http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d177df99b3719354dcfd8cd307ec750c.PDF cbb2ddd2a71539d370a58c599e982aaa PDF Text Text ' •' # ' Seafarers Certified As Bargaining Agent For Cuba Distiiiing Official Organ, Atlantic & Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of NA VOL. X NEW YORK. N. Y., FRIDAY. AUGUST 6. 1948 Waterman Sabotages Unemployed fnsarame By JOE VOLPIAN Special Services Representative What seamen on the bea^ can expect in the way of unemploy­ ment insurance these days can be learned from the headlines in the commercial press. "New York State Unemployment Insur^ ance Lays Off 700," one says, "Unemployment Insurance Tax Cut From Three Percent To Two," blares another. "East Coast and Up-River Steamship Company Makes 100 Million," re­ veals a third. for aU claims. "Refused RreEmployment," it reads. It is obvious that Waterman is trying to squeeze Unemploy­ ment Insurance to dealh. SIU Agents up and down the coast and the Headquarters Spe­ cial Services Department are be­ ing deluged with appeals for help from seamen who have sailed for Waterman, and who have been refused Unemployment Insur­ ance. The situation is the same in all ports'. Investigation usually reveals that the claim is just. In addition, newspapers de­ light in printing stories about the negligble few who collect un­ employment benefits under false pretenses. For some reason, news editoi-s prefer the story of an occasional pimk who beats the state for a winter in Miami Beach to the story of the real need for unemployment insur­ ance for seamen and workers in other fields. FACTS IGNORED Waterman does not recognize the fight of seamen to quit their ship after completing a voyage and to retain their rights under the law, despite the fact that at the completion of a ship's articles every man is paid off by the Shipping Commissioner. But, most fiagrant of all, Waterman does not admit that sometimes a man is laid off be­ cause a ship is laid up. In such cases. Waterman says that the men quit. It seems that Waterman does not even check the records on these claims. The office just uses the rubber stamp. The re­ sult is that even if a man eventu­ ally gets his money (which in most cases he does not) the pur­ pose of Unemployment Insurance is defeated. The man has to hang around broke when he needs the money. No. 32 WSA Money Due A considerable sum repre­ senting money due seamen who sailed WSA-chartered ships is now being held by the WSA. This money was originally held by the com­ panies but for accounting reasons was turned back to the government agency. Men who have money due them as a result of sailing on WSA ships should write to; District Auditor. Mari­ time Commission. 45 Broad­ way. New York. N.Y. It is essential that claim­ ants list: (1) The name of the ship on which the money was earned; (2) Name of the company which operated the vessel; (3) Ap­ proximate dates of periods spent on ship, and (4) Social Security number. And sign your name, of course. The Seafarers International ated had lapsed. Nothing daunt­ Union was certified this week ed, the Union reorganized the as the bargaining agent for un­ company. licensed crewmen on ships be­ Early in the spring, the Union longing to the Cuba Distilling petitioned the NLRB for an elec­ Company. tion on the ships. The Carra­ The certification order, dated bulle was voted in New Orleans August 3, was handed down by on July 12, the Catahoula in the National Labor Relations Deepwater, New Jersey, three Board on the basis of NLRB days later. The NLRB announc­ elections held aboard the SS ed the results shortly after­ Carrabulle and SS Catahoula, wards. the company's two ships. Veteran Seafarers recaU the On receipt of the certification old Catahoula, Carrabulle and order, SIU Headquarters sent a Casimir, the three ships that letter to the company asking were torpedoed. Many seamen that negotiations on a contract homesteaded them for months at commence immediately. a time, for they were good feed­ ers, making short and frequent OLD COMPANY Cuba Distilling, whose two runs. THREE MORE COMING ships are molasses tankers, is an old SIU company, the first con­ The Cuba Distilling tankers tract having been won in 1938. bring molasses from West In­ However, during the war, the dian ports to Baltimore, Deepoutfit's three vessels were torpe­ water and New Orleans, Most of doed, the last one going down the molasses finds its way into in 1943, and the company went various Du Pont plants where it out of business for five years. is made into commercial alcohol. When Cuba Distilling came The Catahoula is now in the back to the sea last winter, with shipyard for repairs, but she two new ships bearing the same will be back out in a few weeks. names as their old ones, com­ In the near future Cuba Distil­ pany officials maintained that ling plans to obtain three more no agreement with the SIU ex­ tankers in a welcome program isted since the last one negoti­ of expansion. SIU Clears Electrician Of Phony Charge Seafarer John L. White is all immediately, since he could with the recommendation that if smiles these days, and he's mak­ make it by next morning, he the charge wasn't proved at th# ing no secret of the fact that was advised to wait for instruc­ hearing, White's pay as Chief his Union deserves much credit tions in a local seamen's club. Electrician be restored for the for his happiness. Brother White, After waiting about 30 min­ portion of the trip he served as RUBBER STAMP a Chief Electi-ician, was cleared utes, the police came into the Wiper. No newspapers, however, carry last week of a "sabotage" charge club and told him he was under FULLY CLEARED stories of chiseling by industry in­ lodged by against him by the arrest. The Skipper had notified cluding the maritime industry— Chief Engineer and the Skipper the authorities that he was a At the hearing, held the next particularly the Waterman of the Robin Gray. He feels "deserter." He was detained two day, the Coast Guard hearing of­ Steamship Company. Waterman that Union representation bol­ nights and a day in the East ficer ruled that the charge of seems to have a rubber stamp stered his case considerably. London jail, under deplorable "sabotage" was unfounded and The sabotage charge grew out conditions. uncalled for, and never should of a situation in East London, After being reieased he went have been instituted. South Africa, on Juijje 26, when to Durban and boarded the Robin Extremely happy over the turn White missed the Robin Gray as Gray, only to find that he now of events, Brother White was en­ it took off for Durban. After was charged with "sabotage" by thusiastic over the role the Union some complications, caused by the Chief Engineer, and that he played in the case. But he the Skipper's report to local had been demoted to Wiper for couldn't imagine why the Chief police that he was a deserter. the rest of the tinp. Engineer would institute "such ALABAMA'S BITE White caught the ship in Dur­ fantastic charges, nor why the TOLD STORY ban. Skipper would go out on a limb Waterman's attitude is par­ Seafarers should take note of At the ship's payoff in New to back him up. He found, however, that Chief ticularly reprehensible. Seamen the four-year sentence handed Engineer Granger, back by Cap­ York, June 26, White told his "It's a complete surprise to me out in Singapore recently to sailing on Waterman ships are tain Ryan, had logged him for story to the Patrolmen. They ad­ why a Master of a ship would required, under the -law in Walter J. Seiferle, Masters, sabotage and that he had been vised him to payoff under pro­ go overboard in backing a charge Mates, and Pilots member, who Waterman's home state of Ala­ test, and to report the mat­ that couldn't hold water in an demoted to Wiper. was apprehended with a loaded bama, to pay a portion of the ter to the SIU Special Services open hearing," White said. UNION REPRESENTATION pistol in his possession while Alabama Unemployment Insur­ Department. ance Tax, and then are denied Represented by the SIU at suc­ taking it ashore to sell it. . THANKS UNION He appeared at the Union the the benefits, for which they cessive hearings before a Ship­ next day and after repeating his Carrying of armament of any themselves are taxed. But, he added, "to get back to ping Commissioner and a Coast kind off a ship is against the We prefer to believe that the Guard Hearing Officer after the stox-y was promised Union sup­ my original pui-pose in coming international maritime regula­ top officials of Waterman are ship paid off in New York June port. On July ,28 he appeared here. I want to extend to the tions, so if you do so im any not aware of what is "going on 26, White was^ given a clean bill before the Shipping Commis­ A&G District and its representa­ port you will be laying yourself in their own organization, that of health and his Chief Elec­ sioner, accompanied by. New tives my hearty thanks for open to serious trouble. some labor-hating subordinate in trician's pay was restored for York Port' Agent Joe Algina their sincere and successful ef­ and Patrolman Jimrby Purcell. forts in having me cleared of the their employ instigates this the period he sailed as Wiper. APPEAL CASE The Commissioner reviewed false charge. policy of refusing just claims Brother White called at the the case and then turned it over "I'm proud to say I have a In the case of Seiferle, who without investigation. LOG office this week and re­ to the Coast Guard, which has Union that wUl back a man to was arrested and sentenced by a The way things work out now, viewed the incident. Before un­ British court, an appeal has been whatever money is not spent in folding his story, the Chief Elec­ jurisdiction in cases of this kind, the hilt in a legitimate beef." made to both Secretary of State benefits reverts back to the com­ trician said: Marshall, and to the Governor of pany. "The reason I'm giving you Louisiana to investigate the fair­ The trend at present is to this story is that I am grateful ness of the verdict, and to ascer­ sabotage social legislation. The for the support the SIU gave me. tain if the four-year sentence is states instead of subsidizing the The Union went all out in get­ Seafarers in New York who wish lo receive a check-up excessive. man in need, give benefits to ting me a square deal. That's for tuberculosis can" do so through the facilities offered by the New York Tuberculosis and Health Association. It is further pointed out that corporations in the form of tax- the reason I'm here." How the fantastic "sabotage" In Manhattan, the clinic nearest . the SIU Hall is the it is unlawful for unlicensed per­ rebates, and direct subsidies. It is therefore clear that we charge came about, and what Washington Chest Clinic at 123 Wooster Street. The examina­ sonal to have weapons in their tion is free, but an appointment is necessary. The telephone possession aboard ship at any cannot blame members who, happened after it. Brother White number is WAtkins 5-7184. time, and further, that in many when shipping picks up, steer related this way: On June 26 he arrived at the Another clinic is the Brooklyn Tuberculosis and Health States, such as New York where clear of Waterman ships. On docks in East London a half hour Waterman vessels, their veal Association Clinic at 293 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn. The the Sullivan Law is in effect, hours are Monday from 12 to 9 PM. No appointment is need­ there are very stiff penalties for wages, are less in the long run, after the Robin Gray had shoved off for Durban. Although he and their protection is nil when ed, and the fee is $1. possession of concealed weapons wanted to take off for Durban they are unemployed. at any time. Carrying Arms Ashore May Lead To Real Trouble Free Check-Up For TB �Page Two m- i: 5S'. f THE SEAFARER^ LOG SEAFARERS LOG Friday. August 6. 19481 ^ IKCE EAfTERPffVSE Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 Caught In The Bight If you're not an eagle you don't have a chance these days. Only a strong, high-flying bird could possibly man­ age to keep ahead of the soaring prices, which are putting practically everything but necessities out of the working man's reach. Even that much taken-for-granted lift that comes with a drag on a cigarette is becoming a luxury among many people. With the rise in tobacco prices last week many folks were adopting a self-imposed ration­ ing system. Prices are rising in a steady spiral that seems to have no end. And nothing the working man needs for his daily well-being is exempt. Like cigarettes, all food items, . clothing, home appliances, rent, entertainment, medical expenses are rising skyward. Periodically, the newspapers report dry figures on the "cost of living jumps"—something we've been painfully experiencing practically every day of the year. The fig­ ures arc issued with the same air of resignation that ac­ company weather reports: "That's the way it is folks—• sorry, but there's nothing we can do about it." Along about this time every year new lists o£ fig­ ures published that don't do any good for the work­ ing man or woman but which send the corporation big­ wigs and dividend-happy stockholders into frenzied glee. They are the semi-annual earning reports of the big Hospital Patients outfits. And they touch off glee because they are harbing­ When entering the hospital ers of better living for those who run U.S. industry. At notify the delegates by post­ the end of the six-month period just reported, profits card. giving your name and were even more exhilerating for them than currenjt prices the number of your ward. are depressing for the worker. Mimeographed postcards can be obtained free at the Of some 300 outfits reporting, more than 70 per­ Social Service desk. cent showed net profit gains—huge ones—over 1947, an­ other good year. Oil company gains were way up. Stand­ Staten Island Hospital ard Oil of New Jersey reported a 210 million dollar profit You. can. contact your Hos- . for the first six-months, 33 percent over last year. Atlan­ pital delegate , at the Staten tic Refining revealed a fantastic profit increase of 143 These are the Union Brothers currently In the marine hospitals, Island: Hospital at the.follow­ percent over last year. as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging ing times; Some companies showed only slight gains in sales but heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by Tuesday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on Sth and 6th floors.) nevertheless were able to show tremendous profits. Willys writing to them. Thursday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (the jeep outfit) had a sales increase of only 29 percent, SAN JUAN HOSPITAL M. C. GADDY (on 3rd and 4th floors.) but managed to eke out a 71 percent profit increase to ANGEL SILVESTRE H. L. SEYMOUR Saturday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. JAMES FARRIOR $2,019,020. Sales of Standard Brands (food manufactur­ RAMON OLIVERAS (on let and 2nd floors.) E. MULHOLLAND . ers) showed just an eight percent rise in sales but prices RAMON SEIJO A. SYLVERA were 31 percent higher—proving folks are spending more ESTIBAN CRUZ EDWIN MAXWELL GEORGE LITCHFIELD to eat less. A. JENSBY FRANK WAGNER tr if iSf J. BOUYEA The story is much the same throughout industry, SAN FRANCISCO HOSPITAL P. E. CUMARE K. C. CROWE H. FERDRICKSSON and the figures made the so-called wage increases of three E. MELIE C. OPPENHEIMER H. MASON ^d four and five percent of the past year look weak and P. J. TRASMIL W. S. PERRY G. L. DUXWORTH D. GELINAS ineffective. And prices are still climbing. The big boys W. HUNT ED MILLER W. WATSON are taking the increase right back—with a vengeance. T. MANDICK XXX J. HODO The laboring man, as usual, was caught in the bight. C. NANGLE SAVANNAH MARINE HOSP. X X' C. W. HALLA And as usual, there is no use in him crying "Uncle!" For B. K. BAUGH SAN PEDRO HOSPITAL P. G. DAUGHERTY TROY THOMAS Uncle - Sam, that is wasn t doing a damned thing L. TICKLE XXX F. W. VANLEW about it. Members of Congress are beating their gums ac­ T. C. KELLY BALTIMORE MARINE HOSP^ A. S. GRIFFIN cording to schedule, despite the fact that one of them— M. BYERS HAROLD HANNAH H. W. BIGHAM XXX Senator McGrath of Rhode Island put it plainly: P. D. FULCHER W. ROBERTS NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL J. McGUIRE . . . the 1948 earnings of workers averaging $52 STELLY C. FORMAN M. T. TARING J. MORTON per week have an actual purchasing power of $2 less than E. LIPARI XXX H. W. SPENCER STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL in 1946, when their average weekly earnings were only R. F. BLACK W.WHITE U. WEEMS J. DENNIS $43. C. MORALEA A. KUBACKI L. C. MASON The working man's only sure means of protecting A. LOOPER J. P. GAVJN R. GIANFAGLIONE himself against this vicious price cycle is his trade union. C. ANDERSON B. L. MODE J. P. SAIDE C. L. KAMER V. TABARRINI No one else appears to give a damn for him or his family. RALPH PIEPHET W. T. ROSS J. McNEELY So as long as prices go up and up, organized labor will V. R. NORTH E. BOROCUSKI L.. ROBERTS J.. be forced to push for more and more increases to enable V. P. SALLINGS L. A. HOLMES T. ZEMBRZUSKI C. GREEN working men and women to maintain a standard of de­ L. J. PATI A. EWING C. R.\ GRIMES cent living. G. J. WANKA D. DeDUISEN W. H. COLBOURNE Uen Now In The Marine Hospitals �Friday, August 6, 1948 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three SlU Policy Proves itself To Be Correct By JOE ALGINA The Editor of the SEAFARERS LOG has invited the Port Agents to submit a series of articles on issues of general and vital interest to the membership. These articles will not take the place of the Agents' weekly surveys on the state of shipping in their ports and other matters but will be something extra. The Editor felt that the Port Agents, because of their position, would be able to comment wisely on many subjects. The second article in this series appears below. It was submitted by Joe Algina, Port Agent in New York. Members are urged to submit their own views on the subjects covered in these articles. Brother Algina is one of the original members of the Union and played a part in all its struggle. Algina sailed during the war. He served as an organizer when the Union began its expansion drive. In 1945 he was elected Deck Patrolman for New York and was re-elected for 1946 and 1947. He assumed the duties of Acting Agent for the port in 1947 and was elected Port Agent in 1948. a deaf ear from the average oldtimer, who has no use for them. It is the newer men whom they prey upon. These newer mem­ bers should take a cue from the oldtimers and treat the politicals for what they are. If anybody has any doubts about the correctness of this posi­ tion in regard to political groups, they need only look at what hap­ pened in the NMU, which was almost wrecked because it be­ came an instrument of politics and forgot it was a trade union. Or look at any other union that has become tied up by politicals. has been able to win clear-cut victory after victory because our membership is luiited in purpose. Seafarers have been a step ahead of the rest of maritime, because they are alert and alive to their own problems and are not con­ fused by outside political issues and beefs. A few weeks ago something happened in the National Mari­ time Union that a few years ago would have made even guys with plenty of waterfront savvy blink their eyes and swear it was dream. The i-esults of the NMU's an­ nual election showed that the It looks like even Joe Curran communists, who up to now can see that the policy followed played a powerful role in that by the SIU is the only true imion, had been defeated for course that a real trade union every single post for which they can follow in order to make conhad a candidate. tinous gains for its members. The That left Joe Curran and the payoff proof lies in the SIU con­ group backing him in complete tracts which the Seafarers has control of the national council, steadily fought for and won. WORST OFFENDERS after a fight which has been Of these groups which confuse War Shipping Administration to the real purpose of a union, the tearing the guts out of the NMU reverse its phony General Order worst offenders are the commu­ for over two years—ever since 53, requiring competency cards Curran and Joe Stack, the CP's nists and their splinter groups. for Stewards Department men. chief waterfront agitator, broke These are the boys who carry over the dead body of the Com­ Several weeks later we won their political fights and differ­ mittee For Maritime Unity. the foreign rider beef, when we ences into the imions. As usual, it was the NMU's bucked the combined strength "Hurray for us and to hell with membership which paid through of the WSA and the shipowners. the union," is their attitude. And the nose while Curran and his And we fought the Coast all the while they have the The pennies, nickels and former allies of the communist Guard throughout while NMU guts to say with a straight faces dimes added to the cost of ne­ party tried to beat each other's official Joe Stack was making that they're good union men. cessities of life have eaten a 28 brains out, using the union ap­ speeches about what a wonderful As a matter of fact, as soon as cent hole in every dollar since paratus for a