled to have the lyn. pressure turned on and this was "We were in done by one of the assistant engi­ Honolulu harbor neers." Brother Steward reported and carrying a that there was some flames and load of ammo," •'lots of smoke." Chief electrician he recalled. "It Tom Valentine said that some was between paint scorching resulted but only 10:30 and II minor damage was done. The fire P.M., when the was confined to the shop. The H^ir 0? vessel ran exact cause was not discovered. aground. The Steward "It took about 45 minutes for MSTS sent tugs and divers to the scene and the the crew to get the fire under divers went down to see how far control," said Steward. Ironically, we were stuck. It took about eight the men were to have a boat drill hours to determine the correct at about that time and, as they method they should use in getting went to their stations, they, were unaware that it was the real thing us out." Brother Steward said that it until the Captain told them." took three tugs plus two salvage There was ammunition in the hold tugs to pull the Beaver Victory near the scene of the blaze which loose. They had to wait for high added extra urgency to putting tide and by the time the ship was the fire out fast. pulled loose, some 24 hours had When the Beaver Victory fi­ passed. nally arrived in Vietnam, after Eight days later, when the ves­ the Tet Offensive and with Marsel was on its way to Quinhon, sal law in effect, some fighting Steward and third cook Ah S. was going on in the Saigon area. Wong were relaxing, on the port After its close call at sea, how­ side, prior to preparing dinner. ever, the vessel spent 25 days in "It was about three in the after­ the war zone without incident. TO VOTE IN LOCAL PRIMARIES George Lamb, steward on the F. A. Manske, samples chow good enough to earn a salute from porter Ahmed Hussein. Porter Francis Monroe (second from left) and second cook Edward Meyer look on. Money Due Checks are being held at SIU Headquarters, 675 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, N. Y., for the Seafarers listed below for money due them on the vessels shown. Men whose names are listed should get in touch with Union headquarters as soon as possible. Name i Edward Jensen I Robert Smltb I Earl H. Beamer I Calvin R. Smitb Daniel J. McLaren i Clyde Greeson i Tbomas E. Hanson Donald Kersbaw Warren Weiss I James Gleasmi Fred Patterson I Joseph L. Cbapean Cyril Gautbler J. Walsb D. Sbattnck Robert Wilson Bobby y. Carter David J. Flynn J. Rose C. Cummlngs A. Samawl ! J. Saunders Ian C. Robertson Roy L. Frank Emil H. Kjono Jobn B. Gardner, Jr. Onofre F. Rando .Tose R. Rodriguez Haralambos C. Menlcou i C. Hemandes IS. Hommen D. Mangual Harry Early R. Soutb P. McDanlel IE. Santana Sbip Hercules Victory Hercules Victory Penn Carrier Transwestern Transwestern Transwestern Valiant Hope Valiant Hope Niagara Seatrain New York Seatrain New York Kent Kent Midlake Midlake Coe Victory Alcoa Master Alcoa Master Rambam Rambam Rambam Rambam Western Hunter Seatrain San Juan Albion Victory Norberto Capay Norberto Capay Claim Disputed Overtime Disputed Overtime Disputed Overtime Disputed Overtime Disputed Overtime Disputed Overtime Transportation Transportation Lodging Disputed Lodging Disputed Lodging Lodging Lodging Standby Wages Standby Wages Wages Transportation Transportation Retroactive Wages Retroactive Wages Retroactive Wages Retroactive Wages Unclaimed Wages Unclaimed Wages One Day's Wages Refund Refund Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous • -ii; 1'^. Thomas Skyles, bom March 5, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Her­ bert L. Skyles, Staten Island, N.Y. Gabriel Diaz, bom July 19, 1967, to Seafarer and Mrs. Felix M. Diaz, Bronx, N.Y. — Freldelvyn Allen, born Decem­ ber 1, 1967, to Seafarer and Mrs. Alfred Allen, Seattle, Washington. David Perez, born March 6, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Jose D. Perez, New York, N.Y. James Swider, bom February 14, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. James Swider, New Orleans, La. Norris Eugene Bazor, bom March 8, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Norris E. Bazor, Mobile, Ala. David Matthew Carpenter, bora January 29, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. David Carpenter, Morgan City, La. Nikolas Demetrious PItsas, bom Febmary 6, 1968, to Seafar­ er and Mrs. Jimmy Pitsas, Ham­ mond, Ind. Susie Ann McGowan, born January 24, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. Blanton L. McGowan, Kos­ ciusko, Miss. <|> Tbomas Douglas Hutchinson, born February 5, 1968, to Sea­ farer and Mrs. Ralph D. Hutch­ inson, Jacksonville, Fla. <1> Claude Wayne, born January 11, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. James D. Blackwell, MacClenn, Fla. ^ Anna Catherine Sullivan, born February 9, 1968, to Seafarer and Mrs. James Sullivan, South Toms River, N.J., Leedra Denlse Fleming, bom August 13, 1967, to Seafarer and Mrs. Audrey C. Fleming, New York, N.Y. �April 26, 1968 SEAFARERS FINAL DEPARTURES Stanley Prince, 22: Brother Prince died an accidental dea'h