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Official Organ, Atlantic & Gulf Oisirid, Seafarers International Union of NA
VOL. XII
NEW YORK, N. Y„ FRIDAY. APRIL 7. 1950
AfL RaJimen
Say No' To CIO
Chi Morgor BU
No. 7
SIU CREWS AID PARALYSIS VICTIMS
The membership of the AFL
Radio Officers Union has re
jected a proposal for combining
forces with the CIO American
Radio Association . as one big
union.
' ^
Of'317 members who voted on
the question "in a referendum
ballot sent to all ROU men, 229
opposed the merger and 88 fa
vored it.
' Ballot forms on a variety of
questions were distributed to the
ROU's 1,275 members and 369
valid answers were received and
tallied.
79 memljers favored taking the
CIO union into the AFL in a
body; 4 said "no" to this. 44
thought it okay to allow CIO
men to come into theROU as
individuals.
However, none of the AFL
men wanted to enter the CIO
.union as individuals.
Like the SIU, the ROU is a
member of the AFL Maritime
Trades Department. It was one
of the seven seagoing imions
which agreed on a mutual aid
pact in defense of the Hiring
Hall.
On OS Contract,
Welfare Plan
The SIU's Negotiating Committee was kept
hopping this week, alternating from meetings with
Cities Service officials on working rules for thei
company's 16 ships to sessions with other contracted
operators on details of the Welfare Plan.
Progress in the Cities Service negotiations was
reported by the Union committee. The company;
and Union representatives began tackling the job
of setting up departmental working rules last weds
as a followup to the interim contract signed several
weeks ago.
As soon as agreement has beeiL reached on the
working rules for the three de<7
partmehts, it will be incorporated
into the interim pact, which will
then become operative as a full
contract.
A meeting was held early this
week and another is scheduled
for today. Committee members
said that the talks were con
The Arnold Bernstein Line's
ducted in "a friendly atmo
hopes for operating two passen
sphere."
Predictions by Union negotia ger ships to Europe were in
tors are that full agreement creased when the Maritime Com
would be reached shortly, bar mission on March 24 asked ship
ring imforeseen developments. yards to bid on the conversion
of two former army transports.
PROGRESS ON WELFARE
Joe Algina, SIU New York Port Agent, presents a check
The Bernstein Line has ap
The meetings with other con plied for the purchase of the
for $3,207. represetiting donations made by crewmembers
aboard Unioncontracted ships, to I. Robert Weinberg, labor tracted operators to draft details SS General William Weigel and
of the employerfinanced, jointly the SS General John H. Pope,
director of National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis.
administered
welfare plan were both of the P2 type, troop
In accepting the contribution, which more than triples
also
productive,
the Union com carrying class, under the Mer
the Seafarers' domition to last year's campaign. Weinberg said:
mittee
reported.
chant Ship Sales Act of 1946.
"The membership of the Seafarers International Union can be
At the conclusion of yester
proud of having raised $2,284.67 more than last year for the
In addition to a construction
fight against this dread disease. We. too. are proud that we day's meeting, only three ope differential subsidy for the ships' • "• ".6.1
have such staunch and loyal friends and hope our service to rators had not yet signed the conversion, the company is seek
Welfare Plan agreement, which
organized labor wiU merit continuance of this support."
calls for employer contributions ing an operating subsidy for use
of 25 cents a payrollday for in Trade Route 8, from New
each crewmember aboard their York to Antjverp and Rotterdam,
ships. Payments to the fund are The Commission issued the in
vitations to bid with the under
retroactive to last January 1.
standing
that no award wiU be :..^J
Among the details the ship
Preliminary steps in, the poll as provided in the SIU Consti put the question to the entire
made
until
and unless the Coin
owners and Union representa
ing of the membership on the tution.
membership in a secret ballot. tives are concerned with in the mission has made all of the
hotlydebated question of com
In view of the highly contro
No date will be set for com current meetings are the types necessary findings on the com^
pulsory vacations will be taken versial nature of the proposal, mencement of the referendum
and amounts of benefits to be pany's applications.
in, all SIU Branches at the next Headquarters recommended that until the membership has acted paid Seafarers out of the fund, At present, the two ships ate
regular membership meetings on themembership be given a rea on the final wording of the bal eligibility requirements and in layup at the Suisan Bay Re*
April 12.
sonable time to discuss the issue lot.
serve Fleet. The bids on their^.
method of administration.
; In accord with a Headquarters fully in the SEAFARERS LOG
conversion are to be opened oa
.recommendation adopted unani and at shipboard and member
May 10.
UNION DELEGATES ON CS SHIPS
mously at the March 29 regular ship meetings.
membership meeting in the Port At that time. Headquarters
of New York, each Branch will pointed out that the effect of
• e lect a committee to draft a such a proposal would be far
resolution, based on membership reaching and that every mem
sentiment, suggesting the word ber, therefore, should have ample
AFL officials on local, state
,ing 'of the questioh on which opportunity to understand the
and national levels have en
. Seafarers will vote in a Uhion issues involved.
dorsed the 1950 Cancer Crusade
'wide 60day referendum.
The Headquarters recommen
of the New York City Cancer
FINAL RESOLUTION
dation was concurred in and the
Committee, which seeks $1,33^1,
; Upon completion of this task, proposal was tabled to permit
919 during April as part of the
the port committees will submit full discussion.
American Cancer Society's fifth
their .proposals to Headquarters, For the past several months,
annual nationwide appeal for
where an elected committee will the debate has been hot and
cancer research, education and
decide on the wording of the re heavy. Each issue of the SEA
service funds.
solution in its final form. The FARERS LOG contained numer
President William Green of
final resolution also will be sub ous letters from Seafarers and
the AFL, in endorsing the na
ject to the approval W the'meni members of the.families, either
tional campaign; said, 'Tn the.
.bership.
;
^
• "• favoring or rejecting the propo
extension of support to the"
" The issue over compulsory va sal for compulsory Vacations. Al
American Cancer Society, which"
" cations developed as the result though no tally was taken, opin
is leading in an effort to find
; of . several resolutions offered by ion seems to have been about
a remedy for this dread disease
.members at regular meetings equally divided.
and the extension of help to
lasf winter, urging a change in
those who suffer from it, work ,
FULL DISCUSSION
the shipping rules to require a
ers everywhere should join with
man who has sqjled continuously The Headquarters recommen
all other classes of people in the
• aboiird one ship for one year to dation for steps towarid final
campaign against cancer."
. accept the .Vacation pay prescrib balloting was madq in view of
Urging labor's cooperation, ,
Th^e two meii share the distihdtioh of being the .&st' President Green said, "I, there
ed inthe" Unu3|i contract and get the fact that the question has
off the ship:,
. been roundly discussed for a Union delegates to be elected on the Cities Service tanker fore, call upon labor every
^nsiderable period of time and SS Abiqua at a shipboard meeting in Bayonne. N. J„ March where to unite with other classes
' When the
that'the
membership is, there
23. Merwin DriscoU (left). Oiler, who has been abo^d the of people and to join with them
troduced, Headqufirlers Jolhtbd
fore, 'fully.acquainted
with
the
Abique
for a year, took over the Ship's Delegate job. Sam in the fund raising campaign
'out that issues involving changes
Reed* FWT. was designated by his shipmates to serve as for the purpose of carrying on
• i n the shipping niles can only issues involved^
Engine Delegate. He has seven months on the Abiqua and an imcompromising fight against
^ be resolved through the medium The next logical step, Head
of a Unionwide secret ballot, quarters explained, would be to two months on the taxdcer 'VIHnter HiU.
the dread disease of cancer."
MC Asks Bids
On Resonvorting
Bemstoin Shgis
Branches To Get Vacations Issue
AFL Gives its Okay
To Cancer Campaign
�&• .
ftig« Two
p.' *5=5==========
WflESEAFARERS LOG
Friday. April 7, 1950
=F
.,MA iJi.ll
=R=
=5=
SEAFARERS LOG
The Mmt Pr^ious CargQ
Published Bpery Other Week jby the
SEAFARERS lOTERNATIONAL UNION
OF NORTH AMERICA
AHantic and
11^
•A
ffiliated with the American Federation of Labor
At n Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y.
HAnover 22784
Reentered as second class matter August 2, 1949, at the Post
Office in New York, N.Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912.
267
A Job To Do
The communists are going to find the going hot and
heavy in, the months to come. Free labor is on the march
and plans are now being laid to carry the fight to all
nations of the world, ^including those behind the Iron
Curtain.
The newlyorganized International Confederation of
Free Trade Unions has mapped a campaign for the next
three years, which has among its objectives assurance of
delivery of American arms aid to western European
democracies.
The Confederation also plans to carry the message
of free democratic labor to the noncommunist peoples
of Czechoslovakia, Poland, Roumania, Esthonia, Latvia
and Lithuania.
Head of the Confederation is J. H. Oldenbroek, who
is the former secretary of the International Transport
workers Federation, with which the SIU is affiliated.
Oldenbroek says the people behind the Iron Curtain are
not commies, "They're just^under an iron heel."
The commies are going to squawk aplenty. Especial
ly since the Confederation is no dinky outfit. Set up by
free trade unions to combat the communistcontrolled
World Federation of Trade Unions, the new Confedera
tion speaks for more than 50,000,000 workers in 53 na
tions, including the AFL and CIO in the United States.
On the basis of previous performance, our guess is
that the communist propaganda hacks will scream that
the whole thing is an "imperialist plot" hatched and paid
for by the United States and carried out by stooges in
die European democracies.
But commie hysterics are not going to change the The final chapter in the long campaign to
fact that this is going to be a labor show, conceived, pro bring the Cities Service Marine Division
duced and carried out by working men and women who under a full SIU contract is now being
.:Still live in a free atmosphere.
written. Shortly after the pigning of the
Not only are they going to make sure that the interim agreement several weeks ago, hindr
European democracies get the arms aid and Marshall Plan ing the company to the standard Union
cargoes that will keep them from being crushed by the wage scale, establishing the hiring proced
Soviet heels, they are going to actively combat the com ude and the other major gains, committees
munist malarkey that the world outside the Iron Curtain, representing the SIU and Cities Service sat
specially the UiS, is he|l for workers.
down to work out a set of working rules.
.Seafajrers h«ive piade jt very clear that they are proud Several meetings have already been held
that they are once again among the ones who will be and, although many of the departmental
jCarrying the goods to the important fronts. Besides getting rules remain to be written out, the end of
the physical materials necessary for the democracies' of this contract campaign is dehnitely dn sight.
fensive to the other side, SIU members are in a firstrate
When agreement has been jreached on the
jipQt to perform another invaluable service to the cause working rules, they will be incorporated
^ freedom everywhere.
into the interim agreement, which then will
On hitting the ports of the European democracies, beeome the final and full contract.
'particularly those where communists control the unions Every SIU member and every Cities Ser
x)f waterfront workers, as in France and Italy, each Sea vice man who stuck so hard by his demands
ifarejr can take ashore his own quota of facts about life for Union representation in the company's
,jn a democracy.
tanker fleet rates glowing commendation for
They can tell these befuddled, misguided people of their part in the big victory. They have
IP" 4he conditions and wages enjoyed herej because their made possible a victory that ultimate^ will
unions are free to fight for their economic*betterment and benefit more than those irnmediately in
iflV" are not strapped down by political, selfseeking hacks.
volved.
They can tell them that there are no firing squads or salt But in the flush of .vi^ojry, let us not
amines for dissenters.
forget the others whose offers of support in
Seafarers can give them the score about democracy. our fight for the Cities Serviqe eontr^et
proved so valuable—the AFL refinery workr
ers, machinists and allied workers in the
South and the CIO oil workers on the East
Due to space limitations, the LOG was forced to omit Coast, just to mention a few,
the mwal reports from the Branch Agents. Although the All of these people stood by right upjto
pranch minutes digest highlights the major shipping de the very l^st minute, ready to give alHoiit
ijreiopments in eaeh port, it lacks the flavor of the individr support the momeht it was needed. Their
4ial port reports. Barring similar circumstances, the spirit of cooperation is the kind of stuff
"Around tlie ports'*, fcaturs will sppenr in the nest issue. ^ that has been so tmportant in improving
We're Sorry
'
the security of the working men and wo
men of this country.
It should be mentioned here that an ap
praisal of the Cities Service campaign
points up the soundness of several Union
policies. Because these policies had been put
into effect earlier, the beef was consider
ably easier to push to a successful conclu
sion than it would have been otherwise.
One of th^e was the policy of limiting
the number of jnembership books, to ap
proximately the number of contracted jobs.
As a result of this policy, our member^ip
was never overloaded. Not only is this ^
great protection to our menabershipj but as
sured Cities Service men they would have
ample opportunity to ship on other vessels
if they so desired.
One of the most impprt^t factors in tfia
successful drive on CS w^e the economy
measures instituted a few years ago. Be
cause of this, we had the funds necessary
in any large scale organizing campaign.
Above all, the big thing is that the SILT
has been able to gp fprwrnrd wfien the uaayi
time industry is shrinking and other unions
are wrestling with tough internal problems,
resulting from an unfortunate lack of fore
aight.
The SiU has npt only held i,ts own, it js
moving ahead. We maintain that continual
growth is essential to the health of any or
ganization, and we mean to keep our Uplon
in a sound, healthy state,
Thafs why \we
the full CS "epBtract is wrapped up. We'y©
got to keep going ahead. And what's mor^,
we will !
•
�Fciday.
7, 1«50
THE SEAT ARE RS
Pass Three
S4S
' !rhe American Federation of Labor as a whole
and the' American seamen, as part of the Amer
ican Federation of Labor, have, a vital stake and
interest in the maintenance of a firstclass. Mer
chant Marine flying the American flag. This,
we believe, is the established policy passed by
Congress and enacted into law under the Mer
chant Marine Act Of 1936.
I However, the present status of the American
Merchant Marine leada one to believe there is
no established policy and there is no one bureau,
including the Maritime Commissiofi, which is
protecting the advancement, welfare and the
maintenance of an American Merchant Marine.