club. organization the CG was. He they see that the membership the end of price controls, ac­ What's going to happen now, was teUing that to seamen, too. won't let them get to first base, cording to figures released by we don't exactly know at this All these battles which we sucthey get sore and take no interest the Bureau of Labor Statistics. point. Anyway, it's not our cessfuly wa^ed against bureau­ whatever. problem. The thing that is im­ This covers the period becracy benefitted all seamen. JOE ALGINA Some of them even have gone t w e e n June 1946, and June, portant to us of the Seafarers is When these beefs were over, that Curran's success is pri­ the NMU had to save face with so far as to say that the SIU 1948. The dollar, however, has marily due to the fact that he fiuenced by the communist party its membership and it followed shrunk even more than 28 cents, adopted the policy long pursued line, was against any aid to the our lead in getting wage in­ inasmuch as the bureau's figures by the SIU. And unless he had allies. are not up to date, being almost creases, which were granted be­ Curran, of course, worked cause we had won them. The done so, he never could have two months behind. driven the communists from their hand-in-glove with the commies war was over and the NMU's While the 28 plus hole in the and went along on this policy. phony policy showed up in its positions in the NMU. pociket of the American working Curran's adoption of the SIU When Russia was invaded, the true light—a dismal failure inso­ man is bad enough, the cost of policy definitly emphasizes the NMU swerved according to party far as the interest of its njemfood has risen 45 percent, dur­ soundness of our course in stick­ policy and went all-out for the bership was concerned. That ing the same period. It's not ing strictly to our only purpose war. union was nothing but a spring­ only the bookie these days who The NMU leadership forgot all board for as an organization. And that is communist party is saying, "Three will get you to operate as an economic Union about trade union affairs and policy. two." The grocer now gives out of seafaring men, fighting side by practically became a political The moral of this parallel be­ two dollars worth of groceries side to better their wages and group. N?) strikes, no job ac­ tween the maritime unions is for every three bucks. tions. The membership's actions clearly this: that political groups living conditions. is "fascist" because the majority NEW BLOWS Our membership realized early were not judged in light of their have no place as such in the has ruled them out of order. in the game that if the Union effect on the union; they were structure of a trade union. They Some of the new blows to hit One of the reasons these poli­ was allowed to be used in any judged as they affected the com­ merely use the union as the tail the pocketbooks of the nation other way by groups with other munist party line—and Joe Cur­ for their political purposes. The ticals are so harmful to the Un­ last week came with announce­ ions is that they are always us­ goals, we never could have made ran concurred. NMU is learning that this is so. ing every minute they are in the ments that cigarettes would go During this period the NMU our giant strides along the road We Seafarers have no political up 1 cent a pack (2 cents in ma­ to economic betterment for the worked hand-in-hand with gov­ program. We have an economic union to push their pet views. chines "to abosorb the cost of ernment bureaucrats and agon­ program. It is for that reason How can any organization move matches"). membership. Whether Curran and his group ies. Communist party policy that the membership does not ahead under such conditions? International Shoe Company, A prfect example of this sit­ decided consciously or imcon- was NMU policy. permit any group to carry on one of the biggest in the world, Meanwhile the SIU was plying political activity within our or­ uation goes on in ,the Marine raised prices 10 percent, and the sciously that the policy of the Cooks and Stewards. While this its straight, clear course of strict ganization. price of newsprint went up $4 a trade union. policy. We fought Our Union is not a recruitlhg union is i hanging by a string, ton. Publishers are now talking tooth and nail against govern­ ground for guys with a political "Sister" Bryson, head of the of 10 cent daily newspapers. ment encroachment in the mari­ axe to grind. And that is v^y MCS, runs off to make speeches While Congress hemmed and time labor field. The interests we are able to move swiftly and in support of Heni-y Wallace for hawed and Big Business blamed and welfare of our membership surely in pursuing our objective President. the Unions for the high prices, remained the chief objective of —betterment of our economic Sure, he's a good faithful corporations continued to racK our organization. Never was our position. party-liner, but he's a damned up record profits. No nickel and welfare subordinated to the in­ poor union man. In fact, he's POLITICS IS PERSONAL dime stuff here. In their quar­ terests or "line" of any outside an enemy of his own union. He terly reports the facts stood out This does not mean, of course, completely ignores the prob­ group. like red lights! The correctness of this SIU that any man in our organization lems of his union while he goes Studebaker C o r p o r ation re­ policy — and the failure of the cannot have his own personal around preaching his political ported profits of almost $4 mil­ NMU's — was shown when the political beliefs. Political lean­ faith. Thus, the union becomes lion as against almost $2 mil­ the target for attack from the SIU membersliip was the only government cracked down on ings are a man's own business lion for the same quarter last * his personal business, just like shipowners, who see that the or­ smart policy after all is beside seamen at the end of the war. year, a neat 100 percent in­ his religion. A man can indulge The Wage Stabilization Board ganization is weakened as a re­ the point. crease. Gulf Oil reported a profit in political activity on his own— sult. The fact is that after the NMU refused to grant the wage in­ of $77 million as against $42 outside the structure of the was practically torn to bits inter­ creases which we had won in The -same thing happened in million for the same period in Union. He cannot expect to use collective bargaining with the nally and stymied by the opera­ the NMU. If the situation had 1947, an 85 percent increase. tors, externally, Curran appar­ operators. We had no friends in the Uniop to advance his own continued, the organization would General Motors, up 55 percent; ently figured the SIU theory, that the government—we didn't have political beliefs. have been completely wrecked. Continental Oil, up 48 percent; So we have no political recruit­ Curran only saw the light after a maritime union cannot be poli­ to talk it over with anybody but Tidewater Oil, up 100 percent; tical and economic and still do our Brother Union members. We ing in our organization. There the commies had him so trapped Sinclair Oil, up 100 percent; are no groups at work in our that he couldn't move. the membership any good was decided to strike. While Standard Oil, up 81 percent; Ra­ Union who are able to divert the Following the biggest maritime correct. they were making him a hero, dio Corporation, way down the Without going into all the strike in the nation's history, we real aims of the membership. everything was okay. list, showed 21 percent profit In fact, the attitude of Sea­ little winding details, let's just won what we were entitled to. over last year's take of $4 mil­ AT LONG LAST take a look at the NMU policy, The WSB was forced to reverse farers is that ^these groups are lion. Nevertheless after all these more to be pitied than scorned. which almost proved fatal to its ruling. Another sign of the times: years, he and his group have Politicals have learned that they While the NMU was patting that organization just before it This week the Government re­ fell in line with Seafarers policy, the government agencies on the are not wanted. There are many finally i-ealized that the SIU politicals in the NMU who left policy is the only sound effective quested farmers to plant less back, the SIU was fighting in regard to the politics side. In the early part of the war, to break bureaucratic strangle­ the SIU because they could not way to advance the welfare of wheat as the granaries are overfiowing. Prices, however, con­ when Russia and Germany were holds on the American seamen. make any progress in the SIU. the membei'ship. The record shows that the SIU tinue to climb. What few there are around get partners in a pact, the NMU, in- In April 1946 the SIU forced the Prices, Profits Continue Their Upward Trend •if...' �Page Four i tnE SEAFAnERS LOG Friday, August 6, 1948 MoftUe Sliiirpn^ The SRids But Shoregang Work Helps Out By CAL TANNER MOBILE—Shipping during the a piece of cabbage to a man past week hei'e was on the dead who's been on the beach for slow bell, with a- total of 71 while. On the organizing side, things bookmen and 32 pennitmen be­ ing shipped. There were five were fairly quiet this week. We payoffs and three signons for the haven't had anvthing unor­ ganized in quite a while. week. The hospital Patrolman niade • The Alcoa Cavalier, one of the The next regular member­ three ' Alcoa ships running into the rounds again this week, anc ship meetings will be held this port, came in from a 17-day he reports that all Brothers are Wednesday evening. Aug^ 11 By LLOYD (Blackie) GARDNER cruise to the Islands. Two other being well taken care of, with at 7 P. M. in all ports. With Alcoa ships also came in from all men entitled to benefits re­ the exception of New York, PHILADELPHIA — Shipping There were also two Bull Line tlie Island run. They were the ceiving them. all branches hold their meet­ has improved considerably this ships, the SS Elizabeth and Aryln Speaking of hospitals, the Capstan Knot and the Runner. week, which is the kind of news to payoff. These ships laid off many friends of the Mobile ings in their own halls. All three paid off clean. New York meetings are we wish we could report every their crews, and will lie idle un­ The payoff of the William Branch stenographer and secre­ held in Roosevelt Auditor­ time we write in. til the ILA wins its beef in Blunt, another Alcoa scow, was tary, Miss Huggins, will be glad ium, 100 East 17th Street, Puerto Rico. They'll be back We paid off a new SlU tanker held up a few hours because of to know she is recovering from comer of Fourth Avenue. pretty soon. the SS TheCabins; She may a bit of trouble, but everything her recent appendicitis operation. .These sessions are a good We also paid off a number of have a queer twist to her name was finally settled to the satis­ She'll probably be back to work chance for you to hit the SUP ships, with SUP Patrolman but we got everything squarec faction of the crew. Our other by the time you read this. deck and speak your piece. Charlie Jacobs coming up from away without any trouble. payoff was on the Zane Gray, ON THE BEACH Baltimore to give us a hand on Isthmian and, considering her A lot of oldtimers have hit most of them. six-month trip, -she came in the beach here recently. Among faii-ly clean with just a few SHORTAGE them is Jack Self, with a little minor beefs. less ear than he started out with. The net result has been that GOOD CREW Bosun Mel Shipley has gone we have had a shortage of Congratulations are in order and got himself spliced. He was Bosuns, Carpenters and ABs, and By WILLIAM (CmSy^ HENTZ^ for the Grey crew for bringing married here a week ago , . . have had to call other ports for in the ship with so few beefs, Robert (Chewtobacco) Reynolds BALTIMORE—Shipping drop­ bringing trouble to the entire replacements. In part, this sit­ despite the fact that they had was in and got a job on the ped down to nothing again in SIUv uation was caused by the new another sample of the Isthmian the seven days just past, with So you men who turn down rule on ABs, calling for twospecial brand of Skipper and only a handful of vessels paying the Ore jobs ought to do a little thirds of the ABs on each ship to Pursers. off and signing on. thinking about what the conse- hold green tickets. Signons for the week were the This was a blow, for Balti­ iquences might be. We Seafarers Any AB having the necessary William Blunt, whicli headed more had been quite active for Rave a job to do sailing these three years should go up to have back to the Islands, and the a few weeks. Only four paid off ships, and it's oiu- business to his blue ticket changed for a Noonday, Waterman, which while five signed on. As usual, see that every ship we have green one. This is for your signed on for a trip to Japan. when things are bad it was the sails under the SIU banner. benefit as an individual, and it The Zane Grey signed coastwise Ore ships that kept us going. If too many of you men keep will also mean that the Union articles to Tampa, where she will This is another good reason turning down these jobs you never will have any trouble man­ sign foreign for India. for taking the jobs on those Ore will have no right to holler ning its ships. Several vessels were in port, ships. You will recall that last when they come back with We kept pretty busy here all in transit, among them the Del Zane Grey . . . Brother Buford week we entered a personal crews hired from the docks. Re­ week handling beefs on ships in Aires, Mississippi and the Win- (Petrolite) Jones shipped this beef to the effect that when member, if Seafarers don't take transit here. Among these were slow Homer, Waterman. week as QM on the Alcoa Cava­ members turn down jobs on the jobs, the company can get the SS Steel Voyager, Isthmian, Despite the relatively poor lier . . . "T-Bone" Wattler went these ships, they are beating its men somewhere else. and the SS Jean Lafitte, Water­ themselves over the head and If we didn't have many pay­ man. The beefs, however, were shipping in this port last week, along as Carpenter. prospects for the coming week Pete Morriss breezed in from slugging the Union below the offs and signons, we didh't have more or less routine and were many beefs either. It wasn't settled to everyone's satisfaction. look pretty fair. Alcoa has quite the bauxite shuttle run, mumbl­ belt. Well, we wish to repeat a lit­ only because shipping was down a few ships scheduled for pay­ ing something about 'Mongo' and Just for the record, I'd like to offs and signons. Waterman McKenzie. Guess it will be come tle of what we had to say then. report that everything is quiet doesn't have much on tap for time before we can get Pete This is a big issue in this port on the local labor front. m'lUSEE-rfiP I next week, but it is possible it down that way again . . . Brother and it's a big issue • for the FAT«)/.MAAI! ~ WAIT FOR RULES might pull a couple of C-2s out Ding Dong" BeH. dropped by the Union, don't make any mistake The membership here is hopof the shipyards, if cargo can be Hall yesterday and said he would about that. ng that that the Headquarters obtained for them. BLAMES YOU be back shortly. His ship, the Committee on shipping registra­ HELPED OUT Alcoa Pennant, is paying off in You know what will happen tion rules will soon have its A big help again to the mem­ Baton Rouge, La. Aboard with if a few more of those ships sail recommendations on paper, as bership here was some shore- him was Steward Leo Marsh. short. We don't have to tell you. there appeai-s to be a bit of gang work. Some 150 men were Both of them ought to be much And who will be to blame? It's confusion due to the different shipped during the week to part- fat . . . Also on the beach in no secret. You men who have systems in effect in the various time jobs. These shore gang Mobile is Bosun George Bales turned down those ships will ports. jobs sometimes run $30 for a and his running mate. Red lave brought trouble upon yoxir—all of the ships were in good By setting up a uniform system full night's work, and is quite Huwse. selves. What's worse, you will be shape. The little things there of registration, the membership were, we settled easily aboard will simplify matters. A man ship. will only have to acquaint him­ self with one set of rules, and he DON'T ARGUE Which brings to mind anoflier will know, that they will apply TAMPA—Shipping is still fair would ease the situation some­ taking a hell of a long time to point. Don't do any extensive in afty port he may visit. here, although business is slow­ what. finish the job but, then, a good arguing with those Mates and In the sports scene here, all ing down a bit. Bookmen are job is being done and a good job Engineers out at sea. Keep a hands appear to be quite happy. McBURNEY SIGNS ON able to ship out within a few shouldn't be rushed. It's prob­ careful record of everything, The town's representatives in the The McBurney signed on Fri­ ably that we're a bit impatient then bring it up in port. That's major leagues are giving ball days, but permitmen are having day and sailed Monday night, to show off our finished product. the way to take care of things. fans something to talk about. their troubles getting out. with several oldtimers aboard. The Athletics seem determined When we say that we didn't As this is being written the Among them were "Buck" OUT OF HOSPITAL to stay right up on top of the ship many men this week, we John Barti-am, Waterman, is in V/oods, Harvey Brown, A1 Driver Brother James Jones, one of don't wish to imply that there pursuing Yankees, Indians and and calling for two AB replace­ and former Port Agent "Sonny" ments. There was no trouble in Simmons. Simmons sailed as the men who was burned in the haven't been many ships here. Red Sox. The fighting Phillies Bartram explosion, has been dis­ There have been a lot, but most are coming along okay under getting them, as we have several Fi reman -Watertender. charged from the local hospital.- of them have been in transit. their new manager. Jack Sawyer. ABs on the beach who paid off Incidentally, the, McBurney Jones, who hails from Mobile, They crew up and pay off in Looks like scrapple is as 'good as the Robert McBurney. just got a contract for three more Ala., will require out-patient other ports. In the transit class, wheaties as the breakfast of ball The Bartram, you will recall, trips, hauling phosphate between treatment for sometime to come. we've had Watermans, Isth­ players. had a steam line explosiion a Tampa and a port in Germany. He is stopping at the Sailor's mians, Robins and Alcous to That's all for now. More com­ couple of weeks ago that re­ I see by the papers here that Hotel and plans to rest up and look at. ing up nekt week. sulted in the death of two Sea­ Senator Claude Pepper was ex­ take in a few shows and ball Sure doesn't look as if those farers, and caused severe injury cluded from the Southern "Dixie- games meanwhile. politicans over there in Wash­ to two others. crats." That's easy to under­ Thi.s is about the best port ington were going to do much. An Alcoa and a Bull Line ship stand, since Pepper is notoriously there is to lay around on the We hear that a lot of those Sen­ come in here every ten days. pro-labor. Holland, the other beach. Things are very cheap ators and Congressfnen had sub­ If you don't find line«' Outside of these, all ships calling Florida Senator, has been invited and there's plenty of recreation— let their apartments for the when you go aboard your here are Waterman, with the ex­ and that is likewise easy to un­ all kinds. summer, which is another rea­ ship, notify the- Hall at once. ception," of course, of the Mc­ derstand since, like most of the Hope by the time we file our son they're mad about being A telegram from Le Havre or Burney, which comes in every oldline Democrats ' from the next report to the LOG, our called back. They don't have Singapore won't do you any two months to load phosphate South, he is anti-labor. building will be finished and anywhere to sleep—^which puts good. It's your bed and you Progress on our Hall is coming we'll be doing "our business from them in the same boat with a have'to lie in it. for Germany. If we could get a few more ships like her, it along nicely. It seems like it is there. See you then. lot of their constituents. Branch Meetings PtUlaitelpliia Reports Shipping Shows Ronsifierabie improveinent Baltimore Shipping Umi^ Again, Bat Ore Jobs Take Some Slack Shipping In Tampa Good For Bookmembers ATTENTION! �m Friday, Augwrt 6, Ifl48 T.JI.E SEAFARERS C€ To Enforce Law On ABs On July 15, Ihe Coast Guard commenced rigid en­ forcement of the legal qualifications for signing ABs on American ships. Under the law, two-thirds of the ASs '«n rSfa^ rmust hold green tickets. In other words, iwo-lhnds '«f :fhe must show three years of deck time. The Kemsdning third may hold blue tickets which require only a year of -deck time. On the average ship calling for six AiBs, :iour .will -have to have green tickets after July 15. All ABs are urged to check their tdtdcets. jlf you <lwld a wartime AB ticket, terminating six months nfter the end of the war, you should go to the Coast Guard and get ^your blue ticket,* or get your green ticket if you have the three years. And if you have a blue ticket and -the th^ years, -you