on January 13, while sailing on the Antinous. A member of the deck department, he joined the Un­ ion in the port of Baltimore. Broth­ er Prince was bom in Ports­ mouth, Va., and made his home in Chesapeake, Va. He had previ­ ously sailed on the Alcoa Mariner and the Brenville Victory. Surviv­ ing is his fa'her, Charles Prince, of Chesapeake. \I> Leonard Wojt, 56: Broncho­ pneumonia claimed the life of Brother Wojt on January 27, in the USPHS Hospital, Detroit. He sailed on the Great Lakes and joined the Union in De­ troit. A native of Alpena, Mich., he lived in that city. Brother Wojt held the ratini of porter and was last employed by the Huron Cement Company. Surviving is his wife. Marie. Burial services were held in Holy Cross Cemetery, Alpena. ^ Henry Williams, 71: Heart di­ sease claimed the life of Brother Williams on March 6 at the City Hospital, Newark, N. J. He was a member of the steward de­ partment and sailed as cook, baker and stew­ ard. Brother Wil­ liams joined the Union in the port of Boston in 1938. Born in Savannah, Ga., he lived in New­ ark. His last vessel was the Ines. At the time of death, he was on an SIU pension. Surviving is his wife, Pearl Williams, of Newark. Burial was in Newark. John Boyle, 51: Brother Boyle died on March 2 in Escanaba, Mich. He sailed as a wheelsman and joined the SIU-Great Lakes Division in the port of Alpena. He was born in Escanaba and re­ sided in that city. Brother Boyle was employed by the Reiss Steamship Company. Surviving is his wife, Mary, of Detroit. The burial was held in Holy Cross Cemetery, Escanaba. John Cummins, 68: Heart di­ sease claimed the life of Brother Cummins on Feb­ ruary 2 at his home in San Francisco. He was born in Oklahoma and joined the union in the port of Boston in 1944. A member of the engine depart­ ment, he sailed as oiler. His last ship was the Long Lines. Brother Cummins was in the Army from 1917 to 1925. At the time of death, he was on an SIU pension. Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Mil­ dred Terry, of San Bernardino, Calif. Burial services were held in Olivet Memorial Park, Colma, Calif. <t> Thomas Aydlett, 65: Brother Aydlett died on March 5, in Cherry Hill Hos­ pital, Cherry Hill Township, N. J. He was a member of the IBU and joined the Union in Philadelphia. A native of North Carolina, he lived in Camden, N. J. He sailed in the deck department and held a tug Captain's rating. Brother Aydlett was last employed by the Taylor and Anderson Com­ pany and was on an SIU pension at the time of death. He is sur­ vived by his wife, Mary. Burial was in Bethel Memorial Park, Pennsauken, N. J. ^ Charles Phelns, 60: A heart ailment claimed the life of Brother Phelps, March 9, in Chesapeake, Va. He shipped in the engine de­ partment and joined the Union in Norfolk. Dur­ ing World War II, he served in the Army. Born in Norfolk, he lived in Chesa­ peake. Brother Phelps last sailed on the Yaka. The funeral was held in the Riverside Memorial Park. Norfolk. — — Harold Sweet, 55: Brother Sweet died on March 8 in San . Francisco. He was bom in Vir^ ginia and made his home in San Francisco. A member of the deck department, he sailed as AB. Brother Sweet joined the Union in the port of Houston. His last ship was the Seatrain Maine. The body was returned to Richmond, Virginia for Burial. Lawrence LaPorte, 20: Brother LaPorte died on March 5, in Providence Hos­ pital, Anchorage, Alaska. He had been a crew mem­ ber on the Transoneida at the time of death. Brother LaPorte also sail­ ed on the Great Lakes. He was a fireman-watertender and joined the STU in Detroit. Bom in St. Clair, Michigan, he lived in Duluth. He had previously sailed on the Transhatteras and for the Gartland Steamship Co. He is survived by his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Charles LaPorte. Burial was in St. Clarr. Page TTiirteen LOG Seafarer Devises Unique System To Aid Students of Blinker Code Any Seafarer in the deck department who wants to study for a mate's license knows he will have to leam Morse code and the blinker system for visual code. The blinker system can pose a big prob­ lem since a student will find it almost impossible to find the necessary visual aids aboard the average vessel today. Seafarer Chester Coumas has come up with a system which enables a Seafarer to leam the blinker sys­ tem in his spare time. Coumas, who has always had an interest in electronics, used a standard phonograph record of the Morse code and attached it to a Morse code blinker light, thus en­ abling him to study the correct visual signals as they correspond to the Morse code signals on the records. Brother Coumas explained that it is also possible to use a tape recorder in place of the phono­ graph record. The audio-to-blinker unit is plugged into the earphone jack and the audio signal is recti­ fied by a small rectifier bridge and through a direct current (DC) relay meter. The meter Seafarer Chester Coumas shows his Morse code blinker light that switch connects with a pen-lite attaches to a phonograph record of the Morse code. This enables cell and a