In view of the fact that the Senate has approp
riated money and invested in your Committee
powers to hold hearings, to investigate problems
and to recommend certain action for the benefit
of the American Merchant Marine, we would
like at this time to express our opinion and to
make recommendations on certain subjects now
before your Committee.
The action of the Senate itself to appropriate
money ;for your Committee proves there is
something radically wrong with the American
Merchant Marine today. Not so long ago, during
the War and after, our country had the largest
Merchant Marine in the world with all types
of ships fitted for any trade and any route—in
fact, the American Merchant Marine was so
capable that it carried a major part of supplies,
troops, etc. to the various military fronts of the
world. Today, however, this situation has mater
ially changed. The American Merchant Marine
is rapidly dwindling and it is safe to say there
are less ships sailing the American flag than
there were prior to the War.
We see, on the other hand, that all types of
nations have developed merchant marines over
and above the needs of certain countries and this
critical situation has been accomplished in part
through the aid of various bureaus in the United
States such as the Maritime Commission, the
State Department, etc. We are referring now,
for instance, to the Panmnanian registry, the
Honduran registry and the Liberimi registry
Which today are operating ships and tonnage
never dreamed of prior to the War.
However, our organization has already sub
mitted a statement to your Committee dealing
with the transfer of the American Merchant
Marine to foreign flags, so we will not go into
tiiat matter at this time, but there are other
phases of the American Merchant Marine now
before your Committee on which we would like
to express our opinion and make certain recom
men^lations.
I—Navy Operated Tankers
In the past two years, the United States Navy
has operated approximately 57 tankers (55 T2's
and 2 Tl's), These tankers have been operated
op a worldwide basis for the Navy by four
American shipping compames^two West Coast
companies and two East Coasl; companies. These
xpmpanigs have colle^ive bargaining agreements
with' Ajnerican seamen's unions. Consequently,
one can regard the operation of Navy tankers
On this and the following page is the state
ment of the Seafarers International Unlom
through Its International Presldenf, Harry Lunde
berg, on the various maritime problems now be
ing considered by the Senate SubCommittee on
Merchant Marine and Maritime Affairs.
as' a civilian operation due to the fact the of
ficers and the men manning those tankers do so
through their various unions under collective
bargaining agreements. This operation, to our
knowledge—and we have had no complaints—
has been running smoothly without .any strikes
or delays and has benefitted the Navy, the tax
payers, the operators and the American'seamen.
From time to time, certain pressure has been
put on the Maritime Commission, which in turn
has put pressure on the Navy Department, to
cease operating these particular tankers, giving
as a reason that many tankers are laid up for
lack of cargo and that the Navy should turn
around and charter these laidup tankers. This
pressure has come in most cases from certain
tanker companies on the Atlantic Coast.
We want to bring to the attention of your
Committee that these same companies when they
were asked three years ago to carry Navy cargo
absolu :e ly refused to do so. They had no tonnage
because they were then reaping the harvest of
the high charter market on a worldwide scale.
They said, in effect, "To hell with the Navy;
we are going out to make all the dough we
can." They,bought their ships under the Ships
Sales Act, planked down so much and went to
work and made plenty of money. Now some of
their ships are tied up, but should the charter
market in the tanker field go up, they definitely
would not look to the Navy for business; they
would go where ihey could make the most
money, and it would put the Navy in the posi
tion of having to compete on the charter market
and your Committee may be sure that it would
cost the Navy plenty of money to charter these
vessels. These particular tanker companies would
juggle the charter market in such a way as to
put the Navy in the position of having to pay
them exorbitant prices for hauling its oil. Fur
thermore, these particular tanker companies do
not have enough qualified tankers by any stretch
of the imagination capable of handling the Navy's
transportation of gasoline and oil on a world
wide basis. Furthermore, for the information of
your Committee, some of these same companies
are radically reaching the point that they must
be replaced. Most of the tankers now operated
by the Navy (T2's) were operated during the
War at the maximum service and the effective
ness of tankers, 111^ other ships, only lasts over
a certain span of years. We \xmderstand that
there are private companies which are willing
to undertake the building of modern T5 tankers
capable of a speed of 18 to 20 knots, in addition
to a large reanying capacity than the present
tankers. We understand this tjrpe of vessel has
the approval of the l^avy Department.
The stumbling block now in getting this tank
ship building program under way is the fact
that the Navy is not allowed to charter for a
longer term than one year. Consequently, these
companies which are willing to invest capital,
needless to say, cannot start building these ves
sels until such, time as they can make a contract
enabling them to charter out their vessels for
a longer period of years. We believe that your
Committee should endeavor to amend the law
to permit the Navy to charter the types of ves
sels mentioned above from these companies, that
are willing to build these vessels, for a substan
tially long period. This would insure the Navy
a coming supply of new fast tankers, winch
would help the National Defense program; it
would save the American taxpayers money in
the long run; it would help the shipbuilding
industry and insure more employment and keep
more qualified and skilled craftsmen in the
American yards; it would help the American sea
men who man the vessels.
II—Military Cargo Transportation
We realize that at the present time under the
Military Sea Transportation Service, quite a
large number of dry cargo, reefer ships and pas
senger vessels are being operated—in fact it is
true that this service operated by the Army and
Navy today is the largest shipping service in
the United States.
' '
We believe that some of this service could be
handled in the same manner as tankers have
been operated by the Navy: namely, this service
could be handled for the Military Transportation
Service through private shipping companies
which would be paid on a costplus basis as an
agency fee for operating their ships. That would
insure the Military Service as receiving the
proper service without having to pay enormous
chart hires; it would insure these private oper
ators who would be capable of operating these
ships for the Navy and Army a fair fee for doing
this work for the Navy, and it would give civil ,
ian seamen more work.
We wish to point out to the Committee a prob
lem that has been overlooked by everybody—,
we don't know for what reason—including the
Military Sea Transportation Service: namely, the
problem of national security. Today our coun^
is on the verge of war and is conducting a cold
war with the Soviet Government. Newspapers
are daily devoting space to the danger and pos
sibilities
of war. Certain security regulations'
have part of their vessels operating under the
Panamanian flag, and we, can see no reason why have been established, or attempts are being
your Committee should tolerate, or encourage made to have them established, in various Gov
or help chiselers of this type. We are satisfied ernment bureaus in an endeavor to insure the
that the tankers operated by the Navy are being loyality of persons who work for the United
operated for the best benefit of everyone con States Government.
cerned, including the taxpayers—we have no
However, nothing has been done to establish
complaint about that whatsoever—and we do whether the loyality of the men who man the
not think the United States Government should ships for the Military Sea Transportation Ser
pay any attention to the cries of a few specula , vice is up to standard. As a matter of fact, w©
know that there are communists and subversive
tors.
«
It is understood, of bourse, that on a long elements sailing in the Army Transport Service
range program the Navy will need modern tank ships, in Americanflag ships, which are prac
ers. It is essential for the defense of this country tically owned and operated by the Uniffed States
that jpartLculaj? tanfeers be . of the nvost modem Government. We know that the United Stat^
and fastest type avwlable. It is also understood Coast Guard knows these things but is doing
that the tankers at the present time in operation
�Page Four
THE SEAFAREitS tOG
Friday. April 7.
SlU Policy On
connection. As a matter of fact, it has proved have mofe than made up for the high prices they
through its various actions that it is unqualified . might think they have paid for these vessels.
and incapable of carrying out the duties as out
Conditions have rfow changed. Shipping is
lined in the Merchant Marine Act of 1936.
tough; the charter market is tough; competition
There are certain matters that your Commit with foreignflag ships is tough. Now is the time
tee should look into and rectify; for instance, to change the policy on the Ships Sales Act.
1 ~
the discriminatory rates allowed the railroads
on the Coast by the Interstate Commerce Com
IV—Ships Charters
mission. In other words, the I.C.C. allows rates
We recommend to your Committee, and we
on the Coast between the coastwise states which doubt that legislation will be adopted in the
are very loW, and as a result it is impossible in very near future to relieve the situation dealing
many instances for steamship operators to com with the American Merchant Marine, that the
. 1
pete with the railroads, which in the overall charter provision of the Ships Sales Act be ex
picture are losing money on the rates approved
tended for another year, or until such time as
by the I.C.Cr; but in noncompetitive trades they
. a definite program has been established for th6
are allowed rates which make up. for what they American Merchant Marine.
may lose on the coast in competitive trades; in
If this is not done, we are afraid that m^y
other words, the I.C.C. is discriminating against
ships
which are noW chartered will be laid up
ments that during an emergency might sabotage shipping in favor of the railroads. As a matter
these ships. The same condition should certainly , of fact, it is a common belief and opinion among and no ships will be taking their place, particu
apply to the Military Sea Transportation Service. people in the know that the I.C.C. is controlled larly in the intercoastal run, which doesn't make
sense. It will mean more unemployment among
These, we believe, are important phases of by the railroads.
American seamen and less ships under the
There are other things which come into the American flag; also more unemployment benefits
the American Merchant Marine which your Com
picture, such as the high tolls through" the Canal
mittee must consider.
to be paid out by the Various States to the sea
Zone. Also, on the coastwise run all the ships
men. These Government ships will be put up
Ill—Intercoastal and Coastwise Shipping that were fitted for that particular service prior
to the war have now disappeared because most
Prior to the War, the percentage of American of them have been sunk or junked as a result
ships in the domestic service, such as coastwise of the Wdr. Consequently, there are no ships
shipping and intercoastal shipping, was approx fitted for these runs and the Maritime Commis
imately 75 percent of the whole American ton sion has hot seen fit to develop plans encourag
nage. The bulk and backbone of the American ing the building of ships for the coastwise run,
Merchant Marine was the coastwise and inter particularly types of ships which would fit the
coastal ships. Offshore shipping imder the Amer rim economically and also ships that could be
ican flag was composed of a few liners and a used in a national emergency. On this subject,
few lines carrying their own products, such as your Committee certainly should come in with
the Isthmian Steamship Company.
certain strong recommendations and a policy the creeks in the laidup fleet to rust away and
When the Second World War became a reality, rehabilitating the coastwise run.
at a later date possibly be sold for junk, so that
all coastwise and intercoastal ships, with the ex
In the intercoastal nm certain types of ships is why we suggest that jrour Committee recom
ception of a few coal carriers on the East Coast, were specifically designed for the" intercoastal mend to Congress, that "it extend the charter
were taken over by an Executive Order of Pres run; namely, the C4's. However, evidently these provision for, ario^ar year.
ident Roosevelt. These ships were diverted into ships cannot be sold because the price is too
services on behalf of this country's war needs high, so the shipowners say. If the intercoastal
~
V—Subsidies
and they were handy and ready when this coim run could be reestablished, we take the position
We further recommend to the Committee that
try needed them.
that if the price set by the Ships Sales Act is
American
ships that are* willing to go into a
Today, now that the War is over, we find that too big for companies to buy ships, then some competitive trade, evep if there is already one
the intercoastal and coastwise services, insofar adjustment should be made on the prices. We American company operating in the trade, shoUld
feel that a bunch of ships tied up in various
creeks, rivers and bays in the United States Ijdng be allowed subsidies.
The present subsidy set up under rules estab
year in and year out idle and decaying is only
lished
by the Maritime Commission practically
an expense and burden to the United States
Government, and if there was assurance that amounts to a monopoly, and in the long run
these ships could be put in the run under the costs the United States taxpayers money. If
American flag, they should be taken out of these other companies. could be granted subsidies in
bays and' rivers, where they are now laid up,' these various routes, it would in the final analyr
and sold even if the price has to be cut, because sis establish keen competition and after a period
in the final analysis they will be sold for junk of time would eliminate the deadheads out of
anyway. We do not want the United States Gov the industry who are now traveling strictly on
ernment to refund the purchase price which the United States Government taxpayers' money
as shipping is concerned, are practically dead. the shipowners paid under the Ships Sales Act. in the form of subsidies.
:
' There is less than onethird of the amount of We know many of the operators are going to
Furthermore, it is a well known fact thai;
American shipping in the intercoastal nm than
practically every nation in the world is sub
there was prior to the War. In 1939, just prior
sidizing its ships running in foreign competitive
to the war, in the coastwise run on the Pacific
trades in one form or another. Why the United
Coast, in Which run ships plied between Califor
States should be §6 backward in granting sub
nia, Oregon, Washington and Vancouver, there
sidies to shipping companies is hard to under
were 74 ships operating in and out of various
stand when it is subsidizing everything from
coastwise ports on/ the Pacific Coast strictly in
potatoes to railroads through grants of land,
the coastwise run. Today there are less than 10
which is practically a steal.
ships operating in the coastwise run.
These are only a few things that we would
Now we feel that the Committee should cer
like to have inserted in the record. No doubt
tainly take into serious consideration the study scream and be opposed to such action, claiming you have thousands of pages of testimony on
and possibility of rebuilding the coastwise and that it will be discriminatory tO reduce the these various subjects, so we feel that you could
intercoastal runs, not only for economic reasons price on these vessels after they had brought well find a place for pur comments and possibly
but certainly from the national defense stand them at a higher price at an earlier date. How read them.
point. There are many reasons advanced why ever, your Committee should'^not pay any atr
Respectfully submitted,
these runs have not been built back up again tention ,to this because the people who bought
to their normal strength. We believe that it is, ships under the Ships Sales Act, when it was
*
Harry Luhdeberg, President
and should be, the duty of the Maritime Commis first passed by Congress, have made plenty of
SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL
.aion to n^e it their., first order of business to money because when the Ships Sales Act first
r 'UNION OF NORTH AMERICA^
see that shipping in the coastwise and intercoast was established and ships were sold, the tharter ,
t ^
and SecretaryTreasurer,
V
al trades is brought back to normal, but, need market was lucrative and the shipowners were
SAILORS UNION OF THE ; i; t
less to say, the Mmtime Commission, a weak making money right and left in all kinds of
PACIFIC (Au^teu With the ^
kneed body at best, has done nothing in this trades—particularly, in foreign trades—so they
American^leratiOn of Labor^
V
(Cmfhmed from Page 3)
nothing about it. We believe that any operator
who desires to operate and handle cargo and
ships for the United States Army and Navy cer
tainly should guarantee that these vessels will
be manned by loyal Americans and not by ele.