should get it upped to green, whether you jpt your .pcgpers during the war or some time earlier. Hew Orleans Shippi^ iBdis AUssiss^i Negotiations On By EARL SHEPPARD NEW ORLEANS—Shipping has picked up somewhat in the past two weeks in this port, and the business affairs of the Branch are in good shape. The upswing in local shipping was marked by ten payoffs and six signons during the past week. The immediate picture doesn't look bad, with about the same number of payoffs and signons expected this week. Shipping should at least hold its own. Negotiations on the new con­ tract are in progress with the Mississippi Shipping Company, and we hope to have something definite in our next report. The company has already signed the new Hiring Hall Agreement and has agreed to most of the conditions being sought. However, there is still a question on wage increases. NEGOTIATIONS I retuind from New York re­ cently, where I joined in the contract negotiations the Union is conducting with the Atlantic and Gulf Coast Ship Operators Association. It appears that these people want us to make quite a few concessions but, in turn, don't want to give us a damned thing. How long they will keep up this phony attitude we don't know, but you can rest assured we will win this beef in true SIU style. A party tendered in honor of "Uncle Bill" Donnell on the thirty-first birthday of the Federationist, which he edits, was held here in our Hall last Satur­ day after the membership voted to give our facilities for the pur­ pose. The Federationist has been the official American Federation of Labor organ for the State of Louisiana since' -its inception. Everyone agrees that it has car­ ried the AFL banner at all times for the betterment of the organi­ zation's entire membership. The party was a success from start to finish and was thor­ oughly enjoyed by all who at­ tended. Several prominent townsmen and local AFL union officials spoke in honor of "Uncle Bill" and the Federationist. HANCOCK CELEBRATES LO G Page Five New York Beats Rokin Gray Job Demotion By JOE ALCINA NEW YORK^Before jumping into the story of shipping in this iport :ipr tthe week, I'd like ;to igive iithe wind-iqp of ithe .de­ motion mcident aboard the Robin Gray. Last week we reported that the Ghief Electrician on the Gray .'had ibeen demoted to -Wiper .and .we were taking the case before the Steamboat In^spector. We did, and the man .was reinstated with all pay due him. He had been charged with sabotage .and demoted by the 1st Assistant while the ship was •in Durban. "When'"the true facts came to light before the In­ spector it was found that the man was very capable in his job and had not been destruct­ ive in any way. We are now faced with a similar case. The Chief Steward on the Azalea City has been de­ moted to iMessman by the Skip­ per. Tliis case, too, will be fought just like the previous one. All men who find themselves disliked by the Department head or Skipper should protect themselves by keeping their noses clean. If someone is out to do a job on them, they should be sure that T;hey do nothing that will give the officers reason to derate them. Brother Red Hancock cele­ brated his thirty-eighth birthday on board the SS Del Norte at sea recently. It seems as though HOLDING FAIR everyone took the opportunity to New York shipping is con­ imbibe one and have fun. Guess tinuing fair for another week, it's about time Brother Hancock and it looks like it will hold starts going back towai'd twenty- its own during the immediate one. days ahead. The Del Norte is the vessel on The movement of jobs here which Brother Neil Handley isn't terrific, but it is fast died. The crew made a veijy fine enough to provide a smooth gesture in collecting $1,077, turnover of men on the beach. which they turned over to jj. would have been a little betBrother Handley's- widow, to ter, but the ILA strike in the whom all Seafarers extend their islands has caused Bull Lines sympathy. to hold their ships here until One thing before signing off. the strike ends. Any membei*s not having blue j "We're supporting the ILA men AB tickets should get them ^ (jQ-wn there, and we'll be conchanged immediately for the tent to wait until they win their green tickets, if they're eligible,' just demands, or they may "find they're unable Some of the good ones in to ship. port this week were the Arizpa Only one-third of the ABs can and Azalea City, both Watership with blue tickets; the rest man. Outside of the Steward of the ABs aboard a vessel must beef already mentioned, they have green tickets. Information' were both good, clean sliips. A on this score has been running' couple of others worth praising in the LOG from week to week'•were the Isaac Singer, Alcoa; and aU members should read it and the Rosario, BuU. and follow the insiru«;lions given. Others, new to the SIU, were Attention to this matter by the Lake George, U. S. Petrol­ those affected will eliminate beefs eum Carriers; and the Sweet­ at signons of the kind we had water, Metro Petroleum. Both today, when the Shipping Com­ ships were well handled by the missioner refused to allow some Patrolmen with excellent coop­ men to sign on because they eration coming from the crew. Departing from this port in failed to take note of this new good shape this week were provision. Fairland, Waterman; Marine Ar­ row, Robin; Emilia, Bull (she's not going to the Islands); Ariz(pa, Walkman; and Lake George and Steel Scientist. • These days when every doUar counts it hurts a Seafarer to lose out on money which is vices Department, Headquarters, 51 Beaver Street, New York, giving the name of ship, when and where paid off and for what reason. With ihis the Special Ser­ vices will have a record which will make it easier to push a claim when you hit the States. SAFE SI6AJ HeRe,SK|Pp£-fR - WAY It may sound like a lot of bother to , get the statements and send a card, but it is the safest way to assure collection of the money due you. Here's a recommendation pass­ ed in the Port of New York at the last men-.bcvship meeting which we feel is a good one: If a man ships on a ship as a 3rd Cook and later the ship rightfully his. One of the fre­ takes on more than 12 passen­ quent causes of loss comes when gers, which means a 2nd Cook a man pays off a ship in a for­ is required, the 3rd Cock be al­ eign port because of illness. lowed to stay aboard as 2nd Cook. ANCHORS AWEIGH This is not a shipboard pro-' Unless he gets a statement motion as he is not stepping in­ from the Skipper stating the to someone else's job. Instead, reason for his piling off, he he is merely doing the same might find it very difficult to work but gaining an increase collect wages and subsistence in pay. Of course, in a situation when he returns to the States. like this, the 3rd Cook must The best way to he protected have the endor.sement for 2nd all the way around is to first Cook. get the statement from the Just thought we'd pass the Skipper and also a record of word along, so all Brothers can acquainted with it treatment from the hospital or become doctor who treated you. Then should it pop up' on*the floor drop a card to the Special Ser-, at one of the meetings soon. Gatveston Shipping Spurt Dies By KEITH ALSOP GALVESTON — As expected short-sighted course in making the spurt in shipping this port [no provision for the exemption has been enjoying the past of experienced seamen who sailcouple of weeks petered out ed through the last war, and this week. Although we were are still manning ships, not, inactive—we had four payWe hope that the communioffs and two signons, no payoffs cation sent from Headquarters loom in the immediate future. to President Truman last week. We paid off the Governor pointing out the advisability of Bibbs in Beaumons, the Horace|keeping our merchant fleet See, the Stanton King and the,manned by capable and experNathaniel Currier. The See wentjienced hands brings some reinto the shipyard for a remodel- suits, ing job. There were no beefs of NO SENSE any consequence on any of these The odd thing about the gov­ ships paying off. ernment's lack of foresight is Signons were held aboard the .that all the time they are trying Nathaniel Currier and the Stan- to convince everj'one how im­ ton King. portant the merchant fleet is in war and peace, they never raise DRAFT TALK a hand to keep it running Most of. the younger members' smoothly, seem to be mo.st interested inj That man was here last week, the draft status of seamen, not We're talking about the one a very difficult thing to under- j and only Frenchy Michelet, who stand, either. Although okltim- j stopped in for a few hours, then ers may talk less about the sit- moved on. nation, they too are undoubt­ Other oldtimers around the edly interested. beach her are Philip Daly, Jr., Up to now, the government ^ Buddy Jordan, D. Gardiner, W. appears to be following a rather H. Laffoon and W. R. Walker. �THE Page Six Frisco Narrows Down The Hunt For New Hail I f/;. WORTH WAITING As a matter of fact, we feel that the delay will ultimately be of benefit to the membership, since we are solely interested in obtaining the best place possible. Waiting a bit longer for some­ thing worthwhile appears to be fairly sensible. The entire A&G District membership here on the West Coast has been drafted to help, in our search. . Chin up, chest in, all's well that ends well! After the slump, we expect to do a rip-roaring business for the remainder of the year—in all Departments. This forecast is based on a careful "West Coast­ wise Survey" of the shipping situation. The only error in this fool-proof survey was made re­ cently when it selected Wolcott against Louis in then last set-to. DONORS WAITING FOR ORDERS FHdaf. August 6. 1948 Why Bosuns Get Grey By G. W. (BUI) CHAMPLIN Tugs manned by Marine Allied Workers, SIU affiliate, await the word to shove off. Above, are the Debardeleben tugs of the Coyle Lines at Algiers. Leu Below, tugs Walter R and Alma D. are pictured at Harvey. La. Photos were sub­ mitted by Trussel Beatrous. New Orleans Patrolman of the MAW. Many things on the sea are a matter of tradition., Most of the duties of a Carpenter fall into this catagory. The relationship between Cai-penter and Bosun is such a delicate matter that I shall endeavor to touch on the subject largly in the hope of getting some answers from oth­ ers—both Carpenters and Bosuns. On modern steel ships. Carpen­ ters are rapidly being displaced by ABs who^, are signed on as Deck Maintenance men. Often two DMs are substituted for "Chips." All cargo agreements provide for "competent members of the crew doing Carpenter's work" (in other words carpentry in the shore-going meaning of the word: woodworking). Chips' first rivals were Deck Engineers, who came San Juan Branch Cracking Down On Performers By SAL COLLS SAN JUAN—As this is being written, the International Long­ shoremen's Association strike here is still in full swing. The ILA, which has the full backing of the SIU, is striking because the companies have refused to dis­ cuss a wage increase since the beginning of the year. Meanwhile, we are covering all A group of the boys aboard our ships in the port every day. the SS Iberville donated $31 to The beefs on the SS Monroe, in­ the Frisco Branch to be used for | volving all three Departments the purchase of books as an aid were settled to the crew's satis­ in the educational work in the faction. One Oiler had to be re­ new Hall. moved for failure to cooperate Donors were D. F. Sykes, with his shipmates. He had been Frank Smith, Leon Roberts and drunk for three days. A Night Bob Neuer, all of the Deck Gang; Cook and Baker was fined for George Crosby, Ken Ecldund, not working with the other mem­ Sane Agro, L. O. Miller, Carl bers of his Department. Kumlin, A. Hildago, D. B. Ruff, K. H. Hakensem and W. R. ConPULLS PERFORMER nell, of the Black Gang. Stew­ A performer on the SS Jean ards Department men contribut­ had to be pulled off the ship. ing were S. O. Lange, J. E. Gal­ All disputes aboard the SS Dor­ lant, J. A. Lafrance and Frank othy were settled on the ship. Mittelhauser. All is quiet on the SS Suzanne. All beefs aboard the Iberville No beefs are pending. Passes were squared awny at the signwere issued to all unlicensed per­ on in Stockton. Brother Gallant, sonnel aboard this vessel.' Stewards Department Delegate, The minor beefs on the SS was elected Ship's Delegate for Wild Ranger were settled aboard the voyage. The Skipper, a retired book­ ship. man from the Gulf, agreed not Aboard the SS Cape Mohican, to log any of the crew during the which is at Guanica, there was trip, providing an amount at a beef involving the Engine least equal to what the log would Utility, whom the First Assistant be was donated to the SEA­ wanted to demote to Wiper for FARERS LOG at the payoff. no reason whatsoever. We boarded the ship where we learned that the entire Black Gang backed the Utility, saying he was working all right. So we Each man who makes a straightened the matter out with donation to the LOG shoqld the First Assistant. receive a receipt in return. After we squared everything If the Union official to whom a Way, the Engine Utility re­ a contribution is given does quested that he be switched to not make "out a receipt for Oiler. The entire gang agreed the money, call this to the with the idea, so we advised attention of the Secretaryhim to see if he can get Engine Treasurer, J. P. Shuler, im­ Utility wages when he gets back mediately. to the States. Send the name of the of­ The SS Morning Light, Water­ ficial and the name of the man, has been over at Mayaguez port in which the occurrence ever since the strike and she has look place to Ihe New York made some replacements while HalL 51 Beaver Street, New in that port. There are no beefs York 4, N. Y. pending on this ship at this time. Attention Members 11^: LOG By A. S. CARDUiLO SAN FRANCISCO — We've been knocking ourselves out looking for a good location for our new Hall here. The field has narrowed down to two places, and we will definitely choose one of them next week. Although we would have liked the Hall to have been ready by now, the delay has not been too great a drawback. We Have had no payoffs or ships in transit this past week and none is ex­ pected for the next two weeks, with the exception of the Calmar. She's due next week in transit. I!?'- SEAFARERS Hiring Hall Is Best necessary)! put before arbitra­ tion to prevent abuses. Our Agreement states: "The Union agrees to furnish capable and competent men." This act­ ually relieves the ship operators of a lot of headaches, and saves them money in the long run. The SIU disciplines its own members through Union action aboard ship and ashore, to take care of company property as well as their own, to keep a clean ship, to work together as Union Brothers and to respect -By eliminating favoritism and the contract. petty grievances that are bound An SIU crew feels that the to crop up under any company maintainance of the ship is as hiring system, the cooperation much its responsibility as it is and efficiency of the crew is increased. Under the Hiring Hall clause in our agreements, the com­ panies agree to obtain their men through the facilities of the Union—and for the SIU the facilities of the Union means the Rotary Shipping. System which is equitable and just for all. The companies have found that they get a higher standard of men in this way than they could get through a hiring of­ fice, where the judgement of some man in charge is subject to personal prejudice and acts of favoritism. the Master's. Upon return'to the home port they make a list of the repairs that are needed to facilitate efficient operation. be thoroughly reviewed and, if Freddie Stewart A free-thinking trade unionist is a militant fighter for justice, and he prides himself as a competant seamen. He does his job That's one reason the compan­ right, and sees to it that his ies were anxious to retain the shipmates do, theirs. But he Hiring Hall in the new agree­ will not tolerate unjust restric­ ments. tions, abuses, whipping-boy tac­ tics, and will accept nothing less FEW EXAMPLES than dignity and responsibility. There are a few instances The company's interest is in­ where a Mate, Engineer, or Steward rejects a man dispatch­ volved as much as the seaman's ed from the Hall as incompe- when the Union stands by the tant. But usually investigation Hiring Hall for competant, cap­ shows that such refusal is un­ grounded; and every case should able and independent seamen! with steam-driven cargo winches, windlasses and other such gear as capstans, docking winches, and towing winches. . GOODBYE. PAL Electrification is causing the rapid disappearance of Deck En­ gineers, Milford Electrician now displacing him. What atomic energy will do to all of us, I hate to think! Traditionally, Chips greases all blocks—he used to make them of wood—doors, ports (including the replacing of portlights and dead lights), cargo ports, and hatches, because they were once upon a time made of wood, so are still subject to the Carpen­ ter's care and maintainance. Anchors, which long ago were of wood reinforced with iron, fall into Chip's ancient realm, togct'her with the anchor windlass. The latter has come a long way from the hand-propelled anchor capstan of yore. It is now a highly complicated winch, but the Carpenter runs it. Indeed the only cables left on an American ship are the anchor cables, which are now great chain cables of steel. WATER BOY When sailing ships put in for water. Chips was called upon to cooper all watercasks and butts, and break out whatever hose and pumps were necessary. The lat­ ter he also made. Hose was made of canvas or leather. Pipe was made of wood. On Limey ships. Chips still does the plumb­ ing. N Sailing as Carpenter on the Dominican Victory, India SS Co. of Calcutta, Ltd., under the British flag, (until they hoisted the Star of India) under Can­ adian articles, but SlU-contracted under the Waterman Agreement, I had my hands full. The Master was broadminded enough not to make me do plumbing; but he did insist on my tending water whenever we took fresh water at Malta, Port Said, and Aden. The mention of hose recalls an interesting and very frequent combination job of times gone by: that of Carpenter-Sailmakei'. As a result. Chips is still requird to do all kinds of odds and ends of canvas work evn now. FRICTION So ill-defined are the Carpen­ ter's duties today that the con­ dition often leads to friction in the eternal triangle of CarpenterMate-Bosun. Unfortunately, the Carpenter and Bosun have to live together. Occasionally the spectacle of neither one speaking to the other for months on end presents it­ self to an amused ci-ew. The Carpenter takes orders only from the Mate, and gives orders to no one—at least on a freighter. When Chips and the Serang are not speaking and it's "all hands fore and aft," the situation be­ comes really ridiculous. The Mate has to give two sets of orders. Or take the situation when the Bosun relays the order to heave away on the mooring line, and Chips feels the Bosun is trying to tell him what to do. Chips mumbles in his beard, the Bosun blows his top, and the Mate probably demands, "What the hell kind of. crew did the Union send me anyway?" Then everyone goes ashore and gets drunk and is ready to start all over again. �Fridfliy, August 6. 1948' THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Serta ' NEW ORLEANS—Chairman, ceptcd. Patrolman reported on Johnny Johi^tdn, 53; Recording settlement of beefs aboard the SS Secretary, Herman .Trootcl^; Japies Swan. Everything fixed Reading Clerk, Buck Stej^mns, but a few log.s. Report accepted 78. REG. REG. REG. TOTAL SHIPPED SHIPPED SHIPPED TOTAL Secretary-Treasurer's reports Minutes of other Branches ENG. . STWDS. DECK PORT REG. DECK ENG. STWDS. SHIPPED heard and accepted. Voted au­ previous meetings read and ac­ Boston 40 24 25 86 12 9 12 33 thority to Agent to act on ex­ cepted. Motion carried to non­ New York .... 267 169 209 645 175 160 ' 166 501 cuses offered by men missing concur with section of Baltimore Philadelphia .. 55 52 38 145 60 27 18 - • 105 meeting. Trial Committee's re­ minutes regarding J. Petro, Baltimore 310 164" 147 621 223 135 104 462 port accepted. Accepted Head­ with recommendation that his Norfolk 67 54 33 154^ 64 53 50 167 quarters' telegram urging protest probation period be changed to Savannah 24 44 20 88 24 21 19 64 against drafting of merchant read "suspension." Motion car­ Tampa 16' 26 17 59 17 14 14 45 seamen with war records, • and ried to request West Coast Rep­ Mobile 88 74 62 219 112 92 84 288 voted to send telegrams to Wash­ resentative to get suitable Hall New Orleans ....... . ....... 194 117 192 503 174 . 102 141 ' 417 ington. Dozen from crew of SS as soon as possible, as per Galveston 65 60 34 159 84 53 38 175 William Carson hit deck to exwishes of membership. Port San Juan plain how sensation-hungry (No figures available) Agent Sheppard reported he just newspapers had plastered a good 1,121 761 lii 2,679 945 666 646 2,257 returned from New York, wl»re GRAND TOTAL ship with a bad name by head­ he took part in contract nego­ NOTE: A&G men shipping on ihe West Coast .are not included in this report. lining false reports of mutiny. tiations with the operators. He Minute of silence for Brothers said operators want Union to lost at sea. Meeting adjourned MOBILE — Chairman, Oscar minute of silence for Brothers departed Brothers. Under Good with 63 bookmen present. make concession but they are unwilling to make any in re­ Slevnns, C^llS; Recording Sec­ lost at sea. Meeting adjourned and Welfare, wide discussion of 4 4 4 turn.