I'/i-volt bulb, Coumas seamen to learn the visual code as it corresponds to the audio. It explained. is compact enough to be easily carried by Seafarers aboard ship. The essential parts needed are four N-34-A rectifier bridges and help him or else his equipment Brother Coumas has a theory one Lafayette 99-6199 relay was too heavy to take on a ship. that "it's better not to know too meter. A flashlight with test wires Now he can use standard equip­ much on a subject, because if you may be used for convenience, ment available anywhere. The rec­ do, you are likely to think it Coumas added. The total cost ord or tape, he noted, can be couldn't be done. If you are just would be about 40 cents for each played at different speeds. This a little ignorant, you can go ahead of the rectifier bridges, plus about amounts to conversion of audio and do what's impossible," he said. $3.95 for the relay meter. Assum­ sound to activate the visual blinker A member of the engine depart­ ing the Seafarer has a phonograoh light. ment and a Seafarer since 1952, or tape recorder—and also had Brother Coumas has an unusual Experimented In Electronics boueht the blinker—the total cost and varied background. A vora­ wou'd probably be amund $10. Coumas has experimented with cious reader, and a student of The blinker is portable and small electronics for a long time. "I tried everything, he spent some time at to record conversation on a ship," the Baltimore College of Com­ enoueh to carry in a coat pocket. Any time Coumas asked if his he said, "and found that the fan merce. Since then, he has been a method was possible, he used to motors would drown out the voice blackjack dealer and roulette be told: "if it could be done, it frequency. So, I bought a handful wheelman in New Orleans, and would have been done," he ex­ of earphones and miniature mikes. once was a beautician whose plained to the LOG. Although I found that an earphone of one clients included two countesses and long interested in advanced elec­ million ohms gave perfect results a princess. tronics. Brother Coumas said that and cut out most of the motor In October of 1965. Coumas his system is easy enough for a noise. I was told later by a be­ was the subject of a LOG story wildered radio technician that it which explained his theory on child to operate. "Formerly," Coumas said, "a couldn't possibly have worked . .. "sleep learning." This also em­ Seafarer either needed someone to but it did." ployed his self-taught knowledge of electronics. Stating that "all you need is a repeating tape recorder, an ear plug, a good memory and a talent for shuteye," he said that all you need do is select the tape, plug in the earohone device, close your eyes and then sleep and leam at the same time. The start of Brother Coumas maritime career besan about the Thomas W. King Frank LaRosa time his gambling job ended. He Your brother Herbert King is John Der would like you to recalls that the Louisiana State anxious to hear from you. Please write to him at 2420 First Avenue, Police closed the gambling house contact him at 639 Kinq Avenue, Seattle, Wash. 98121, Box H. he was working in and "right after Barboursville, W.Va. 25504. that I started shipping out." He described saiiinq as "a tremendous fueling of freedom and mobility. Oliver A. Hess It keeps the foot loose and the Charles Heard Please contact Marvin G. mind sharp." Please contact your wife, Caro­ Two examples can be cited to Byerly at 806 Americana Build­ line, at 52 Berkshire Lane, Wiling, Houston, Texas 77002, at lingboro. N. J. 08046, as soon as show that Coumas' mind is, in­ deed. sharp. Once in Brazii, he your earliest convenience. you possibly can. recorded the Portuguese language and then "analyzed it." ^ An article that appeared in the Ralph Hernandez Melvin (Dutch) Keeffer LOG in September, 1966, in­ Your friend Emil Gretsky cluded his theories on the mer­ Please contact Gloria Tirado at would like to get in touch with maid in the Port O'Call bar at 229 Union St.. Brooklyn, or phone you. Write him c/o Victory Car­ the New York SIU headauarters. her at 625-6311. riers. Inc., 647 Fifth Avenue, New The mermaid, he thought, could have been a copy of the statue York, N. Y. 10022. that the Etruscans put UP on their ships. He also brought forth the theory that she had a Nordic cast Kenneth Fike about her. Perhans she was Frieda, Jim Potts would like you to get the Germanic Goddess of Peace. Brother Coumas is a native of in touch with him at 125 Main St., Brookville, Pa. 15825, as soon ^^anteka, Calif., and joined the as you possibly can. Union in New Orleans. \1> 4^ 4/ the �Page Fourteen April 26, 1968 SEAFARERS LOG * GLOBE EXPLORER (Maritime OvcrBca.s). March 10—Chairman, C. S. Jacks; Secretary, L. A. Bthm. Two mesamen walked off ship In Houston. All papers turned in to patrrlmar In Houston. Vote of thanks was extended to the steward department for a job well done. I iS FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safesruardinK the membership's money and Union finances. The constitution requires a detailed CPA audit every three months by a rank and file auditing committee elected by the membership. All Union records are available at SIU headquarters in Brooklyn. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf. Lakes and Inland Waters District are adOMnistered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. Your shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by the contracts between the Union and the shipowners. Get to know your shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all Union halls. If you feel there has been any violation of your shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the Union and the shipowners, notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Earl Shepard, Chairman, Seafarers Appeals Board 17 Battery Place, Suite 1930, New York 4, N. Y. Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to you at all times, either by writing directly to the Union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which you work and live aboard ship. Know your contract rights, as well as your obligations, such as filing for OT on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, any SIU patrolman or other Union oflScial, in your opinion, fails to protect your contract rights prop­ erly, contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY—SEAFARERS LOG. The LOG has traditionally refrained from publishing any article serving the political puriKMes of any individual in the Union, officer or noember. It has also refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the Union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September, 1960, meetings in all constitu­ tional ports. The responsibility for LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the Executive Board of the Union. The Executive Board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity fn the SIU" unless an official Union receipt is given for same. Undw no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he Is iriven such receipt- In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and Is given an official receipt, but feels that he should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. The SIU publishes every six months in the SEAFARERS LOG a verbatim copy of its constitution. In addition, copies are available in all Union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time you feel any member or officer is attempting to deprive you of any constitutional right or obli­ gation by any methods such as dealing with charges, trials, etc.. as well as all other details, then the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. RETIRED SEAFARERS. Old-time SIU members drawing disability-pension bene­ fits have always been encouraged to continue their union activities, including attend­ ance at membership meetings. Apd like all other SIU members at these Union meet­ ings, they are encouraged to take an active role in all rank-and-file functions, in­ cluding service on rank-and-file committees. Because these oldtimers cannot take shipboard employment, the membership has reaffirmed the long-standing Union pol­ icy of allowing them to retain their good standing through the waiving of their dues. EQUAL RIGHTS- All Seafarers are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the Union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no Seafarer may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he is denied the equal rights to which he is entitled, he should notify headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATIONS. One of the basic rights of Seafarers is the right to pursue legislative and political objectives which will serve the best interests of themseives, their families and their Union. To achieve these objectives, the Seafarers Political Activity Donation was established. Donations to SPAD are entirely voluntary and constitute the funds through which legislative and political activities are conducted for the benefit of the membership and the Union. If at any time a Seafarer feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he has been denied his constitutional right of access to Union records or in­ formation, he should immediately notify SIU President Paul Hall at headquarters by wtifled mail, return receipt requested. UNFAIR TO LABOR DO NOT BUY SIU-AGLIWD Meetings New Orleans May 14—2:30 p.m. Mobile ... .May 15—^2:30 p.m. Wilmington May 20—2:00 p.m. San Francisco May 22—^2:00 p.m. Seattle May 24—2:00 p.m. New York .May 6—2:30 p.m. Piuladelplua May 7—^2:30 p.m. Baltimore . .May 8—^2:30 p.m. Detroit ... .May 10—2:30 p.m. Houston ... May 13—^2:30 p.m. United Industrial Workers New Orleans May 14—7:00 p.m. Mobile ... .May 15—7:00 p.m. New York .May 6—7:00 p.m. Pbiladelphia May 7—^7:00 p.m. Baltimore .. May 8—^7:00 p.m. tHonston . .May 13—^7:00 p.m. J ' Great Lakes SIU Meetings Detroit May 6—^2:00 p.m. Alpena ... .May 6—^7:00 p.m. Bnifalo .... May 6—^7:00 p.m. Cbicago .. . May 6—^7:00 p.m. Cleveland .. May 6—7:00 p.m. Dulnth May 6—^7:00 p.m. Frankfort . .May 6—^7:00 p.m. Great Lakes Tng and Dredge Region Chicago .. .May 14—^7:30 tSanlt St. Marie May 16—^7:30 