�FtmY.
7, 19Sa
TaE S M AF A R E K S LOC
Xitaens Only' Tag Oh Jobs
Irks Baltimore Seafarers
The letter below, signed by three Brctkers in the F'ort
of Baltimore, was received by Headquarters ffiis week. Fol
lowing this cmnmunication is Headquarters' explanation.
Page Kvtf
• Headquarters has recelyed a letter from three alien members of the
Union in the Port of Baltiiiiore, requiting a statement of SIU policy
"with regard to jobs for its alien members." These men, W. A. Ebanks,
Pedro J. Villofanay and Lambert O. Gafoon are gravely concerned over
their status in face of growing difficulties /aced by alien seamen as a
result of retrenchment in the maritime ind^ustry.
Published with their letter of inquiry on this page is a statement
from Headquarters, appraising the alien seamen situation and reaffirm^
ing the SlU's firm ^licy in behalf of alien members,, adopted long
fore the presmtt difficulties arose.
The problem of the aHen seamen today is an outgrowth of increas
ing govemmeittal restrictions, including a toughening up by Immigra
tion authorities. The shipowners have found these restrictions costly
and, ccmsequently^ are anxious to avoid hiring aliens.
Despite the shipowners' position, the SltF has continued to press
for full protection for its alien members, and will continue to do so.
The Union will keep on sending its meml^rs to jobs through the rotary,
shipping system. As pointed out on this page, the Union is not inter
ested in a man's national background; it is only interested in whether
or not he is a member in good standing, and eligible for the job.
In view of the importance of the alien problem, it is extremely ad
visable that aU members—citizens as well as aliens—read the contents
of this page carefully, so tha't all hands will have a full and clear un
derstanding of what is involved.
• '^!l
This is a considered protest do feel that, as loyat Union mem
on the part of loyal SIU book bers, we are entitled to our fair
members and permitholders, who .chance at the jobs that come
are aliens, of a condition exist into the Hall from ships whose
ing et this liail, and a request , alien quotas are not full.
that it be investigated.
' in view of these facts, we re
For the past several months, spectfully request that you in
every job in the Hall has been form us of the official SIU policy
posted for "citizens only." This, with regard to jobs for its alien
of course, means that alien SIU members; and, if this discrimina
seamen do not have their fair tion over and above the Federal
chance, based on registration regulations and our Union con
date for jobs coming into the tracts With the operators is
Hall, aboard ships whose alien against our Union Constitution,
ByLaws and principles, as we
quotas are not full. '
In our opinion, this policy is firmly believe it to be, we would
imdemocratic and discriminatory, appreciate your investigating and
a violation of the Gohstitution correcting this Situation in the
and ByLaws of our Union,
Baltimore Hall.
Many of us are sincerely try
ing to secure our citizenship in
this country under the provisions
of the Merchant Seamen's Act—
a* course of action constantly
urged upon its alien members The laws of our country have groups showed any interest in the ship and must take the com the SIU is to mamtain a strong
by the SIU.
pany's word, aithou^ he will bond of brotherhood, to inain?
made specific restrictions as to helping alien seamen.
attempt <to^
leem if any of the tain and imiarove the working^
the
number
of
alien
seamen
al
The SIU's handkng of the
LACK F6W MONTHS
lowed within crews of Ajherican problem was, and is, as effective men lea^h^ the ship afe aliens. and living" conditions on thO"
Although Miany of Us heed
If there' is a Strong doubt in sMps. If a man is a native of
only a few months' more time flag ships. The Merchant Marine and as forward looking as is the Dispatcher's mir V the Union a foreign country, it is not im
Act
of
1936
almost
completely
possible
under
the
conditiofis
oh United States ship's articles
makes every attempt to check portant. "What is important is"
excluded alien seamen from which exist in this industry.
ih order to secure our papers,
service on American ships, but On the other side of the SIU's the ship and leam the true sit that" he be a good union man.
we' find it impossible to secure
uation.
a job here because of this "citi during "World War II the law policy is the positron taken by Many times the Dispatcher has "The SiU has protected its alien
was
waived
and
aliens
were
membership in keeping the jobs
the shipowners, who are far from>
zen only" policy.
forced the company to take
'We are also disturbed by the allowed aboard American ship's anxious to see aliens serve on aliens, when it was found that available at a high level; the
KU has aided aliens toward se
their ships. With them it's a
knowledge that the privilege of up to fifty, percent.'
the quota was not filled. How curing visas and citizenship pa
It
was
not
too
long
following
doUarsandeents
proposition
—
sailing United States ships, and
ever, the SIU is not in a posi pers; the SIU has checked the
so securing our citizenship here, the War that the alien quota aliens can cost them money.
tron to maintain a cheek
on every
may be repealed by Congress was reduced, and the Union saw The Ifttmigration authorities ship but, almost without excep sh^s and made the companies
that the alien membership would have" several times demanded
take men when it was found,
• during its next session.
tiori, the ships sail with a full the ships' cpiotas were not full;
find
itself
in
an
untenable
posi
M^y of us setved in the iher
that coftipanies post $1,000'bond quota of alieris aboard.
the SIU has campaigned in
. chant marine during the war; tion unless specific safeguaflis in behalf of each alien crew
The aliens contribute to the
we have actively supported the were made. "The SIU at that member, and there have been lack of job vacancies oh fhe Washington for extension of
Union in all its objectives and time established the policy that occasions where the bond was ships by staying aboard indefi alien waivers, and revirion of
the seatime requirement for citi
participated in all strikes since is its guidepost today.
forfeited.
nitely. Today it is r.'ire for an zenship; and on many occasions
joining; we are paid up mem
POLICY AIDED ALIENS
In addition, should an alien alien once he is on a ship to
bers as of the termination of
get
into trouble ashore and be leave. The record shows that the SIU has interceded in the"
Admission
to
the
Union
was
our last voyage.
picked up by the police, he must aliens are staying aboard in behalf of an alien facing depor:
closely
regulated
to
prevent
an
Those of us who do not hold
be kept aboard ship under guard larger i>ercentages than the ci tation. This the SIU has done'
overloading
of
the
Union
in
re
and will continue to do as long;
the oldest cards in the Hall for
(at company expense).
tizen merhbers. If the alien sea as there is an alien in the ranks ' •
lation
to
the
number
of
jdlas
our respective jobs have mostly
available under contract. This If he is returned to Ellis Is men would get off, they would Of the SIU.
had to reregister — and while
protected citizen and noncitizen land for deportation, he must help the other aliens by provid
Alien members who believe;
we wait for the ship we can be
be accompanied by a guard (at ing at least a moderate job turn
alike.
they
have a grievance over the i
assigned to, our families are
The SIU strongly encouraged company expense) and be given over.
filling
of jobs should'take their ,
going hungry.
room and board (at company Alien members who question
Also, many of us are on parole its alien members to secure visas, expense) on Ellis Island until fhe Union's policy on its non problems to the Dispatcher im •
from warrants issued in depor which would allow them to ship his case is disposed of.
citizens fail to consider the mediately for investigation. The
tation proceedings—shaving to re aboard coastwise ships and free Companies have also found Union's record in their behalf dispute should be ironed out in .
port once a week to the Immi them from the 29day rule.
themselves involved "in minor in which is, beyond a doubt, the the port where it occurs, when \
• gration Service and also having Aliens who had sufficient sea ternational incidents, such as the best on America's waterfront. it occurs.
had to give into their possession time were aided in obtaining time an alien seaman was to
The Union has full provisions
BEST JOB CHANCES
our Seaman's Certificates or their citizenship. The SIU also be deported and the country of
for the membership to present';
took a stern stand toward those
passports.
his birth refused to take him. The alien members of the their grievances. If the matter,
aliens who had sufficient sea
CAN'T WOBK ASHORE
N6body wanted him, yet he SIU have the largest percentage is not settled satisfactorily, the
time, but hadn't taken the neces couldn't stay in this country. The of jobs available to them in the men involved may present their ;
Until we get a ship, we have sary steps toward citizenship.
ease cost the company consider industry; the percentage of SIU problem to the Branch member
no way to secure the funds
TJhus the SlU policy was one able hioney, and made them alien members obtaining citizen ship in a regular biweekly
with which to fight these depor
ship is the highest in the indus
tation proceedings, for we are of continually working toward Acutely sensitive about hiring ad try, and the chances of an alien meeting.
citizenship for the alien mem ditional aliens.
The SIU wants to see its policy
not allowed to work ashore.
Obtaining sufficient time for ci adhered to. There is no reason ;
bers
to
give
thdm
the
shipping
The
attitude
of
the
companies
We do not feel that the com
privileges enjoyed by citizens, is, of course, not bur worry. If tizenship^ are greatest within for ^y member or official to
panies are behind this alien re
and at the same time reduce the a job can be legally filled by an this Union.
act contrary to the policy, s&
striction, for ships aboard which
number of aliens competing for blien member, the Union will Anyone' questioning this need the purpose of the Unioi^ first
we have sailed have crewed up
send him to the job; the eom only look at what is happening and last, is to send its members
out of this Hall; andf, as in the jobs available to them.
The
Union
also
worked
to
aid
i>any cannot reject him for this in other uniohg today. There, to Jobs through the rotary ship
some cases one or more aliens
hundreds, thousiands of alien ping system, with regard to only
its
alien
members
in
another
reason.
got off, the alien quota for such
se»nen are on
the beach waiting a man's time ashore and quali
direction.
Representatives
of
the
The true difficulty for aliens
a vessel could ncg; have been
for
ships;
Their
chances of ob fications to perform his job.
SIU
worked
diligently
in
Wash
thus lies mostly in the practices
full—^yet these jobs too were all
taining
sufficient
seatime fer ci
ington
for
extension
of
fhe
crew
of
the
shipowners., But,
strange
The SlU is an International
posted as "citizen only."
tizenship are miserably
small.
waiver
on
aliens,
and
pressed
as it
seems, the aliens
themselves
Union, both in operation and
We would like to know if this
is the official policy of the SIU; the government for amendments Contribute to' the acuteness of In our Unicm, no ^en has membership. Any restricti<ms on'
beeii deported for exceeding his the activities of its ali«i in«Eii
for if it is, we should be so in to the law which would allow the situation.
men
with
three'
years'
seatime
time
ashore. Th6 men who have bers are those imposed by the
The
shipowners,
when' callirtg
formed, in order to try to secure
to
become
citizens.
been deported—and
they are but gbverrimCTit alone. The mert of
in
jobg
to
the
Dispatcher,
often
a berth aboard ships of foreign
a
handful—were
sent
from the the SIU are bound together in a
state
that. the
jobs
are
to
be
The
fact
that
the
waiver
is
registration before we are de
country
for
being
undesirable
as group which is not ccoicemed
filled
by
citizens
only
when
still
in
effect five
years
after
the
ported.
~ We'are glad to share fhe ups war caii properly be credited to berths are available to alierts. citizens, having run afbul of the with, national origlu Ox xiuiiouai
bdimdarie^ but only in a great
and downs of shipping with all the SIti and other maritime la The Dispatcher iS not in a posi law in sohie manner.
ouf" Brother nieittb'ers, but We bor qrganizafidfig. No othel* tion to know the situation on The sentim^t of the men in er Brotherhood of the Sea;
Led Fight For Alien Memhers
�PBoe Six
1
THESE A P R E R S L a G
SHIPS' MINUTES AMD MEWS'
7" 7/
A
lAlcoa Roamers Smother
Pegasus Nine, 31 To 5
FleetFooted
'
SIU Crew Saves Nine
In Dramatic Rescue
:
A thrilling sea rescue emhodying all the suspense of
a dime thriRer was reported to the LOG this week by
Jerry Palmer, Ship's Delegate of the Waterman vessel
The heavyhitting baseball squad of the SS Alcoa
Roamer continued to ride roughshod over all opposition,
knocking over the Alcoa Pegasus nine, 31 to 5, at the
Trinidad Naval Base held on March 4.
iStonewall Jackson. TheJackson,
he reported, while enroute to" deeply moved by the aid given
Korea, arrived in the hick o them, and the next day returned
Fresh from two successive vie
time to snatch from disaster nine to the ship to present Captain
The
Alcoa
Roamer's
amazing
. tones over Paramaribo Pirates,
men on a sinki^, stormbattered William Harvey with a Korean
smoking pipe as a token of their'
hitting
power
has filled
Manager
sailing craft. ' *
the Roamer boys belted the of
Mclnis with reckless pride.
The Stonewall Jackson was gratitude.
ferings of Pegasus pitchers Wold Shortly after his boys had drub
plowing the waters off Korea on The Jackson at the time of the '
and Cosby for a .total of 20 hits bed the PegMus outfit, Mae an
liSarch 11, Phlmer reported, when accident was enroute to Korea
imtil. the onesided fray was call nounced that arrangements were
crewmembers sighted the sinking with an EGA cargo of fertilizer
ed off at the end of the sixth afoot to schedule games with
ship with its crewmembers strid from New Orleans.
the
New
Orleans
Pelicans
and
ing on deck in waistdeep water With the rescue behind them,
inning.
the Mobile Bears of the Southern
waving frantically for help. The the cr^w turned to matters
LdPSIDED WINS
Association.
Jackson responded immediately which could eventually spell
In games played at Paramari
He's even trying to contact
Clarence (Flash) Owens, and swimg around in a tight trouble to them as members of
bo, Dutch Guiana, on Feb. 25 Manager Leo Durocher for a whose defensive play and base circle. Drawing up next to the the SIU: the threatened loss of
and 26, the Roamers routed the game with the New York Giants running are ; among the rea boat, the crew members were the hiring hall. Enroute to Hon
Pirates by scores of 23 to 2 and before they return north for the sons for the impressive string quickly pulled up over the side, olulu the crew gathered in a
25 to 8.
opening of the 1950 big league of wins racked up by the Alcoa the last man clutching a line special meeting and adopted a
ust as the boat made her final resolution calling upon the SIU
Roamers' baseball team.