- He predicted success for retary, Jeff Morrison, 34213; with 54 members present. need of protesting drafting of TAMPA — Chairman, R, H. the SIU, however. In accord­ Reading Clerk, Harold Fisher. merchant seamen with war rec­ Hall, 26080; Reading Clerk, R. L; 4 4 4 ance with instructions from the G-59^ PHILADELPHIA— Chairman^ ords, who still sail. Meeting ad­ Duke, 143; Recording Secretary, Read and accepted minutes L. A. "Blacfci6" Gardner, 3897; journed with 183 bookmen pres R. Seckinger. Secretary-Treasurer, he said he would meet with Mifssissippi of previous meetings in other Reading Clerk. D. C. Hall, 43372; ent. Tampa minutes read and ac­ Shipping Company tomorrow to Branches. Agent Tanner report­ Receirding Secretary, G. H. See4 4 4 cepted. New business of other discusf negotiations for new ed on recent trip he made to berger, 6932. NORFOLK — Chairman, Ben Branches read and accepted. contract. He said he was of the New York to participate in neg­ New Business of all Branches Rees, 95; Recording Secretary, J. Agent reported shipping holding otiations for new contracts. He read and accepted. Great Lakes A. Bullock, 4747; Reading Clerk, also reported on shipping pros­ and SUP minutes were posted. M. Darley, 100931. pects for Mobile. Tanner re­ Special meetings of Philadelphia Norfolk minutes and financial lated that he had been instruct­ New York, Norfolk and Puerto i-eport read and accepted. Secre­ ed at Headquarters to continue Rico read and accepted. The tary-Treasurer's report heard negotiations with ship operators Agent reported to the member­ and accepted. Quarterly Finance in Gulf who are not members ship that shipping had picked Committee's report also accepted. of Atlantic and Gulf Ship Op­ up considerably in the past Voted to read only new business opinion Mississippi would talk erators Association. Everything week and the outlook for the of other Branches. All new busi­ up. Several ships hit each week, business but, if they didn't, is being subordinated to the immediate fifture was fair. ness of Branch minutes of July he said, and bookmen generally everything possible would be problem of securing the con­ There are • several Bull Line 14 meetings read and accepted, get out fast, Stewards Depart­ done to make them think dif­ tracts, he concluded. Motion car­ ships in port with the crews laid West Coast and Great Lakes ment men having the longest ferently. Sheppard also advised ried to accept Agent's report. waits. The Hall is coming along off due to the strike in Puerto minutes to be filed. Voted ac­ men with blue AB tidcets to Headquarters report read and Rico. The communications from ceptance of Headquarter's tele-i fine and will soon be shipshape. change them to green immed­ accepted; also telegram sent by the Secretary-Treasurer, his Fi­ gram urging members to protect New radio is expensive, but it is iately, to avoid confusion at the Secretary-Treasurer Hall to Pres­ nancial Reports dated 7-10-48 drafting of seamen with war combined AM-FM. Agent's re­ last minute before signon. Mo­ ident Truman in regard to draft and 7-17-48, and his Report to records, who are sailing now. Ac­ port accepted. Accepted Head­ tion carried to accept and con­ status of seamen. Motion carried quarters' telegram'against draft­ cepted recommendation of Trial cur in Brother Sheppard's re­ that Agent contact West Coast ing of merchant seamen. Also Committee fining member $100 port. Patrolman reported that Representative and ask for re­ accepted Secretary-Treasurer's and placing him on probation. shipxping and business was rath­ port on progress being made in report. Voted to buy the radio, Voted charges against another er slow for awhile, but that it search for new Hall in Frisco. since the nicest Hall in the Gulf the membership were read and member. Elected following com­ had picked up a bit in the past Patrolmen's reports read and ac­ certainly should have a nice few days. Patrolmen's and Dis­ cepted. Trial Committee's report acceptecl. The Dispatcher re­ mittee to handle donations for radio. Voted that Agent should patcher's reports accepted. Ac­ accepted. Membership observed ported a total of 145 registered, telegrams: L. Baker, G. Lawson, contact Secretary-Treasurer on cepted and concurred in tele- one minute of silence in mem- and 105 shipped. Two members C. Saunders. Agent said that getting Waterman coastwise ships were Obligated at the meeting. shipping had improved consid­ gram sent by Secretary-Treasur- ^ry of departed Brothers. MeetThere was little discussion un­ erably since the previous meet­ to crew up and payoff in Tampa, er to President Truman urging adjourned 8 P.M., with 289 der Good and Welfare. One ing. He thanked the member­ to help get some of non-rated draft exemption for seamen who members present. minute's silence for departed ship for the way they had been men out. Dispatcher's report ac­ sailed in war and are still going ^ 4- 4. Brothers. Meeting adjourned sailing ships crewing in Norfolk. cepted. Minute of silence for to sea. Meeting adjourned at| gAN JUAN - Chairman, S. departed Brothers. Under Good Result is that several Waterman 8:30 P.M., with 480 members Colls, 21085; Recording Secre­ with 145 members present. and Welfare, Jones, one of men and South Atlantic ship now 4 4 4 jH'esent. tary, R. V. Ortiz, 6141; Reading GALVESTON — Chairman, crew and payoff herCj although injured by steam on SS John 4 4ft' Clerk, H. H. Spurlock. 11101. Keith Alsop, 7311; Recording actually ending their voyages Bartram, asked question about BALTIMORE—Chairman, Wilblood donations. He was told New Business of other Branch Secretary, Val James, 7803; elsewhere. He urged everybody liemj Rentz, 26445; Recording meetings read and accepted. that hospital owed SIU fifty Secretary; Ray Pulliam; Read­ Agent reported Building Com­ Reading Clerk. R. Wilburn, to send telegram to Truman. pints. Agent's report accepted. Dis­ ing Clerk, A1 Stansbury, 4683. mittee • had found a building 37739. 4 4 4 Galveston minutes read and patcher's report accepted. Eight Oath of Obligation adminis­ Which it highly recommended. BOSTON — Chairman, J. accepted, as were Galveston men Obligated. Minute of sil- Greenbaum, 281; Recording Sec­ tered to 16 memberfi. Motion financial reports, and the Secre­ carried to accept Trial Commitretary, C. L. MacDonald; 50632; tary-Treasurer's financial and ee's reports. A memo to all Reading Clerk, W. Siekmann, Headquarters reports. Quarterly Branches was attached to one 7086. Finance Committee's report ac­ •Committee report, which found Minutes of other Branches* cepted. New business in minutes a member guilty of missing previous meetings read and ac­ ence for departed Brothers. Un­ Isthmian Strike deity. Trial Resolution, signed' by members of other Branches read and ac­ cepted. Also read and accepted Committee mettio recommended of the' Committee, called for cepted. Dispatcher reported 159 der Good and Welfare, several were: S e c r e t a r y - Treasurer's "that in future all Branches, purchase of two-story cement men registered and 175 men Brothers spoke on draft prob­ financial report. Patrolman's re­ particularly the Honolulu and buildi'.ig, at LI Calle de Pelayo, shipped in two-week period. Dis­ lem, and about 100 Brothers ar­ port, Dispatcher's report and Philadelphia Branches, check to bring the Puerto Rican Hall patcher's and Patrolman's re­ ranged, to send telegrams. Meet­ Agent's financial report. Motion members' books more closely" up to the Sitandard of SIU Halls ports accepted. Following men ing adjourned with 154 members made and carried to accept for strike clearances. Minutes of in the States. Price: $17,000. De­ Obligated: J. Gribble, W. Big- present. Secretary-Treasurer's telegram to 4 4 4 previous minutes in other tails of building: Building has ham, D. Lacey, P. Ohedh, W. SAVANNAH — ChBirman. W. President Truman on draft status Branches read and accepted two big rooms for meetings, TolmachofT, G. D. Sims, P. CathJ. Brantley; G'^IlL* RTCortKng of seamen copy of which is to be Motion carried to forward all four big rooms for offices, one cart, W. A. Thomas. Voted to Secratafy; Billy Harrison, ^6878; posted on bulletin board. Port ship's minutes to SEAFARERS large room for Dispatcher and take immediate action on Secre­ Agent, in his verbal report, said LOG for publication. Motions Patrolman, one large room for tary-Treasurer's telegram urging Reading Clerk, Charles Starling, that shipping and business was • carried to accept reports of Port the Shipping Hall, two toilets protests to President Truman on 6920. Voted to hear new business slow, but that four Cities Service Agent, Patrolmen, Dispatcher and showers. Building also has a drafting of merchant seamen. tankers were crewing up in this and Hospital Committee. All' large baggage room and a place Voted that'man should show real only from all Branches. All area over the weekend and he hands rose and stood in silence to put an awning on the roof proof of reason he asks to be ex­ Branch minutes were accepted, urged members to make an effort for one minute in memory of large enough to contain about cused from meeting. Voted 182 but-one member went on record to obtain some of these jobs. A our departed Brothers. Under 250 persons. In case of strike, to O 'that J. M^art, former pie- as opposed to Baltimore minutes. report was given of the robbery West Coast and Good and Welfare, .several mem­ 250 cots can be set up. Room card in 'Boston, be brou^t up on Voted to file Great Lakes minutes. Agent re­ by some of the former piecard's bers took the deck to discuss on terrace can become a strike charges of action unbecoming a and the membership was assured pro and con the food problem kitchen in a matter of hours. Union member and that Galves­ ported shipping still slow. Said of the Union's security, inasmuch aboard the Ore Line ships. Building is all by itself in block, ton be on record as demanding he expected about a payoff a as these ten-cent store badmen There were 363 members pres­ thereby causing no interference. that he be placed in 99-year club. week for next few weeks. Also wei*en't worth a second thought. ent when meeting adjourned at After much favorable discussion Voted another member into 99- said hoped to be in new building (ConiiniteiL on Page 14) resolution was adopted. One year club. Minute of silence for before next meeting. Report ac9:30 P.M. • ^ JM km Jl# 0 h Aify 27 '•i ''i| �Page Eight THE SEAFARERS LOG THday, August 6. 1948 =F SBmS' MINUTES AMD MEWS Seafarer Mysterious Cigarette Loss In Aden First Of Irks Butt Addicts On Fabricator Bowls 300 Game, Hometown Season For three years E. E. (Elzie) Diffenderf^ bent the ears of Eight cases of cigarettes went over the side of Isthmian's SS Steel Fabricator in Aden under circumstances the crew never could quite understand, according to Vla­ his shipmates telling them how someday he was going to bowl dik Susk who was sailing as Assistant Electrician. a perfect 300 game. Now he can The cigarettes didn't fall in­ bend their ears telling them to the Gulf of Aden. It so how he did it. happened that they were lower­ The young St. Petersburg, ed into a bunihoat. Seafarer Florida Seafarer tiuned in the Susk, a handy man with a first 300 game of the season in camera, recorded the proceed­ his hometown July 23 when he ings and brought the pictures levelled every pin for twelve to the LOG. straight frames. All that the crew knew was that the cigarettes came from In a writje-up in the St. the officers' deck, Susk declares. t'etersburg Independent, DiffenBut nobody knew who got them derfer was spotlighted for his out, or who lowered them, or feat and also credited with roll­ who collected a little something ing the high series of the year. for his trouble. His perfect game, added to Nobody might have thought scores of 227 and 240, gave too much about the incident him a high of 767. anyway if the Fabricator hadn't A bowling enthusiast since the come close to nmning out of age of 10, Elzie has long point­ cigarettes a few days later on ed for that one perfect game. the way home. In fact, the Since going to sea three years slopchest got down to where ago he has spent most of his there were nothing to be had (The Evening Independent. but Chesterfields. Brolher Vladik Susk's camera gives the evidence as to time between ships at the local St. Petersburg, Fla.) alleys, where, he consistently why the Steel Fabricator suffered a'dgeirette shortage. The E. E. DIFFENDERFER BITTER "WEEDS shot showing the eight cases of cigarettes in the bumboat was racked up high scores. But the Of course, ^here is nothing snapped before they could be covered with a canvas. A big one always eluded him un­ wrong with Chesterfieldsi—^for minute later the butts were concealed and the bumboat was til now. those who like Chesterfields. Now that he has it imder his rushing to shore with its booty. But Chesterfields were bitter belt, his shipmates can relax. weeds to confirmed Camel puff­ Old Man didn't want to run out a couple of pictures showing "I would like all my brother ers and Lucky Strike men. Susk the gangway for so short a stop just how ^ perilous the ladder Seafarers who have heard me had no complaint. He doesn't so he had Chips make a ladder really was. It looks as bad as harp on it for three years to der. he describes it. smoke. know that if 1 died today I Coffee "on the house" to the The ladder was just a few The sale of cigarettes was The food got pretty short on would rest in peace," he said. members on the Recreation Deck conducted in a pretty high­ boards with narrow cleats nail­ the way home, Susk says. For of the New York Hall is fast handed fashion throughout the ed to them, and a rickety rail­ two weeks there was nothing becoming an institution since Fabricator's three-month trip to ing. When the tide was high, but ham and frankfmters. How­ its inception several months ago. the Far East, Susk discloses. the contraption stood at an an­ ever, the trip, can't have been This week it was given a boost The ration was two cartons a gle of about 85 degrees. too awful. After the payoff in when a case of 24 one pound week during the entire voyage, Since everybody went ashore New York, Brother Susk signed tins of coffee arrived at the that night, the ladder was a but the Purser sold them only right back on again for another New York Hall from retired potential source of danger. But at stated times and if a man ride to the East. He promises member P. A. Carlson. luckily nobody was hurt. How­ was asleep or on wgtch or was more pictures and another story When Seafarer Buddy Bass' Carlson, now working for W. ever, for the record, Susk took just a minute late he didn't get when he returns. wife lay seriously ill in a Bal­ F. McLaughlin & Co. in Chi­ his two cartons that week. Nor timore Hospital six Seafarers cago, had read in ^e LOG did he get two extra the fol­ volunteered to give their blood where coffee is being served to lowing week to make up for to help pull her through. the membership. Remembering his loss. Now she is well on the road what coffee time meant to him, The only time anybody got to recovery and is doing nicely. he purchased the coffee for his four cartons was directly after Brother Bass wishes to extend foi-mer . SIU brothers to enjoy the incident related above when The minutes of a meeting held his and his wife's heartfelt while waiting around for a the Purser allowed four cartons aboard an SIU ship recently con­ thanks to the men who con­ ship. a man going through the Suez tained a request which we would tributed so greatly to her re­ The coffee um is perking it Canal. like to see granted. However, we covery: J. Spuron, D. DiMai, up and the boys are calling out On the trip in general, Susk must rely upon the membership's W. H. Foote, L. Bewig, B. Caw- draw one"—one of Brother says the crew was, by and large, response to do so. thome and J. Gnagy. Carlson's, that is. a first rate one. However, the The crew, under Good and ship was a poor feeder, getting Welfare, suggested that the SEA­ worse as the weeks wore by, FARERS LOG devote two pages and the Skipper was plain in the LOG to cheerful news, tough. praise of men and crews and in­ He allowed overtime, but he teresting experiences instead of gave it grudgingly. He inter­ moans, groans and beefs. SAYS RADIO, FANS DROWNED OUT preted the contract strictly and Well, we still want to hear the hours were hard to get. from Seafarers who have beefs ADDRESS SYSTEM, FOULED CALL Moreover, he was a fast man —they serve a good purpose- To the Editor: with a log, Susk says. But Susk but as the crew mentioned himself avoided the loggings. How about fixing the public address on the third floor? I cheerful news is just as inter­ One of the crew's bitterest esting and we'd like to print made an important call and needed to reach a Brother on the complaints was the Old Man's more of it. third floor. He was there all day waiting for my call; but never reluctance to issue draws. "He That's where you come in. was tight on draws in Port heard his name called over the speaker system. Something unusual is always Swettenham, Saigon, Bangkok Undoubtedly, with the radio and the noise of the fans, the happening to seamen and crews and Surabaya," Susk says, which This served as a gangway wherever they drop the anchor. public address system should have more volume. 1 hope this can dosen't leave many places in for the Fabricator men in That incident ashore in the last be attended to for the benefit of all. which to have been easy. Port Swettenham. The rick­ port gave the whole gang a Don M. Ravosa SOURCE OF DANGER ety ladder was knocked to­ laugh. It'll probably meter a New York The crew had another com­ gether by the Carpenter under guffaw or two in the LOG. plaint at Port Swettenham, Ma- orders of the Captain, but Just give us the details, pic­ ANSWER: The building superintendent reports the,_public laya. The Fabricator was going few were the crewmen who tures, too, if possible .and we'U address system is in good order. The switchboard operator to take on a load of rubber, but would chance many trips do the rest. The address is: SEA­ has been regi^ested to turn up the amplifier when announcing was only going to be tied to ashore. No one was injured, FARERS LOG, 51 Beaver St., the dock for 24 hours before but it was only luck, reported New York 4, N.Y. calls. moving out to anchorage. The V. Susk who took the photo. N.Y. Seafarers Sipping Java Gift Of Former Member Seafarer Thanks Brothers For Aid To Sick Wife Got A Story? Send It in! TN£ B££F BOX �Friday. August 6. 