Buffalo ... .May 15—^7:30 Duluth May 17—^7:30 Cleveland . .May 17—^7:30 Toledo May 17—^7:30 Detroit May 13—7:30 IVfilwaukee .May 13—7:30 p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. p.m. SIU Inland Boatmen'Ss Union New Orleans May 14—5:00 p.m. Mobile ... .May 15—5:00 p.m. Phlladelpliia May 7—5:00 p.m. BaltinNM-e (licensed and nanlicensed .May 8—^5:00 p.m. Norfolk .. .May 16—5:00 p.m. Houston ... May 13—5:00 p.m. Railway Marine Region Philadelphia May 14—^10 a.m. & 8 p.m. Baltimore May 15—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. *Noifolk May 16—10 a.m. & 8 p.m. JnrseyCity May 13—^10 a.m. & 8 p.m. SIU Afiantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters Seafarers and their families are urged to support a consumer boy­ cott by trade unionists against various companies whose products are produced under non-union conditions, or which are "unfair to labor." (This listing carries the name of the AFL-CIO unions in­ volved, and will be amended from time to time.) Inland Boatmen's Union United Industrial Workers PRESIDENT Paul Hall EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT '' Cal Tanner ' i VICE PRESIDENTS Earl Shepard Lindsay Williams Robert MaHhews SECRETARY-TREASURER Al Kerr HEADQUARTERS 475 4th Ave., Iklyn. HY ?-4400 ALPENA, Mich BALTIMORE, Md 177 River St. EL 4-3414 1214 E. Baltimore St. EA 7-4900 BOSTON, Mass 177 State St. Rl 2-0140 BUFFALO. N.Y 735 Washington St. SIU TL 3-9259 IBU TL 3-9259 CHICAGO. Ill 93B3 Ewing Ave. SIU SA 1-0733 IBU ES 5-9S70 CLEVELAND. Ohio 1420 W. 25th St. MA I-54S0 DETROIT. Mich 10225 W. Jefferson Ave. DULUTH. Minn 312 W. 2nd St. RA 2-4110 FRANKFORT, Mich HOUSTON, Tex JACKSONVILLE. Fla JERSEY CITY, N.J MOBILE, Ala NEW ORLEANS. La VI 3-4741 Kingsport Press "World Book," "Childcraft" (Printing Pressmen) (Typographers, Bookbinders) (Machinists, Stereotypers) Genesco Shoe Mfg. Co. Work Shoes . . . Sentry, Cedar Chest, Statler Men's Shoes . . . Jarman, Johnson & Murphy, Crestworth, (Boot and Shoe Workers' Union) 5B04 Canal St. WA B-3207 2400 Pearl St. EL 3-0907 99 Montgomery St. HE 5-9424 I South Lawrence St. HE 2-1754 .430 Jackson Ave. CITIES SERVICE NORFOLK (Cities Service), April 13—Chairman, William Morris; Secretary, William A. Rvan. Some disputed OT in deck and engine departments. Vote of thanks was ex­ tended to the steward department for • job well done. CANTON VICTORY (Columbia). March 24—Chairman. None: Secretary. Jesse J. Greer, Jr. Brother Arthur E. Hinz was elected to serve as ship's dele­ gate. No beefs were reported by depart­ ment delegates. Boren Clay Products Co. (United Brick and Clay Workers) "HIS" brand men's clothes Kaynee Boyswear, Judy Bond Mouses, Hanes Knitwear, Randa HCS, Boss Gloves, Richman 115 3rd St. TRANSPACIFIC (Hudson Water­ ways), April 11—Chairman. Robert L. Davis; Secretary, Mike Yuhas. No beefs were reported by department delegates. Motion was made to have messhalls and recreation room air conditioned. Crew request that an ice machine be put aboard ship. TRANSNORTHERN (Hudson Water­ ways), March 2—Chairman. Horace Mobley; Secretary, S. A. Soloman, Sr. $77.10 in ship's fund. A few minor beefs to be taken up with boarding patrolman. The crew feels that there should be a security watch for the safety of the crew and the ship, in the war zone. ST. LOUIS. Mo 805 Del Mar CE 1-1434 TAMPA. Fla 312 Harrison St. Tel. 229-2788 WILMINGTON. Calif. .. 505 N. Marine Ave. 834-2528 YOKOHAMA. Japan. .Iseya BIdg.. Room SOI 1-2 Kaigan-Dori-Nakaku 2014971 Ext. 281 • >•: Baltimore Luggage Co. Lady Baltimore, Amelia Earhart Stariite luggage Starflite luggage (International Leather Goods, Plastics and Novelty Workers Union) 'Al White Furniture Co. (United Furniture Workers of America) Gypsum Waliboard, American Gypsum Co. * (United Cement Lime and Gypsum Workers International) R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. Camels, Winston, Tempo, Brandon, Cavalier and Salem cigarettes (Tobacco Workers International Union) Comet Rice Mills Co. products (International Union of United Brewery, Flour, Cereal, Soft Drinks and Distillery Workers) AI. Pioneer Flour Mill (United Brewery, Flour, Cereal, Soft Drink and Distillery Workers Local 110, San Antonio, Texas At. Giumarra Grapes (United Farm Workers) PHILADELPHIA. Pa Jamestown Sterling Corp. (United-Furniture Workers) 'A '•'J ••J Brothers and Sewell Suits, Wing Shirts (Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America) BYRD (Delaware Marine), March 26 —Chairman, Bill Rudd; Secretary, Jack Giller. Brother Bill Rudd was elected to serve as ship's delegate. $30.60 in ship's fund. Some disputed OT in deck and steward department. Discussion about bad quality of food. Motion was made that a crewmember should be able to pay off after six months, at company's ex­ pense, when on a Persian Gulf run. Motion made that all ships on Persian Gulf run be air conditioned. YAKA (Waterman). March 23—Chair­ man. Velazquez; Secretary, F. John VanLooy. Brother A. F. Adams was re­ elected to serve as ship's delegate. No beefs were reported by department dele­ gates. BEATRICE VICTORY (Victory Carriers), March 10—Chairman, C. Webb; Secretary, R. Gonzales. Ship's delegate reported that all is OK with no beefs and no disputed OT. Repair list was given to patrolman. Brother C. Dickey was elected to serve as new, ship's delegate. DEL SANTOS (Delta), March 2— Chairman, Louis Galuska; Secretary, Alton Booth. Brother Dominick DiMaio was elected to serve as new ship's dele­ gate. There were no beefs or disputed OT reported. Motion was made that the negotiating committee bring up the sub­ ject of allowing men to smoke on the bridge while on the wheel, at sea, with the companies. OCEAN ANNA (Maritime Overseas), April 6—Chairman, Mack Chapman, Jr.; Secretary, Pete Triantafilles. Ship's dele­ gate, Brother Hack Chapman reported that everything is running smoothly. All repairs are being worked on. Some dis­ puted OT in engine department to be taken up with boarding patrolman at payoff. Matter of stale cigarettes aboard will be taken up with patrolman. Tel. 422-IB92 2404 S. 4th St. DE 4-3SIB PORT ARTHUR. Tex 1340 Seventh St. SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., 350 Freemont St. DO 2-4401 SANTURCE. P.R 1313 Fernandex Juncos Stop 20 Tel. 724-2048 SEATTLE. Wash 2505 First Avenue MA 3-4334 - .V *.•( At. P.O. Box 207 415 Main St. EL 7-2441 Tel. 529-7544 NORFOLK. Va Stltzel-Weller DistlUeries "Old Fitzgerald," "Old Elk" ^'Cahin Still," Wv X. Welter, Bourbon whiskeys (Distillery Workers) LONG LINES (Isthmian), March 22— Chairman, W. Cameron; Secretary, K. Lee. Ship's delegate reported that there were no beefs. It was requested that clarification of the shipping rules be sent from headquarters regarding job status of engine utilitymen. Peavy Paper Mill Products (United Papermakers and Paperworkers Union) A1> M-gic Chef Pan Pacific Division (Stove, Furnace and Allied Appliance Workers International Union) STEEL VENDOR (Isthmian), March 28—Chairman, Fred Shaia; Secretary, John E. Sanders. Brother John J. Morri­ son was elected to serve as ship's ^le­ gate. $29.10 in ship's fund. Few hours disputed OT in engine department. Mo­ tion was made to have all draws in American money instead of travellers checks. It was suggested that the LOG print zip code numbers and area code numbers of all SIU halls. COLUMBIA TRADER (Columbia). March 24—Chairman, Danny Franer j Secretary, John Kachur. Ship's delegate reported that there are no beefs and all is running smoothly. Brother J. M. Foster was elected to serve as ship's delegate. -y « •J •J 1 "• 4 �April 26, 1968 CIENTISTS ARE Forever speculating on the strange creatures that might have evolved on S other planets in distant, unknown galaxies. Sciencej :.i ft ' .. r hction tales of "Martians," "Venusians" and the like have thriUed the imagination of almost everyone for many decades. The fact is, however, that the strangest and most bizarre creatures imaginable actually are now alive on our own planet and flourish perhaps by the thou­ sands. Some have bulbous eyes that swivel on the end of tentacles. Some flash sigrals to members of their own species by making their bodies glow. Others indiscriminately eat mud in the hope of finding a bit of digestible material. And some shoot out actual sprays of bright light to blind their would-be at­ tackers. All live in the sUent, dark world near the bottom of the sea. From Famine to Gluttony Though the world's vast seas are a storehouse for the greatest potential source of food on Earth for humans and animals, meals for the native inhabitants of the seas are often few and far betwerau Death by starvation is common. To keep the waters flourish­ ing with life, evolution has created some very odd ways to fill the bellies of these denizens of the deq> —^full of. other creatures who have managed to keep their own bellies full, that is. • is, for example, one deep-sea fish that swims casually along, is weak and puny, and is neglected by larger fish it might encounter. Then, in (he space, of one swift gulp, this little fellow suddenly goMles up an unsuspecting passerby that might be as much as three times as large as he. Before he can make a move, the captive finds himself inescapably trapped in the stretched belly of the swallower. His captor's inwardly-curved, dagger-like teeth, discourage with razor-sharpness any attempt at.making a quick exit. There is only one place for him to stay; In. Aptly enough, the gluttonous little marauder has earned the title The Great Swallower. He grows from two inches to five feet long, and, observers can truly say, really knows how to pack it in. TTiere are few tricks unknown to the Dragon Fish. Hunger shows in its ugly face. It has a mouth hinged in such a way that the lower jaw can be viciously thrust forward—slicing into the prey with extremely long, sharp teeth—and which can then yank the prey into a cavernous mouth, all in one snapping action. While this fish can pull in prey larger than itself, its stomach has not got the capacity of the Great Swallower—but there is no reason it must finish dinner in one sitting. The Dragon Fish h&s one particularly unique advantage in tracking down a