Sparkplugs of the Reamer's season.
to carry the. hiring haR message
plunge to the bottom.
offensive against the Pegasus
to seamen, other
unions. Congress
The hairraising escape mo
team were Big Joe Neveraskus,
and
the
public,
calling
for their
mentarily stunned the seamen,
who had a perfect day at bat
support to keep hiring halls as
who
were
bus;tled
into
the
ship's
with four hits including a power
biospital and bedded down. After they are now operated.
ful home run into the deep left
a hot meal the men recovered The crew also called upon the
field bleachers in the third frame,
completely
and were given cig branches of the SIU to bring
A raging blaze which levelled the home of Seafarer
and Webb, Who got on safely
to the attention of the member^
arettes
and
clothing.
four times out of six trips to the Daniel Rose in Harkers Island, North Carolina, on March
ship the inunediacy of the hir
FUNDS
RAISED
*
plate.
4 has left his wife and eight children homeless, the LOG The Jackson men, sensing that ing hall issue and the import,
Mclnis of the victors also hit learned this week.
the men were disturbed by the ance of mobilizing to follow the •
«
a round tripper, a mighty smash The fire, caused by a short
Rose reported in a letter to OSS of their ship and personal SIU's policy, unhampered by dis ;
which cleared the left center circuit in the wiring, was fan SIU headquarters that his family belongings, took up a collection sension.
field wall in the fourth.
ned by a strong wind and quick is having difficulty in finding a which was presented to the men Sparking the crew as dele
, For the Roamers, Mclnis shar ly spread through the large place to live in Harkers Island when they were put ashore in gates, in addition to Jerry Pal
ed the pitching assignment with frame dwelling. In less than half as there are no homes for rent. Fusan later in the day.
mer, are: Bob High, Deck; Frank
Whithers. They held the Pegasus an hoiu* the house was a charred In the meantime his family is Palmer stated in his report 3. Williams, Engine; A. M. Will
: squad to seven hits.
ruin. Only a few possessions staying with his wife's mother. that the Korean seamen were iamson, Stewards.'
were saved.
PEGASUS STARS
; Wold, Cosby and Simms, on Brother Rose was at sea at
the moiind for Pegasus, were the time of the accident, but
xmable to silence the booming eft his ship in Panama and flew ' The otherwise smooth voyage about two days out of Honolulu
bats of the Roamers, although back to rejoin his family.
of the SS Meredith "Victory, when he failed to show up for
they were hampered by spotty The NewsTimes of Beaufort, which paid off in New York on his watch at 8 PM. The Oiler
fielding by their teammates, a neighboring town, initiated a March 21, was^ marred by the reported the fact to the Chief
who made a total of six costly drive to aid the Rose family in disappearance of a crewmember Engineer and when a search of
fumbles. The Roamers defensive getting resettled.. The newspaper at s6a on Feb. 24, the LOG East's quarters proved unavail
play , was niaired by a single :s soliciting food, clothing, furni leai*ned this week.
ing, the Skipper ordered the
ture and cash and asks that all
error.
vessel turned around.
According
to
Seafarer
Frank
donations be sent to the News
The Roamers effective defenses
Gustav,
Wiper
aboard
the
Isth
The area was combed for sev
Times, Beaufort, North Carolina.
were sparked by Clarence (Flash)
In addition to the aid given mian ship, the missing man was eral hours. Gustave said the
Owens, who alternated in right
by the NewsTimes, the Sea Chester East, a F'WT. East yras seas were "fairly rough," and
field with Dyer. Owens cut down farers in the port of New Or
member of the SUP who that "a good swimmer couldn't
several long drives deep in right
eans responded to Brother signed on the ship on the West have lasted, more than 10 min
field territory. He was equally Rose's predicament by taking up Coast.
utes in the water."
fleetfooted on the base paths,
a collection, as did Norfolk men. East's absence was noticed The Meredith trip which be
• stealing bags almost at will.
gan in New York on Nov. 15,
included calls at Haifa, Tel Aviv,
Penang and Singapore.
"It was a good trip," Cjustav
reported. "There were no per
Joe Nunan (left) and Frank
formers, so we had no trouble. Giislav, Wipers, who were
A firstrate crew makes any trip aboard the Meredith Victory
a pleasure."
•
on a recent trip.
Fire Razes Member !^ Home;
Wife, 8 Children Destitute
Meredith Victory . Crewmember Lost At Sea
SS Hurricane Hits Shoal
In Fog Off Fire Island, NY
"J,
Members of: the Alcoa Roamer baseball squad, which has been snowing. under flmix oppo
sition by topheavy Scores, .pose after their. lalMt victory. Front row: (left to Hgbt): Evans,
Wright, Earlsy, Mcfni?,
rows Rissyski, Webb^..
vleonard» OwfflBS, Dyer • • andMorris/^
7^7
NEW YORK, ABril 6—The SlUmanned Waterman
freighter Hurricane was caught on a sand bar off Fire
Island last night as she was creeping toward New York
Harbor in heavy fog.
Attempts to get tow
lines The Hurricane was inbound,
aboard were stymied by high from Hamburg, Bremen, Rotter .
winds and heavy seas, ,, but the. dam and Leith, with .genenaj
vessel was reported in, no im cargo, 13 passengers and a crew ^
; ' \
medlate^dqnger of Cracking up. gf::46. • •
, . Twp tugs were standing by. the Water has been pumped hxtqir :
crippled ship uiitil the weather the Hurricane^s . douWebottom/:
abates .suflicteutiy. .for leiioatlng itanks to prevent her rplUng.r.iatj^
efforts to be resumed..
tito seas and pounding on the bar. x:
�rsriday, April 7. I95a
^5' .s' • • ,
", !*'•
'? »• •
T H er S E AF ARERS L O G
Page Seven
Digested Minutes Of Sill Ship Meetings
ALCOA CORSAIR, Jan. 15—
hand iron and games. Marjan
W. Higgs, Chainnan; J. Rc^ris,
Reinke elected Deck Delegate.
Secretary. All delegates reports
Under Education, it was resolved
Were accepted. Motion^ carried
that, any man on this ship who
to rent six moving pictures for
holds his book oyer permitman's
Use on each trip and money to
head shall be referred to Head
be raised by popular subscripr
quarters for action. All agreed
tion. Noisy heating system to be
to cooperate in keeping rec hall
reported to the Union Hall. Mo
clean at all times, and to do
tion 'carried to instruct Ship's
utmost to be good Union Bro
Delegate to visit Brothers in
thers throughout voyage. Ship's
Marine Hospital and to present
Delegate Swayne reported that
them with gifts from 'creW. No
wjth one exception all officers
tice of dues and assessments due
were cooperating fully with
ME P«ELIMIN>AR.Y plSCUSS
fdven all hands. One minute of
crew.
(OA» PERIOD OAl COM"
Mence in' memory of; deceased made to* aid former crewmember
PWLSOQY
VACATtO^S HAS
4 44
Union' members. Meeting ad and Union Brother who has to SUZANNE, Jan, 29—T. Osla
BNUBO , AT ITS NEXT
^(^ned at 3:10 PM, with 71 return to Genoa. Water hose to zeski. Chairman; L. Kane, Sec
BRANCH MEETINtS EACH .
toembers present.
be run out on deck for use of retary. No beefs to report. Motion
•P
ORT WILL ELECTA COM'
stevedores in foreign ports, as carried unanimously that all
AMTTEE TO DRAW UP A
t t 4
. PETROLITE. Jan. 22 —Lester means of keeping unauthorized Communists and Trotskyites be
RESOLUTION IN LINE WITH
Clark. Chairman; H. M. Rosen persons out of the passageways. brought up on charges and ex
THE ON/feRALL VIEWPOIISITOT^
, ptiel. Secretary. Ship'^ Delegate
4 4 4
pelled from Union. Brother E.
PORT MBMBBRSHiP , THESE WILL BE
J. Bourgeois saw Captain about MICHAEL, Jan. 29 — John Corum was elected Ship's Dele
SOILED POWA/ BY A HSADC^UA'RI&ZS
painting crew's messroom and Ni^ler. Chairman; Ronald gate; department delegates were
COAAMITTEB FOR. SUBMISSION TO A "REF —
has another meeting Tscheduled. Thompson. Secretary. Delegates reelected. Discussion on SIU bul
^RENPUM V/OTE UP AND DOWN THE COAST.
Delegates reported nb beefs in reported. Motion carried that letin regarding Trotskjrites and
IF YOU HAVE ANY OPINION ON THIS MATTER
their departments. Motion carried each crewmember clean up mess Communists. Suggested that each
PUT YOUR PROpOeAL ON PAP£R AND SUB
to call attention of Secretary hall after using it; amended to crewmember take active inter
MIT IT TO THE PORT COAAMITTBB FOR
Treasurer to fact that American read that last man on standby est in shipboard meetings and
• . •A
% I
COAISlDEl?ATlOAsl.
consul at Marseilles permits hir clean up forthe oncoming watch. that chairman and secretary's
ing of aliens when ! there are New cfewmembers were inform jobs be rotated. Ship's Delegate
Aihericans on the beach. Dis ed that library contains SIU lit to contact AMMLA for new li
cussion on launch service at erature. A beef raised over the brary.
Tripoli where shore leave Was amount of ice cream and fruit
4 4 4
permitted, but no launch was given out. Steward asked men WAR HAWK.
Feb. 2—E. Wal
ayailable. Suggested that library to be careful of the linen. Ship's ker. Chairman; H. Starling. Sec
bfe exchanged with that of an Delegate is to get in touch with retary. Ship's Delegate reported
p|her American ship in Port American Merchant Marine Li everything . running smoothly.
£|eBouc. One minute of silence brary Association for a new li Department delegates reported as
in memory of departed Union brary. Crew informed that lum follows: one hour disputed over
Brothers.
ber was being obtained to build time in the Deck Gang, few
As far as most jobs are concerned shipping here in New York
benches outside on deck.
lours in Black Gang and none is lukewarm—steady but slow on the bell. Of course, what's
4 4 4
in Stewards other than for de always hot are those tanker jobs and many a man beached for
SANTA CLARA VICTORY, ayed sailing in Venice. Motion
some time has shot out of port practically broke but plenty happy.
Feb. 2—R. Peck, Chairman: E. carried • unanimously to oust all
Speaking of jobs—and the system of security for those jobs in
McCambridge. Secretary. Ship's commies and Trotskyites from
these days of extreme maritime unemployment—reminds the SIU
CUBORE. Jan. 22 —W. M. Delegate discussed ways of Union. Suggested that Ship's
membership
that the battle of the Hiring Hall is still going on— ':4|
Fields. Chairman; W. A. House, leaving a clean ship at payoff Delegate see Patrolman regard
and
this
is a
serious responsibility of every SIU Brother. Not only
Secretary. Delegates reported time "for benefit of oncoming ing launch service in Genoa.
are
the
Brothers
protecting the SIU at all times but they are
that there were no beefs in any crewmen. Department delegates Discussed. March of Dimes drive,
continuing
the
good
old SIU spirit of helping out other unions in
of the departments. Motion car reported all okay, except for with members in favor of do
their
legitimate
beefs—beefs
created by that monstrosity of a law
ried for delegates to prepare some disputed overtime in deck nating to cause.
called the TaftHartley Act . . . Next month in the May issue of
list of replacements to be given and stewards gangs. Under Edu
"Liberty" magazine is a story about Samuel Gompers, the great
to Patrolman—this is to make cation, Ship's Delegate read his
AFL leader. It should help all oldtimers and young timers in
sure that ship calls. Hall for men. tory of SIU and the Internation
fully
understanding the general history of this leader and the
Members asked to remove dirty al. Under Good and Welfare
growth and battles of the AFL.
gloves whenever using hand rail crewmembers said they felt that
4
4
4
because of thp clean paint. Agent or Patrolman should speak
Eddie
Nooney
is
in
New
York
right
now keeping himself
Chairman Fields explained the to officers about the letter's
busy playing shuffleboazd every now and then . . . Walter
purpose of holding shipboard threats to yank books and fire
Reidy, the Steward, is now aboard the SS Black Eagle making
4 4 4
meetings and of the need for men.
a steady European run . . . Walter Gardner is now a matri
JOHNHANSON,
Feb. 5
—
Ed
Union rules and regulations.
monial man—so here's wishing him mucho happiness and
ELLY, Jan. 8—Arthur Kaval. win Westphal, Chairman; R; P.
4 4 4.
congratulations . . . Plenty of Seafarers and their families
Hannigan,
Secretary.
Ship's
Del
SOUTHSTAR, Jan. 6—James Chairman; Walter Husson. Secre
throughout the boroughs of New York listened anxiously to the
egate
said
that
he
would
check
Stewart, Chairman; Louis Mey tary. Ship's Delegate announced
SIU
broadcast on the importance of saving our Hiring Hall
upon
arrival in
New
York
to
get
ers. Secretary. All Delegates re that Master was under medical
over radio station WEVD , . . John Chaker is a proud daddy.
overtime
disputes
straightened
ported everjrthing okay. Report care and recommended that he
It's a boy. 8 pounds, 13 ounces, born on the good day of
ed that \yashing ...lachine had not be disturbed during his ill out. Deck Delegate reported 150 March 31—^just beating out April Fool's day.
hours
disputed;
Engine,
150,
and
been repaired.. Notice to be post ness. Engine Delegate reported
4
4
4
ed in laundry room explaining that $38.50. is in ship's fund. Mo Stewards, 64. Motion carried to
One
of
the
best
Brothers
we
have
talked with is Bill Rowe,
have
ship
fumigated
before
next
proper way in which to use tion carried to thank Ship's Dele
happily
voyaging
on
the
Steel
Mariner
now
on the Far East run. .
washing machine; anyone with gate and Engine Delegate" for trip. Crew backs Steward in his
His
brother,
Harry
Rowe,
is
also
happily
tripping
on the same
attempts
to
have
his
requisition
doubta is to ask. Suggestion efforts in purchasing magazines.