1948 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings CHRYSANTHY STAR. April 4 Chairman T. Salzarulo; Secre­ tary A. Govastes. Motion car­ ried that the Mates keep off the deck. Good and Welfare: Sug­ gestions that the passageways be kept clean and that the crew keep cups off messroom tables. Suggestion made that some pic­ tures of ship and crew be taken for LOG. Warning given that there will be no missing of watches. One minute of silence for Brothers lost at sea. i, ^ X ALGONQUIN VICTORY. May 16 — Chairman W. La Chance: Recording Secretary C. B. Telierion. Deck Delegate reported some disputed overtime which would be good. Motion carried that gangway watches be stood according to sea-watch schedule, and that any man failing to stand his watch be brought up on charges. There was a motion that the Steward issue cots to each man, with the understand­ ing that each man would be held responsible for its return or else be charged with the cost—$6.00. Under Good and Welfare short­ age of soap and linen was straightened out. One minute observed for departed Brothers. clamation. Resolution sxifciitted for a letter to be drafted to LOG calling for men to sail the ships to eliminate the free loaders. One minute of silence for Brothers lost at sea. XXX PORTMAR, July 4—Chairman H. J. DeForge; Recording Secre­ tary Robert McCulloch. Over­ time beef in Deck Department which the Delegate reported he expected to settle before reach­ ing port. Motion carried to petit i o n Secretary-Treasurer and Membei'ship to remit fine im­ posed on the Chief Cook for missing ship between New York and Philadelphia. It was pointed out by members making previous voyage that the Patrolman was not fully advised of the circum­ stances in this case. Motion car­ ried to have the Deck and En­ gine Departments take turns cleaning laundry, while the Stew­ ards Department would clean re­ creation loom. One minute of silence observed for departed Brothers. man be notified that the ship sailed with booms raised and hatches un-secured, and that men were otherwise asked to work under unsafe conditions. Moved by W. Rand, seconded by J. Fonseca. that aU hands be sober at payoff. One minute of silence observed for Brothers lost at sea. XXX CAPE EDMONT. May 30— Chairman F. Harlshom; Record­ ing Secretary W. Christain. No beefs reported by Delegates. Moved to have performers brought up on charges. Motion to get more stores in Trinidad. Motion to have Patrolman inform Mate to post new sailing board time when sailing is delayed. One minute of silence for Broth­ XXX ers lost at sea. ALCOA CLIPPER. July 10— XXX BERTRAM G. GOODHUE. Chairman Krehn; Recording Sec­ June 13—Chairman L. Santa retary Greenberg. Viv Meriana. Ana; Recording Secretary D. All- Ship's Delegate, i-ead a com­ bright. There were no x-eports munication on the retaining of XXX the Union Hiring Hall. He SOUTHPORT. May 28—Chair­ by the Delegates. Discussion cov­ recommended that each Depai-tered the poor condition of the man William Saunders; Record­ ment use its own messroom, that ing Secretary Thomas Yar- Deck Department showers, soap minors be kept out of crew's dishes, coffee um, and porthole brough. Minutes of last meeting quarters unless they are with an accepted. Disputed overtime re­ screens. It was decided that the adult making a tour of inspec­ ported in Engine Department. four Delegates should see the tion, that the coffee would be Question raised under Good and Chief Engineer about repairs. replaced with a better brand. Welfare as to who was to oil One minute of silence for de- Accepted. Deck Delegate I'ethe winches. Bosun reported parted Brothers. ported nine dollars had been col­ that Captain Van Woot expected lected for ship's fund. Engine the Utility to do it. Crew asks Delegate i-eported overtime beef for more grits for breakfast. on delayed sailing. Motion xmWashing machine, portholes and der New Business by Lloyd pantry drainboard needs repair­ Slanchard to obtain a separate ing. One minute of silence for ce box for beer. Vic Meriana Brothers lost at sea. explained that the daiiY box was XXX being opened so often for beer XXX SUZANNE. May 30 — Chairthat everything else was .spoiling. BERTRAM G. GOODHUE, man P. DuAphy; Recording Sec­ Amendment to" have committee May 23—Chairman L. Santa Ana; retary W. DeLong. Delegates re­ of three investigate and report ported some disputed overtime. Recording Secretary D. Allbright. back at next meeting. Brothers Motion under New Business by Motion by L. Santa Ana and sec- Meriana. Eddy Steugh and Joe DeLong to go directly into New anded by J. Hilton that two men Vaccarre to compose committee. Business. Under discussion, the be appointed to visit the Hos­ Carried. procedure of feeding the watch pital in Yokohama for the benefit XXX first was agreed upon. Safety of SIU Brothers that may be MARINE RUNNER. June & there. Under Good and Welfare measures for deck work was (Chairman and Secretary not brought up. Jack Martin. Deck it was suggested that the escape given.) All ci-ew members pres­ Delegate, stated that overtime panels be replaced with sci-eens. ent. Minutes of pi-evious meet­ for delayed sailing was disputed. .One minute of silence for de­ ing read and accepted. Vote of The Delegates were asked to parted Bi-others. thanks given Chief Stewax'd T. XXX make up a repair list. One min­ BERTRAM G. GOODHUE, M. Reilly and Steward Depart­ ute of silence for departed May 9—Chairman W. Groholski; ment by entire crew for excellent Brothers. food being put out. One minute Recording Secretary D. Allbright. Motion by the Steward under of silence for departed Brothers. New Business that futux'e sched­ uled meetings be held on Sunday at 1:30 P.M. Under Good and Welfai-e it was recommended that XXX all plumbing in toilets, showers, GOVERNOR BRANDON. June XXX and sink be checked. One min­ 30—Chairman W. Rose; Record­ CAPE EDMONT. April 6— ute of silence for Brothers lost ing Secretary L. G. Kretzel. Chairman Widden; Recording Delegates reported they had re­ at sea. Secretary Pittman. Delegate's re­ XXX pair list ready for the first port. BETHORE, July 4 — Chairman ported no beefs and reports ac­ Motion by C. Eckley. seconded by O. May that deodorants be or­ Charles Lucker; Secretary cepted. Motion that brother who dered for next voyage in order Fischer. Deck Delegate reported left ship with unpaid debts be to keep the air fresh in showers 3 bookmen, 3 company men and put on the "do not ship" list, and and washrooms. Motion by W. the rest permits; Engine Delegate that the Patrolman be notified. Rand, seconded by C, Eckley, reported 3 books, 2 permits and Motion cariied that no one pay that the slopchest be inspected 2 company men;-Stewards Dele­ off till Patrolman has cleared the by delegrates at the beginning gate reported 2 books, 5 permits ship. It was requested under of next voyage to see that Union and 1 company man. Motion car­ Good and Welfare that each made goods only were carried. ried that alf beefs not taken care watch leave the messi'oom clean Motion by L. Kretzel, seconded of by the- time the ship reaches. for the next watch. It was de­ by R. Shultz, that fresh cigarettes Baltimore are to be handled by cided that the Patrolman would be put aboard for next trip. Mo­ the Patrolmen. James Murphy be asked to check the slopchest tion by Moeller. that the Patrol-1 elected Ship's Delegate by ac- befoj-e payoff. •^AKE Aps/ANTAee OF YOUR TIME OH THE BEACH TO IMPROVE YOUR JOB ABILITY OR TO ©ETA HIGHER RATING IN YOUR PEPARTA^EAIT- REAP THE TeCHNICAL BOOKS THAT THE ONION HAS INTMB. VARIOUS HALLS , ANP — THIS IS IMPORTANT— ASK QUESTIONS OP THE OLD-TIMERS AND LEARN FROM THEIR. EXPERlENGE.. THEV WILL 3B GLAD TO HELP. CUT and RUN By HANK Those Brothers in the 18-through-25 age group received a i-idiculously unfair decision in being affected by "draftitis." They did a patriotic job sailing the dangerous seas during the war years. And they turned to with their share of tough spirited militancy in winning SIU beefs and organizing the unorganized ships. We hope our youngtimers remain sailors after all. Our slapstick sense of humor received an old-fashioned horse-laugh when Brother Tom Madigan way out there in Wyoming, sent a postcard asking how shipping was in the Stewards Department in New York. The distance being so great, shipping so changeable, and the New York beach load­ ed with many Brothers—all we can say is—Go West. Brother. Sein Francisco is one of the nearest ports to Wyoming and it's good shipping there for SIU men every week . . . Seafarers Say: Steve Carr—If the SIU had about two passenger ships running out of New York it would clean the beach of plenty of men . . . James Murphy; I haven't any money but I'm smiling just the same . . . Anonymous: Keep your nose clean and your dues paid up". . . Ed Larkin: I just rented a bicycle for twelve dollars a month. (Those sea legs can't get rusty that way. eh. Ed?) When it comes to sports we're strictly pin-ball athletes. There aren't many of us left, either, since pinball rhachines in New York are now against the law, darn our petty luck. Anyway, we thought it would never happen that some Seafarer could hate any popiilar sport—especially baseball. One Brother recently shocked our soul by calling baseball a dead, silly game. Players slanding all over the field doing nothing at all. Some guy gets up at bat and suddenly hits the ball. What happens? Thousands of people roar, whistle, jump and argue. The umpires are all thumbs, act­ ing like lunatics. For a psychological split second we thought he had either an inferiority spoi-ts complex or a split per.sonality due to being always at sea and never rubbing elbows with landlub­ bers and the sports. We even suspected him of being an indoor athlete—an jimatuer champ in pingpong. billards or chess. Then he said he's from California—which was the mysterious reason for his unsportsmanlike dislike of baseball and loyalty to Cali­ fornia's football games. Brother "Dutchy" Moore just came in off a tanker owned by one of many new tanker companies the SIU has been signing excellent agreements with and providing the member­ ship with more jobs in these days of tough shipping. Well. Dutchy gave us food for thought when he said how impossible it was to eat decently and according to accustomed style in New York (Floridian gastronomy, as we'll call it). Of course, he could control his mind and stomach eud force himself to eat in deluxe restaurants—avoiding the beaneries serving hotdogs. hamburger steaks, pea soups and potato salads. But it's just no soup—with Dutchy. It's dangerous, too. He could lose weight (by not eating) or perhaps his entire viewpoint on life would change if he forced himself to eat anything at all. This is why Dutchy usually doesn't anchor ashore too long because there just isn't any real Florida cooking (especially beans and rice) available. We don't imagine there's any de­ cent restaurant cooking genuine Florida-style food here in New York. If there is. Dutchy can be saved from going to the dogs (Frankfurters, we mean). �Page Ten^ THE SEAFARERS LOG Fridar* August B, 1948 THE Alien Asks Brothers' Aid Dnrmg Job Calls PORT MAR MEN- SIT FOR PORTRAIT To the Editor: like I just mentioned citizens would be doing all aliens a I'd like to bring to the memgreat favor if th^ would step bershipte attention some of the back and allow aliens to fake difficulties f feeing the alien the jobs. ^ members of the SIU and offer FOR POOH SHIPPIKG a suggestion as to how the ^iens can be helfjed in obtain­ If shipping were good and ing jobs under the quota set men could get out in a week by the government. or two, I'd never suggest this; As you all know, aliens are but now that shipping is tou^ allowed to constitute but 15 and an alien sometimes must percent of the crew of a sub­ wait five and six weeks for a sidized ship and 25 percent of ship, something like this would a non-substdizcd ship. Also, an make it easier in view of the alien is allowed only 20 days 29-day limit. The boys on the SS PortmBr,»a Calmar ship on the inters^hore in the United States be­ At the same time I'd like to coastal run, sit for a picture in Portland, Oregon. fore the Immigration authorities suggest that when aliens are Top row (left to right) : Moe, FWT: Edwards. Carpenter,can begin deportation proceed­ registered, their cards be stamp­ Anderson, Utility; Mercer, OS; Gonyea, MM; Jesus, OS; and ings. ed "alien." This would make it Peres, MM, Middle row: Pierce, Wiper; Spicer, AB; Datko, I am an alien. I have sailed simple for the dispatcher to de­ AB; Ramsey, AB; James, Chief Cook; Tongue, Oiler; Sullivan, SIU ships since 1943 when I termine who ^re the aliens FWT; Kemp, Wiper; Burke, FWT; Ebbert, Utility; and Macjoined the Union and have sail­ when a job is thrown in for. Dermett, AB. Front row: McCulloch, Steward; Deforce, ed only American ships since. Also, it would eliminate more Bosun: and Reier AB. I have almost five years of than the allowed number of Picture was taken by Brother R. G. Hohman who says the seatime, so citizenship is not aliens being sent to a ship crew is a fine bunch of men doing a bang-up job. too far off for me; but while which means some have to re­ i am still an alien I, and the turn to the Hall. other aliens in the SIU, must I hope you will take this always live in fear of being matter into consideration. deported. Edmund Eriksen ASKS HELP (Ed. Note: All Brolhers are I'd like to suggest to the urged to comment on Broth­ To the Editor; into that very good paper, the membership that when a job er Eriksen's proposal—whether LOG, to let my Union Brothers I Ihave been a Seafarer for know what a hell of a bad time is on the board which can be in agreement or disagreement filled by an alien, and an alien —through the pages of the more than five years, but never you get when you go out with rT-. nearing his 29-day limit throws LOG and/or by hitting the before have I written to the the wrong kind of Union men. in for it, the citizen brothers deck under Good and W^- LOG. But now the time has We left San Francisco on Isth­ let the alien take the job. The fare at membership meetings.) come for me to get a few lines mian's SS Winthrop Marvin for alien cannot sail coastwise and a few ports along the coast be­ he is allowed but a small per­ fore taking off for the Persian centage of the foreign jobs. Gulf. The Steward on here was Here's an example of what supposed to get off. According I am driving at: to the Union rules, he got his The other day there was a transportation money after last job on the board which could To the Editor: Mr. Richards says it really was trip. be fiUed by an alien. I threw But, since he is the best man a good ship, but for whom? Just a line from the old Wil­ in for it but three citizens had Shipping is picking up in this the company can think of having older cards. They, of course, mington Windbag about the kick­ port of Wilmington with about —^from i'ts viewpoint—on any had the right to the job over ing around that -union seamen one boat in transit a week. Last ship, he somehow remained me. But the same day coastwise are getting in the July issue of week the SS Cape Race, South aboard, although the crew did its jobs came up with no takers. I the Marine Corps magazine Atlantic, was in' loading for Eu­ best to have him pulled off. could not throw in for them. called the "Leatherneck." However, in my opinion, I rope. I'm not suggesting that the On page 26 of this rag, the I am enclosing a letter from don't think he should be con­ Union adopt a rule to this ef­ self-styled champion of the "sea­ the Maritime Commission on sea- sidered a Union man since he is fect, I'm instead courting the going bellhops," by name Guy Iiieu's draft status which might trying to take anything he can good will and brotherliness of Richards, complains of the way be of interest to some of the away from the boys. Of course. every member. In a situation the seamen ran a ship called the he is a little afraid right now. members. SS Ellery F. Wheelock. The This man will call you any­ Please sign this letter as story is called "Coffee Time." "Smokey the Firemen" aS I am thing when you say something Mr. Richards says that all the • i^V working under an ex-Marine about overtime. He doesn't be­ seamen ran for cover at gunCaptain and it might get to him. lieve in such a thing as over­ drill, and were always on coffee Most of my friends will know time. The other day I spugeed time. Maybe, if Mr. Richards for two hours and a half. This who "Smokey" is. ever was on a Liberty that went man said that one and a half Smokey, The Fireman to the bottom, he would know (Ed. Note: A letter similar to was enough. He also said that, that the over 5,000 seamen who Smokey^ ' was ptititMt' in the' because I put down for more, I died weren't hiding in life boats July 30 Usue of'the LOG: The was a crook. Then he said that or in ventilators .whei\ their letteir'revMlcd ihat- the' Marl- the Union was to blame. ships were under attack. He didn't buy any ice in the time Commission is also press­ PROMISES CERTIFICATE States. He explained this by ing for exemption of those saying that he didn't see why the The point that really gets me merchant seamen who have ob­ company should have to spend is that Mr. Richards says he told tained their "Certificate of Sub­ the crew that the Marines were stantially Contiguous Service." money when there was a man on going to put a stop to aU over­ The Commission previously had the ship who could make the ice time for the crew unless they received assurance from Gen­ and save that money. He now is having .me fill up all turned into company-stiffs. Also, eral Hershey that the Certifi­ a phony piece of paper called a cates would be recognized. As kinds of cans-with water to naake "Marine Certificate" was protA- yet, however, no definite de­ ice, and I am putting in for one ised to those in the crew who cision has been made public. hour each day and am doing the would do little favOTS, suCh as Every effort in the meantime same fta: making ice cream. I'd like to get-an answer tell­ forfeiting showers every other is being made through. the ing me -what I should do. Tell This hafldsome Seafarer is day, giving a seat in the mess- Washington Representative of me if it's overtime or not. Rudy Mcfhra,. An. Tfce picture hall to a Marine, and doing bell- the SIU to obtain- a ruling ex­ G. I>e Jesus was laiMn by Bertil Svenson to-bell work without overtime. empting acting seamen, or at Tliese are just a few of the least to exempt seamen with last fall whon'Rtidy was'dolvn (Ed: Note: The Brother's in the lslanda on the'SS Alcoa things this bellhop wanted the wartime service from the beef has been turned over to crew to do. As his story ends. Polaris. Headquarters for clarification.) Claims Steward Freezes Up With lee-Making Overtime Feels 'Leatherneck' Story Maligns Seamen's Ability 'I' Hey, Hollywood! incompetents Foul Union: Vendor Crew To the Editor: If we are going to enlist new companies under SIU contracts, it is important that we put-com­ petent men on the vessels now represent. In line with this fact, I was asked at the June 25 meeting on the Steel Vendor, to write a letter about the incompetency of the Chief Cook and Steward. The competence of each man is assumed by the indorsements he carries. Yet regardless of the number of years a man sails, many men come aboard ship with indorsements which they are not capable of fulfilling. To aid the Union in weeding out those who cast a reflection upori the rest of the membership by not being able to do their work, it was felt that all should be made aware of the situation liere. LACKS KNOW-HOW In this instance the Steward lacks the knack of running his department and, in addition to that, does not know what is re­ quired of each member in his department. Most SIU men have a pretty good idea of the work they are expected to perform in the jobs for which they ship. Therefore, when the Steward requires them to do other things there are beefs from the start of the trip. As a result the food has beeri terrible, the ice-boxes-have never been cleaned, stores are going to wasie and rotting from neglect.i^ The Stewards: Department toilets were not cleaned for over two months. Aprons, dish' towels and' table cloths were not issued when needed. None of these things was prop­ erly supervised by the Steward. The Chief Cook was to be broken down the second week out at sea, but he was given fur­ ther chances and the thing dragged on. No one is satisfied. Steel wool has been found in eggs and soup. Meat is burned or unseasoned. The man just: isn't a Cook. CAUSE FRICTION The Skipper, J. Scully, also brought this to my attention, pointing out that poorly fed stomachs cause friction on boardship and that he wants to see his ship running smoothly. So, although we have been stuck with these men for one trip, it now becomes a Union problem. What is the Union go­ ing to do about them? Are they to be allowed to put other SlU ships in the same spot? We are going to tqrn it over to the Patrolman and we hope for the sake of ship's harmony and the Union's good name that neither be allowed to sail in his present job again. S. Janddra Sh!p'« Ddegate Steel Vendor ..J. m'i • - assist - �Friday, August 6. 1948 THE SEAFARERS A Werewolf In The Night LOG No Draw, Hazardous Work On Deck Move SSJamesSwan Crew To Poetry To the Editor: told me that on the previous oc­ To the Editor: On the day of sailing, Friday, Seamen have the name of be­ casion a huge dog had gone mad June 4, the ves.sel left the oil and turned upon his master ing steeped in superstition, but Most of the ciew of the SS docks at 11:15 P.M. The Mate I have found people ashore more mutilating him horribly. James Swan, South. Atlantic, had Then an old woman who sold been on the beach for at least ordered the deck gang to stow inclined. Here is an experience the mooring lines in number one I had on the Adriatic coast of fish on the quay till late at six weeks previous to shipping— and five holds. Since it was Southern Italy which bears out night spread the rumor of a so as you can imagine we were dark on deck and there had been ghostly werelolf — a tale that pretty broke. the point: no provision made for proper Nearly everyone-had clothes in lighting, the deck crew refused. Our ship was tied up in the grew to fill the simple people of the place with supernatural the cleaners: articles in pawn, or center of a town built around a dread. The agreement states that in debts. The Delegate and various small port awaiting a new pro­ order to secure gear, the vessel But the howling we had heard members of the crew saw the peller. must proceed to a safe anchor­ Across the quay was a leading I knew to be the feedpump on Captain about a draw on Thurs­ age before going to sea, but the hotel. So we had only a few our boilers which would howl day, June 3. Captain threatened the men who The Captain said that he could steps to go from the ship to be and scream every time it drew refused withjodgs if they failed not do so on that day, because it comfortably seated in a lovely air instead of water. to carry out his orders. He even was too late but would put out cocktail lounge over a cool drink, Chiara never knew the differ­ went so far as to order the Bosun listening to the gentle music of ence, for I never told her. In a draw on Friday, June 4. handcuffed. This was dpne by However, on this day the Cap­ a small orchestra concealed be­ the first place it would have been tain came aboard at supper time the Mate, though the handcuffs hind the palm trees. too bad to spoil the fisherwom- with more excuses. There was were later removed. I had a room above. It is al­ an's story with such an imima- no draw. Then the crew, under direct ways preferable to sleep ashore ginative truth — and besides I This breach of promise could order, proceeded to open the in port, if for no other reason found it most delightful having not but be considered as a raw holds and stow the lines, aided than to relieve shipboard mon­ Chiara cling to me in the night deal, and many of the boys were by only two flashlights. This for comfort and protection. otony. forced, as a result, to leave valu­ was extremely unsafe in the In this charming setting I met able possessions ashore. John Wunderlich, Jr. dark, for there were lines, cables. Chiara. That's not her name, but it will do; and you may rest assured that she was charming and intelligent. Our room fronted on the quaint little harbor, and its fulllength windows opened upon a the original crew left when we port very long as a rule and a balcony, four stories above the To the Editor: arrive stateside. crew is much more satisfied if street, where we could look down Will try to shed some light on We have a good Stewards they get a little time off even on the ship. Every noise and the travels and travails on the Department, but we are short a if it is only a few hours. With movement aboard was carried SS Fort Bridger, the flagship Second Cook and BR. The Stew­ the sailing board time posted on clearly to us on the soft evening of the United States Petroleum ard deserves a good word for the gangway, the men always breeze. Carriers fleet. the food and menus he puts out. come back on time. One full-moon night I was en­ We are supposed to be on the They have good. American joying a cigarette and my soul shuttle between the Persian CHARACTERS ABOARD beer and whiskey in Tiipoli, was filled with contentment and Gulf and Europe. We made one but it is expensive. It sure hits Some of the characters aboard •tvell-being. Chiara , . ,, stood . on the trip to Ras Tanura and then are Bing Miller, Red Shea and the spot when you haven't had balcony, her hair blowing softly .