meal. A long, luminous barbel, something like an antennae, which grows from its chin, both attracts and detects other fish. In one species of Dragon Fish, this whip-like projec­ tion grows to six times the length of the fish itself. A Telescopic Moufli There is another fish, known as Stylephofous, who really seems to get a kick out of his meal. Silvery and ribbon-like, he swims vertically and appears harmless enough. But as soon as a tidbit floats within reach, Stylephorous telescopes his mouth forward as though it were leaving his head and, engulfing the prey, closes the mouth and retracts it. During this sneak attack, his face becomes grotesquely distorted .in an almost comical expiression. As his mouth ex­ tends, his two large telescopic eyes roll back until fiiey peer istraight up—like a pair of binoculars—^ searching for any leftover scraps. It seems as though each dinner throws him into an ecstasy of physical pleasure. If vacuum-cleaner coriipanies had ever studied a ^leaturc; of the sea-bed known as the Urechis Worm, ^ the broom might never had b(^n invented. This % Page Fifteen SEAFARERS LOG creature eats by vacuuming its food in, and does a good job of it, too. First the worm burrows a U-shaped tunnel in the silt, indiscriminately swallowing the mud and digest­ ing any nutritious material it might contain. While digging, Urechis secretes a thick sticky fluid in one end of the "U," against the funnel-shaped wall. Then, as though putting a napkin to his chin in anticipation of a hearty lunch, he sticks his head—or the end with the mouth—through the narrow part of the funnel. As the pangs of hunger approach, he begins pumping away, sucking water through the length of his body, so that food particles are pulled into the funnel ancf trapped in the fluid. When the funnel becomes clogged with good things to eat, Urechis slips off his "collar" and diligently eats his way out. Some Completely Blind In the deepest regions of the sea, where sunlight cannot penetrate, eyesight often is useless. Here, over the millions of years of evolution, certain species of sea creatures have become totally blind and, ^ in the case of the Brotulids, eyeless. This particular type of fish is normally found at least 14,000 feet down, roaming the blackness. The . only hint that their ancestors ever had eyes are "de­ generate organs beneath the skin where eyes would ordinarily be. But this poses no obstacle to their finding a decent meal. The Brotulid Typhlonous— which lives 17,700 feet down in the Celebes Sea— keeps alive by shoveling up the dirt with its flat lower lip and sifting out whatever food it can find. Ironically, scientists suggest that such blind crea­ tures might be even more advanced along the evo­ lutionary scale than some of their sighted counter­ parts, because they have adjusted to more specialized needs. Another blind fish, the Benthosaurus, lives at the 11,000-foot level and gropes for food with lengthy feelers Which extend from its fins. As efficient as evolution has been in the design of these creatures, it topped its own accomplishments in creating a fish that actually fiishes—the Angler Fish. There are many types of Angler Fish, but generally they have what looks like a rod and line extending from a spine of their dorsal fin which dangles what looks like a tempting piece of bait in front of their hungrily gaping mouths. In some Anglers, this lure actually hangs from the roof of the mouth. When some curious fish comes swimming along to investi­ gate and' take a nibble, it very quickly finds that it, itself, has been nibbled. To make dining even easier for the sluggish Anglers, their "bait" glows in the darkness and'provides an intriguing attraction for sea creatures ac­ customed to looking at nothing in particular. Living pghtbulbs While various sea inhabitants living in the darkest depths have lost their eyesight or have grown highly sensitive to the faintest light, others—^in addition to the Angler—have developed the ability to create their own lights. And some have become amazingly so­ phisticated in using it. When it senses danger, the prawn Acanthephydra ejects luminous matter from a pore under each eye and completely hides itself in a glowing cloud. The squid Heteroteuthis squirts out a fiery fluid instead of the usual inky material that its near-surface dwell­ ing relatives use to obscure the view of their attackers. In the darker regions, Heteroteuthis temporarily blinds his attacker instead, but the effect is the same: a chance to escape. Some fish and crustaceans go far beyond this basic use of light. Turning their light on and off is simply not enough for them. Instead, these more advanced creatures have developed highly specialized organs that not only produce light but also have reflectors for concentrating it, lenses for pinpointing it, ad­ justable diaphragms for varying its intensity, and color filters. With all this eqfluipment, they flash-mes­ sages to one another, perhaps identifying themselves as "friend" or "enemy" depending upon their signals. Then there are several deepsea creatures