Oiled. Three copies to be made run aboard the SS Steel Admiral. (Brothers, it's easy to see that
so that one can be givento Del these runs are the best in the SIU after the tough organizing of
egate and one to Patrolman. Isthmian and bringing those ships into the SIU fleet.) Getting back
Need for clarification of working to Bill, we'd like to mention the swell way Bill ran around New
rules discussed. Delegate to see York and finally getting that DC washing macljine for the ship
Patrolman to inform him about cut of dough chipped in by the crew to keep everything happy
Seafarer Blackie Coiro is now cal instrument, dance, or just conditions on this trip, also to and shipshape aboard ship. It's sure a lot of things—the big and
working for the Patio Cafe in ad lib with the gags, you're eli see about getting the First As small—which makes every SIU ship a good ship and a clean
Brooklyn where, he assures us, gible to take part.
ship . . . Educational meetings here in New York, as in other
sistant straightened out.
all SIU members will get a Brother Coiro, who sails as a
ports, is for the full benefit of the membership.
4 4 4
Cook, says. that Harry and Nat, NATHANIEL B. PALMER.
square deal.
4
4
4
Blackie says the Patio's wel owners of the Patio, are a Feb. S— i>aul Whitlow, Chair
The SEAFARERS LOG will be sailing free of cosl to the
come mat. is always out for couple of "good Joes who will man; V. Szymanski, Secretary. homes of the following Brothers: Ralph Dunsmoor of Massa''
SIU men and he asked all hands always give, seamen a decent Carmel G. Imnan elected Ship's chusetts. Peter Naujalis of New York. Martin Sierra of New
on the beach in New York to deal."
Delegate. No beefs in any of the York. Andrew Buscarello of New York. Nick Swokia of Connec
The Patio has a ball team, departments. Suggested by chair ticut. Stanley Brown of New York, Ralph Groseclose of Vir
pay the place a visit.
Prices are among the most too, and Blackie suggests that that one topic be designated for ginia . . . Brother Fred Paul is in New York right now ...
reasonable in town, there is con SIU crews that have teams and discussion under Education at Andy Havrilla shipped out last week . . . Here is a flash item
tinuous entertainment and the Want to play should get in touch each meeting, beginning with —about one of the Brothers here in New York' who is in the
atmosphere is definitely friendly. with him. The Patios can ar next session. Each department to current movie in New York called "Cargo , to Capetown," with
Brother Coiro says that the go range to get a park for all g^es. take turns at cleaning recreation Broderick Crawford. Brother John Harvey, who has been help
ingson diiring Amateur Night, The Patio Cafe is located at roont; schedule to be posted on ing out for many we^cs,especially in helping another union
which takes place every Sim 630 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn. Kiard. All hands reminded that on strike, told, us how he acted as a Messman aboard a Pana
Blackie says the best way to f they have a beef they Should manian tanker which was chartered for Hie movie out on the
day, are a lot of extra fun.
The Patio gives winners of get there from. Manhattan is by speak with department delegates West Coast. Imagine a Seafarer actiag for the movies as a
amateur contests cash prizes BMT subway; Take .the Brighton ikst" aild not go direct to de ' merchant seaman, giving the" mRlioas of landlubbers through
and the event is open' to all Line train and get off at either partment head. Noise to be kept out the natiett the impressikn that merdiant seamen live a life
Prospect Park or Parkside Ave. at a ininimtim so watchstanders of easy wtwk and grand i"4v«itiij >
"cnntera: H ybu" can sing,• strum:
ihsy g«. We
wondM N this BMvie .is that dOidoijMT V
guitar
other 'musi stations. •
ban get some deep.
son's
m imli
'
i|
Brother Assures SIU Men
Of Good Deal At The Patio
�FAtacf. April 7,
THE SEAFARERS LHG
MEMSEBSmP SFEOaS r
Honduran Sea Union Called Rig
For Covering Runaway Operators
TAKING CARE OF THE HORSEY SET
Cosencia's outfit. The only com Bosun gets about $140 per month.
pany exempt from this racket Such a "union" is an insult
Most of you will recall that is the Standard Fruit Company, to the intelligence of any right
11 l^i year there was supposed to which has a contract with the thinking person. It is part of
have beeii a worldwide boycott NMU.
the racket that is responsible for
of ships under Panamanian and
so many thousands of American
A
seaman
must find
his
own
Hdnduran flags as a protest
seamen being on the beach to
agiinst their use to escape high employment at the company of day, and if it isn't stopped more
fices
or
at
the
agents
of
the
er wages and safety standards
many companies sailing Hon thousands of us will be on the
bf . other maritime nations.
duran flag ships. I understand beach but fast and permanently.
I do not know all the facts as that if a man is sent to a ship Every time an Amaican ship
|tb why the boycott was not put by the socalled union, headed comes into port and lays up, you
Wp effect, but when I was in by Cosencia, he must pay $25 for can almost be siure some ship
Honduras, recently, accompany the job.
flying the flag of Panama or
ing my wife, who is a lawyer
Honduras
is taking its place and
and a native of Honduras, on a The top wages of an able being operated by the same
tour bf that nation's major cities, bodied seaman are $150 per morried interests which paid you
month and 80 cents an hour for
m': I was informed that it had been overtime. However, there is no off and put you on the beach.
put off because the seamen of
Let us hope that a thorough
'J.
these, countries had , organized overtime at sea, Sundays and investigation will be made by
ttemselves irdo a "Union." CHie holidays are not overtime. A our affiliated maritime unions
bbycoU was posiponed upon re
and the proper action taken to
quest of fhd Panamanian Gov
effect a boycott to stop such
AAfoiig iho passengeA aboard the BS Del Sud on a recent
eriuneol, which asked for rime
practice^ before we all find our
voyage were the two sleek nags riiown above, with their
li.' fo enbCt le^shdion that would
selves beached until, the next attendants, neither' of whom was identiiied. Material accom
bring its vmges and shipboard
war caUs us out again to further paiiying the photo didn't say, but it is beHeWed the aquines
oi^BdltiOBS rioser to the stand
enrich the sh^wner.
we A of racing stock and were either coniing from or enroute
^ds in ject throughout the
Leonard MitcheU, SUP
to Argentina.
y^prid.. ^d,}
To fhe Editor:
I set out to learn everything I
could about the "union" and My good friend Bill Chafnpliri
found it was very easy to learn writes about "Why Bosuns Get
aH about it as there is very Gray." Although my hair is Still
little to it. It is simply the old black, afi AB can also turn gray.
:^'c»imp'' racket with a new :'11 cite one quick way and I'm
Sure I win be backed up by ITO the Editor:
Jvrinkle. .
pfeseht maritime schools^ even inissiOil schools at Sheepsheadf
many Brothers.
'
ANTIU«nON DEAL
I have just finished • r eading ori a partial plan, to finance two Bay in New York and irt Ala:"
The Bosun wiU call a special
* "^en the United iVuit Com EDeck Department meeting be he article by John Bunker in training Ships When the cOst Of meda, Galif., has classes operi'
ply' went into Honduras years fore the ship sails and teU the he Jan. 13 issue of the SEA operating thesS fWO ships, iii in practical seamartship. Also;'
ggo it ii my uirferstanding that gang to take orders from him FARERS LOG, entitled "Use of cludihg wages for the trainees the Sailors Urti^ of the Pacifie'
gi ' deal was made with the gov and him alone. He will run Sailing Ships As Training Ves and the regular crew, would be operates a similar sehool irt Sani'
FfartciSoo for the benefit of its'
sels." Giving all due respect to tremendous.
ei^ent whereby the company things as he sees ^it.
hew mernbers
artHl afRliates.
•
Furthermore, let us assume
he writer, I should like to com
would furnish emplojmient to
First
day
at
sea
our
old
pal,
.
I
says Let's
don't
Worry
about'
that the two training ships were
ment on his article.
the people of Hondimas. In re
J;um the govbmment was to pro^ Mr. Mate, shows his ugly head I think the idea, although it in operation. That would mean training n6W men who waht tO ,
tect . the company against labor on deck and gives sailors a job makes interesting reading, is that after six months'. training, go to sea, lefs concentrate ori'
organizations by making them other than the one he is working about 20 years too late and. ra 800 men a year wOuld enter the keeping and acquiring jobs for
on. The sailor politely informs Iher impractical todaV. As field in competition for berths the experienced nrjen w6 have'
illegal.
lim that he is taking orders
available today.
That law has been rigidly en from the Bosun and continues Bunker says, marlinspike sea on ships.
Don D, Brown, SUP
Does
Mr.
Bunker
realize
that
forced by the Honduran goverri his work. The Mate nms for the manship in the old sense, is nOt
SS MisriOii Dolores '
the
United
States
has
art
over
so
important
today
as
it
was
10
,ment, which is in fact a police ; Bosun, and with a blank look
^tate. .The army controls every on his face the Bosun acts as if or 20 years ago, even though it supply of experiertced seamen
jthing and the police are regular le doesn't know why the AB must always be part of a sea (not including aliens) to last for
another 20 years, without putting
p^y men. So you can see that wouldn't do the little job the man's basic knowledge.
• li
another 800 rnen a year into the
GONE FOREVER
any labor union is impossible. Mate asked him to.
picture.
Some time ago the stevedores I guess you know who is left There is no use kidding our
liil
SUPPLY GREATER
.walked off the job in the port ligh and dry, holding the well selves. The old schooners are
gone
forever.
They have
no
use
Where, may I ask, are the
*of Tela in protest against their known bag for the rest of the
in modeni shipping. We may as jobs for these men to come from?
ibw wages and working condi trip.
'
well accept it and forget them Every Union hall in the coun To the Edilor:
"tions. They get 35 cents and
ho'orS, with winch drivers re And by the way, let's get this as far as using them in training try today has more men than We, the undersigned, would
• ceiving 50 cents an hour. The homesteading question to a vote, or shipping is concerned. They there are jobs. We certainly dO like to voice our opinion on. the.
United Firuit Company brought Brothers. A year on a ship is Ore Obsolete fOr either purpose. not need any more manpower. length of time a crewmember
Another thing: The govern
If we must have training should be allowed on a ship.
In a trainload of* its plantation enough for any man.
Kirivan
Bilson
menlf
isn't
likely
to
drop 'its
schools,
the US Maritime Com^ After much thought on the
slaves to load the ships under
subjeict we think that 6rte year
military guard. Hie general then
is sufficient. In that tinie any
gave orders fbf the regular steve
mart should have a fair amount •
dPres to return to work within
put aside. He is eligible for a '•
24 hours, or else they would be
two
weeks vacation which most '
founded up, and possibly wiped
•
of our
companies give. He is also
but. Needless to say, they all re
eligible
for unemploymbrtt com^
tiumed to work. All this hap
by
Thurston
J.
Lewis
pensation,
if such a tuling is
pened only a few months ago.
passed
by
the meiribership.
r;
UNION?
We think that if such a rul
They say that I must take a vacation
But what is there to do in Topeka,
. The socalled Honduran Sea
ing is passed it will create a
(I'm offered four weeks with pay).
Or Tulsa or Denver, say.
J large number of jobs immediate
. men's Union is owned and con
For a Bosun c< Deck Storekeeper,
trolled by one man, a certain But I don't know the inside of the Nat»m,
ly and froirt thert on a more '
Who don't savvy the landlubber's way?
V Srabf Cbsencie^ ^o is on the And I've long forgot how to play.
gradual tUfnOver than we'noW
payroll of ' the United Friiit Since first she came out of the yard,
have.
"
How tong would t be On the beach.
Company, He also owns the larg
We would like to hear, through •
I've sailed the SS DEL NORTE.
How iibng cbuld I keep up my we^ht
at and miost rapensive hotel in And you find things a little bit hard.
Ihe LOG, the Opinion of more
When the galley^s out Of my reach.
<Pui»io Cortez, caHed riie Cos^
of the BrothMS ort this subject'
When you're getting a bit bald at ferity.
And I'm off in a dryland state?
eia Hotel.
so that it can be brought "to a
(Now wherever the ladles are
"One year and get ol6" they say,
The dues of this so^ralled tm
feferendufrt ballot in the nea?'
Fm itill good for a bit of a sortie^
"But
off you danrii Wei' must."
H: foa sre $1.80 a riibnth.
future. '
:
Sfaatt I trad* jih* dleoiii salt spray
man sailing aE Hbhdinan sftilf At ilur Madam's or the Florida Baif
Signed by is Membets >
For dii^ despicable dust?
must belong and pay dues td TlMugh 1 AM a bit bald at forty.)
of PhSidrifthih
k
To the Editoe:
ABs Can Turn
Gray, Too,
BUson Claints
Gov't Misses Boat In Training New Men
With Jobs Scarce For Old Handst Brown
il'
i'
Vacation Rule
Would AidJob
Turnover, Say 15
Log'A'Rhythms
THAT VACATION ISSUE
I;
�"
VacationTakers
Should Get Break,
Brother Contends
T 'iE S E A FA EE R S tb G
OH, THAT GOLDEN CITY!
Page Niae
Proposed Rule On Vacations
Held Detrimental To Union
Thus, for each month that a
man stays on a ship over one
I am against compvilsory va year, he actually receives a wage
Vacations should be taken by
cations because I sincerely be increase of onesixth of week's
the men entitled to them, other
lieve that such a rule, particu pay, or a sum ranging from nine
wise there is no use in having
larly at this time, would be to ten dollars a month. What
vacations.