^ripoli to load, any for awhile. Will try to get her body sUhouetted m the tall ^ j^^^ls from Red Bronstein. Bananas Zeira mailing address'for the LOG window frames. there now. I suppose the tense in one of our regular ports over oooo! MIA! zts iss EERIE HOWL situation in Palestine had someee-rren. ZAAJ ZB MfKOiHML here. Suddenly a long eerie howl PtA/O! lAtA/ rose from across the ghostlyTOPSIDE OKAY We unloaded in Le Harve, luminous harbor. Chiara stif- France last trip and had repairs The Chief Engineer is a good fened, then flew across the floor boilers. The gals Joe, in fact, the whole topside into my arms. She was trembling ti^gj.g ^gj.g to see us (and gang seems to be okay all the with fear as she gasped into my our money) and will, no doubt, way around. ear, "Lupo! Lupo! Lupo!" be glad to see us when we roll •We have been hearing over I understood that lupo meant in this trip. the radio that the government wolf, and finally she sobbed the V»'e get our orders from Leis going to have the Army and story to me that some months Havre, so it seems that this will Nayy man the ships should a before our arrival, on just such be our home port. maritime strike take place. God a full-moon night, a werewolf, All ready we have lost six eis was with us for quite awhile forbid that this should happen. had howled in the harbor and a men, but one reshipped aboard, but he piled off because of ill- The brass would quickly ruin man had been found with his Two men jumped ship in Nap­ ness. ^what little there is left of the throat torn out. les, the rest were lost through We were certainly glad ta liear maritime fleet. The werewolf howled again sickness or injury. If we keep of our pay raise. We can use it, If they try to man the ships and she clung more tightly to losing men at the rate we have especially those of us with de­ every labor union in the U.S. me. I found it very pleasant been, there will be very few of pendants on the beach. should pull a twelve hour strike stroking her hair and soothing The Skipper seems to be all as a show of strength. That's her fears. I right and well liked by the the one way to put an end to Next morning the watchman such nonsense. This, of course, tant to grant shpre leave at one is only my opinion. Will secure for now. time but everything seems okay Al. Gordon. Eng. Del. now. These tankers are not in To Ihe Editor: Fort Bridger Men Enjoying Shuttle Run, Growing Shortage Of SIU Men Only Hitch Keep It Clean! It is the proud boast of the Seafarers International Un­ ion that an SIU ship is a clean ship Let's keep it that way. Although most of the crews leave a ship in excellent con­ dition. it has come to the at­ tention of the membership that a few crews have vio­ lated this rule. So they have gone on record to have all quarters inspected by the Patrolman before the payoff, and if the conditions are unseilisfactory. he has the right to hold up the payoff until everything is spic and sp&n. Remember that the Patrol­ man can only have repairs made if he knows what has to be done. Cooperate by making up a repair list be­ fore the ship docks. Give one copy to the Skipper, and one to the Patrolman. Then youll some action. COOKS' FOOD, JOKES BY MESSMAN MAKE fT; TEXAS UAPPY SHIP The crew of the Seatrain Texas agree that the Chief Steward William E. Pepper, and the entire Steward Department are entitled to hearty thanks for the good food they have been putting out. The Steward is a good Union man as well as Steward. Messman Whitey Plunkett keeps the boys laughing with his jokes while he gives the best of ser­ vice, and the Cooks sure know what they are doing when they put the food together. The Deck Department wants to put in a good word for the Chief Mate—who was known as Smoky Lanton when he sailed in the Foc'sle, and now that he's doing his job on the bridge he's still an SIU Brother at heart. All in all it is a swell gang. William Zarkas Deck Maintainance Pege Eleven IT JUST MIGHT BE FRIENDLY Somebody aboard the Ore Line's SS Chilore found the time to go fishing down at Cruz Grande on the 'Chilean coast. He must have been more surprised than- pleased when he hauled in this squid. Pat Robertson.- Baltimore Patrolman, sent the picture of the ugly customer to the LOG without saying who had snapped it. and coal lying all over the deck. Someone could easily have been hurt. Everything except the lines had previously been secured, therefore, according to the Bosun, the ship was seaworthy, so if the Captain did not wish to anchor and let the boys have light to do this dangerous work, it could have been left till-day­ light. The Captain remarked, " I had a good crew last trip," meaning that he did not like the Union replacing the last crew under the Union rule that a member must get off when he is paid trans­ portation. The Captain informed the Steward Department that the only overtime would be on Sat­ urdays, Sundays and Holidays. There would be no sougeeing. He also informed the cooks that the meat box would be cleaned only before arrival back in the States. He stated that he would order all overtime" and all extra meals, and that there would be no feed­ ing of anyone except. the Port Captain, Port Engineer and Port Steward. The messmen were not to feed anyone without tl:e Cap­ tain's signature. On Saturday, June 5, at sea, the Captain issued three -'•artons of cigarettes for the trip overseas. In view of these conditions aboard the James Swan, it is hoped that the following poem will be appreciated by other SIU men. •• POPPA HUBBARD 1 I'm known as Capiain Hubbard Of fhe Good Ship "Jimmy" Swan; I'm really liked by all my men— Al least, most every- re. 2 There's just a few v.-ho Ihink I'm light But Boys, they're a"' i-ji-taken; Because I said no r le. Don't mean I'm God iorrrken. 3 Of course I won"i -. ut out a draw While in a "State-r.j'port; I've got my crewmc-'s good at heart. They'd spend it and .u.i rhort. 4 But I make up for ii ^b"ord With draws out eve ' day; The boys get all ihe dough they need For sight-seeing or picy. 5 I give the boys their ju^ exchange. The standard, one for one; Of course I'm getting twioo that much. I'm not sailing just for fun. 6 I'm Lord and Master of my ship And all the men on board; I've got to keep strict disciplina To keep all in accord. 7 I feel like a proud Poppa With all the crew my boys; I don't believe in spanking. But Logging is a joy. 8 And so you see, we all agree I'm pleased as I can be; With one for you and two fat me There's money in going tb setw 1. C. Gentile. Secretary R. H. Basberg. Ship's Delegate ' SS James Swan "I m �Page Twelve SEAFARERS tOG GOOD SHIP, ^OOD BUNCH, GOOD PARTY : I - fe fUday. August 6.1948 Pioneer Penman Chronicles Fun And Frolic Aboard Ship To the Editor: it comes to the gift of gab. At least we'll bet on Elliott against any other yackety-yacker. D. Lige Jones, ex-pic-card in the Port of Norfolk, and now 2nd slum burner on this vessel, has written a hunk of poetry. When he was asked to send it into the LOG, he replied, "Hell no! What do you think; I am? Do you want the whole damned East Coast laughing at me?" Perhaps his nerve will come back and he will send it. If he doesn't, and I get ahold of it, I'll forward it to you. Eddie "Long Distanoe" Caudell, the Chief Steward, seems to have developed a permanent smile, and a very infectious grin. In fact, it has been getting so con-* tagious that "Pickle Puss" Lam­ beth, the star watch Fireman, smiled twice in three hours, and now everyone is mimicing Eddie. I'd like to know just which tooth-paste they are trying to sell. Greetings and salutations. from the crew of the "Bauxite • Flash" —otherwise, known as the Alcoa Pioneer — to.,all SIU Brothers wherever they may be. Before starting to heave the malarkey and blarney around, I would lik^ to state that the last payoff of this tub, July 16, was as smooth as an eel in a barrel of Blue Point Oysters. By request of the crew T am authorized to extend our thanks to the Agent and Patrolmen in the port of grits and gravy. Mobile to you, for their sincere cooperation in ironing out what beefs we had. In fact, Brother Editor, the ships paid off six hours after ar­ rival, and 18 hours ahead of schedule. Isn't that somewhat of a record for an Alcoa bauxite packet? "Spareribs" Northrop, the alli­ gator-catching Chief Electrician has publicity stated that before When the crew of the Mississippi company's crack Del Norte threw a birthday parly for he returns to Tampa he is going GENTLEMAN SAILOR "Red" Hancock, AB and Deck Delegate, they were also celebrating the fact that they 5weEe a to take a vacation in the Islands to J:aise tobacco of a special "type swell crew on a fine ship. Some of the boys weren't able to get mto the picture, but here are Back to a little seriousness, the names of the ones who did. Back row (left to right): Tozeh AB; Torres, AB; Kaiser, Ch. so that Robert "D5 The Best You Brother Editor. A young seaman Stwd. Sheehan, 2nd Stwd; "Joe," Bellboy; Gamin, Storeke^er; ^ddie," Dinen Keeper; Bank- Can" Hillman -may have free who had made a couple of trips ston. Bosun; Scott, QM; and Thurman, Carp. Middle row: Anderson, OS; Garxau BR; Denison, cigars. before getting on this rust-pot, "Pork Chops" Hand (Northop's xecently asked me just what con­ AB-M/T; Hancock: Kreel, 2nd Elect; and Carlson, AB-M/T. On deck: Dynar^i, Ch.'Reefer partner in short-circuiting), bet­ stituted the definition of a Gencmd Daveierson, FWT. ter known as the midget sparks, tleman-SaUor. Though stunned has gone on a diet. Yes indeed! for a short .while, I replied, "Son, A diet of food and plenty of it. a Gentle-man-Sailor is a man Incidentally, Pork Chops merely that believes in assisting his ship­ weighs 304 at this writing—and mates, never hurting his Union that is "avoirdupois" weight, too. Brothers, paying his dues and Brother. assessments regularly, never sure made me feel good to have through with one of the finest To the Editor: starting ,a phony beef ashore or so many SIU brothers celebrate collections for his wife that I've CHAMP RIDES AGAIN After reading so many stories my birthday. on board ship, never performing, ever seen on any ship—$1,077. of other ships and crews in the Eddie "Champ" Yates decided or doing, anything detiimental to That's the old SIU spirit—unity ^ % LOG. I think its time that the To the Editor: to ride the "J'lash" for another the Union, and, whether he is a ail the way. membership heard of the "Queen We, the men of the Del Norte, One of the contributors ito voyage, and now his whole am- young man or an oldtimer, he of the South Atlantic"—the SS would like to take our hats off Brother Sheehan!s wife was mition is to walk through the puts his .whole heart and soul in­ Del Norte. to the late Brother Neils Shee­ Manuel Lopez at fhe American passageways and muble to him­ to the building of the Seafarers I have been Deck Delegate on han, one of the finest shipmates Star Bar in Santos. He is a fine self. The reason is this: Eddie international Union." her for five trips and I think it and Brothers that the SIU ever man and those of us on the Del was walking through the star­ He replied, "Brother, I am all can be said that it is the best had. Brother Sheehan died in Norte look upon him as a friend. board passageway last- evening, ready a Gentleman-Sailor. When muttering a soft song to himself, do I get -my SIU Book?" out of the Gulf. There has been Santos, Brazil on July 13. R«I ^ncodk when the Chief Engineer hap­ but one man logged on the d^ck With his passing we lost, a Deck Delegate The Ship's Delegate has just in­ pened to notice him. The Chief since I have been here—thanks fine brother. The crew came BS Del Norte formed me that he was notified yelled, "Holy cow!", do they get to the Union consciousness of the in the Port of Mobile that the those gUys on deck too? And he membership; to say nothing of a SS Alcoa Pioneer (Bauxite ran into his room and locked the damn good bunch of officers. (Flash) has made the last two door. . This ship is one of the cleanest •trips without even a small beef The following brothers have I ever sailed on. This is largely in regard to food or the Stew­ decided to cease sailing for a due to the fact that the Bosuns ard's Department. short while, and have headed to and Bosun Mates, have been such May I state here that I have their heads first. I believe that the famous County of Baldwin to men as Vorel, Scotty Findlay, To the Editor: never sailed with a finer bunch is altogether wrong and demoral­ raise spuds: Bacon Skin Kelly, George Carroll, Blackie Bsuikston I have several opinions regard­ and last but not least, our poor ing fines that I would like to put izing to men on the ships and Bosun, Muscles Cordell, the of men than were ' on here last Strong Man Bob, Fretty Boy trip. I can also quote Captain old baldheaded carpenter, Baldy before the membership through ashore. Wouldn't it firing order and -Guss, Cousm Grady McNeil, Pembroke, the Master, as stating Thurman, Ship's Delegate. the pages of the LOG. It seems more justice to the whole system Scotch and Boda Lambert, Slow the same to the Officials in Mo­ I can't give all the credit to to me that the SIU should have of fining if committees w e r^ Mcrtinn Johnson, R. 'California bile. the deck on this fine ship because a uniform set of fines for specific elected in the (Branches to make Rinky Dink Dunlap, a Brother KO Laws, -the swimmer we also have had fine crews in offenses, and if a matter justifies recommendations for a standard To-Hell With The Sharks, and who came iback workaway from the Engine Department. The more consideration, it should be set of fines for usual offenses (as the Islands, has requested -me to last but not least, the famous Stewards Department is, and. has referred to another committee. was done on the question of uni- • Pepsodent Advertisement Kid H. thank the Crew for the swell been one of the finest that can Every dollar counts these, days form registration rules)? These be found on any large passenger with shipping slowing down,.and recommendations could then be Chicken Howell. Bon Voyage to donation ($75) that was given to all, from them, and to them. We him before he entered the Ma­ <^ip. All Seafarers know the we' must be sure that in minor reviewed by a special Headquar­ say, "Take it easy!" rine Hospital in Mobile. Well hard job it is to £nd the right offenses, the pimishment fits the ters -iFine -Committee which done. Brothers! From all indications, the En­ men for these jobs. crirtie. would make a report to the gine, Deck and Stewards Depart­ Au revoir, adios, and vaya conMy position is this: When 'fines membership for action up and DID FINE JOBS ment men who shipped on this dios, and a real old-fashioned vary from ten to 50 dollars for down the coast. tub just about a week ago have goodbye to all SIU Brothers all I want to say that the Chief an identical offense in the same Then, if such a system of fines fitted into the groove very well over the world-rand Hoboken. Steward, Bill Kaiser and the late J (as well as different) ports, it were accepted by the member­ and are showing the real SIU 'brother Neils Sheehan, the Sec-' often creates hardship and hard ship, future trial • committees spirit. This is especially true of James R, "Jimmie" Preslwood ond Steward, did fine jobs in feelings wliich largely destroy would be obliged to adhere to the "belly-robbing" department Steward Department Delegate keeping the boys in line and, at the main objective of the fine in this schedule in all cases where which now acts like a bunch of the same time, giving the crew the first place, which is to cor­ their investigation finds that an waiters in the Waldorf-Astoria. rect the offender on the one offender falls into one of the everything possible. The crew is well pleased. Let's In passing, we'd like to men­ hand and put forth a just object listed catagories. This, of course, keep it up Brothers. My fingers tion and thank the Union offi­ lesson for others to the end that would not apply to offenses dur­ are crossed as this packet may Don't 'ihold your pcitures cials in New Orleans for the fine the offenses will not be con­ ing strike periods. A different go on the Bauxite run again. and stories of shipboard acti­ cooperation that they gave to us tinued. procedure would then apply. vities, Mail them to the Sea­ YACHETY-YACK in keeping this the finest ship FINES NOT EQUAL , And' while we are correcting farers Log. 51 Beaver St., afloat, as far as we are con­ In the cases of men charged our own procedure, can we do Archibald "Spotlight" Elliott, New York -A. N. Y. If you cerned. with missing a watch, taking anything about having the LOG the Nigjit Cook and "Barker"-^ haven't the time or don't feel Enclosed is a picture of the days off, pilfering cargo, black- money on the ships turned over and I do mean barker—has been in the mood, just forward-de­ party thrown me by the crew on marketing ship's stores, being to suitable charities instead of informed that his nickname is tails. We'll do the rest. Picmy birthday. We could not get gassed up at payoff, and many going to the millionaire steam­ now "Yackety-yack."" He ac­ lures will be returned if you all the gang in but maybe you others, various trial committees ship companies? tually tops Waterman's "Ackeywish. know some of them shown. It exact whatever fine come into Ed Larkin yackety-yaek" Les Joiner when Brother Calls Crew Of Del Nnrte 'Tops,' Labels Vessel, 'Queen Of South Atlantic' Feels Unlfonn Fine %«tem Is Needed In All Branches Send 'Em In • - si �THE Friday. August 6, 1948 Patience Throughout Trip Is Cash To Crew At Payoff He handed out unlimited logs, but was very careful to stay within the letter of the law. His eloquence was exceeded only by his arrogance and his strong will to cast aside all hu­ man rights. On a long tropical run, he neglected men who were ill, and logged" sick men for not turning to. He ever sought to impress his slaves with his logic, his infallibility, and his prin­ ciples. He would like to show where his principles failed him: When the payoff came after long grueling months, he had to sit down and face the SIU Patrol­ man and his own company rep­ resentatives and admit that he had disregarded the Contract, and have his whole position knocked out from imder him. It was hard to take, but by not trying to straighten him out at sea, where he had all the ad­ vantage, we had the satisfaction of taking care of him right in the end, the SIU way! To the Editor: Leaving the ship and the Skipper anonimous, we would like to tell you the result of six months steady pressure against a modern Captain Bligh wherein "justice through pat­ ience" was achieved. Our first problem came short­ ly after leaving Baltimore, Jan. 26, which set the pattern of ar­ rogance displayed by the Cap­ tain. At this time he issued written instructicjns on how an AB should steer. Two men refused to take his instruction sheet, maintaining that they held un­ limited AB certificates issued by the Department of Com­ merce upon the basis of which the Shipping Commissioner had signed them on the articles ^f the ship as competant seamen. The Skipper was very much upset about this, and ordered the men to pack and get off at the first port. He said that he was not going to let any one run his ship. Robert J. Mansfield The Galveston Patrolman John W. Leavitt backed the men involved and they stayed on. . But one of those involved was the Deck Delegate. When he had occasion to remind him To the Editor: of the clause in the contract prohibiting officers from doing I received the July 16 issue crew's work the Captain called of the LOG today, and was the crew stupid. He said the somewhat surprised to see one Union