who do not produce light, but, rather, have grown eyes that can search the darkness by maneuvering eerily on the end of tentacle-like stalks while the creature itself lies still and relaxes. The larval stage of Idiacanthus Fasciola is an excellent example of this. It has" a body only half an inch long and as thick as a pin, but mth eyes swivelling on stalks as much as half the creature's full length. During this stage of early de­ velopment, it must be some surprise when one eye peeks around and suddenly discovers its countApart looking right back at it: "eyeball to eyrfjall." Last but not least, what deep-sea home would be complete without some fish-like version of family life? Occasionally, however, this seems to get out of hand—^as in the case of the Anglers. When they mate, they literally join together, with the male becoming a bodily extension of the female. In the darkness, once the male Angler finds his ugly bride-to-be, he bites into her with his lure which has turned into a sort of tooth. He then hangs cm until his jaw and tongue gradually fuse to the female's tissues, so that the two fishes' bloodstreams become united. In time, all but the male's reproductive organs degenerate. Thus, for the rest of their lives, the two fish are one—^he fertilizing her eggs, and she keeping him alive. It's almost as though they follow the old Rcxlgers and Hammerstein song to the letter: "Once ycm have found her, never let her go." Seventy-one percent of this planet's surface is shrouded in mystery. The speculations about life on other planets may stagger the imagination, but the bizarre denizens of the Earth's seas provide ample room for astonishment and a virtually unlimited field for future research and discovery, j • Among the mysterious strangers who inhabit the sea is this ugly Angler with built-in fishing rod that ^ catches other fish for its dinner. - . - �SEAFARERS*I.OG OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION • ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT > AFL-CIO ^,l J i' < I*. * ( Perhaps more than ever before in our history it is vital to the cause of organized labor and of the entire nation that not only Seafarers, but their families and the families of all other trade unionists, register to vote in this crucial election year and follow up by going to the polls and mak­ ing every ballot count in the general election on November 5. Ultra-Conservative forces are out in full force to block progressive legislation through any means at their disposal and will stop at nothing to keep liberal candidates sympa­ thetic to labor out of office. AFL-CIO President George Meany has warned all union members that only through their votes can the great strides made toward complete social and economic justice for all Americans be preserved and expanded. "What Congress doe%" the federation president emphasized, "is determined not by lobbyists or by official spokesmen, but by constitu­ ents who make their voices heard." Among top issues for which pending progressive legisla­ tion must be passed, either by the 90th Congress or the next Congress to be elected next November, Meany cited the fob lowing: • • • • Aid to the hard-core unemployed Implementation of a model cities plan Collective bargaining rights for farm workers Restoration of on-site picketing rights to construction workers • Massive urban redevelopntent • Increased educational opportunities • Improved child health programs • Repeal of Section 14(b) Only the election and support of liberal candidates will make it possible to translate these prime goals into law. Primary registration and elections are currently under way in various parts of the country. States with primary registration deadlines coming up in May are listed below: Illinois —May 13 Mississippi —May 4 Nebraska —May 3 South Carolina—May 11 South Dakota —May 15 Actual primary voting dates in various states during the month of May are as follows: Alabama —May 7 Florida -May 7 Indiana -May 7 Kentucky —May 28 Nebraska -May 14 North Carolina—May 4 Ohio -May 7 Oregon —May 28 Texas —May 4 West Virginia —May 14 '•fl " f. I "ii A r YOU CANNOT VOTE UNLESS YOU ARE REGISTERED! fi .. ' w I � 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 1960-1969 Description An account of the resource Volumes XXII-XXXI 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 26, 1968 Description An account of the resource Headlines: PRESIDENT SIGNS CIVIL RIGHTS BILL HOUSE UPS MARITIME BY $122 MILLION LOUISIANA AFL-CIO HEARS HUMPHREY PLEDGE TO CONTINUE SOCIAL PROGRESS GARBAGE WORKERS WIN KEY DEMANDS FOLLOWING 65 DAY MEMPHIS STRIKE CONGRESSMAN URGES GOVT INCREASE US FLEET’S SHARE OF AID TONNAGE SERIES OF SIX GULF AREA COLLISIONS CAUSE DEATH OF 13; INJURIES TO 51 BEAVER VICTORY PAYS OFF IN BROOKLYN SEAFARER AWARDED POLICE CITATION FOR ASSISTING OFFICER IN ARREST SEAFARER DEVISES UNIQUE SYSTEM TO AID STUDENTS OF BLINKER CODE CREATURE OF THE DEEP 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 04/26/1968 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. XXX, No. 9 1968 Periodicals Seafarers Log