^' .
detrimental to best interests of normal person will quit a job
It may be possible to work
our organization.
on being credited with a sub
out the vacation by replacing a
We are now facing a long and stantial wage increase?
man for one trip after he has
tough legal battle (possibly to
been aboard a single ship for one
be followed by strike action) to The socalled homesteaders are
year. If a man should be requir
protect and maintain our Hiring seldonFto be found on ships that
ed to get off the ship 'after one
Halls, which have proven to be make long trips to foreign pprts.
year, perhaps he could IJG com
the most efficient method of as The few in that category are
grinding it out on the less pcqpu
pensated in some way after his
signing crews to ships.
lar
coastwise rims, • a nd they do
vacation is over. Either of these
We must be careful not to
so
largely because they have
ways could accomplish this:
make any move that would
friends
and relatives in the
1. Give the man' a top priority
alienate those who are on our
ports
their
ships visit regularly.
shipping card,
side at present. We need all the
Despite
various
clsiims to the
2. Allow the man to be paid
aid we can muster.
contrary,
such
men
are usually
out of the welfare fund from
BEST
METHOD
in
closer
touch
with
Unioii af
the time his vacation is over
fairs
than
their
more
fortunate
until he ships out again.
Because, under our Hiring
Things are mighty fine
Brothers
who
are
off
on long
In this way a man can take
Hall system, we are able to
trips
or
completing
such
trips
his vacation and will not lose aboard the SS Golden City, say
make prompt assignments of
with
the
resultant
heavy
pay
anything by doing so. And all the lads aboard the Waterman
competent and reliable men, the
offs.
members, both single and mar freighter.. Even "Sougee
shipowners will aid us to main
Brown's Boys," as the photo
ried, will benefit.
Bill Gray. Ship's Del. ,
tain our Hiring Halls, not be
You can hardly expect men above is labelled, keep going
Sealrain
New Jersey
cause they love us, but for the
to take vacations for two or with smiles. "Sougee" Brown
very good reason that they have
three weeks if it will cost them is the' Chief Mate and is so
found
that it is the most effici
two and a half months of pay named because he "always has
ent
and
economical hiring sys
waiting for a ship after it is his boys working with a sou
tem
ever
in use.
gee bucket."
all over.
The paying off and signing on
In photo right is Seafarer
On the welfare fund, I'd like
of even a few men entails a
to suggest that sick benefits be Bill Barth. the Golden City's
great deal of paper work by the
$50 weekly for thre months. Night Cook and Baker, who,
clerical staffs of the Union and
And if a pension is ever worked when he's not pounding out
the companies, a constant and To the Editor:
out that it go to all men with pastries for his shipmates,
expensive overhead that becomes In regard to the length of time'
20 years in the industry, re doubles as the official ship's
a heavy financial
burden in a man should stay on one ship*,
gardless of age. Men on retire photographer. Bill handles his
those cases when ships have a we, the imdersigned members,
ment should be allowed to work photos from start to finish,
large and frequent turnover in thought we might voice our
processing the films and prints
ashore, if they wish,
personnel,
opinions.
right aboard the vessel.
Andrew H. LavezoU
Everyone knows that the beach
DOING THEIR JOB
is getting tougher every day
Those men that stay on ships and that in order to bring about
for a fairly long period, some a faster turnover something, must"
times a year or more, are simply be done. It is inevitable that the
doing a job in good Union style. only conclusion is to limit a
They provide a solid foundation man's stay aboard ship. Nine out
on which our Negotiating Com of ten men going to sea have
To the Editor:
thinking only of themselves. worked in the past and, thinks mittee can build for the future, some sort of responsibility and
Just finished reading the LOG What are they willing to do to John Shipowner, it can work while maintaining the great in order for them to meet their
gains already'won.
obligations there must be a bet
and I see that the homesteaders get those four watches? Would again.
ere up to their old tricks, I they be willing to give up their The homesteader says he is a Upon completion of one year ter turnover of jobs.
Therefore, the only possible
fchougilt we were rid of them Sunday at sea overtime and take good Union man, but he wants of service on a ship, a crew
a cut in pay to make that pos to marry a ship and hog it all member is entitled to seven days solution is that after a year
years ago.
They never did anything to sible? We all know the answer and let his Union Brother get pay, which he wiU receive when aboaid one SIU ship, we thizdc
he finally leaves the ship. Ifhe that a man should be reqiared
make conditions except run and to that,
by as best he can. Don't let him stays on for more than one year,
to take his vacation pay along
'tell the Chief as soon as any
tell you he can't afford to get some companies, Seatrain being
NO DREAMER
with his wages and pile off.
one talked about unionism. They
off—that he has a family. The one, compute his vacation time
We feel that under such a sys
were the' hardest men to or
The shipowner is no dreamer; average seaman is making more
and
pay
on
a
monthly
basis.
tem,
any man with an eye to
ganize, but now that others have he keeps an eye on the profit than the average man working
the future should be able to
gotten the conditions for them, sheet at all times. That is busi a^ore, which he sho.uld, so that
they say the Union can't survive ness with him. He love.? the he can come asliore and have a Floyd's Parents Ask Help have acquired enough money in
wages and vacation pay tomeet
Without them,
company stiff because he knows time of his own,
his obligations ashore,
> They scream for the four he can use him to tear, down
watches. As usual they are the Union 'and conditions. It I have gone to sea for about
WILL MOVE QUICKLY
25 years and have belonged to
And,
in the meantime, his
the SIU ever since it came into
name,
after
registering, will be
GETTING SET FOR THE CONTRACT
existence and have seen the
moving
steadily
up on the ro
homesteader operate in the past,
tary shipping list in a mudk
FUTURE AT STAKE
shorter time than it would be
•
ordinarily,
It doesn't matter greatly to
Anj member who has spent
men of my age, but you young
any
time on the beach witiiin:
fellows have a lot of years
the
last
three months will cer
ahead of you and if you don't
tainly agree to the above and
tend to business you will go
following statements: That ship
back to times such as there were
ping has been falling off steadily,
before the Union.
due to the fact that men take
I have seen them and know
jobs and take root like a 50 ^
what they were like. I would
yearold oak tree.
rather starve than go. back to
This plan wiU also eliminate
those days (when I practically
the possibility of a union mem
starved anyway).
A recent photo of John Pit ber from becoming a company
Even though you go to work
stiff and also give them a chance
ashore, remember there is no man Floyd, who was reported to see what is going on at shore
better job insurance than a re lost from the SS Gateway City side meetings, which we feel is
tired Union book and it costs last April 1, between Seattle very essential.
you nothing. Tough shipping and Tacoma. His parents are
Why not come to some sort of
isn't because of a shortage of anxious for any information or understanding and have tlio
ships or a matter of top many recent pictures of Brother question put on a" referendum
members, but just a matter of Floyd and have appealed to his. ballot up and down the .coast,
too* many Hbmesteaders, Remem former shipmates and friends
Seafarer Bill Zarkas, now holding down an AB'sjob on ber tiial when you vote on that to get in touch with them. so we can see what " the mem
the SS Puerto Rico, announces he will soon leave the ranks compulsory vacation clause.
Anyone who can be of help bership agrees to,
of bachelordoni. Bill says the wed^g bells may ring out
James Linden
should write to Floyd's father,
C. G. Cosilow
spring for him and his fiance. Angle Catalano, tvifh whom
Bernard Toney ' •
J. A. Floyd RFD 2, Box 163,
he ia pictured here. —
D. C. Croft
Fairmount. N. C.
Book No. ID
To the Editor:
To fhe Editor:
OneYear Limit
Seen As Spur
To Job Chances
,rl
Oldtimer Says Homesteading Threatens
Return To PreUnion Shipboard Conditions
. , V:.
• .
• • • • •
'V
; •
�ri'fti'W: :v,:'
Page Tea
Fziday; ApsU 7. 1950
THE SEAFARERS LOG
The Seafarers In
m
s'i' • • • •
Ife'
By JOHN BUNKER
Caribbean Carnival
(Part One)
' Just as the Atlantic seaboard in 1942 was
called "UBoat Lane," so could the Caribbean
\ and the Gulf have been called "UBoat Lake"—
for the German undersea raiders roamed these
waters at will, becoming so bold in their himt
for prey that they sank ships in the very mouth
of the Mississippi, in the narrow passage be
tween Key West and Havana, and at the en
trance to the Texas oil ports.
The height of bold audacity was reached on
thi evening of July 2, 1942, when a sub entered
the harbor of Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, and
sank the SS San Pablo.
During the first two months of war, six Amer
ican ships were torpedoed and sunk in the Car
ibbean and the Gulf. Six more were sent to the
bottom in April; and in May the Germans had
a monthlong field day, sinking no less than
five ships on the 4th, two on the 6th, and three
on the 12th.
The total bag for the month of May in. Ameri
can vessels alone across the Gulf and the Carib
bean was 31 Ships. By the end of June, 1942, a
total of 167 Allied freighters and tankers had
' been sent to the bottom in these warm, south
ern waters!
A surprisingly large number of these Uboat
victims were cargo carriers manned by SIU sea
men and it would seem, from, a study of the
war records, that the Germans had a special
bMng for Waterman, Bull, and Alcoa ships. An
entire fleet of them was lost in 1942. Limited
space permits describing only a few of the
marly dramatic incidents involving SIU ships
during this phase of the war. A book would
be needed to tell about them all.
For the undersea raiders it was a Roman holi
day—simpler than knocking off clay pigeons at
a shotgun shoot.
So it was with the Elizabeth and Clare of the
Bull Line, as they plodded along the southwest
~coast of C!uba on the night of May 20, 1942. A
bright moon lit up the sea and silhouetted the
two ships as they headed south with their holds
of general cargo for the Islands.
On the Clare's bridge, the Skipper watched
a li^t that had been reported a minute or so
before by one of the lookouts. He couldn't tell
whether it might be a small Island freighter or
a fishing boat, for it was moving across their
bow and lay some distance off.
LOST IN THE DARK
A rain squall blanketed the moon just as tHb
rSkipper was trying to identify the unknown
craft, which seemed to be pursuing an erratic
course.
Up forward in the hot fo'castle. Fireman Ernest
Torres was stretched out in his bunk,, clad only
in a pair of shorts. It |vas stickily hot and he
was trying to read. He had almost decided to
take his mattress on deck and stretch out on
number ene hatch, rain or no rain.
Just then a bright searchlight blossomed out
on the vessel ahead, playing over the Clare from
bow to stern with a blinding intensity. Almost
immediately a torpedo smashed into the hull at
number one hold; just where Fireman Torres
waff about to stow his mattress for a cool snooze.
made one hell of a noise," says Torres.
"The explosimx threw me out of my bunk and
onto the deck. The old Clare shivered like a
,^ummy dancer.
: "AS
lig&ts went out and I ran like hell to
my lifii^^ station. I had the book in my hand
the time,, bid^ I never even thought of going
back for my. clothe or . my papers. The spray
from the es^losion gave me a shower bath when
t
down the deck."
...a
I
4 ,
Tdjem Mwly br
llw twoUve Ssafarers in the above picture were only a few of the
many
men who HaA Uieir sbipe shot i^om under them
some as many as three times,
although the Waw was a little more then a year old.
Seated, hrem left to rightr are; Anthony McMunn, Oiler; Andrew Layazoli, OS; Charles
Allem AS; IHieleman Mit&ys, Fkeman; Carville Councilman, WatertendOr.
I^andbig are; It C, RtCfeetls, Steward; Harry Clock, Oiler; J. L. Michaelas, Fireman; E.
Aguiweife Wrmttteadee; Gus Alnv Carpenter; Robert B. Graham, OS; Reginald Goodin. Cook.
So violent had been the blast that water cas Cuba bound for Mobile with aluminum ore.
caded down the vents into the fjreroom..
when, on June 7, a torpedo exploded in her
starboard
side and she went to the bottom iri
There was no psmic on the ship and the Cap
tain visited all the crew's quarters to make sure just.1% minutes! Not many ships beat her record
that no men were trapped in their rooms, after for sinking.
which he gave the order to abandon ship. Both
Water and debris shot up the funnel as the
boats lowered awsty sssd the men pulled as hard boilers exploded and First Mate John Hume,
as they could for the shore.
one of the last to leave the plummeting ore car
rier, walked off the deck in water over his
ELIZABETH GETS IT
•
They hadn't taken many strokes, before the shoulders after releasing the forward life rafts.
The sub that torpedoed them surfaced nearby
Elizabeth, still following along behind and caught
proverbially, "between the devil mad the deep'," and watched the troubles the men had witfi
received a torpedo amidships, accompanied by their leaky lifeboats, but the Germans did not
a bi;ight flash that momentarily lit up the vessel interfere in any way and the 27 survivors were
picked up the next day by a Navy patrol vessel.
and then was gone.
A close competitor to the Suwied for the title
From the boats the crew of the Clare could
see little lights blinking on the Elizabeth as of "the fastest sinking ship" was the Alcoa Pih
her men ran out of the deck house doors and grim, which was torpedoed without warning
pushed a^e bliaekout baffles on their way to early in the morning of May 28 while en route
from Port of Spain, Trinidad, to Mobile with,
the boats.
Several of the men laughed at the sight, for 9,500 tons of heavy bauxite aboard. She sank
it seemed amusing in a way to see other guys by the stern in a little over 90 seconds, with
get it, tooi "I bet they don't save any silk stock heavy loss of life.
NO TIME FOR SOS
ings for the girls in Puerto Rico," soineone said.
This blackedqut, SlUcrewed freighter had
"It ain't funny," said an Oiler. "If they got hit
in the engine room there's some good guys gom' three lookouts on watch, and was 2igzagging
when the unseen Uboat sent a torpedo into her
down on her." "
That was a sobering thought and they pulled engine room on the starboard side just below thd
for the shore. It took about 15 minutes for the water line. Needless to say, there was no time,
and no time to fire any guns
Clare to sink and they watdied her settle, sil to send out an
even if
the
had bee«i armed?.
houtted against the tropic sky. No men werff lost
on the Cllare.'
The Alcoa MJ^rim ptoged so quickly no
Not so fortunate were other SIU ships that boafe ebttld^ be launched^ but nhre sinwivors gat
are now rusting many fathoms under the sur^ aboard two lh!e rafta
drifted' elear and
face in the hghtless deeps of the Caribbean and were picked up a we^fe later by the SS Thomas
the Gulf.