meant little aboard his of my letters printed therein. slrip as he intended to run it Brother Bender, Records Pa­ trolman, said , in his letter of as he likedt SEAFARERS LOO Oticq Over Lightly" Page Thirteen Bistro On Bauxite Trail Has Impromptu 'Floor Show' \ To the Editor: .started rolling on the floor. What madness! A couple of This is to keep the member­ guys wanted to interrupt, but ship posted on the Bauxite the majority of the boys wanted Trail. Some well known Broth­ to see the show go on. ers aboard the Oliver WendeU All this was in the Chink's Holmes are L. Lott, Dennis joint. If you've ever been on (Brooklyn Kid) Saunders, Sunny this run you know the Chink's. Rankin (From Mobbile), and E. About this time the crew of B. (Perlockes) Tart. the SS Edward W. Scripp—an­ The other night we were in other Alcoa Scow—began drift­ Paranam—the place where the ing in. About this time, from Bauxite comes from—having a nowhere, a battle royal began. few rum and cokes in one of Everybody found himself enPthe local spots and looking over gaged in the ruckus, voluntarily the, "floor show". The music or not. was of the Jungle kind. Dennis Saunders, the Brook­ The tom-toms beat faster and lyn Kid, covered the door, and faster. Suddenly one of the yelled, "That goes for the IS "skirts" let out a yell and house!" Sunny was swinging wild and furiously. One of the Swede Swanson, AB on the Brothers off the Scripps let go Loyola Victory, puts himself with a beer bottle, and the at the mercy of S. A. Holden, Brooklyn Kid gave ground: Chief Cook and a mean man I sure did admire his foot­ wiOi the barber tools. No work. Never saw a man back "after" picture was submitted, up so fast in my life. but according to the note ac­ Then Sunny from Mobile shot companying the p i ct u r e. out of the joint like a bat out Brother Swanson stepped of hell with three brothers from By ROCKY BENSON away from the chair no worse the Scripps in hot pursuit. There for wean How is your seafaring I.Q.? is a little bridge on the pig-trail See if you can answer these 10 in front of the door, crossing a questions. Score yourself: 6-fair, slimy ditch. Sunny was running 8-very good, IG-brainstorm. so fast that he couldn't turn One point for each answer. July 3, that if any of my college 1- On what day of the week onto the bridge, and into the friends desire to receive the does- the SEAFARERS LOG ditch he went—the three right after him. LOG, I should submit their come out? It was a wonderful free for all names. I am sure that the 1- Monday then, with mud in their eyes LOG will serve as an ambas­ 2- Tuesday and all four swinging at ran­ sador of good will, not only for 3- Wednesday dom. About then someone the SIU but for other" Unions 4- Friday started throwing beer bottles as well. 2- How many Union Halls are from the gallery. I noticed a picture of the there in the A&G District? While all this was going on 1- 10 crew of the SS Steel Recorder an Oiler from our ship, who in the June 25 issue. It is inter­ • 2- 12 doesn't drink, but who had bee 3- 13 esting to note that most of the up to listen to the music, de­ 4- 14 crew of the Recorder that made cided it was getting too hot and the trip to the Persian Gulf'and 3- What line on a ship gets tried to leave. He stepped out the Far East last winter are coiled more than any other line? just as someone let go with 1- Heaving line still with her. We had a good another beer bottle. He turned 2- Sounding line trip then, and the crew was to go back, but the Chink with 3- Head line tops. his whole family back of him, 4- Breast line slammed the door. And as if There has been a lot said 4- How many cardinal points this wasn't enough, his hand about our success in winning in a compass? ' was caught in the door-jam so the Hiring Hall rights, so I 1- 32 he had to see it through won't try to add anything, ex­ 2- 48 whether he wanted to or not. cept that it was damn good 3- 75 Well, after a few knots on news. 4- 360 our heads—nothing so serious Here are the names of my 5- What is known as the "stool that a little iodine wouldn't re­ friends who would like to get pigeon" on " a ship? pair—we called the battle off. the LOG: John Smarz, Jr., Her­ 1- One who carries tales top­ My votes goes to the Scripps bert Reif, George Crocker, side bunch this time. Charles Sterling, and Billie Del­ 2- Second Mate But here's a warning. The ano. 3- Course Recorder Brooklyn Kid and Sunny from 4- Direction finder Jack S. White Mobile are going into training. 6What is called the "Charlie They say five will get you ten Farraguf, Idaho Noble" on a ship? they win the next bout! Time 1- Iron mike will tell, but I sure hope I'm 2- Foremast there when the battle starts 3- Galley stack again. ^ 4- Windlass Here are some of the Brothers7- What ai-e the gripes on a I hope see this letter: L. Wil­ ship? To the Editor: liams, William Oliver, Ellig 1- A man who beefs Gaines, G. Curry, and C. Per­ I wish to thank you most sin­ 2- Something to eat kins. cerely for the LOG you send 3- Fire hose E. B. (Perlockes) Tart me weekly. I think it is a won­ 4- Lifeboat equipment Steward derful paper (I read every 8- How many different Halls SS Oliver W. Holmes word), because it is very edu­ did the SIU have in New Or­ cational in the ways of the leans from 1938 to the present Union. time? 1- 3 I met the ,31U San Francisco 2- 5 Agent when he came to my To insure payment, all 3- 6 home after the shooting of our claims for overtime must be 4- 8 President Mr. Price. Since then turned in to the heads of de­ I have received the LOG reg­ 9- If it is 12 Noon in Wash­ partments no later than 72 ularly. Our President, Mr. J. B. ington, D.C., what time it is in hours following the comple­ Price wonders if you would London? tion of the overtime work1- 2 PM also send him a copy of the As soon as the penalty 2- 5 PM LOG weekly. Best regards to work is done, a record should 3- 8 PM the LOG. be given to the Department 49 PM head, and one copy held by Hattie Shoddiness 10- Which is the fourth largest the man doing the job. National Farm Labor Union of the Great Ldges? In addition the depart­ Local 218 1Lake Erie mental delegates should Arvin, California 2- Lake Superior check on all overtime sheets 3- Lake Ontario (Ed. note: President Price 72 hours before the ship 4- Lake Michigan will begin receiving the' LOG makes port. (Answers on Page 15.) ) shortly.) Student Reads Log, Asks For More Shipmate By ROBERT G. PATTISON I've sailed a lot of ocean, I've sailed a lot of sea, I've met a lot of people That meant a Lot to me. Though sure enough he'd smile, , "Take it easy, kid," he'd often say; "We'll all get ours in style." But the man .1 really care for, A friend both loyal and true. We'd make our plans for the Now lies in ft sleep that's future endless. All through the night and With the rest of a sturdy day; crew. . We'd make our plans for the future We sailed the North Atlantic, As if nothing barred the way. When death stalked through the night. We heard its gentle whisper. We heard its roaring might. Until one day we parted. As I was slapped in jail. Although he waited and waited. At last •he had to sail. He came to me and asked me If there was anything he could do, I He cursed and said, "God damn it," kid, I'd move the earth for you." But through it all Old Alf would sit. And casually roll a smoke: Though men died by the hundreds. He'd treat it as a joke. A joke both grim and mirthless. That was the last I saw of him. For soon I got the news. His time had come in the Pacific, Both his and the rest of the crew's. I've sailed a lot of ocean, ...I've sailed a lot of sea. But if I ever meet a man like Alf. He's good enough for me. FARM UNIONIST THINKS THE LOG IS EDUCATIONAL On Overtime �Page Fourleen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. August 6, 1948 The Virgin Islands, Tropical Paradise ! By AUGUSTUS H. COTTRELL may go for a swim at any one of a number of palm-fringed beaches, explore the hills on hoi'seback, or put in an exciting day deep-sea fishing. Legend hunting is also a fav­ orite pastime, tales of buccaneers, blockade runners, and even local "bluebeards" are as deeply rooted and as onmipresent as the lichens that cover ancient walls. Because of the harbor, which is laid out in the shape of a horseshoe to amply pi'ovide pro­ tection, more ships are attracted here than to any nearby place, and because of the visitors these ships bring, the town of Char­ lotte Amalie is a miniature cos­ mopolitan center of great impor­ tance to neighboring islands. buried their plunder, still rings this idyllic isle. Cocoanut palms and lush veg­ etation Sfow almost to the edge of the sea. The verdant hills abound with gaily plumed birds "Katy" by the Virgin Islanders, sin to waste water on the island. the S. S. Catherine is more than The island's chief revenue is a mere convenience. She is " a derived from its rum and sugar personality, and they are enor­ exports. Raw sugar output aver­ mously proud of her. Her- ar­ ages more than 5,000 tons a year. rivals and departures are social The U.S. Government estab­ occasions of some • magnitude lished a rum distillery on the with the visitors being escorted island following the repeal of aboard to be formally presented prohibition. The distillery is to her captain and passengers. backed by 5,000 acres of sugar Her departure for San Juan, cane and two sugar mills. which takes place at night, is Commerce and industry have attended by all the pomp of a made no appreciable impression transatlantic sailing from New on this garden spot of the Carib­ York. The dock bustles with ac­ bean, however, for wealth is a tivity. Native porters struggle secondary desire here. thi-ough the crowds with lug­ The joy of life and the beauty gage. The .white linens of the that accompanies it on the island men and gay dresses of the comes before the haste and push women suggest a holiday in the of modern day business. making. It is almost as though nature Aboard ship, parties from town rebels against having her natural have preempted the hurricane- beauty marred by too gay a life, deck bar and lounge. An or­ for pushing to the very door of chestra blazes/ forth a rhumba youir home are the night blooms from the radio and partings are and flowers, ever embattling the toasted in drink. encroachment of man. The whistle blows, the crowd The voodoo drums and other troops ashore, the screws bite in­ sounds in the dark tropical night to the black waters of the Bay. remind the pleasure seeker that Soon the little town, the starlit he has to but step to a door or hills behind it, and the two red window to feel, and hear, and eyes of the range lights, go slid­ smell true nature in all her ing down the phosphorescent magnificence. waves toward the horizon. And that, all islanders feel, should be enough. WORK OF ART Four and a half days out of New York by steamer, less than • nine hours flying time from Miami, lies one of the most beautiful of tropical islands in the world, and it belongs to the United States. More Danish colonial than modern American is this Amer­ ican island, St. Thomas, one of the three large islands compris­ ing the Virgin Islands which be­ longed to Denmark for more than 250 years before the United States purchased it along with the rest of the Virgin Island group, in 1917. Although there are few experi­ and gorgeous flowers that thrive ences that can match lounging only in such perfect climate. about the deck of a steamship as COSMOPOLITAN . her screws drive her through the U.S. PURCHASE Charlotte Amalie is the capital deep cobalt blue of the Carib­ In 1917 the United States paid bean Sea, there is one dramatic of the American Virgin Island moment in the approach to St. group, and the social activities $25,000,000 to Denmark for the - Thomas that can be had only which radiate from the Govern­ three main Virgin Islands — St. ment House bring together the Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John from the air. That moment comes when a native islanders, and travelers —with fifty-odd surrounding, unPan-American Clipper soars up­ from the States, as well as for­ inhabitated pin-dot islands ward from San Juan, Puerto eign countries, on one common thrown in for good measure. The islands were not very Rico, and levels out for the final ground. Private craft cruising in the prosperous at that time, nor have jump to Charlotte Amalie, Island of St. Thomas, less than an Caribbean make it a point to they been since. Yet the sum lie over in its safe harbor when­ paid represented a higher price hour's flight away. than was paid for any other One can see the vast bow of ever in the vicinity. Like many other islands in the United States acquisition of land. the Lesser Antilles swinging away, island after island, fading Caribbean, St. Thomas' early his­ The actual land cost averaged But whether viewed from the through lighter and lighter tory was one of development by $293.70 per acre as compared to decks of the Catherine, or from shades of blue until they vanish absentee land-owners. Here were 2 cents an acre for Alaska and the windows of a Clipper plane made possible most of the for­ 27 cents an acre for the Philip­ high in the skies, these isles with finally into the horizon. (Continued from Page 7) tunes that were taken back to pines. their gracefully molded emerald On advice of the Union's attor­ LAND AHEAD Europe during the golden era of In the past few years, however, As Charlotte Amalie appears hills set in a turquoise sea with ney the incident had to be re­ one' instantly thinks of gaily- the West Indies. Consequently the value of the Virgin Island foamy waves forming a fringe ported to the bonding company painted doll houses, as the bright there are few monuments, impos­ has undergone considerable about dark green shores, appear and the police as so to avoid loss sunshine reflects every color of ing school buildings, expensively change. As a covering air base to be the work of some famous by the Union of the $184 in­ the rainbow from its rooftops. laid out parks, or other man- for the Canal Zone, they are po­ sculptor. volved. Agent also stated that Cultivated areas appear against made landmarks depicting the tentially a valuable source of Sitting on a bench in Emanci­ Brother Queen and several rank protection to the US, and Crum pation Park gazing out to sea, the intense green of the forest- early days in this island. Every business building in the Bay situated near Cha-Cha Town and listening to the gentle whis­ and file members worked with clad hillsides, not unlike many district, however, (two names, the origin of which pering of the wind through him on negotiations with the miniature golf courses. And the downtown "Wilson Line, an excursion outfit. little town, too, sparkles as speaks a more eloquent lan­ has never been determined) cocoanut palms, it is difficult to As a result, a contract embody­ bright as a pretty gypsy girl's guage of the past than any for­ maintains a sheltered submarine conceive that this same park was ing Hiring Hall features has been dress and seems to offer hospi­ mal monument. Each is a thickly base that is capable of providing the site of an ancient whipping signed for the first time for any tality to the traveler ever before walled building, very narrow, but safe anchoi-age for a full sub­ post and slave mart, or that buc­ of the the summer boats. This four hundred or more feet deep marine fleet. he lands. caneers once carried their booty was a definite victory because and running from DronningensThere will be no official wel­ and captives across this same clauses in. the old contract mak­ FRENCH TOWN coming party to greet your boat gade, the main street, all the ground. ing concessions to the compa'uy or plane with pomp and cere­ way back to the sea. Cha-Cha Town is a very small enabling it to hire off the dock MANY LANDMTARKS These fine old buildings were piece of France, as quaint as its mony, as is the case in many were completely deleted. There built to withstand the cannon- name implies, hugging a small However, there is plenty to was, one minute of silence in ball of pirate craft in the har­ comer of this American island. remind one of these things. Fac­ memory of bur departed bor. In one there is now a It is populated by a shy, thrifty, ing the park and the sea is Fort Brothers. laundry, where all clothes are intelligent people who are direct Christian, with old towers and 4. 4. 4.^ washed in an old-fashioned descendants of the French folk spiked "muzzle-loading cannon NEW YORK—Chairman. Rob­ washtub and pressed by hand. who came to St. Thomas from still on its walls. The year ert Matthews. 1S4; Recording the nearby island of St. Bar- "1671" chiseled into the stone Secretary. Freddie Stewart. 4935; WORLD MART over its portal teHs its age. It Reading Clerk. Lindsey Williams, Other shops sell various mer­ thelemy many years ago. is now used as the jail. These kindly people .speak a 21550. chandise: exquisite French per­ As a contrast to the Fort, we patois which is largely 17th Cen­ Branch minutes from the outfumes, rum, hand-made lace, na­ tive cigars and an assortment of tury Norman French, few know find the modernly appointed ports accepted. New Business: excellent brocades and cash­ sufficient English to chat with Grand Hotel. A wide veranda Motion by Fields, that members runs the entire length of its sec­ past the draft age assist the visitors. * meres. Latin ports. There ,piay be an ond floor. Here cool drinks are draft-eligible younger members In one of these cavernous old ISLAND BOAT aged woman crouching over a served in an ultra fashionable to gain exemption by sending buildings there is a single bar­ basket of cigarettes which cost, atmosphere to the soft strains telegrams to the President, as The inhabitants of this tiny ber chair—and, as one reclines by the way, seven cents a pack­ of music from a modem orches­ per Headquarters' request. Mo­ in the chair, one feels dwarfed colony fish and weave hats for age (Luckies, Camels, Chester­ tra. tion carried. Motion by Sam by the vastness of the building. a living. They frequently inter­ fields, etc.). . As one gazes upward to the Philips that the membership go The mind is inclined to wander marry and rarely mingle with * And she may be offering pinthills and sees bluebeard's castle on record that, in the event of a to the days when these same the inhabitants of St. Thomas. size bottles of bay rum, a na­ looming staunch an^ black strike, the SIU will not tolerate Most of their hats are pur­ walls rang with the ribald toasts tive product and one of the finest against . the backgroimd, one outside interference but will chased by the tourist trade or of swash-buckling buccaneers as in the world, for a few coppers, wonders what the old rascal work directly with the operators. they drank to their conquests passengers aboard what has be­ the exact amount depending on and ladies. come a Virgin Island institution, would say today if he could but Amendment by Williams that whether she likes your looks or gaze at the electric light meter this matter on Union policy be It has always seemed some- the steamship "Catherine." occupying the place he used to referred to the Negotiating Com­ not. The small self-contained world hi,storic buildings, mellowed by sit with his telescope scanning mittee for their consideration. ISLAND PARADISE the centuries, whose interiors in of the two larger Virgin Island, the sea. The people of St. Thomas by bygone days had bulged with the St. Thomas and St. Croix, are Discussion: Several members Paradoxically, although sur­ pointed out that the Negotiating nature are not wont to demon­ wealth of the Indies brought to served by this staunch little strate. They are convinced that thing of a sacrifice that these steamer which covers the circuit rounding by water, the chief Committee has been given full economic woe of the island is a right to call for a -strike vote and God has provided for them the their back doors by majestic twice a week. lack of water, fresh water. finest, most beautiful island in clipper ships from all the seven based on their previous perform­ Starting at San Juan, Puerto The island depends almost en­ ances in gaining the best con­ the world. And a visitor to the seas, should now suffer the in­ Kico, she proceeds overnight to island wiU come to believe, al­ dignities of housing wash tubs Charlotte Amalie. Then she tirely upon rainfall for its sup­ tracts in the Industry, such sug­ most certainly, that this is true. and barber chairs. steams across forty miles of the ply. The-hillsides are lined with gested^ actions be left entirely to If you decide to linger, to ex­ However, the basic beauty, the Caribbean to Christiansted, the enormous concrete casements their discretion. Motion as plore the island, you will be natural splendor of this tropical principal port of St. Croix, and that catch the rain and divert it amended carried. Because of the charged by the variety of en­ paradise remains unprofaned by returns to Puerto Rico the fol­ to a reservoir. Each house top extreme heat. Good and Welfare tertainment it has to offer. Start­ the march of civilization. The lowing day following the same also has its rain catcher for an was very brief. Meeting ad­ additional supply of drinking and journed with 1232 members ing out from one of the many same diadem of glistening schedule. small but excellent hotels, you beaches, where pirates once Affectionately called the bathing water. It is a cardinal present. BranchMeetings P- �THE Friday. August .6. 