V
Neiifton
Of the hundreds of men lost on SIU ships in
As was usuai> hi sihfcin^ cA un»ied ships
World: War II a large percentage made the sup staisning alone,, the
snrfacedv came up to,
reme sacrifice in these waters that locdfffd so tha survivors, and? questioned' tSem about the
calm and peaceful, yet comprised one of the ship and cargo; The Uboat was a big one, had
most hazardous sectors of the war.
a three inch gun on her forward deck, and bore
It was oil and bauxite, the two prime essential^ the insignia of a ram's head on her conning tower.
of modern war, lhat lured "the Uboats to the" Afior questioning the Pilgpim's men, She steam
Caribbean in the first place. The tapkers and ed cajmly away on the surface locfltihg for more
the bauxite shipi were their numberone taf _ victims. •
gets, but they also sank anything else that <SEHne
Tru% it can be «aid that the Caribbean in 1942
along. In the first six months of 19^, the subff
was a "U^oat
shelled ot torpedoed anything that steamed theiir
way, without fear or favor.
Another apleodtr Ike role of SIU crews la
One of several banxiteliaden ships ta get
sliced' with a tin fiishr hv these waters was the Wbrld war IF wlir apliM«r la the aext issue of
little SS Sawied under command ofi Gapt^n
Bernard David. She wSa off the south coast of
..I'Sv
: v:J
�Prtday, Apifll f, 1950
THE SEAFARERS LOG
Page EBevm
Brief
TAMPA — ciiainuBn. R. H.
in this port in the period jusfr^
,R[all. 20060: Recojrding Secretary,
ended; he said. Director of OivSi
W. W. Hall, ^256: Reading
ganization Lindsey Williams re
Clerk, Ray WhitV, 57.
ported that the Marine Allied
Minutes of previous meetings
REG.
REG.
REG,
TOTAL
SHIPPED SHIPPED SHIPPED TOTAL Workers were striking^ the Bisso
. in all Branches read and ap
PORT
DECK
ENG.
STWpS.
REG.
DECK
ENG.
STWDS. SHIPPED Tug Co., in New Orleans. He
proved. Branch Agent stated that
said that the MAW needed pick
25
17
71
29
3
8
3
14 ets to permit 24hour picketing /i
shipping" had slumped this past Boston
.......
128
99
128
355
69
66
64
199 and asked for volimteers. Mo
two weeks, after about four New York.
Philadelphia
18
23
24
65
31
25
29
85 tion carried to concur in Wil> 3
months of very good shipping.
93
79
81
253
93
92
68
253 liams' report.
Men from outpprts arrived to Baltimore
—
—
32
39
37
108
1
1
find that the bottom had just N'orfoik............................
4 4 4
15
9
5 ,
29
4
2
1
7
about" fallen out. There ,are no Savannah
GALVESTON — Chairman. S.
27
31
25
83
1
1
6
8
' signs of any imniediate improve Tampa..,.,
72
52
95
219
71
59
94
224 Garcia, 20233; Recording Secre
ment, he added. The samp num New Orleans
34
31
32
97
59
38
45
142 tary, Keith AIsop, 7311; Reading
ber of "ships are touching port, Mobile
58
33
34
7
125
6
3
16 Clerk, C. Cooper, 100201.
he said, but m»st men are stay Galveston
26
34
27
87
25
38
22
85
Minutes of all Branch meet
ing aboard for another trip. West Coast...".;..
ings approved as read. Secretary
JSecretaryTreasurer's
financial GRAND TOTAL.
447
1,492
528
517
364
335
335
1,034 Treasurer's financial report and
report and Headquarters report
Headquarters report to the mem
ito the membership approved as
.read. Under Good and Welfare, Port Agent stated that shipping silence in memory of departed port to the membership read and bership were read and concurred
the following Were discussed: for the past two weeks hac Union Brothers. Motion carried concurred in. Port Agent said in. Agent reported on the local
the slow shipping, the Union's been good, with more men ship to adjourn at 7:40 PM, with 110 that affairs of port were in good shipping picture. Motion earned
shape but that shipping had fall to refer all excuses to the Dis
signing of Cities Service to an ping than wore registered dur members present.
en off. With the settling of the patcher. PatrolmanDispatcher's
• i nterim contract and the possi ing the period. It was explained
4 4 4
bility of openirtg a Hall in that the spurt in shipping hac SAVANNAH — Chairman, N. Cities Service beef, things were report read and approved. One
Jacksonville. After one minute been aided by fact that Patrol Towns, 7193; Recording Secre expected to pick up, he said. minute of silence in piemory of
of silence in menibry of departed man had hit all ships intransit tary, J. B. Sellers, 36401; Read There were six payoffs, seven departed members. Meeting ad
Union Brothers, the meeting was and found shortages of one or ing Clerk, E. M. Bryant, 25806. signons and 30 ships intransit journed.
adjourned. There Were 107 mem two men on each. He attributec Savannah Branch minutes of
this condition to the failure on last meeting read and approved.
bers present.
part
of delegates to call the SecretaryTreasurer's
t. 4. 4
financial
NORFOLK — Chairman, Ben Hall and report shortages of report accepted as read. Branch
Rees. 95; Recorciing Secretary, manpower on their ships. He Agent said that shipping was
J. A. Bullock, 4747; Reading said the Lake George, a US still on the slow bell in this
Petroleum tanker had paid off port. He said there was a pos
Clerk, Vernon Porter, 505.
Minutes of Branch meetings here after a sevenmonth trip. sibility that things might pick
in other ports accepted as read. It was in good shape and not up a bit in the near future as
A. K. POWERS
ELLIS H. BRONDELSSO
Headquarters report to the mem one man had paid off on the South Atlantic is trying to reg
"Please
get
in
touch
with
me
Notify
Unemployment Insur . :
other
side.
Motion
carried
to
bership approved as read. Agent
ulate its cargo so that their four
at
once,
concerning
Jo
Jo:
ance,
i65
Joralemon Street, |.
elect
a
fiveman
committee
to
"discussed conditions in the mari
ships can. go out from here on
time industry from the local iron out port si lipping rules; the European run. Minutes of Ruth Powers, 222 East Plume Brooklyn, of yoUr present ad i
standpoint. Motions carried to motion amended to have sam.e meetings in other ports read and Street, c/o George Washington dress.
Tavern, Norfolk, Virginia."
concur in Headquarters Rein committee act as trial committee. accepted.
4 4 4
statement Committee's report and Motions carried to accept Sec
FRANK L. SMITH
4
4
4
to nonconcur With Savarmah retaryTreasurer's financial re NEW YORK — Chairman, SS WINTimOP L. MARVIN
Your wife, Evangeline, 30 S
(April, 1948)
•E
xcuse Committee's report of port and Headquarters report to Frenchy Michelet, 21184; Record
River Street, Cambridge, Massa ^
Will Francisco F. Freone
March 16. Charges were read the membership.
ing Secretary, Freddie Stewcurl, George W. Stone and^ George La chusetts, Says it is very lurgent ,
4> ^ 4
and following meii were elected
that you • write her.
BALTIMORE—Chairman, Wil 4935; Reading Clerk, Eddie France get in touch with Robert
from floor to servp as trial com
4 4 4
I
Mooney, 46671.
F. Reynolds, 1302 Hobart Build
.piittee: C. Moser, J. Glovier, R. liam Renlz, 26445; Redbrding
ANTHONY
CASINO
|
Minutes
of
all
previous
Branch
ing, San Francisco, California.
Brinson, R. Morfisette, N. E. Secretary, G. A. Masterson,
|
meetings read and accepted. In It concerns the case of John E. Write your mother of your
Wroton and J. Hqdges. Commit 20297; Reading Clerk, 4683.
whereabouts;
she
is
worried:
4
j
connection
with
Savannah
mo
Steele, who was injured aboard
tee later reported back and mo Baltimore minutes and those
Frederick
Street,
Raritan,
New
tion carried to concur in find of other Branches of previous tion in New Business, a motion the vessel.
Jersey.
4 4 4
ings. OnO minute of silence in meetings were read and approv carried reaffirming Union's po
4 4 4
RED SHEA
memory ,of departed JXnion Rro, ed. Motions carried to accept sition that excuses for absence
from
meetings
be
handled
by
E»HL
PAPIS
Please
get
in
touch
with
j&ers. Motion carried to adjourn Baltimore's and Secy^tajryJmas
Get
in
touch
w#h
Miss Mary
ea(^
Branch.
Port
Agent
discus
Whitey
I>ahl,
.438'
Washington
urer's
financial
reports.
Mofipns
^t 8:3,0 PM,, with108 members
R.
Cav£lIo,
230
Boyd
Ave.,
sed
shippir^,
which
is
about
Ave.,
Biooidyp,
N.
Y.
carried
to
accept
fimt
motion
present.
sey City, New Jersey.
lolding its own in this port.
under
Savannah
New
Business
4
4
4
^ » 4
ONICE TANNER
4 4 4
.MOBILE—Chairipan, L. Neira, and to nonconcur with second SecretaryTreasurer's fiimncial
Your discharges off the SS
FRANK PETER KELLY
26993; Recording Secretary., J. D. motion. Excuses were referred report read and accepted. Head
Hunter, 47364; Reading, Clerk to the Dispatcher. There were quarters report to the member Julesburg are being held for Get in touch with your daugh
ter, Mrs. Edna Elizabeth LQ$
no charges to be read. Port ship discussed the recent Wash you in the LOG office.
. ji, J. Fischer, 59.
better, 315 Wheeler Ave.,
4 4 4
Mobile Branch minutes and Agent spoke on the shipping ington conference at which seven
AFTpN J. BUSH
Francisco, Calif.
Jtrew Business of other ports from activity of the port during the maritime unions, including the
vll
4 4 4
jirevious .meetings accepted 9s twoweek period just ended. SIU, agreed to a mutual aid pact "Please get in touch with
FRED FAGAN
^
read. Port Agent discussed the Motion carried to accept Dis to defend the Union Hiring Halls, Evelyn Armstrong, 458 Pacific
prospects for shipping during the patchers report on number of t was brought out that the Street, Brooklyn 17, New York: Please write tc Leo Watts, c/a
SS Puerto Rico, Bull Lines, 115
,jnext two weeks, naming the ves men registered and shipped; also SIU's position is sound because Eddie."
4 4 4
Broad St., New York City.
sels .scheduled to arrive here. Hospital Committee's report. Mo of the Negotiating Conunittee's
SS FRANCES
"Re also discussecjl the Hiring tion by J. Dembrowski carried foresight at the time the con
4 4 4
tracts
were
written,
but
that
the
(June, 1949)
instructing
Agent
to
send
a
Rail issue and announced the
ARTHUR
S. RERiHOLDT
Joint program drawn up by wreath from Union to funeral NMU was threatened with a Mariano Gonzalez, Harry (ret in touch with your son,
seven maritime upions, includ of Abraham Davis, who passed ban on its hall and that the Singleton, J. Munis and Steven John, at 843 N. Luzerne St.,
ing the SIU, to fight for reten away at the Baltimore Marine defeiise of the hiring halls was ,C:!arx are asked to get in touch Baltimore 5, Md., as soon as
tion of ,the present hiring meth Hospital on March 19. One min imperative in the interests of with Samuel Segal, 11 Broadway, possible.
ods. He added th^.t the first ute of silence in memory of de the security of all seamen. Head New York 4, N. Y., concerning
.4 4 4
Cities Service ship since signing ceased members of the Union. quarters report Mso. announced the death of Chief Electrician SILAS W. LESLIE (Lesley)
^
of the interim cor tract had hit Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 that Union representatives were Ehner F. Rose.
Please contact E. C. Savage,
meeting
with
Cities
S^vice
Ma
PM,
with
370
members
'in
atten
4
4
4
this port and Ihat arrangements
Floral
Pk. 22689 or C. Lawson,
rine
Division
officials
to
work
OKLAHOMA ED
jyere being completed to obtain dance.
WHitehaU
34134.
out
the
working
rules
to
become
Sorry, Brother, we cannot ac
passes for .local o:^ficials to en
4 4 4
part
of
the
full
contract.
Meet
4 4 4
cept messages in cqde: Editor.
,,able them to board CS ships. BOSTON—Chairman, T. Flem
ings
with
the
operators
for
re
CURTIS
RIDGE
4 4 4
Plans are being discussed, he ing, 30821; Recor<Rng Secretary,
sumption
of
Welfare
Plan
ne
Get
in
touch
with Williara
H. C. (Henry) KING
said, to improve |^obile's posi B. Lawson, 894; Reading Clerk,
gptiations
are
scheduled
for
next
Huff,
RFD
No.
1, Leesburg,
Contact Eloise Neal, 4424
tion in the shipping industry. B. Murphy, 39427.
Qhio.
Wednesday,
the
report
conclud
Greenwood
Road,
Shreveport,
There is a possibipty of a grgin Boston and other Branch min
ed. Meeting was adjourned at Louisiana; Phone 26924.
4 4 4
nlevatpr being bujl^t here, ajong utes rqad ^^nd accepted. Port
8
PM.
DAHHY
ALVIHQ
4 4 4
_5yith ore ^o.cks apd a molasses Agent discussed the local ship
4
4
4
GEORGE
VICERY
Contact
"Reggie"
by phoijye.
refine.ry, .all of. Whmh jvould ping. situation. SecretaryTreas
NEW
ORLEANS
—
Chairmao,
Mr.
gnd
Mrs.
S.
Baker,
1;
Call
GR,
7.1466.
Leave
message
, boost the port, h® concluded. urer's financial report read and
Lindsey
WiUiams,
21550:
Record
Barnes
Street,
Waverley
79,
for
contacting
you
in
New
Yerk.
approved. Motion carried to non
pi
ing
Secretary,
Herman
Troxclair,
Mass.,
ask
you
to
'write
to them.'
4
4
4
PHILADELPHIA;— Chairman, concur with section on proposed
4 4 4
LORAN J. HARRIS
A. S. Carduito, 24599; Recording vacation rule and to concur in 4743; Reading Clerk, Buck Steph
ens,
76.