1948 PERSONALS SEAFARERS LOG Page Fifteen THE SAILOR MEETS A LADY MELVIN F. LIBBY Your sister, Mrs. A. A. Finnigan, missed you when she By JOHN LEGGE I didn't say it, but I meant so often did; and suddenly in the big sailor that had been slopmoved back to Portsmouth. She that he had never found. tension of that moment I felt a ping up rum all evening down has a matter of utmost impor­ The Sailor's Story He was late ae. usual, and 1 release from the blind love that at the other end, shoves in betance to discuss with you and was just sitting there in the bar had tied me to him. Suddenly 1 tween 'em. And she gives him I'd been watchin' this dame. does not have your address waiting. knew that no matter what hap- a big smile on top of it! Smart as you please, with a Please contact her at 453 Pleas­ Half, then three-quarters of an pened 1 didn't care any more. SMACKS SAILOR ant Street, Portsmouth, ,N€W pair of foxes hangin' where I'd hour went by. The sailor shoved in roughly like my arms to be. She settles And that's one thing I will Hampshire. • Oh, how I wished that 1 could between us, giving Richard a herself on a stool with a couple ,.1X -nil-«• r 1-I give this uptown gent credit him off of his;. „ , ., . of wiggles, big purse on the bar hate him! I wondered if 1 ever shove that spilled ' for; he really laid one on this EARL McCAMBRIDGE could. That would be enough, 1 crosses her legs and orders u • > Tv/r- „• sailor. He'd been shoved off bal­ Your mother is anxious for thought. If this experiment does ^ ls \uthis bum annoyin you Miss? you to contact her at RFD Box drink. not bring him to me, please God, he asked. She's aloof as a racing yaCht he didn't ask no questions. Ha 75, Coral, Michigan. let me hate him! Oh, not very much, I said but X figure I can spot 'em every swung one right off the ground, i *, *. casually, but thank you, any­ and that sailor dropped like a LOOKS DOWN BAR time. I mean a woman on the BOB MCDONALD I looked across the rows of way. beef, and never moved till the Ralph Padget, c/o Phil-Kron make. When you lead your life Things happened all at once police come. whiskey bottles into the mirror. on the sea you learn how. Drive-In, Bloomington, 111., would then. The strange blond fellow Then he grabs this dame by Every now and then any of Into the leering, drinking, laugh­ like to hear from you, or any of got into it too— I Suppose he the arm and says, I hope you're ing, frowning pool of faces swim-, 'em are ready for someone else his old shipmates. thought he was protecting my satisfied: Now let's get out of They're tired of the old man, or ming there, i S. 1 honor. here. just pickin' up their head again PHILLIP R. WAGNER All T remember is that when She jerks her arm away, as Get in touch with your mother after some guy broke their heart; someone had Richard on the floor snooty as you like, and says in or some tramp just saw her last at 120 East 34th Street, New and was choking him, I didn't a low voice that carries all over boy-friend off on a boat—it can York City. feel anything. Nothing at all! the place, You brute, let go of be anything or nothin'. 4. iS. 4It was wonderful! me! What I'm lookin' for is a notMAX H. pUNLAP I got up and walked out. And then—and here's the pay­ Your family in the Phillipine bad-looker right thenl off—one of the.se artist nuts, a Pretty soon I catch her eye in Islands is anxious to hear from The Bartender's Story big blond guy that always comes the mirror. But she looks up the you. I get all kinds. * in here alone and never falls bar to a big blond lubber from 4 44 I . got one of those in-betweeninto conversation with anyone at the sticks that just about faints VltO WILLIAM MASI places in Greenwich Village the bar, and whom I'd figured for when he gets her eye. Your wife Mary asks that you where you get 'em all. Some up­ some kind of a queer, is over I says to myself, "Mac, she's on write. town people come in here think­ there before I know it and coldthe prowl!" I raise my glass and 4 4 4 1 must learn to see other faces, ing they're slumming. There are cocks this 'uptown guy with a give her a big fish-eatin' grin. JOHN ROACH thought. Not just Richard's a few, a very few, crack-pot ar- square sock to the chin. I should have moved in right Please write Charles Dix, care tists, and would-be writers. Call it chivalry, if you want of SIU New York Hall, 51 then. That's where I made my face! But the real trade: working to. Or maybe something snaps It is strange what makes us Beaver Street, New York 4, mistake. But I sit there. men, the Italians, and a few Jin his brain, but he was like a And it isn't long 'till some tall, care for people. I-tried to analyze N. Y. pasty-faced dude in a dinner it. He didn't even like me; and stevedores and seamen come {wild-man. He's right down on after this guy with jacket crowded in beside her and yet 1 was tied to him with a just to drink— and they drink the floor whiskey. They're the ones that b-oth hands on his throat, chokbuys a couple of drinks without blind, love that would not release make the house money. ing him and banging his head me. even speaking to her. But, as I say, I get all kinds; up and down on the floor, On the far end of the bar was THE COME-ON and I'm just working here. Well, not wanting any mura man in the off-brand Maritime BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. I gotta feed 'em all and try ders in my place, and further, Wiiliam Rentz, Agent Calvert 4539 I didn't like the look of him Commission uniform, with a expecting this thing to develop' BOSTON 276 State St. anyway, so when she gives me a black band on his high-pressure to keep 'em all happy. into a madhouse if it keeps on, Walter Siekmann, Agent Bowdoin 4455 TAKES NOTICE smile, I know it's the old come- hat. 1 had helped out in a can­ GALVESTON 308'/j—23rd St. I tap this nut with the sap I teen, and 1 knew about uniforms. So I'd got to noticing this up­ keep under the bar. Keith AIsop, Agent Phone 2-8448 on,, and I didn't hesitate at all. Why doesn't he put on civilian town guy and this society dame. MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. I figured he'd most likely I start to call the police, when Cal Tanner, Agent Phone 2-1754 crawl off without me even havin' clothes or else join the Navy? 1 I didn't know who they were, the police walk in anywa_y. NEW ORLEANS 523 Bienville St. thought. but you could see they was E. Sheppard, Agent Magnolia 6112-6113 to smack ';m. GIRL LEAVES class. Well,, I shoves him aside and GETS THE EYE NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. Joe Algina, Agent HAnover 2-2784 starts the old line. She's takin' Well, she had come in by her­ And I'll be damned, if, while He raised his glass and nodded NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St. it right*in, when—blotto! self this night, and sat around the police _ _ these guys ^ drag out to me. I thought, Oh, oh! That'll Ben Rees, Agent Phone 4-1083 I'll be damned if this dude about an hour I guess. Same as the dame don't get up with her do. PHILADELPHIA. . .614-16 No. 13th St. Lloyd Gardner, Agent Poplar 5-1217 hadn't plopped me back of ttie There was a large fellow at usual, only damned if she wasn't'nose in the air and walk away! SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. ear while I ain't even noticin'. the bar, with an old slouch jack­ rolling her eyes at the customers. To top it all off, I see by the Steve Cardullo, Agent Douglas 2-5475 And that's the last I knew 'till I didn't pay too much attention, • papers that the up-town guy is et, and a shock of blond hair SAN JUAN, P.R 252 Ponce de Leon the police come and hustle me sticking out in all directions. As cause as I say, she'd been in a some big-shot and she's an heir­ Sal Colls, Agent San Juan 2-5996 SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. and these other tvyo guys out. 1 looked at him, he glanced at lotta times and hadn't never ess; and now she's divorcin' him Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you me and then quickly away. One caused no trouble befor§. Charles Starling, Agent Phone 3-1728 on charges of mental cruelty and TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. about this big blond lubber. I Then this guy comes in after makin' a spectacle of her in a of the local Bohemians. R. H. Hall, Asrent Phone M-1323 don't know just what happened; How pathetic most of them while and orders 'em both a public place! HEADQUARTERS. .51 Beaver St., N.Y.C. but after I was out cold, he'd HAnover 2-2784 are, and how really un-Bohe- drink. He'd always been a pretty ' Leave it to. the dames every got mixed up in the fight. And mian, I thought. I wondered cold fish, but I did notice he was time! SECRETARY-TREASURER him and this guy that clipped what it would take to jar him colder than usual this time. Paul Hall I tell you, dutchess, or shop­ Anyway, I hadn't no more girl, they're all tramps to me DIRECTOR OF ORGANIZATION me was both on the floor when out of his repressed aloofness. Lindsey Williams the police hauled us out. Such people always make me than made her another Martini if I see 'em coming into my ASSIST. SECRETARY-TREASURERS And as we go, I see this dame uncomfortable, for you never and poured his brandy, when this place. Robert Matthews J. P. Shuler leavin' the place, prim as you know what they are going to do. Joseph Volpian please, turnin' her back on the And there I sat. Waiting. Wait­ lot of us. ing. Waiting." How I wanted to AU I can say is she was damn­ hate! HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. The SEAFARERS LOG as the official publication of the Sea­ Phone 5-8777 ed sure ready; but I got caught Then suddenly Richard was farers International Union is available to all members who wish PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. in a. riptide. there. He sat down beside me. 1 to have it sent to their home free of charge for the enjoyment of Beacon 4336 caught his arm and smiled up at their families and themselves when ashore. If you desire to have RICHMOND, Calif 257 5th St. him. Phone 2599 the LOG sent to you each week address cards are on hand at every SAN FRANCISCO 59 Clay St. Two brandies, he called to the SIU branch for this purpose. Meeting Richard like this had Douglas 2-5475 been my idea—after he had ask­ bartender loudly. However, for tliose who are at sea or at a distance from a SIU SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. He knew 1 wouldn't drink hall, the LOG reproduces below the form used to request the LOG, Main 0290 ed for a divorce. I had insisted that we would brandy! He didn't even glance which you can fill out, detach, and send to: SEAFARERS LOG, 51 WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Blvd. Terminal 4-3131 meet three times a week in this at me. Beaver Street, New York 4 ,N. Y. 1 dropped his arm and looked little corner place and then PLEASE PRINT INFORMATrON spend the evening together—^just back down the bar. The sailor BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. to ourselves—and try to find that was frowning heavily at us. I To the Editor: Cleveland 7391 gave him a little smile. CUICAGO, III 3261 East 92nd St. something we had lost, or never It ""was a -quite impersonal I would like the SEAFARERS LOG mailed to the Phone: Essex 2410 found. smile. It was as spontaneous as address below: CLEVELAND 2602 Carroll St. Main 0147 the smile you give a,puppy who DETROIT 1038 Third St. is looking, up at yojir table. Cadillac 6857 SMLOH :MQ.VE3 IN DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. 1- Friday Melrose 4110 He got up ponderously, pushed 2- 12 Street Address .... TOLEDO 615 Summit St. his stool back witlT-a deliberate, 3- Sounding line Garfield 2112 expansive gesture, " and started 4- 32 State City down the bar. My hand went to 5- Course recorder my lips. My God, what have I 6- Galley _stack MONTREAL 1227 Philips Square Signed done! I thought. BICTORIA, B.C 602 Boughton St. 7- Lifeboat equipment Empire 4531 I turned quickly to Richard 8-6 VANCOUVER .*"..565 Hamilton St. Book No and touched his . arm. Richard, I 95 PM Pacific 7824 whispered. He ignored me as he 10- Lake Erie SIU HULLS SIU, A&G District Notice To All SIU Members SUP The Girl's Story Gt. Lakes District QUIZ mmm Canadian District �t.- THE Page Sixteen State Dep't Shipping Unit Is Scrapped The State Department has sent its much-criticized Shipping Division to the scrap heap. I •. |,j • C%/ I •'Si The move was forced by Con­ gress' reduction in appropriations for the Department's activities in transportation and communica­ tion Sub-committees from both branches of the legislature roundly scored the State Depart­ ment for overstepping its bounds by expanding its advisory func­ tions into the field of operatipns. Under a reorganization plan, the Shipping Division will be replaced by a smaller group that will serve solely as an advisory body under the Office of Trans• portation. SEAFARERS LOG WHAT ttWIIK., QUESTION: What was the biggest beef you have ever been in? Why do you regard it as the "biggest?" 5:55fS.., - i The Seamen Affairs Branch, the agency that has traditionally dealt with seamen and ships in foreign jurisdiction, will Ij/e transferred to the Division of Protective Services. OMER SAPP. Wiper; To my mind the Union'sand my own—biggest beef was the Isthmian strike last year. I was in the Port of Savannah at that time ajid participated in the strike there. I feel it was the biggest strike because it in­ volved so many ships belonging to one of the last, big antiUnion holdouts. And there were a helluva lot of jobs involved, , too. We were tackling one of the biggest babies in the busi­ ness, and we came through vic­ toriously with some real good strategy. When we won this great beef, it proved that Union structure and our organizing TARGET The Shipping Division was a target for considerable stormy criticism last March when Con­ gress was acting on the Marshall Plan. The State Department at that time used every device in the book to pressure Congress into giving beneficiary nations 200 ships and charters on 300 more to carry the relief cargoes into their respective ports. While Congress see-sawed in the course of active debate on the State Department's proposals, all sections of the shipping in­ dustry unleashed a barrage of criticism, with the Seafarers In­ ternational Union being among the most outspoken critics. The SIU charged at that time that the State Department plan "might lead to the liquidation of the U.S. merchant fleet," and leave some 30,000 American sea­ men out of jobs. SIU PROTEST ATTENTION! The slop chest is your cor­ ner store while you are at sea. You can't take your trade someplace else if the slop chest doesn't have what you need. F ^ mmxiymrn I ! iiiii SAMUEL VANDAL, Baker: The Isthmian strike wasn't the biggest strike in size that the SIU ever had, but it was far and awa.y the biggest in im­ portance, to my way of think­ ing, because it brought such impressive results. That beef gave us prestige — on every waterfront in the world. Don't forget, European seamen knew about Isthmian, and they were plenty impressed when the Seafarers won the beef. But I can't, talk about Isthmian because I was on a Waterman ship at the time. Biggest beef I ever was personally active in was the 1946 General Strike. -1 picketed Pier 28 in Erie Basin in Brook­ lyn. GLEN VINSON, OS: I came in the SIU with the Isthmian fleet, and the Isthmian strike was my first SIU action. I was on the transportation com­ mittee in New York, contacting picketlines all .over town. I learned then how the SIU strike strategy works when it goes into action. I was impressed by the cooperation and efficiency displayed by all hands. Also the courtesy and efficiency who contacted explained the meaning of the strike and invited us in the crews to join the picketline. No \ wonder we won the beef. JAN R. MUCINS, Deck Eng: The biggest strike I took part in was the 1946 General Strike, the biggest strike ever waged on any waterfront in the world. The SIU struck because the Wage Stabilization Board refus­ ed to allow the increases we had won in collective bargaining with the shipowners, and for eight days not a ship moved in or out of this country. That beef was a test of the Union's strength againsf an arbitrary ruling by the government agency. And we won. We were so right -in that strike that practically all public opinion was behind us. We set a wage pattern that was followed by all other maritime unions. K < PAT PRIOLO, OS: I always look upon fhe Isth­ mian Strike as the big one. Isth­ mian was a tough outfit and de­ termined not to give up easily. To win this strike meant a lot more ships and jobs to the members, and was one we could not afford to lose. I was in the '46 General Strike and the UFE Strike, but Isthmian, I think, was the big one. I had been a volunteer organizer on the Sea Fiddler and, after all the sweat I put into bringing that ship in, I wanted to be sure she went SIU. It would have been- a pity to lose the company after that beautiful or­ ganizing job. / Through its Washington repre­ sentative, the SIU strongly pro­ tested the pi'oposals, and thous­ ands of Seafarers sent telegrams and letters to their legislators de­ crying the "sellout" of American seamen. The protests bore fruit when both Houses of Congress passed the Marshall Plan legislation, after striking out the provisions to lend or charter any ships to foreign nations. A striking provision of the legislation as passed was one vigorously sought by the SIU— that 50 percent of Marshall Plan cargoes should be carried in American ships. It is felt that the State De­ partment's overwhelming defeat in regard to the Marshall Plan, and the attention focused on its shipping activities during the Congressional debate were partly responsible, at least, for the windup of its Shipping Divi­ sion. Friday. August 6, 1948 illl V 'v ' ' • ^ y, >J , y'J ENRIQUE CORTES, AB: In the Isthmian Strike I sany how powerful the SIU had be« come in maritime. No othex Union was able to take on Isth« mian and lick her, but we di(| it. It showed me that we wer« big enough to tackle the big­ gest anti-union .outfit of them all and come out on top. I sail­ ed on the Kelso Victory before the strike and I know what tho conditions were like. Taking part in putting an end to all of thai gave me a real thrill. I haven't sailed an Isthmian ship since the Union gained a con­ tract, but I'm going out on one soon to look over the fruit oi our victory. GEORGE FOWLES, FWT: Biggest beef I was in yras the famous Wall Street strike, when we helped out the United Financial Employes^ I don't think there's any question about whether that was a big beef. But the beef was very important to our Union. We won great prestige because we took up the fight of the underdog against the powerful Wall Street money boys. In helping out our Broth­ er AFL union, we picked up some very practical pointers. We saw how effective our strike machinery was and what our weak spots were. That beef also showed organized labor that Union people need each other, especially these days. EMILIANO ACABEO, AB: The biggest Union Action I've been in was the General Strike of 1946. It was a crucial time for the Union with the threat of Government strikebreaking— and when we won it we es­ tablished the highest condition* in the industry. I stood picket duty on the North river through­ out the strike. Everything went off smoothly and according to plans. I knew that the whole SIU was with me and, that no matter how long it lasted, I would have a place to sleep and good full meals in the stewpot. I 'felt pretty proud out there on those million-dollax docks with my white cap. � 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 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI 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 August 6, 1948 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 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. X, No. 32 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES WATERMAN SABOTAGES UMEMPLOYED INSURANCE SEAFARERS CERTIFIED AS BARGAINING AGENT FOR CUBA DISTILLING SIU CLEARS ELECTRICIAN OF PHONY CHARGES CARRYING ARMS ASHORE MAY LEAD TO REAL TROUBLE SIU POLICY PROVES ITSWELF TO BE CORRECT PRICES,PROFITS CONTINUE THEIR UPWARD TREND MOBILE SHIPPING HITS THE SKIDS, BUT SHOREGANG WORKS HELPS OUT PHILADEPHIA REPORTS SHIPPINH SHOWS CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENT BALTIMORE SHIPPING SLUMPS AGAIN,BUT ORE JOBS TAKE UP SOME SLACK SHIPPING IN TAMPA GOOD FOR BOOKMEMBERS NEW YORK BEATS ROBIN GRAY JOB DEMOTION NEW ORLEANS SHIPPING PICKS UP; MISSISSIPPI NEGOTIATIONS ON GALVESTON SHIPPING SPURT DIES FRISCO NARROWS DOWN THE HUNT FOR NEW HALL SAN JUAN BRANCH CRACKING DOWN ON PERFORMERS MYSTERIOUS CIGARETTE LOSS IN ADEN IRKS BUTT ADDICTON FABRICATOR SEAFARER BOWLS 300 GAME FIRST HOMETOWN SEASON N.Y SEAFARERS SIPPING JAVA GIFT OF FORMER MEMBER SEAFARER THANKS BROTHERS FOR AID TO SICK WIFE THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, TTOPICAL PARADISE BRANCH MEETINGS THE SAILOR MEETS A LADY STATE DEP'T SHIPPING UNIT IS SCRAPPED Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/06/1948 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1948 Periodicals Seafarers Log