JOSE
SOARES
Mrs. E. W. Hobson of Miotei
Sfictet^y,
Ber^fria. 7142; balance of Hea.dquarters report
gffii asks that you get touch
Reading .Cleric, Don RaR, ^.3372. to the membership. Patrojman' All minutes of previous meet' Contact your friends, Mr.
Minutes of preyjous meetings D,^patcher's repo.rts were ac' ings in. all Bran(4es were read^ Mrs. Henry W. Crouse, Severn;' with her at onee, on a itisAbett
of great imi^tanc® to you.
in all ports approved as read' opspted as ffiven. One minute of' and approved. Headquartws re Maryland.
A&G Shipping From Mmh 15 To Manh 29
�'wa
T H E S E A F A R t Jt ^ L O G
Seeing Leads Ta
Friday, April 7, 1950
V5''. :.>>> t • • • '
Mombasa Officials
Order VaecinatioDS
Against Smallpox . ^
i,.
• ^ • :~r i. .
:^ ..VUi^on Hiriiig Hails in die Maritime
V r
Indnstry
:?IXTE]NSION OP REMARKS
. .
,.
•
OF
HON. AUGUSTINE B. KELLEY
OF PENNSTLVANIA
iKv:
m
Sd
Sfd"'
l " /h«e o?S?fe'?"the hiring balls, a,
n^ntalnad by the seafaring nnlons, Ih piracy '"1 SSetS'toe^'I'f '^raS
action. As a result of these'observations known as crimps sunk seamen deep into
I am unqualifiedly in favor of giving them debt, then forced them to take jobs
legal status—for the simple reason that aboard vessels under any kind of condi
they have accomplished much in behalf tlons as a means of releasing them from
of the American seamen and the Amer financial .tedebtedness.
ican shipowner, with consequent ad
A man vdip v7ent after a job on his own
vantage to our Nation.
was subject^ to discourtesies and abuses,
irr THE HOUSE OF REFHESENTATIVES
Thursday, March 9,1950
Mr. KET.liEY of Pennsylvania. Mr. visited the headquarters of the Atlantic his chance for employment. Seamen
Speaker, already there are signs of the and Gulf district of the Seafarers Inter were stripped of evbry vestige of dig
undermining effect of the TaftHartley national Union, A. P. of L., for the pur nity. Understandably, the merchant
pose of establishing in my mind how the nwine could not be expected to operate
law on American industry. Tlie recent hiring hall
principle was applied.
efficiently in the midst of such medieval
action of the United States Supreme
In
the seafarers' hiring halls
the sea
treatment of the men handling their
I Court, sustaining a lower court ruling of men obtain employment through what is vessels.
the maritime union hiring hall as illegal called the rotary system of shipping. A
Merchant seamen like those in the SIU
under the TaftHartley Act, brings closer
to realization the disruptive Influence of man who comes in for a job is registered are determined to keep the present dem
ttiis illconceived piece of legislation.
i"?h?nScJ
Of Job ScwSh%tTh:
is then plsic^ at the bottom of the ship
In the maritime Industry, more than ping list, add as jobs are called out they they maintain, is only possible through
1 apywhere else the TaftHartley ban on are offered to the men at the top of the the mernum of.thqir union. .
1 thb closed shop poses a problem that list.
_ Hut the olincher iif the argument for
*
must be reckoned with immediately.
immediate action to return the
The men at the top of the list may Sg h^
the union
union
Otherwise a virtual breakdown of the accept the jobs or reject them—without fS? ls^4
f industry's everincreasing efficiency of affecting their prior claim when another themselveJ ifavp
operations looms large. For the Taft job is called. In this way the list ro connSnJJff^ shijwwners
^
^ Hartley closedshop ban not only tates.
In other words, jobs are dis
Strikes at the heart of the seafaring tributed on a flrstcome=fii5tserved
f
^^Patehing
L unions, but it is an immediate threat to basis. No other consideration enters the
halls has
• the stability of the industry of which picture. The only qualification is the re
^
.
[they are a part.
quired competence for the job, and all tha shinnnmt P^®sent hlringhall system
f Management, as well as labor, stands eligible applicants have certificates of
their ships will
Ito lose if the outlawing of the hiring hall endorsement issued by the United States " • ® ® leave on time. Thev know
rls not rescinded.
Coast Guard.
^^®
Of re
Undoubtedly that was not the inten
The rotary system is democratic in
seamen who are
' tion of the proponents of the TaftHart principle, and at the seafarers hail I wit
ftfjuf ®
®verincreasing re
ley Act. Nevertheless that is exactly nessed it as democratic in practice.
.
What the closedshop ban is on the verge
This, then, is the method of employ
the light of conditions in the marl
of accomplishing in the maritime in ment which the SIU and other mari S,® JP^^H^try today, the TaftHartley
dustry at least.
time unions are defending in their fight
^
^ mistake. It should be rec
Any objective study of the maritime against the TaftHartley ban. And they ifPi'®
apd do noth
I unions' hirir ij halls will demonstrate the are morally justified in doing so.
o® the damage it could reek
value to all concerned of the continued
Anyone even slightly familiar With the « 7 simply be compounding the error,
use of this method of employment. sordid hiring practices in the maritime
objective approach indicates
These hiring halls are at the very core Industry prior to the advent of the union
®
legislation is essential to
I of the industry's operations. Arbitrarily hiring hall will readily admit the justi
the Inji^tice of the TaftHartley
to knock them out would inevitably fication for the unions' stand.
'o® Wjring. hall to the American
[upset the entire pattern of operations'
Ih^iw preumcn hiring hall days ships
Seafarers aboard Robin Lin%
ships calling at Mombasa, Kenya ^
Colony, must carry their small^,
pox vaccination certificates with
them, the Union was informed
this week.
Concerned over the incidence
of smallpox cases in recent
weeks, Mombasa health authori
ties have ruled that all passeii*.
ge'rs and crewmembers enter
ing the port will be required to
produce evidence of having been
recently vaccinated against. the
disease.
^
According to the information
passed to the SIU by the Robin
Line office in New York, the
certificates "may be of the^ in
I terhational or national " type,
signed' by a qualified doctor.'' •
y' ' .' .
QUARANTINE
These certificates must show
the date of the reaction of the
vaccination. Crews and passen
gers not having certificates will
be quarantined "until such time
as they have been properly vac
cinated at Mombasa," port health'
authorities warned".
The Union said it is also ad
visable for all crewmembers on
European ru"hs to carry theit!
certificates of smallpox vhccina.
tion with them. An outbreak of
the disease in Scotland reported
ly has been traced to an in
fected seaman who entered thd
country on a ship from India.
In view of this development.
Headquarters feels that health
authorities in European porta
might take precautionary mea
sures, such gs those taken in
Mombasa.
'• 1
Among the Congressional supporters of the move to give the Hiring Halls legal status is Representative
Augustine Kelley of Pennsylvania. He is a vigorous opponent of the TH law and favors its outright repeal.
Rep. Kelley recently inserted his views on this important question in the "Congressional Record." a repro
duction of which appears above. His stand is based on his personal observation of the Hiring Hall procedure during
a recent visit to SIU Headquarters in New York.
1:
' •
have^ot'|f^^
oh thiig^'^'^
"Europe^
.but as
reminded, "An
duht:e,'^£;^
is worth a
pSi^cl'Ibf hure.''
1
• Most Veterans Not Taking Adyantago Of GliBonofits
I Of
||
approximately 16,000,000 Here are some of the benefits An exception has been made health, so long as he applies for new National Service Life In«
World War II veterans only 2, vets are entitled to under the for veterans who enlisted or re new insurance or for reinstate surance or reinstatement of lap««
sed NSLl. '
".
V^00,000 haye" ever filed a claim law:
enlisted under the Armed Forces ment "before January 1, 1950.
Veterans of
all warsana peace
The
disability
must
have
been
_ £ov disability compensation with
Voluntary
Recruitment
Act. They
GI BILL EDUCATION
• the Veterans Administration. Of World War 11 veterans dis haye ten years from the end of incurred in service between Oct time service—compensation fof
tlus total only about 48 percent charged before July 25, 1947, their enlistment period covered ober 8, 1940 and September 2, service connected disabilities.
Veterans of World War H
have ever taken advantage of must start their GI Bill Educa by the law in which to apply. 1945.
A veteran who applies for the World War I and SpanishAm
the GI Bill of Rights, which in tion or training before July 25,
5220 CLUB
'«iost ca.ses must be completed 1051. Veterans discharged after The GI Bill Readjustment Al NSLl total disability income erican War — pension for non
by July 25, 1956.
July 25, 1947, must begin their lowance Program has ended for provision also is required to fur service connected disability.
Veterans of War or Peacetime
Why is it that the World War courses within four years after most World War II veterans. nish evidence of good health.
E veteran is lax in filing for discharge. In both cases, the Those discharged after July 25, In this case, too, a disability Service who served subsequent
benefits that he is not only en training must be completed by 1947, however, may apply for incurred in service between Oct to April 21, 189$ and who ai^
titled to by law but which also July 25, 1956.
the unemployment and selfem ober 8, 1940, and September 2', suffering from certain service
Goyerrv
would enhance his financial
in de .connected disabilities
An exception has been made ployment allowances at any time 1945—but tess, theWji
• standing, his physical wellbe for veterans who enlisted or re within two years' after the dis gree^will be 9iisr^ti"ded in de ment grants for specially designp :
dng, and give him a higher edu enlisted under the Armed Forces cbarge but no payments 'will be teiming good^hOalth^ so long as ed housing.
he applies for' thir total disability BENEFITS FOR SURVIVORS
cation that would make him a Recruitment Act (Public Law made after July 25, 1952.
more stable citizen?
190) between October 6, 1945 and The deadlines do not apply to income provisifirtbefore January Survivors of deceased veterans
of all Wars and of certain de
How many _yeterans are there October 6, 1946.
.
veterans who enlisted or . re 1,1950. • '
ceafed veterans of peacetime fer.
' Who know that, shotdd he sus They have four years from the enlisted imder the Armed Forces
CARS FOREg^BLED
• tain, a physical, .toabi^ty after end of their Public Law 190 en Voluntas Recruitment Act. They World War"Tlr ye.tefe1is {who, in vice must file Claims for bufial
> his disfcharge frqiii 'tfe Armed listment or reenlistment period h'ave up to two years from their service lost, or Id^f'the^ use of,"' allowance within two years aftet
Forces, and rneetmg certain re in which to begin their GI Bill date of discharge to claim Re one or both legs and/or about permanent burial or cremation,
quirements, be Cw'ould then be training, and nine yeaz's from adjustment Allowances, provided the ankle, may be entitled to re Survivors'of all veterans whd
entitled to a nbnservice con that date to complete it.
they apply within five years from ceive an automobile or other died because of service connect
nected pensiqnj'pf from $60 to
the termination from the Public conveyance at government ex ed causes, may apply for com
PUBLIC LAW 16
$72 per mon^j^^as long as the
Law. 190 enlistment or reenlist pense. They have until June 30, pensation at any time after th®
disability
inter Disabled veterans of World ment.
1950. to apply.
veteran's death.
War 11 may begin Public Law
Survivors of veterans of World
OTHER BENEFITS
feres with bfe' fe.^loyability full 16
GI INSURANCE
education or training at any
•o
r even. partyti^?^.; 5^..., ^
A veteran , <5£ World War II There are 'no deadlinei' for the War II, World War I and Span
time , after their discharge, but who applies for new insurance, VAadminist"ered benefits for vet! ishAmerican War who died, be
' How many
4rr ti^ to
complete their courses or to reinstate a lapsed policy, erans listed below. They may be' cause of causes not attributable
are there who
by^Ju^
1956.
to service may apply, fpr pen
:^titied to a widow's peh&o^frpf
generally must fuiTiish VA with applied for at any time:
GI LOANS
feom $42 to $72 per month, even
satisfactory evidence of his good Veterans of all wars and ser sions at any time after the Vet
vice connected peacetime veter erans death.
' feough the veteran died of ' a World War, 11 veterans may health.
(disability that in no way related apply for loans guaranteed or A service incurred disability ans — medical, hospital and (The above information "wai
compiled by the American V^t* ;
with his military service, upon insured Ainder the GI Bill rintil less than total in degree^will be domiciliary care,
July 26, 1937.
^
disregarded iri deiernfifl? g good Veterans of World War 11— etans Commiiiee.)
Bieeting certain requirements?
if
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Seafarers Log Issues 1950-1959
Description
An account of the resource
Volumes XII-XXI of the Seafarers Log
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Seafarers International Union of North America
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
April 7, 1950
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Seafarers Log
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Newsprint
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
Vol. XII, No. 7
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Description
An account of the resource
Headlines:
SIU PROGRESSES ON CS CONTRACT, WELFARE PLAN
AFL RADIOMEN SAY NO TO CIO ON MERGER BID
MC ASKS BIDS ON RECONVERTING BERNSTEIN SHIPS
BRANCHES TO GET VACATIONS ISSUE
AFL GIVES ITS OKAY TO CANCER CAMPAIGN
A JOB TO DO
WE'RE SORRY
SIU POLICY ON CURRENT MARITIME PROBLEMS
SIU CLARIFIES POLICY ON 'ALIEN PROBLEM'
UNION ALWAYS LED FIGHT FOR ALIEN MEMBERS
ALCOA ROAMERS SMOTHER PEGASUS NINE, 31 TO 5
SIU CREW SAVES NINE IN DRAMATIC RESCUE
FIRE RAZES MEMBER'S HOME; WIFE, 8 CHILDREN DESTITUTE
MEREDITH VICTORY CREWMEMBER LOST AT SEA
SS HURRICANE HITS SHOAL IN FOG OFF FIRE ISLAND, NY
BROTHER ASSURES SIU MEN OF GOOD DEAL AT THE PATIO
THE SEAFARERS IN WORLD WAR II
SEEING LEADS TO BELIEVING
MOMBASA OFFICIALS ORDER VACCINATIONS AGAINST SMALLPOX
MOST VETERANS NOT TAKING ADVANTAGE OF GI BENEFITS
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
4/7/1950
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Seafarers International Union of North America
1950
Periodicals
Seafarers Log